If you use a proxy to watch the laser, they also must be trained for the particular laser, and be within arms reach.
Desperately need to use the restroom but no Laser-trained proxy? We understand. Hit the pause button. Add a "Be right back" note to the laser sign-in board. Return promptly. Your session time limit does not get extended. DO NOT abuse our understanding by using this loophole for getting a snack from the galley, visiting with friends, leaving the premises, etc.
You shall not run multiple lasers at once as you cannot monitor them both or stay within arms reach of both.
Why? Because Lasers cause fires. We have a 4-part fire suppression system: you, the CO2 line, the fire extinguisher, and the fire alarm. None of these work without you. A fire risks not only a $15,000 laser, but also the facility and everyone in it.
All lasers including Epilog Fusion: $1 per 5 minutes of laser run-time, rounded up. Example: 4 min = $1, 6 min = $2.
Run-time: laser operating time as measured by the counter in the laser’s control panel.
These prices are accurate as of 11/7/2021. In the case of a discrepancy, the price posted in the committee area/on the kiosk is the governing price.
Accidentally walk out without paying and can't turn around to come back? Don't panic. Notify us on Talk. We'll respect your prompt honesty and you'll set a good example. We'll work something out.
You can pay online at this link: https://dallasmakerspace.org/laser
Tidy up tools and trash. Remove bits of material from laser beds. Do not leave scrap in Laser area. Be honest with yourself; is it really usable scrap? If yes, place on shelf in Workshop. No room on shelves? Take usable scrap home...or throw it away...or throw away existing scrap to make room. Otherwise, throw bad scrap in the trash can or dumpster. Empty the trash can in the dumpster. Join us on the monthly Maintenance Day for a deep cleaning.
All scrap must have a useable area greater than 8"x8" or fit inside the bin dedicated to test material. Please, please, please walk all questionable or unusable material to the dumpster. This is a recurring problem.
1. Queue Sign-In: Write your name, phone number and arrival time on it. Indicate if you are waiting for any laser in particular. Write clearly or you may lose your turn.
2. Tell laser operators that you are waiting in the queue. They may not realize that a queue has formed.
3. Answer your phone or text message promptly, or else you may lose your turn.
4. Erase your name and information from the queue sign-in board when your turn begins.
1. Session Limit:
Operator vacates the workstation under these conditions:
If no one is waiting for the laser, operator may continue to use the workstation until a queue for the laser forms. At that point, the operator will finish the work piece in progress, then vacate the workstation.
2. Get another turn: Go to the end of the queue.
Software for the Thunders and Fusion have a simulator feature. It underestimates the runtime significantly, so beware. The laser has a simulator feature that is more accurate.
You get to keep using the laser until your work piece is done because moving it from the bed would ruin it. That said, be considerate by performing the job during off-peak hours. See the famous Middle Earth Map that took 7 hours at https://talk.dallasmakerspace.org/t/dallas-makerspace-show-and-tell-november-2016/13883/62
No.
Do not send a laser job of multiple work pieces that is longer than the remaining session time. Plan the order of cuts & rasters so you can finish at least one work piece before the session is up. You may go to the end of the queue or return another day. Consider using the lasers during off-peak hours to avoid being interrupted by a queue.
No. That rule has been removed. You have use of the workstation until your session time is up. All members should plan for a wait. Using the lasers during off-peak hours is a way to avoid waits.
Sessions are for importing your prints, not creating your designs. Tweaking a design is expected. Makespace has other computers available for designing.
Use the fire suppression equipment: the CO2 blue line or the fire extinguishers. There is a fire extinguisher on the floor next to each laser. Notify us of issues on Talk.
Unless you have been previously trained (i.e. on our maintenance team), please do not try to repair the lasers. The optics are extremely delicate and even small adjustments to the laser can take several hours to correct if done improperly.
If you are observed violating committee rules, we may take the following actions:
Unless the situation warrants us petitioning the Board, you have a path forward. You may get re-certified by participating in a Monthly Committee Meeting/Maintenance Day. Our committee does not want members who have lost their authorization to re-take generally offered laser classes. Those limited slots are kept available to members-in-good-standing. We have a Committee Meeting/Maintenance Day once a month.