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In: Laser Cutters & Engravers

Working Through the Heat It starts in the workshop. In June. When the thermometer reads 92° and your shirt is already sticking to your back before you’ve even turned on the laser. Being a maker in the summer means pushing through the heat. It means figuring out how to get orders out and keep stock moving while your workspace feels more like a sauna than a shop. If you’re working in a garage or shed with no climate control, you already know: fans help, but they don’t solve it. You adapt:– Early mornings become your friend.– Late nights too.– You try to finish sanding orKEEP READING →

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In: Laser Cutters & Engravers

Let’s Talk About Safety with Your Laser Laser engraving is an incredible process, but it comes with responsibilities. If you want to avoid accidents and keep your workspace hazard-free, follow these essential safety tips—applicable whether you’re using a Monport, Cloudray, OMTech, xTool, or Glowforge. Know Your Ventilation Setup Lasers produce smoke and fumes, especially when cutting materials like acrylic or wood. Good ventilation is a must. Position your exhaust system so it pulls fumes away from you. Monport machines often come with helpful guidelines for exhaust fan placement, and other brands do the same. Proper ventilation can prevent respiratory issues and keep your workspace fresh.KEEP READING →

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In: Laser Cutters & Engravers

Diving into laser engraving can feel like learning a new language. Let’s clear up some common terms you’ll run into, whether you’re rocking a Monport or another popular brand like OMTech, Glowforge, Cloudray, or xTool. 1. CO₂ Laser A type of laser that uses a gas mixture—primarily carbon dioxide—to create the laser beam. Commonly used for cutting and engraving non-metal materials. 2. Fiber Laser A solid-state laser often used for metal marking and cutting. More expensive and powerful than CO₂ lasers, typically found in industrial settings. 3. Laser Tube The part of a CO₂ laser that actually generates the laser beam. Typically water-cooled, with aKEEP READING →