How can I use the laser? You’ll need to attend Laser Orientation & Safety Training and book an appointment online.

How much does it cost? Laser appointments are bookable in 30-minute increments for $10 each. Group Orientation & Safety Training requires a one-time fee $25 of per person and includes a sample project to take home.

What can I do with a laser cutter/engraver? So many things! One of our favorite resources is the online box generator at boxes.py. Or, search for ‘laser cut’ on Google, Etsy, or Pinterest and you’ll find coasters, clocks, lamps, boxes, maps, puzzles, tools, artwork, games, ornaments, gifts, and more!

When can I use the laser? The laser is available for use during HNL Tool Library open hours: Tuesdays 9-12, Fridays 1-5, and Saturdays 9-3. Laser use is available outside these hours for an additional staffing fee; please contact us to learn more.

Can I check it out for use at home? Unfortunately not. The laser tube is extremely delicate and doesn’t take kindly to travel. If you’d like to try a laser engraver at home, we recommend the Wainlux 3-watt Laser Engraver.

What kind of laser is it? Our in-house laser is a Full Spectrum Laser 40-watt Muse Core CO2 Desktop Laser Cutter. The system includes the riser and rotary accessories, but does not include 3D autofocus or camera options. To learn more, visit the manufacturer’s website or read the Muse Quick-Start Guide or Muse User Manual.

Do I have to be a member to use the laser? Yes, you’ll need a current monthly or annual membership on the day of use.

Do I have to take the class? Yes, the Safety Training Class is required even if you have previous laser experience. We want to ensure you’re comfortable working with our equipment in our space.

Is there a limit on laser use? We invite members to book consecutive appointments for full-day use. To help us serve all our members, please refrain from booking additional full days until the end of your current appointment.

What kinds of materials can I use? The laser can cut a wide range of materials including wood, fabric, acrylic, leather, paper, and rubber. The laser can engrave (but not cut) glass, stone, and specially-coated metals. A detailed list of materials is available on the manufacturer’s website and includes the following:

Acrylic ∙ Agate ∙ Anodized Aluminum ∙ Baltic Birch Plywood ∙ Card Stock ∙ Ceramic Tile ∙ Cherry Wood ∙ Delrin® ∙ Denim ∙ Glass (untempered) ∙ Granite ∙ HDPE ∙ Leather ∙ Low Odor Rubber ∙ Marble ∙ MDF ∙ Mirror ∙ Mylar ∙ Nylon ∙ Paper ∙ Pine Wood ∙ Plexiglas® ∙ Polyester Fabric ∙ Polyethylene Film ∙ Polyurethane ∙ Silicone ∙ Steel ∙ UHMW ∙ Vulcanized Rubber

What materials are unsafe to use? Some materials are EXTREMELY DANGEROUS when cut with a laser. For example, PVC/Vinyl emits chlorine gas, Lexan/Polycarbonate catches fire, and ABS plastic produces cyanide gas. If you can’t verify your materials, you won’t be permitted to cut/engrave them. The following materials MAY NOT be used:

ABS Plastic ∙ Artificial Leather (Pleather) ∙ Coated Carbon Fiber ∙ Fiberglass ∙ Polycarbonate (Lexan®)∙ PolyPropylene Foam ∙ Polystyrene Foam ∙Pressure-Treated Lumber ∙ PVC ∙ Tempered Glass ∙ Vinyl

What’s the maximum cutting thickness? This varies from material to material, but the maximum cutting thickness is approximately 1/4” (6mm).

What’s the largest material the laser can accommodate? The cutting/engraving area is 20" x 12" (508mm x 305mm) and the laser can accommodate objects up to 7” thick.

Do you supply materials to cut? Not yet. Eventually, we’ll stock a selection of materials for purchase. Until then, please plan to bring your own materials to cut/engrave.

Can I store my project or materials at the library? Unfortunately not. Space is extremely limited, so please remove all materials at the end of your session.

What file types does the machine accept? The machine accepts most standard image and vector file types including JPG, PNG, BMP, TIFF, SVG, PDF, DXF, and DWG.

What software does the machine run? All Full Spectrum Lasers run RetinaEngrave 3.0 onboard the laser. We include a computer connection to the laser, so all you need to bring is a flash drive with your files. To learn more about Retina Engrave 3.o and try an online demo version, visit the manufacturer’s website or read the RetinaEngrave 3.0 Quick Start Guide or User Manual.

How do I schedule Laser Orientation & Safety Training? Visit our class page to view upcoming laser orientations. Please note that additional dates may be available by clicking onto the next page of class results.

How do I book time on the laser? Visit our main laser page and scroll to the bottom.

Do you offer private training or assistance with projects? Yes, we offer private training and project assistance starting at $200 per session. Private sessions include Orientation & Safety Training (if needed) and up to two hours of supervised laser use.

What if I still have questions? Send us an email and we’ll be happy to help!