Laser Cutting Project Ideas	The Epilog Helix Laser Cutter	Tutorials
		How to Use the Laser Cutter (Step-by-step How-to Video) Inkscape Tutorials
Fun Tools		Inkscape Guide for Laser
Jigsaw Puzzle Maker		Inkscape Bitmap Trace

Epilog Helix Laser Cutting

The laser can cut: Wood, plastic, acrylic, delrin, cloth, leather, matte board, melamine, paper, mylar, pressboard, rubber, wood veneer, fiberglass, cork, corian.

The laser can etch: Glass, coated metals, ceramic, marble, anodized aluminum, stainless steel, painted metals, tiles, wood, plastic, acrylic, delrin, cloth, leather, matte board, melamine, paper, mylar, pressboard, rubber, wood veneer, fiberglass, cork, corian.

These lasers cannot be used to cut or etch PVC or vinyl because chemicals are released that will destroy the optics and void the warranty. Some metals can be etched directly, but harder metals such as steel can only be marked using a spray called Cermark and available from LaserBits.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE:

At STEM ACADEMY we use a program called Inkscape to create vector images for engraving and cutting in the laser cutter. Please watch the tutorial below before beginning.

The program we use to create our vector images is Inkscape (free download). Please consult the resource page (#2 below) for help with Inkscape.

1. Overview of the Laser Cutting Process (A MUST!)
2. Inkscape Tutorials
   1. Basic tutorial
   2. Shapes tutorial
   3. Advanced tutorial
   4. Bitmap Tracing tutorial <-- needed to create vector cutout of image
   5. Pixelart Tracing tutorial
   6. Calligraphy tutorial
   7. Interpolate tutorial
   8. Elements of Design tutorial
   9. Tips and Tricks tutorial
3. Downloadable Predesigned Project Files
4. Inkscape Manual (if you'd like)
5. Ten laser cutting tips

Students MUST be accompanied by a teacher when using the laser cutter.