XTool P2 Laser

From Sequoia Fabrica
XTool P2 - 55W CO2 Laser Cutter

Sequoia Fabrica has a 55W CO2 laser from xTool. This machine requires training to use. It's short and sweet. It is currently limited to members while we learn and calibrate the machine.

XTool P2 laser cutter can cut & engrave many different materials such as wood, cork, rubber, leather, cardboard, paper or fabric... It can cut up to 18mm black walnut and 20mm acrylic in one pass, its processing area being 23.6 x 12.1 (600*308mm).

⚠️ Why is training required and how can this machine be dangerous?
Laser cutters "burn" materials: using it with unsuitable materials releases toxic and harmful chemicals (acrylic is safe but beware with other plastics. Check safe material list below). Each material also requires specific settings: inappropriate settings can lead to fire.

As of 2/21 the basic unit is setup, we have yet to experiment with the base, rotary attachment, or conveyor for longer materials.

The xTool provides XCS software, which is decent and easy to use. It's also compatible with LightBurn, however, LightBurn interfacing is a work in progress; for more features you may have to use a shim.

Help us fundraise for a larger, industrial laser: https://opencollective.com/sequoia-fabrica/contribute/frickin-laser-fund-69999

Getting started[edit | edit source]

Where To Buy Material[edit | edit source]

  • Arch Art Supply (Across the Park)
  • TAP Plastics

Fires[edit | edit source]

  • If there's a small flame or fire pause your job, open the lid, and you can put it out with a spray of the bottle of distilled water located on the laser table.
  • The xTool comes with a CO2 canister based fire suppression system -- we're in the process of setting this up. In the event that sensors detect a fire, the bed is flooded with CO2 to extinguish it.

Quirks[edit | edit source]

  • This laser has two cameras, a wide angle camera which covers the bed and a focused camera at the laser head. The wider fish eye camera does not capture edges of the bed.
  • The fume extractor does not give an automatic alert for when filter is wearing out. We can monitor air quality and change filters, specifically the pre-filter, at regular intervals.

Maintenance[edit | edit source]

To keep our laser working it needs regular maintenance. This includes cleaning bed and slats, polishing mirrors, lubricating rails, checking beam alignment, changing air filters, and more. Please fill out the Laser Maintenance Log if you do any laser repair or maintenance.

  • Regular Maintenance https://support.xtool.com/article/1134
  • Mirror Alignment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1nBaWpkMdE
  • Resources:
    • To clean the laser bed slats: There's a large plastic bin stored in the hall bathroom. Add dish soap and water to this, scrub and dry the slats.
    • Sequoia Fabrica has tubes of Super Lube and White Lithium Grease in the laser tool box. Either of these should work for rail lubrication.
    • We have 100% IPA and Ethyl Alcohol. You can use one of these and a lens cleaning sheet or micro-fiber cloth to clean laser mirrors.
    • The pre-filter of our fume extractor must be changed regularly. You can sometimes wash it to remove particulates. When opening the fume extractor wear PPE (gloves, found under the sink, and a mask or respirator). You can buy new pre-filters from xTool or to save money we can buy aquarium pre-filter material. See this video.

Resources[edit | edit source]

Projects[edit | edit source]

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