Hi,
I have done the usual google searches to get an understanding of what exactly 'kerf' is with regards to laser cutters/engravers.
I realise that kerf is dependent upon the properties of the material being cut, the workpiece thickness, the lens focal length, and finally, the type of cutting gas used in the laser so what else can affect it? What else can affect it and how much do I need to be concerned (unless I am making boxes that need tight fitting joints)?
- temperature/dampness of the material?
- ambient conditions?
- does the laser need to warm up during cold weather prior to 1st use that day to get an accurate cut or engrave?
What is the prefered air filtration system - does everyone use a filter or do people extract direct to outside? We are planning to extract the air directly outside as the back of our proposed new building faces the railway line and so no one walks past it etc.
I was thinking that I need a micrometer for getting an accurate measurement of the material thickness but what other handy tools would I need?
Hope the above make sense
cheers,
Graham