Intro to Laser Cutting

Learn how a laser cutter works, what materials can be cut with it, and how it can expand your making skills and engrave your artwork! In this three-hour class, we’ll introduce you to laser cutting technology and teach you the proper steps to plan, prepare, and manufacture a design using a Glowforge CO2 laser cutter. We’ll cover crucial safety information and what kinds of materials are best suited for laser cutting. We’ll show how to use design software (Autodesk Fusion 360 and Adobe Illustrator) to prepare files for laser cutting, as well as proprietary software used by Glowforge laser cutters. About the instructor: Isaac Atkins has a BFA in Painting from Maine College of Art and has a broad, multifaceted set of skills in crafts and fine art. Since 2018 he has worked at Zootility, a manufacturer of innovative, laser-cut everyday products in Portland, where he is the lead CO2 laser technician and woodworker. He has experience with C02 laser cutters for both manufacturing and hobby / DIY, and can “talk shop” for hours. Isaac is passionate about sustaining community through the act of making, so he is now sharing his knowledge with others by teaching at Factory 3, where he is a member.