Workshop: Design and Layout for Laser Cutting - 30 Oct 2016

We have had a bunch of new laser users trained recently. Since the training only covers safety and basic operation, I figured I’d run a workshop to teach the basics of how to actually design and prepare a project for the laser. There is a lot to cover, so in order to keep the workshop moving and done at a reasonable time, we will all be working on the same files. Of course, the techniques you learn in the workshop will be applicable to any other design you want to make later.

WHO: Open to members and non-members of VHS
PRICE: $25 per seat, limit of 10 seats. RSVP on Picatic.

WHAT: We will be going over the basics of using Inkscape - a free alternative to Illustrator and CorelDraw - and GIMP - a free alternative to Photoshop - in order to get a file ready to cut or etch on the laser cutter. We will NOT be doing any cutting during this class.

WHEN: Sunday, 30 October from 7:00PM - 10:00PM

WHERE: Vancouver Hackspace - 1715 Cook Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada

BRING:

  • Bring a laptop or Raspberry Pi with Inkscape and Gimp installed and running.
  • I will be bringing the required artwork files to the workshop on USB and SD card, and also posting a link to them as well. Please try to have them copied over to your computer before the start of the workshop.
  • Beverages and/or snacks to share. Because sharing snacks makes new friends!
  • A small donation in the venue’s donation box is not required but always appreciated.
7 Likes

I initially had the wrong weekend. Date is now correct.

Six likes, 30+ views, 1 seat claimed. What can I do to increase interest? Is it the subject matter, the date, the pricetag, or something else keeping you from signing up?

Can’t speak for anybody else, but I’ve been using inkscape for several years and I started using illustrator about 2 years ago. I feel that my knowledge of the tools is sufficient for my laser cutting needs.

Perhaps if you had an specific goal in mind, such as design and build a useless machine from scratch while learning how to use the tools, it could make the class more interesting.

1 Like

Laziness! When you moved the date a week later, I knew I had an extra week to think about it and respond.
Also, for me, the time is a bit of a problem, because I have to get up early for work the next day. (I am getting old! There used to be a time I could function on less than 4 hours of sleep, and now I need at least 6!)
I’ll think about it a couple more days and then decide. I have other things to focus on right now so can’t decide today.

1 Like

October 30th is also a busy day for a lot of your target market!

They’re all scrambling to finish their costumes :slight_smile:

1 Like

BTW, you might want to put this on the Events calendar.

Hm. I had thought it was. I’ll add it now. Thanks.

Bump. This is in a couple days, get your tickets if you want in.

Would you be able to train @Petetheviking that day?

Yes. That works

Nope, no cutting will be done at the workshop

I’m interested, but haven’t trained on the laser yet. Is laser cutter training a prerequisite?

Nope, laser training is not required. The class will be on how to prepare
artwork for the cutter, but does not go into how to use the cutter or
require you to know how to.