Now that I’ve got my laser lens up the right way I can actually use the laser cutter for what I purchased it for: punching stitching holes in my leather (I really hate doing that). So here is a test of it on some 2mm thick leather. 7mA @ 7mm/s Cut. I then stitched it afterwards.
Basically I created a pattern brush in Adobe Illustrator with 1mm circles, spaced apart @ 400%, add space option selected. I then just choose it as the brush for the outlines of whatever shape & voila, it creates a precise stitching line for me to stitch.
Only issue is slight amount of soot in the holes discolours the thread as I stitch. Possibly not an issue after I dye & lacquer the leather though, as the soot will be “set” into place.
Strangely, I went to use the laser cutter to test cut some kangaroo hide (0.8-1mm thick) yesterday & it wouldn’t cut through on 7mA @ 7mm/s in 1 pass. Also, the cuts weren’t nearly as clean as the other day.
So, I decided to check the mirrors & lens & clean them. I’ve realigned, cleaned, etc. Got the alignment pretty much 99.9% perfect now. Yet I still cannot cut through the kangaroo hide in 1 pass. Also, very messy burnt edges.
I then decided to recheck the 2mm leather I cut perfectly the other day. Same problem, can’t cut with 1 pass & very burnt looking edges.
Anyone have any ideas what could be causing this? I don’t get it…
I figured it out. Removing the main cutting board & just putting my perforated galvanised steel board in lowered the cutting area by 4mm. This in turn must have got the laser beam out of focus a bit. I just tested cutting again, with a 4mm piece of leather beneath what I want to cut. Perfect clean cuts.
