# Laser Cutting and Engraving at VHS

One of VHS' most popular tools, our [80W CO2 Laser Cutter](/wiki/tools/redsail_cm1080_laser_cutter), and the associated [filtration system](/wiki/tools/laserfilter), is managed by the [Laser Cutter Committee (LCC)](wiki:committees:lcc). The laser cutter area is located just past the entrance to the paint and mess room, along the west wall of the space.

![A photo of the laser cutter, and the laser cutter desk](:area:lasercutarea.jpg?direct&800)

The big green box is the laser filter stack, and below that is [laser materials storage](/wiki/area/material_storage).

Connect with other laser users on the #laser [Slack channel](/wiki/start#slack_chat).

## Laser Training

<alert info>
This tool requires training to use, so you don't hurt yourself or the machine
</alert>

- [How to request training](/wiki/groups/lasercutter/training)
- [Operation manual](/wiki/groups/lasercutter/operation_manual)

## Materials

<alert danger>
**Only approved materials may be cut on the laser**. Violating this rule could lead to suspension of membership - it puts yourself, other members, and the tool in danger!
</alert>

- [Approved materials](/wiki/groups/lasercutter/settings)
- [How to identify unknown polymers](/wiki/groups/lasercutter/identifying_unknown_polymers)
- [Laser materials guide](/wiki/groups/lasercutter/materials)
- [How to get new materials approved](/wiki/groups/lasercutter/msds)

## Booking

Because the laser is so popular, we have a booking system to reserve the laser. This is not used to book training, only for regular usage.

- [Book the laser](https://booking.vanhack.ca)
- [View the booking calendar](/wiki/groups/lasercutter/laser_calendar)

## Resources

- [Downtime checklist](/wiki/groups/lasercutter/downtime) - instructions for taking the laser out of service
- [Laser lens focus information](/wiki/groups/lasercutter/laser_focus_lens_focal_length)
- [Where to buy replacement parts](/wiki/groups/lasercutter/parts)
- [Laser cutter monitoring sensors](/wiki/groups/lasercutter/telemetry)
- [How to install a new tube](/wiki/groups/lasercutter/tubereplacement)

## Out of date resources

- [out of date Software usage tips](/wiki/groups/lasercutter/workflow_tips)
- [out of date alignment guide](/wiki/groups/lasercutter/aligning)
- [out of date chiller info](/wiki/groups/lasercutter/custom_chiller)
- [old laser maintenance logs (see talk for more up to date logs)](/wiki/groups/lasercutter/workflow_tips?idx=wiki%3Atools%3Alaser_cutter%3Amaintenance_logs)