Introduction to the XTool F1 laser - supporting files and documents.
Files and documents useful for using the F1 laser at BARN, especially intended to support the Introduction to the F1 laser class.
If you're taking the class, and have a laptop computer, you can install the software we will be using ahead of time. This will enable you to work along in the class more easily. (We have a small number of computers that will be available too.)
Instructor will provide a USB flash drive with the required files day of class, but feel free to install it sooner.
To download this repository as a zip archive use this link:
- https://github.com/BainbridgeArtisanResourceNetwork/xtool-f1-laser-intro/archive/refs/heads/main.zip
Outline for the full tutorial:
- local reference: ./instruction/class-outline.md
- Tutorial Class Outline
Software for the Intro class:
- https://www.xtool.com/pages/software - Xtool XCS software used to work with the laser (needed for class).
The version we're currently using is v1.7.8, but the web site, along with a large amount of visual noise, gives you a
more recent beta test version by default. Please follow these instructions to download the earlier version.
(We will also have them available during the class for immediate installation.)
- Click the Download button - this will scroll you down some on the page
- Scroll down further until you see the pane of buttons to download for different systems - do NOT select them as they are for a beta version which has a lot of extra stuff.
- click the small "Previous Versions" below that panel - this will provide more options
- specifically we want v1.7.8 - click the button for your system type and install that.
- https://inkscape.org - to create/edit SVG files directly (optional for class)
- select the Download item for "current stable version" (1.3.2 as of this writing)
- for 1.3.2 the link is https://inkscape.org/release/inkscape-1.3.2/
Laser Safety Information:
- https://support.xtool.com/article/34?from=xTool+F1&url=/product/2 - general laser safety information
- https://www.lasersafetyfacts.com/4/ - detailed safety information regarding Class 4 (exposed) lasers
Other useful links:
- https://www.xtool.com/pages/material-settings - material settings guidelines