3D printer & CNC design

[awerby]

Commercial laser systems are totally enclosed and shielded. If yours isn't, you had better be extremely careful not to let the laser hit anything shiny. A stray reflection can easily blind you.

[Trakyan]

Commercial laser systems are totally enclosed and shielded. If yours isn't, you had better be extremely careful not to let the laser hit anything shiny. A stray reflection can easily blind you.

The most important piece of advice for the machine itself. CA's point about fume extraction is also very important for the actual use of the machine. I'll admit it's not so bad with wood and leather, but vinyl, acrylic and PVC which I've seen people cut on these self made machines will put out something real nasty when hit by the laser. All three of those (and more) contain chlorine, so when they burn (which is what engraving or cutting with a laser does, it burns through the material), they create chlorine gas. That stuff is nasty, I'll leave it at that.