Laser Cutting

Learn to fabricate objects with a laser cutter in this two-part course.

The first class is a quick run through of software applications to create your designs for laser cutting (e.g.: Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape).

In the second class, you will operate our laser cutter and make your designs come to life. We will have materials for you to cut and engrave.

When you have successfully completed this course, you will get to use the laser cutter during our open workshops, such as You Can Make It and You Can Build It.

The total cost for this course is $86 per student for 2 evening classes of 3 hours each.

Sign up here.

Learn more about this course:

Who is it for?
When is it?
Where is it?
What will we learn?
What tools and materials will we use?
Who is teaching this?
How much does it cost?
How can I sign up?
How can I learn more?

Who is it for?

This workshop is for adults interested in building maker projects and developing their DIY skills. The only experience necessary are basic computer skills.

When is it?

This workshop series will take place on 2 successive Wednesdays, from 6 to 9pm:

Wed. August 31
Wed. Sep. 7

Where is it?

This program will take place in the wood shop at Tam High:

Tamalpais High School
Woodshop (Room 416)
700 Miller Ave
Mill Valley, CA 94941
(see map.)

What will we learn?

This course will cover these topics:

Types of projects for which the laser cutter is a good tool.
Overview of computer applications that can generate files usable by the laser cutter.
Skills on Adobe Illustrator that are needed for laser cutting. We will only scratch the surface, showing you how to prepare files for the laser cutter.
Getting your files onto Retina Engrave, the driver/application that runs our Full Spectrum (brand) laser cutter.
Laser cutter functions: homing, focusing, moving, testing, aligning, power settings
Safety and shop Etiquette

See our [Laser Cutting Workshop Guide is under construction] for more details.

What tools and materials will we use?

You will have access to a Windows computer, Adobe Illustrator, our Full Spectrum 90 watt, 36 x 24 laser cutter.

We provide the sheet materials necessary to make the class projects.

You are welcome to bring your own laptop and a flash drive, if you like, but we require that you have Adobe Illustrator installed before class starts:

Who is teaching this?

This maker course will be led by Geo Monley, with assistance from other members of our maker community.

Geo Monley
Geo has been making and tinkering with things all his life. He teaches Woodworking, Architectural Design, Engineering Design, and Mathematics to adolescents at Tamalpais High School. He also runs an adult woodworking program at the Tam High through TUHSD Community Education. He is transforming the school’s wonderful woodshop into a maker space, to share his love of making with teenagers and adults. Learn more at geomonley.com .