Laser Cutter/Engraver

The Hillsdale Free Public Library owns a Full Spectrum Laser PS20, which is available for public use.

Use guidelines:
  • Users must receive training from a qualified staff member prior to scheduling time for projects. Contact Dave at dave@hfpl.org or 201-358-5072 to make an appointment.
  • A qualified staff member or volunteer assistant must be present to assist and supervise.
  • Only pre-approved materials may be used. PVC, vinyl, or any material containing chlorine is PROHIBITED. Materials of unknown composition are PROHIBITED. Pre-approved materials include paper, clean corrugated cardboard, untreated wood, raw leather, acrylic, glass, stone, tile and blue painter’s tape. Discuss other materials with designated staff.
  • Matching the appropriate speed and power of the laser with the material may require some experimentation and failure. Suggested settings are offered as a guide, but there are no guarantees.
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Design tools:

The software that controls the laser cutter is a browser-based application called Retina Engrave. It resides on the machine, but FSL provides a hosted version for creating and exporting project files. While designs can be created directly in the Retina Engrave application, they may also be imported from other file types. High quality grayscale .jpg images, .pdf files, and .svg files are acceptable.

Training resources:
Materials for sale:
  • 1/8 inch baltic birch sheets 12″x12″ – $2.00 each
  • 1/4 inch baltic birch sheets 12″x12″ – $3.50 each
Gallery from our makers:
wood veneer bookmark etched and cut
etched pint glass
fabric
custom puzzle – label on cardstock
ornament
wood necklace charm
1/4-inch baltic birch letters

This resource is made possible by the Hillsdale Free Public Library Foundation.

Users of Hillsdale Free Public Library TMS Toolshed tools must review and adhere to the use policies outlined on the TMS Toolshed webpage as well as any additional tool-specific guidelines that may appear on the tool’s webpage.