This was a slightly frustrating process, only because things happen, but I do think I am more confident on both laser cutters!
Don’t ask why I forgot to show the picture of measurement in inches … >.<
First unsuccessful attempt
I started by measuring my wood with calipers and got a thickness of 0.1885 inches, which I input into makercase along with other design options that would get me a snap fit box with 2/3 tabs on each side.
success…
kerf calculation
I started out on the M2, but after getting everything set up, I realized the exhaust fan wasn’t turning on, so I told a lab tech and eventually had to transfer my work over to the Pro (hiccup 1). After this, I needed to calculate my kerf.
The first time I tried to cut out the box, it did not go all the way through (hiccup 2) so I turned the speed down from 22 to 18 (the lower end of the recommended spectrum). The second attempt actually cut, although it was took a slight push to remove the wood. I then pushed the boxes to one side and got a measurement of 0.101 inches, meaning my kerf was 0.0101 inches.
Then, I was finally able to cut my box. I kept it simple since I was running out of time (and energy), only putting the GSA logo and my name and other required information. I started with the same vector settings as I used for the second kerf measurement box, but I had to stop the machine a minute in because I made my text strokes and it started trying to vector cut the letters after engraving them (hiccup 3). After that happened, I fixed the problem and adjusted my vector speed setting from 18 to 17, after I saw that it wasn’t cutting as clean as I expected. My second cut came out better but not perfect. Looking back, I should have made the speed slower, but I was wary at the time because the recommended settings started at 18. Lowering the speed to 15 or 16 would have allowed the cuts to come out nicely without applying pressure.
Print settings
“Warm up round” on the left
My box came out very snug, and it took some added pressure with a few of the pieces (hiccup 4) to assemble it, but it ended up fine!
Finale
Clean Workspace
Clean Workspace
Cost Model:
| Cost Type | Cost | Price | Source | Quantity | Total |
| Materials | 1/4″ x 2 ft x 4 ft Plywood | $15 | Home Depot | 1 | $15 |
| Labor | Woodworking Operator | $17/hr | Zip Recruiter | 0.5 hours | $8.50 |
| Prototyping Engineer (You!) | $36/hr | ZipRecruiter | 1 hour | $36 | |
| Overhead | Facility Cost (Machine Time) | $45 (base fare for 1 day) | FortunaVisual | 0.5 hours | $45 |
Total: $104.50
