KERFBY KINETIC CARVING
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FoundationsModule 1.4~1 min read

Machine Anatomy & Workspace

Knowing where every dial, port, and bolt is saves you when something breaks mid-job. The layout below covers the typical galvo fiber laser cabinet.

GANTRY · CO2 AND DIODEhead travelswork area: the whole bedThe whole head rides rails to everypoint. Big work area, slower moves.GALVO · FIBER2 tiltingmirrorslenswork area: a small fieldNothing heavy moves: two tiny mirrorssteer the beam. Very fast, small field.
The two ways a laser gets its beam to the work. A fiber is a galvo machine; CO2 and diode machines are gantries.

Front of the machine

  • Power key + emergency stop: key on for laser-ready, big red mushroom kills everything.
  • Galvo head: the heavy black box up top. Don't touch the lens.
  • Z column: manual or motorized, depending on options. This sets focus distance from lens to part.
  • Bed: usually a perforated plate. Many users replace with a honeycomb or T-slot for jigs.

Back panel

  • Mains power inlet + main breaker.
  • USB to PC for Lightburn.
  • Rotary connector (DB-9 or aviation plug).
  • Foot-pedal port.

Inside the head

  • Collimator → galvo mirrors → F-theta lens. The F-theta is what you swap to change field size, spot size, and depth of focus. See Lens Choice for the full guide.
  • Red-dot pointer, for previewing where the beam will fire. Aligned at factory; verify periodically.
Eye safety
1064nm is invisible and your retina doesn't blink. Always wear OD 5+ glasses rated for 1064nm anytime the machine is keyed on, even if you're "just framing." A reflection off a polished ring will blind you faster than any visible laser.