KERFBY KINETIC CARVING
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OperationModule 7.2~1 min read

Fiber Safety

A fiber laser will blind you and start a fire faster than any other tool you own. Treat it accordingly.

Eyes

  • OD 5+ glasses rated for 1064nm. CO2 glasses (10600nm) do nothing here.
  • Polished metal reflects directly back at you. Even with a laser-rated enclosure, wear glasses.
  • Glasses on before the key is turned. Off only when key is off.
DIODE GLASSESblocks only this bandDiode 455 nm: blockedFiber 1,064 nm: goes throughCO2 10,600 nm: goes throughOrange or amber lenses, the mosttinted of the three. They blockblue and violet light.FIBER GLASSESblocks only this bandDiode 455 nm: goes throughFiber 1,064 nm: blockedCO2 10,600 nm: goes throughGreen or nearly clear lenses, ratedat 1,064 nm. That beam is invisible,so you get no warning.CO2 GLASSESblocks only this bandDiode 455 nm: goes throughFiber 1,064 nm: goes throughCO2 10,600 nm: blockedClear or yellow lenses, rated at10,600 nm. Many cabinet windowsalready block this wavelength.
Laser glasses are a filter for one band of light, not sunglasses for lasers. OD 5+ means the lens cuts the beam 100,000 times at its rated wavelength. Check the rating printed on the lens before you trust a pair.

Fume

  • Use a HEPA + activated carbon extractor. Vent to exterior if local code allows.
  • Never mark PVC, vinyl, leather (unknown origin), or anything that smells of chlorine.
  • Marking spray fumes are fine but smelly, extraction still required.

Fire

  • Class C extinguisher within arm's reach.
  • Never run unattended.
  • Do not engrave anything resin-coated, oily, or wood without verifying it doesn't catch.

Electrical

  • Earthed, surge-protected outlet.
  • Cabinet grounded.
  • Power off before opening any panel.