What is a Laser Cutter?
Important: A certification course is required before booking.
A laser cutter is a powerful tool that uses a focused beam of light (a laser) to cut or engrave materials with incredible precision. Unlike traditional cutting tools, a laser cutter doesn’t physically touch the material. Instead, it directs a high-energy laser beam that burns, melts, or vaporizes the surface to create clean and accurate shapes or patterns.
Laser cutters can work on a wide range of materials, including:
- Wood
- Acrylic
- Leather
- Paper
- Certain plastics
- Fabric
The outcome depends on a few key settings on the machine:
- Power – How strong the laser is.
- Speed – How fast the laser moves across the material.
- Frequency – How often the laser pulses during the process.
- Resolution – The level of detail in the engraving, measured in DPI (dots per inch).
By adjusting these settings, you can achieve different effects, from deep cuts to delicate engravings. This makes laser cutters ideal for creating custom designs, signage, art pieces, prototypes, and more.
How it works
- Make sure you have a valid library card in good standing or apply for one.
- Complete Certification Course for the laser cutter at PBRL.
- Sign the customer agreement (only one time applies to all services in all 3 locations) for creation spaces.
- Book your time at Make It! (Pierre Berton Resource Library) and upload your files.
- Use library materials or bring approved materials. following the material guideline.
What is our Laser Cutter?
Epilog Maker 24 laser engraver/cutter supporting vector and raster operations on a variety of materials (see the certification course for more details).
- Max bed size: 24” × 24”
- Max working area height: 7”
- File types: .svg, .ai, .pdf, .dxf. (for picture engraving on wood, good quality .png or .jpeg works)
- Rotary add-on is available for engraving on curving surfaces like mugs, tumblers, etc.
Fees & materials
There is no cost for service. You will pay only if you use the library materials.
Allowed
- Wood, MDF, Plywood (low-quality construction-grade plywood with inappropriate or high-formaldehyde glues/adhesives isn’t allowed)
- Acrylic (cast recommended)
- Leather (vegetable-tanned leather)
For the full list, please see the certification course.
Important: These materials are NOT ALLOWED!
Hazardous Materials (Toxic Fumes & Corrosive Gases)
- PVC / Vinyl / Faux Leather / Neoprene.
- Fiberglass, Carbon Fiber.
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene).
- Polycarbonate / Lexan.
- PTFE / Teflon (Polytetrafluoroethylene).
- Chromium-tanned Leather: Only vegetable-tanned leather is safe.
Highly Flammable & Performance Issues
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene).
- Polystyrene and Polypropylene Foams (e.g., Styrofoam).
- Oily/Resinous Woods: Woods like pine, larch, or cedar with high sap content are much more prone to flare-ups and fire during cutting.
- Any unknown materials without MSDS.
When you buy materials from Amazon or other vendors, make sure it’s clearly mentioned as “laser-safe”.
What projects can I make with the laser cutter?
The possibilities are almost endless—your imagination is the limit! From personalized gifts to creative art pieces, the laser cutter can help you bring your ideas to life.
Here are just a few examples of what you can create:
- Acrylic or wooden display pieces
- Custom signs and nameplates
- Engraved artwork or photographs
- Jewelry and decorative items
- Personalized keychains and coasters
- Intricate patterns for craft projects
Want to see some examples?
And some more?
Learn & prepare your files
Vector design basics
Please prepare clean .svg/.pdf paths for laser cutting (stroke widths, colors). Take the certification course for more details.
- Learn how to prepare an image for engraving on Wood.
- Learn how to prepare and export an SVG file in Adobe Illustrator for laser cutting purposes.
- Learn how to prepare and export an SVG file in Inkscape for laser cutting purposes.
Hands-On Training for Designing for the Laser Cutter in the Library
Yes! We offer project-based laser cutting programs as part of each What’s On cycle. These sessions provide hands-on experience in designing and preparing projects for the laser cutter.
To stay informed about upcoming programs, please check our program calendar or follow us on the Eventbrite related page for registration details and dates.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need training before I can book?
Yes. Complete the certification course. Without this step, we can’t work on your project.
Can I bring my own materials?
Yes, as long as they meet our material guidelines.
Can I Cut or Engrave Metal with Your Machine?
Unfortunately, NO. Our laser cutter is a CO₂ laser, which is not designed to cut or engrave bare metal. Cutting or engraving metal requires a fiber laser cutter, which operates differently.
However, if the metal has a special coating—such as anodized aluminum, painted metal, powder-coated stainless steel, or brass-plated steel—our machine can engrave the coating. This process exposes the underlying material and creates a clean, attractive design. Results may vary depending on the type and depth of the coating and the material underneath.
This machine can not CUT any types of metal.
Is staff available to help?
Yes. The laser cutter is always needed a trained staff supervision to protect staff, customers, and the machine.
If I need extra help preparing my design?
We recommend using the tutorials we prepared based on pupolar requests. Also, there are a lot of tutorials available online. However, if you need help with your design, please fill out the Help form on the Share It site by explaining your need in detail. Staff are available to help as long as the request is reasonable the amount of time we can spend with you. Your full engagement with the project is required.
Can I Drop In and Use the Laser Cutter If It’s Available?
No, the laser cutter is not available for drop-in use. This service is offered by appointment only and must be booked in advance. For safety and quality reasons, the machine can only be operated by trained staff members.
Please note that availability depends on both the machine and staff scheduling, so booking ahead ensures that your project can be completed safely and efficiently.
Where is Make It?
It is on the first floor of the Pierre Berton Resource Library (PBRL).