Your First Cut on your Thunder Laser

Many users get stumped by things that are listed in the usual suspects so it is good to review them again

You can schedule your training prior to operating the laser if you would like. We can walk you though a small cut job like a keychain or similar.

Read this blog before your book your free training

Step 1: Picking your artwork Vector vs. Image and Design in Lightburn.

Option a) Using Vector Artwork:

- Searching “free vector -enter whatever image you want here-”
- Look for an image that is high contrast back and white, without a lot of details for your first cut.

- Right click to “Save As” OR Click “Print Screen” or select the area of the screen you want to capture.

- Click File>Import (if saved) or Right Click and Paste (if screen captured)to insert the image into LightBurn
- Right Click and Select “Trace Image” and adjust the threshold and cutoff until the whole outline of the image is selected then click “OK”
- Drag and Select then whole image, then right click and select “Ungroup”

Step 2: Setting Up your Layer Types, Speeds and Power

This video introduces you to the Cuts and Layers window in Lightburn. Here, we explain the basics of what you need to know in order to assign settings to your designs before you send them to the laser. Read more here about how to determine settings for your machine.

Look up your machine by the wattage.

- Nova 24: 60w
- Nova 35: 80 or 100w
- Nova 51: 100 or 130w
  Nova 63: 130w
- Bolt, Bolt Plus, Bolt Pro 22 30w
- Bolt 32 55w

Step 3: Preview the Laser Job in Lightburn

This video shows you the Preview window in Lightburn, and discusses how this tool can be useful in planning your projects and catching simple mistakes before you send your job to the laser to cut or engrave.

Step 4: Setting Up Origin in LightBurn: Absolute, User or Current Position

If youve ever had an issue with your projects not running where you want them to on the laser, its most likely a job origin issue. This video will give you the run down of the different ways to position your laser (Absolute Coordinates vs User Origin), and have it run your jobs exactly where you need them to be.

Step 5: Send the Job to the Laser

This quick video discusses how to transfer your files over to the Thunder Laser.

Step 6: Aligning your Material, Focusing, and Starting Your Project

Lets get the party started. These are the final steps you’ll need to take outside of Lightburn in order to ensure your project cuts just the way you want it to, including keeping your materials flat on the bed, and autofocus vs manual focus

File: Stepped Focus Tool

File: 3D Printed Holddown Pins

File: Laserable Holddown Pins

File: Laserable Standoff Pins