Just Add Sharks Blacknose A3 User manual

Blacknose A3 Laser
Cutter and Engraver
User Guide
Version 0.2, July 14th 2015

Precautions
The Blacknose A4 Laser Cutter & Engraver
Introduction
Specifications
Machine Overview
Front
Left Side
Right Side
Rear
Top
Cutting Bay
Setup and Installation
Parts List
Work Stand Assembly
Components:
Tools Required:
Removing Shipping Materials
Air Assist System
Components:
Tools Required:
Water Cooling System
Components:
Tools Required:
Filling The Laser Tube
Note
Extraction System
Components:
Tools Required:
Notes about extractor vents
Alignment
Choosing A Cutting Bed
LaserCut 5.3 Software
Introduction
System Requirements
Communicating to the Laser Cutter
The Soft Dog USB Dongle
Downloading LaserCut 5.3
Installing Lasercut 5.3 on Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7
Checking the Drivers
Installation on Windows 8
Install the Soft Dog USB dongle
Running in Compatibility Mode
Creating An App On The Start Screen
Right-click on the LaserCut 5.3 icon on the Desktop and select Pin to
Start from the context menu.

Setting the Model of Laser Cutter
Note for Windows 8 users
Running Lasercut 5.3
Working With The Demonstration Version
Creation of cutting files for the laser
Creation of native LaserCut files
Basic Drawing
Simple Shapes
Line
Rectangle
Polyline
Ellipse
Text
Simple Object Modification
Rotate
Mirror (Vertically)
Mirror (Horizontally)
Edit Node
Size
Advanced Object Modification
Copy
Centre to Table
Invert Colors
Offset Curve
Using the Laser Cutter - Workflow
Maintenance
Maintenance schedule
Mirror/Lens Inspection and Cleaning
Tools & Materials:
Time Needed: 10-30 minutes
Mirrors
Lens
Laser Alignment
Tools Required:
Overview
Preparation
Making Masking Tape Targets
Part 1: Rough Laser Tube Position
Part 2: Mirror 1 Adjustment
Part 3: Mirror 2 Adjustment
Part 4: Centering The Beam Vertically
Part 5: Mirror 3 Adjustment
Troubleshooting

Precautions
WARNING!
●Never open access panels without disconnecting power
●Do not circumvent the safety cut-out switch or operate the machine
with access doors open
●Never run the laser cutter unattended
●Always vent material smoke or vapour to a suitable external outlet or
filter system
●Only use laser-safe materials which do not contain chlorides and
formaldehydes

The Blacknose A4 Laser Cutter & Engraver
Introduction
The Blacknose A3 40W is an economical laser cutter ideal for beginners,
hobbyists and artists who are getting started in laser cutting. Ideal for making
prototypes, models, jewellery and artwork, the Blacknose is the smallest Just
Add Sharks cutter. It's lower power and smaller size makes it ideal for use at
home, in the studio or small business.
Specifications
External dimensions
1,100mm x 660mm x 450mm
Weight
90kg
Laser specification
40W CO
2
type 2 laser tube (30W also available)
Cooling system
Water-cooled
Cutting area
400mm x 300mm (equivalent to A3 paper size)

Machine Overview
Front
Left Rear Side

Right Side
Detail

Top
Cutting Bay

Setup and Installation
Parts List
• Blacknose A3 Laser Cutter
• Knife bed (inside cutter)
• Honeycomb bed (inside cutter)
• 40 Watt laser tube (installed in cutter)
• 4-way, 2 meter switched mains power strip
• Air assist parts:
‣Air pump
‣Bungee cord
‣1 x silicone tube
‣Brass connector
• Water pump:
‣Base plate
‣Pump
‣Brass connector
‣2 x silicone tubes
• Extractor parts:
‣Extractor fan
‣2 x 100mm ⌀ blue extraction hose
‣100mm ⌀ extraction vent adapter
‣3 x hose clamps (in plastic tool box)
‣4 x M5 hex bolts
• Workstand parts:
‣Cross bar
‣Left end
‣Right end
‣8 x 12mm M6 hex bolts & washers
• White plastic toolbox:
‣3 x hose clamps (for extraction system)
‣100mm nozzle end plate
‣3 pairs of case keys
‣Crank-type z-axis operating handle
‣Alternative Just Add Sharks z-axis operating handle
‣Leetro ‘Soft Dog’ (dongle for LaserCut software)
‣Focusing tool
‣Lockout keys to allow operation of the cutter
‣Four hex keys: 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm and 5mm
‣Small Phillips head screwdriver
‣Mirror release tool
‣Digital thermometer
1
‣Power cable (IEC)
‣Lens cleaning cloth
1 Only provided with systems which use a water bath cooler

‣Spares:
⁃2 x red LEDs
⁃End stop micro switch
‣Testing & Maintenance:
⁃Dummy load for testing power supply w/o laser tube
⁃Masking tape (for alignment)
Work Stand Assembly
Components:
1. Work stand left side
2. Work stand right side
3. Cross bar
4. 8 x 12mm M6 hex bolts
Tools Required:
1. 5mm hex key
The Blacknose A3 Laser Cutter comes with a work stand, although it may be
used in a bench-mounted configuration if desired. Please note that due to the
55cm height of the main cutter unit, and the requirement to access the top
door of the unit, a fairly low bench will be needed.

1. Identify the left and right sides of the stand - the angled end of the top
bars is at the front of the stand
2. Use the hex bolts and washers to attach the cross bar to the left and
right sides of the stand
3. Engage the wheel locks to steady the stand
4. Carefully lift the cutter onto the work stand, taking care to align the feet
with the tops of the left and right sides of the stand
5. Once the laser is on the stand, the wheels may be unlocked to move the
unit, but should be re-engaged when in position
6. The laser should be situated on a firm level surface, in a location where
there is access to:
a. Mains power outlet
b. Extraction vent
●Caution: lifting the laser cutter requires two people. It is helpful to have a
third person assist with aligning the feet when placing the cutter on the
work stand.

Removing Shipping Materials
The laser cutter may have foam inserts inside the unit which help protect the
machine in transit. Check each openable compartment of the machine and
remove any packaging/padding material found.
Air Assist System
Components:
1. Air pump
2. Brass adapter
3. Bungee cord
4. Silicone hose
Tools Required:
[none]
1. Attach the brass hose adapter to the air pump
2. Attach one of the silicone hose to the brass adapter (push-fit)
3. Attach the other end of the silicone hose to the connector labeled  Air In
on the lower right side of the cutter (push fit)

4. Insert the mains plug from the air pump into one of the sockets on the
power strip
Note that the air pump becomes warm when running and so should be placed
in a well-ventilated area. The air pump also vibrates when operating. To reduce
noise we recommend suspending the air pump with a bungee cord (provided),
or resting the pump on a pad of foam or other vibration-absorbing material.
Water Cooling System
Components:
1. Water pump
2. Brass adapter
3. 35 litre plastic box with lid (water reservoir)
4. 2 x silicone hose
5. Digital thermometer
Tools Required:
[none]
1. Rinse the two silicone hoses through with water, and wipe the outside
with a damp cloth to remove any dust or other dirt which may have
accumulated in shipping
2. Fit the brass adapter to the water pump
3. Fill the water storage container with water. Tap water may be used of
checked and changed regularly, however, distilled water is
recommended to ensure optimal tube life
4. Attach one end of the first silicone hose to the connector labeled  Water
In on the lower right side of the cutter (push fit)

5. Attach the other end of the first silicone hose to the hose nozzle on the
water pump
6. Submerge the pump in the water reservoir
7. Attach one end of the second silicone hose to the connector labeled
Water Out on the lower right side of the cutter (push fit)
8. Place the other end of the second silicone hose in the water reservoir.
The end of the hose should not be placed next to the water intake of the
pump
9. Place the digital thermometer probe into the water
10. In an empty slot on the power strip, set the switch to the off position
and insert the mains plug from the air pump into the slot
●Caution: ensure your hands are dry before handling mains cabling or
handling the laser cutter
Filling The Laser Tube
The first time water is run through the laser tube, it is important to ensure
there are no bubbles in the tube :
2
1. Double check both  Water In and  Water Out sockets on laser have hoses
connected according to the instructions above, and that the water pump
is plugged into the power strip. The laser itself should not be connected
to the mains
2. Open the laser tube access panel on the rear of the laser cutter
3. Turn on the water pump using the switch on the power strip - the tube
should fill with water
4. Visually examine the tube for bubbles (it may be necessary to slide the
silicone sock along the tube to examine the
anode / water inlet area)
5. Bubbles may be dislodged by gently
squeezing the inlet and outlet hoses a few
centimeters from where they connect to the
tube
6. If bubbles cannot be dislodged by squeezing
the inlet and outlet hoses, the tube should
be drained and the process started again.
7. To drain the tube, turn the pump off at the
power strip, disconnect  Water In hose, and
blow into it until all the water has been
expelled from the tube, then re-connect the
hose
2 Bubbles smaller than 1mm in diameter are not critical.

When the tube is free from bubbles, ensure the silicone sock is placed so the
anode of the laser is in the centre of the sock. This helps to prevent arcing from
the anode to the metal case of the laser cutter.
Note
It is a good idea to cut a hole in the lid of the water reservoir big enough for the
hoses and cables to fit through. This will make it possible to fully close the lid,
minimising contamination of the cooling water.
Extraction System
Components:
1. Extractor fan
2. 2 x 100mm ⌀ blue extraction hose
3. 100mm ⌀ extraction vent adapter
4. 3 x hose clamps
5. 4 x 10mm M4 hex bolts (in the side of the cutter when delivered)
Tools Required:
1. 3mm hex key

1. Attach the 100mm ⌀ extraction vent adapter to the extraction port on
the left side of the machine with the hex bolts
2. Fit one end of the first piece of 100mm ⌀ blue extraction hose to the
vent adapter, securing it with a hose clamp
3. Fit the other end of the first piece of extraction hose to the intake port of
the extractor fan, securing it with a hose clip
4. Fit one end of the second piece of extraction hose to the outlet port of
the extractor fan, securing it with a hose clip
5. Insert the other end of the second piece of extraction hose into the
extractor vent
Notes about extractor vents
Some factors which may be considered when choosing the location of an
extractor vent:
• Is the vent near a window / ventilation inlet? (fumes may blow back)
• The vent should probably be above head height, but not too close to the
eaves
• The vent should not expel fumes into another work area / adjacent
building
Alignment
Before the laser is used for the first time, the alignment should be checked.
See Laser Alignment for details.

Choosing A Cutting Bed
The Blacknose A3 comes with two cutting beds:
1. Honeycomb bed
2. Knife bed
The honeycomb bed allows the use of magnets to hold work securely and flat
against the bed, and makes it easier to align the work in the cutter. However,
this bed may result is more staining/residue on the work.
The knife bed helps reduce staining, but it is not possible to use magnets to
hold the work in place.
It is suggested that both beds be used - the honeycomb bed placed on top of
the knife bed to aid air circulation.

LaserCut 5.3 Software
Introduction
LaserCut 5.3 is a dedicated piece of laser cutter control software written by
Leetro Automation Co Ltd. It is used to prepare cutting files that are sent to the
Leetro MPC6515 controller on board the laser cutter. LaserCut has some basic
drawing functions but it becomes most useful when dxf files are created by
other drawing packages, such as the free, cross platform, open source vector
editing package Inkscape, and then imported into LaserCut.
Lasercut provides functions to simulate the cutting process that is about to
occur and estimate how long the cut will take. All the information about a job
can be saved and loaded from file making it easy to store and repeat jobs in
the future.
System Requirements
●A computer running Windows 2000/XP/7 or 8
●2 free USB ports
●Known to run happily on systems with 2 Gb of RAM
●50 Mb disk space (installation)
●Disk space needed while in use will vary depending on complexity of
work
Communicating to the Laser Cutter
A job may be uploaded from the computer using LaserCut. Once uploaded no
further communication with the computer is required to perform the job and it
may be shut down or disconnected if required. Jobs can also be transferred to
the machine via a USB stick using the USB port on the right side of the cutter.
The  Soft Dog USB Dongle
To enable full functionality in Lasercut 5.3, a USB
dongle known as the  Soft Dog is required. A Soft
Dog is supplied with the Blacknose laser cutter.
When installing LaserCut, do not connect the Soft
Dog to the computer until instructed to do so.
When running LaserCut, the Soft Dog should be
plugged in before LaserCut is started.
Without the Soft Dog, it is still possible to run the demo version of LaserCut,
although it has limited functionality .
3
3 Specifically, the 
Save feature of the program is disabled, and it will not communicate with
a laser cutter.

Downloading LaserCut 5.3
The Lasercut 5.3 installation files can be downloaded here. Once downloaded,
extract the files from the zipped archive to a new directory by right-clicking on
the zip file and selecting  Extract All… from the context menu.

The archive contains 3 folders,
● Lasercut 5.3 – Control Software : this is the installer for the main LaserCut
software
● Driver – Softdog USB Dongle : an additional driver for the USB dongle if
you are using a 64-bit version of Windows 7
● Driver – Laser Cutter : the driver to connect directly to the laser cutter
In a typical install all the required drivers will be set up as part of the Lasercut
Installer, the additional drivers are only provided for completeness.
Installing Lasercut 5.3 on Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7
Make sure the Soft Dog and laser cutter are  not connected to the computer
before installing.