# Get Cutting!

## Opening the File in CorelDRAW or any Graphic Software

* Prepare your artwork in the graphics software of your choice, such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Canva, and Inkscape, for example.
* Sending a laser project to an Epilog Laser machine is quicker and less painful than printing to your standard paper printer.

<figure><img src="/files/WBAd6vctxpa2dfspbgIc" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* To cut, set the line width to "Hairline". Any width beyond "Hairline" will be engraved by default.

<figure><img src="/files/7VcGLiQGOu6Mom3zrylU" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Select "File" and Select "Print" as per below.

<figure><img src="/files/8tiw2tDSLl4GloFZIlGi" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* To start the engraving process, first, select the Epilog Engraver from the list of available devices.&#x20;
* Once you have chosen the correct engraver, click on the Print button to initiate the printing procedure.&#x20;
* This action will send your job directly to the [Epilog Laser Dashboard](#cutting-through-the-epilog-laser-dashboard), where you can manage and monitor the progress of your engraving project.

<figure><img src="/files/dAd2U96j7f4t1gxXbh6V" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Cutting through the Epilog Laser Dashboard

Once you give Print in your software, it will open your design in the Epilog Laser Dashboard

<figure><img src="/files/iDDXv97ky6KypnmSmC0K" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Select import to select the material and their relative Speed and Power required

<figure><img src="/files/CIeLWXTo7LPxRzRP9MIh" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Select the material that you are cutting from the pre-loaded Material Library which has pre-defined Power and Speed for each material. then, select Import

<figure><img src="/files/pGACtCqQAfYUTNUcHFRm" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Check material, power, and speed settings, and adjust if needed. When ready, click Print.

This will send the design from the Dashboard to the Epilog Laser Machine to execute the Job

<figure><img src="/files/Pi0IikkXEeEe0lXskgKO" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Check The Bed For Potential Fire Sources

* Open the Lid
* Look through the honeycomb.
  * If there are more than a few pieces of paper or combustibles under the bed, it will need to be cleaned.
* Press the down arrow to lower the bed.
* The button is located on the left side, towards the front, inside the machine.
* Flip up the three ruler guides.
* Remove the honeycomb.
* Take care to not hit the laser optics.
* Use a vacuum to clean the lower tray.
* Reinstall the honeycomb.
* The extended aluminum sides go down.
* Flip down the ruler guides.

## Area And Machine Preparation

<figure><img src="/files/l4qAaQyJH4uKZKMfxMsB" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Look up your settings.
* Turn on the ventilation.
* Check under the honeycomb for debris.
* Vacuum if needed.
* Focus the laser.
* Adjust the settings in the Printing Preferences dialog.
* Load your material.
* Send the job to the laser.

## Load The Material

* Open the door.
* Check the tray and ruler guides before placing your material on the bed.
* The ruler guides should be flipped down flat, on top of the tray.
* Place your material flat on the honeycomb, taking care to not hit the optics.
* If using weights to hold down warped material, make sure the laser will not hit them.

## Making The Cut!

<figure><img src="/files/aKIXr0tNemMqw8FBtv6p" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Make an air pass before cutting.
  * Lift the lid to keep the cutting laser from turning on.
* Press the GO button.
* When the job is complete, you can run it again by pressing GO.
  * Close the lid if the air pass was successful.

## Cleanup

<figure><img src="/files/26JzP2m7tcq6c8OdIE5b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Lower the table.
* Remove the honeycomb.
* Vacuum the lower tray.
* Replace the honeycomb.
* Flip down the rulers.
* Turn off the ventilation if needed.
* Put usable material in the scrap bin.
* Put trash and recyclables in the correct bins.
* Clean up near the computer and the laser.
* Remove your USB drive from the computer.


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