I read another post where someone had a flareup/fire that caused damage. We all want to maximize our time and multitask to the best of our abilities, but that just isn’t a good idea when you are running a laser. I ALWAYS stand and watch my GF when it is running. If I get bored, I get a barstool, set it in front of my machine and lay my favorite electronic device on the lid and read/whatever while having full access to the view of my worktop. Even if I am working on something inflammable I watch (keep in mind masking and the adhesives they contain can be very flammable). Below is a video I shot while doing a test on old barn wood. As you can see, most of the masking was blown off the workpiece and the piece that remained was flapping in the breeze. Within seconds of the end of the video, the tape stuck to the printhead and got pulled under the laser. Had I not been there watching I could have damaged/destroyed my machine or worse, started a fire that could have destroyed my home. The few moments away that you steal are just not worth the possible costs.
Be smart, be safe and live to laser another day.
