Although you can use any CAD software to draw your your work to be cut, you will need to import it into a custom made template in Rhino. So it is best that you familiarise yourself with Rhino before you begin. A good place to start are these tutorials on youtube: An introduction to rhino. Once you have grasped the basics of Rhino you can download the template file. Always download a new template every time you use the laser cutter.

Once you have opened the template you are ready to either import your CAD drawing or you can start draw- ing in Rhino. The most important part to understand within the template is the different layers. The layers are activated by the light bulb next to each layer. Start by expanding the first layer "1. CHOOSE A MACHINE" For the essentials it does not matter which machine you choose  as you will be assigned a machine during the practical part (for all other times it does). Then Choose a material you would like to use by expanding "2. CHOOSE YOUR STOCK". Now minimise these layers to keep the template neat, tidy and easy to read. Now for your drawing, expand "3. DRAW YOUR PARTS".

Your drawing must appear in the following layers:

• ETCH - (black) this is what you use to engrave. Think of it like a chisel (rather than the other three layers that a more like a knife. If you want to etch a line you must give it a thickness in the line weight option in properties, There are three sub layers, these have differing powers that enables you to create variation and depth to your engraving.

• SCORE (for folding card) -  Is like cutting but only goes half way. It is used for folding and is also very useful for marking out lines.
• SCORE - 2x faster (for marking out) - This is useful for marking out where additional parts need to be stuck.
• CUT FIRST - (blue) This will cut first, it is important to maintain accuracy, so all internal parts should be cut first so that they do not move.
• CUT SECOND - (green) This is the last part of the drawing to cut.
• Ignore/Notes - Place anything here that you DO NOT want to cut. Any useful annotation for example.
• Test Part - It is good practice to test what you want to cut first before you waste time cutting a full sheet cut a small test.

• USER GUIDE- this contains all the information you will need, including useful commands, more information on each operation above and the Do's and Dont's of setting your file out.

Nesting.

When you arrange your drawing in the template ready to cut, this is called nesting. You want to arrange the drawing in such away that it wastes as little material as possible and cuts in the fastest time. For more information look at the USER GUIDE in the template file.

• Your drawing should be up against the dashed line
• You can share a line, so instead of separating objects out you have them share a single line. HOWEVER, DO NOT SIMPLY PUT ONE LINE ON TOP OF ANOTHER. YOU MUST ONLY HAVE THE ONE LINE.