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cyclotron3k in reply to @nick_h.

I'm pretty late to the laser cutter party, but I just wanted to chime in with the standard warning about proper ventilation.

You'll need an exhaust system that vents the fumes outdoors.

Only some types of plastic can be safely cut with a laser; cutting PVC gives off hydrochloric acid (amongst other toxic gasses) which will corrode your optics, and even 'safe' materials like wood can give off carbon monoxide.

I found this, specifically about leather:

Genuine leather can be safely laser cut or engraved, but ensure that
if it has been tanned then it is “veg-tanned” otherwise it will have
been treated with chromium salts that will release dangerous particles
when laser engraved.

Materials that cannot be laser cut or engraved:

Artificial Leather containing Hexavalent Chromium (Cr[VI])

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nick_h. in reply to @cyclotron3k

I bought a laser cutter at the weekend! Thanks for the warnings. The leather I'll be cutting is scrap from old biker gear. I think (hope) that it's all veg-tanned. After cutting it I'll be painting it, which will cover the scorched edges and perhaps deal with the smell. I need to set up the laser so the edges don't get burnt badly enough to crumble afterwards. From what I've read it's not hard. People seem to manage it. Perhaps the answer is to do multiple passes on low power.

Having said all that, if i was just cutting, a machine with a blade would be the thing. No smoke or burning. To justify the laser I'll have to do some engraving. I always go too with a new project. Maybe I'll end up selling the laser in disgust and buying a Silhouette.

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