An Interesting Shift

By Jean Adamson

Peter McNab former Chair of the Board at Inverclyde SHED, is now taking his energies and expertise in another direction. Peter told me all about the laser cutters. There are two of these cutters within the SHED. The larger of the two, the CO2 machine, cuts timber, plastic, metals, and it also does engraving. This machine is most suited to large projects.

The smaller laser is more of a hobbyist machine, said Peter, “less powerful, but really good for engraving.” He added “It has limited cutting capacity.” He continued “ it is very useful here in the SHED for the many small projects that require cutting out of small, detailed items, such as letters.”

He told me that both the CNC and laser cutters involve about 95% of work on the computer initially. “The skillset is a concept in your head” said Peter, and “This is designed using the software.” “Dummy runs are first carried out on the computer where amendments can be done prior to any practical work being carried out.” Peter has clearly thought this through in a detailed fashion to avoid any waste of materials. “The computer stuff goes to the machine and reads it for the job for laser, and CNC routers.”

Peter says that this work is still at the “baby steps” level. However, the level of detail Peter provided says that this project is well under way. Initially Bruce Newlands had taken an interest in this machine. Peter got involved, Brian Lamont saw Peter and Bruce operate the machine and this kicked off his interest! Peter says that he had built up enough knowledge by that time to take things forward.

The team then expanded as Dougie Brown, Jim Logue and St.John Canning took an interest. Peter pointed out that although Dougie has many skills, he didn’t have a background on the computer. Peter took him under his wing and offered help in this area of expertise. And as Peter says “Dougie has come on leaps and bounds.”

Many questions are asked about these machines and how to move forward and it is good to know that John Cook joined in with interest.  He and Peter got their heads together regarding the importance of safety. Between them they built this up, gained knowledge, and eventually felt that others could use the machine themselves following appropriate training.

As Peter says “It’s beginning to grow arms and legs – more and more people are becoming interested.” Peter prepared to go through software with others to allow them to do their own stuff. That’s what it’s all about here at the SHED. Take an interest, engage with the appropriate trained members, build up a bit of experience and take it away. The structure works!

Design can take one to two hours but once they know the job, it is easier for Peter or others in his team to take a backseat. Engraving can be carried out on slate, for example, when making coasters. Files can be bought for this and import them into the software.

Peter has his own plan to make a map of the Orkney Isles. To use Orcadian dialect, based on Scots + Norse. To put a caption on the other side in our native tongue, and all to produce a set of six coasters and matching placemats for a family member. Sounds great Peter! I won’t mention who they’re for so as not to spoil the surprise.  Well done Peter – keep up the good work and build that expertise to a level of your dreams. Lead that team, add that interest, and bring in others to add to the skills of all on that Monday evening session.