bad smell are emitted during machining leather

[Zack00]

I read in an article, Because smoke and bad smell are emitted during machining leather, it is necessary to use an exhaust system of the laser machine. When engraving and cutting of faux leather is performed, harmful for human's health stuff, hydrogen chloride, evolves. Inhaling of this gas can cause serious harm and even death.
 
I have a question, if the hood can not cope, you can use the lid of the machine (close during work).  For some reason, I thought all laser machines close just when working with harmful masters. or am I just lucky enough to have a cool CO2 laser machine? 

 

[PastorBob]

Definitely have a ventilation system setup.  Also only do veg tan leather.  Chrome tan emits a toxic gas when hit with laser.

[Bert03241]

I cut chrome tan quite often you just need a good exhaust system and wipe down inside laser with light oil rag after cutting

[Nikos69]

Quote

 

am I just lucky enough to have a cool CO2 laser machine? 

Your machine must not be good at all and people should avoid the company you work for that is  linked in your signature. Your post is a cut & paste from their website.

The majority of reputable, enclosed laser engravers will be rated as class 1 and considered safe under normal use with proper ventilation. 

[kgg]

On 10/7/2022 at 3:16 PM, Zack00 said:

or am I just lucky enough to have a cool CO2 laser machine? 

Interesting your signature links to Wattsan a Chinese manufacturer of laser and CNC equipment with "An Lee" as a their CNC Specialist.

kgg

[mchaney2003]

On 10/7/2022 at 10:57 AM, PastorBob said:

Definitely have a ventilation system setup.  Also only do veg tan leather.  Chrome tan emits a toxic gas when hit with laser.

Chrome tanned leather is actually perfectly safe to cut or engrave with a laser. That misinformation largely spread due to Glowforge's published list of dangerous and safe material. They simply didn't know for certain and so err'd on the side of caution. 

 

this video goes into great depth on the chemicals released and why it is safe: https://youtu.be/4_z2XHCtUtE

I use chrome tanned in my laser every day. :D

[PastorBob]

17 hours ago, mchaney2003 said:

Chrome tanned leather is actually perfectly safe to cut or engrave with a laser.

Good to know.  I will check out the video.  And yes, I have the GF.

[Tugadude]

The spurious nature of the OP's message aside, I think it is worthy of conversation.  Breathing in any chemicals can't be good for anyone.  Period.  I don't care if it is bathroom cleaners or paint strippers or in this case, gasses emitted during the operation of a laser on leather.  None of it is going to be beneficial and quite possibly, some might be harmful, even to the point of serious impact on one's health, now or in the future.

And therein lies the rub.  Many illnesses and other afflictions don't appear until many years later.  Ask a dermatologist about the long term effects of sunburn.   The potential for skin cancer sometimes begins with that sunburn you experienced in your youth.  Too late to do anything now but remove the cancerous cells and hope for the best.

And so, when I read threads like this I cringe.  I cringe because we're talking about things we (most of us anyway) don't understand.  Do we really want to take the word of a machine manufacturer?  Did they do exhaustive studies on all of the gasses created when using their machine on various materials?  No, of course they didn't.  To suggest otherwise is just silly and naive.

And I don't think leatherworkers are going to be able to give an educated answer either.  Not unless they are aware of a study where that laser or similar was used on the leathers in question.  And again, the studies likely don't exist.

What we are left with is good old common sense, which is unfortunately uncommon at times.  Nobody should take comfort in the words of others as to what is safe or not, especially when all they are doing is going with their best guess.

So what to do?  Use chemicals sparingly, going with safer alternatives whenever possible.  People lived for thousands of years without all of the harsh cleaners folks use in their bathrooms weekly if not daily.  And if their ventilation isn't the best, and it usually isn't, I don't even want to think about all of the stuff wafting around the homes.

Work outside when you can.  Move the laser to the back porch if the weather is decent.  You'll be safer and maybe enjoy the view.  Oh, and don't forget to wear sunblock!

God gave us senses for a reason.  Most of us can immediately smell things that are potentially harmful.  Avoid them.  If you don't, you'll probably feel OK next week and maybe even next year.  Who knows the damage that might be collecting only to be revealed later in life when it is too late.

[Tugadude]

P.S.  I'm not picking on anyone in this thread or other similar threads.  We're all guilty of making assumptions and repeating things we hear or read.  I know I am.  When in doubt, trust nobody but yourself and if it seems dangerous, avoid it!

[Bert03241]

yes yes yes I'm carrying my 450# laser out to the back pouch, were I have a beautiful view ,