I seem to be the only one willing to clean the laser cutter on a regular
basis.

When I came in after a long morning at Lennox, I found that no one had
cleaned it since I had on the 18th (although one attempt was made but
abandoned due to a need for more training...this, I appreciate). I know
that it's been in use plenty since then.

When I took it apart, it looked horrible.  The spot that was caused due to
focusing issues early on appears to have grown larger.

I cleaned everything as best I could (including replacing the missing screw
that holds the air-assist nozzle on; thanks, Rich.) and put it back
together.

What should have been a single-pass cut (yes, for another type of cut-out
box) took multiple cuts which, of course, resulted in charring.  Even then,
it still didn't cut all the way through.  The piece was destroyed during my
attempt to extract it via X-acto knife.

I've had no problem cutting these things before, so I am forced to assume
it was due to the damage on the lens as I had manually checked the focus
and everything was fine.

Please, people.  These things aren't cheap and I don't know what we'd do
without them.

Recognize that expensive tools require maintenance.  If you haven't been
trained in cleaning the laser cutter, then don't use it.

At this point, I'm all for having an RFID lockout on the thing to keep
records of who's been using it.  I'd also like to see the people who've
been using it but not cleaning it, pony up for a new lens, but I'll leave
that open for debate.

Thank you.