Thought about a thread with this, so here it is. the latest person to ask for my help is making turkey call and wants this on them as a fundraiser.
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the left is walnut and the right is maple. these are just to show him what the engraving looks like in wood. he will bring me the turkey calls next week..
here is a pic of what he sent me. he is Amish and his dad I know as my Stihl mechanic.
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purple heart, oak, and padauk
You have to engrave that on the part with the holes?
It is his deal, and when I asked him, he said what ever looks best. so we we'll see.
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more military emblems on walnut
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some pics of my marine buddy's trip to France. You can actually read names on the markers in the wood engraving.
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coasters made for my great niece and nephew. Now you cannot go to their house and not use a coaster
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coasters for the grown ups!
Wonderful! Geat job.
Doc,
What kind of laser engraver do you have?
Ron
very nice.
what software do you use for the engraving?
have been thinking of starting up a side business doing engraving and CNC 3D wood carving
Very nice. I too am curious about the engraver and the software.
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Knife scabbard cutting out maple center with laser, from pattern of blade.
sorry, swamped at work, thx to OG. lol. Epilog helix. they have soft ware for their stuff, of course made by someone else. will check when home.
Very nice work!!!!
Quote from: doc henderson on March 03, 2019, 03:32:07 PM
sorry, swamped at work, thx to OG. lol. Epilog helix.
Now just back up the truck few feet Doc, as I recall it was you who tempted fate by wishing out loud for a no so busy shift. I merely marveled at the whimsy of that statement. You had to know it was the kiss of death. ;D
Sorry you are having heavy shift. I too like the engraving and used to program and run an Epilog CO2 laser for similar work making dies to impress chocolate coins and such. Easy programming, quick work. Yours looks great!
Doc, I like your work and ideas!
Will the engrave be smaller on the final product? It looks like this one started as a low resolution image. (Pixalation on the A, O, and front of the kneeling leg.) Do they have a higher resolution image?
If not, are you familiar with using Inkscape to convert raster image to vector? I'm just learning, but have had success doing this to increase scale without pixalation. Once scale is increased, it can then be sent to laser as either raster or vector. Nice thing is Inkscape is free. ;D
TK. I have read abut it. my daughter has increased res. on some lower res. images in photo shop. It is best to start with the largest file you can get. I am still learning and appreciate the input. I did find a higher res. image. the first was emailed to me, and the second I found on the internet at a bout 300 dpi vs 79.
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spidy on a stainless steel growler using ceramic coating
You can get different laser configs. I have a CO2 laser, I got the 60 watt, but range from 30 to 120 watt. My size can fit a 18 x 24 inch surface up to 12 inches tall. It came with a rotary attachment for round stuff. you can stick stuff that is long out the front door by bypassing the safe switch with a magnet. Mine was 21k. They are made in Colorado, but my dealer was in KC, Ks. they came out within 2 weeks of our request for a demo. No pressure, but then my wife thought it was very cool and so we have one. only live once. A smaller one is a bout 7k and I bet you spend as much as u want. If I had gone with a 30 watt, it would take longer to engrave images and the thickness I could cut would be limited. there are Chinese lasers that are cheaper, but you may find the support lacking. I have cell numbers to 2 of the dealer employees, and tech support is helpful for the laser as well as the software folks. many people use corell draw including the demo folks. but you can figure out the program with the rig, as it is fairly self explanatory and intuitive. you can print from CAD programs as well. you can also alter images on any other software such as photo shop before you import it. You can get images off the internet by right clicking and save as image. We do not sell so do not worry as much re copyright ect. A photo can be texted or emailed to me and in less than 4 minutes I can import, size, convert to grayscale and make you a coaster.
here is the disc that was offered with the package. also the laser. This size comes with a rolling cart with shelved to hold all the accessories. also a pic of the screen I work from. If you call or e-mail the main co.they will send you a brochure with prices. a dealer will come to your home or guide you to a demo so you can spend time watching in person and ask questions. there are lots of you tube stuff as well. it is mesmerizing to watch. just like a new truck, don't drive one if you do not want to buy one.
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I have two. Mine were much less, but like Doc said, you get what you pay for.
1. Epilog Summit (antique): A backburner project, but despite offering almost no parts for this machine and having bought it used, Epilog support was first rate! Great company! (Dare I say the Woodmizer of laser engravers? ;D)
2. ******(not going to name drop publicly): US "supported" laser. My current user. Good to learn on as it was cheap ($2200 used). 12x20" work area with a drop out floorplate for larger surfaces. Terrible to learn on as customer support is only available by billable hour. Youtube and forums have been my friends to learn to run this thing. They also wanted a $300 ownership transfer after 80 hours runtime since I did not buy it from them. >:( >:( >:( Got that taken care of without paying, though I had a week of downtime, and now have good results most of the time.
This is my first paid project. 30 Christmas ornaments. Printed straight from MS Word. Did them on Baltic Birch disks from Hobby Lobby before I figured out vector cutting. ;) Deadlines you know. ;D
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here is the engraved turkey call. they have glass inside and slate on the back. he gave me one made from Osage orange and it sounds great.
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made a couple of squirrel feeders for some friends with a house in town, and one referred to as a cabin out at "the farm/shooting range" along the river.
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for a fellow woodworker
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gift
did another honorable discharge paper for the neighbors Ron and Sharon. The maple is easier to read than the origional and we will make one for anyone in the family who wants one.
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close up of the maple. full size is 8.5 x 14 "
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5th anniversary gift from Dr. Phil Montgomery fellow pediatrician, to his wife, a OB/GYN doc. pic from their wedding day on maple. they now have two humans (sons) as well a the dogs.
A woman in charge of the med staff office had a saying from a book she liked written in 4 colors on a white dry erase board. it has been up awhile so I put it on a nice piece of Elm. 12 x 24 inches.
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made this for my PA.
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Quote from: doc henderson on September 08, 2019, 06:48:10 PM
made this for my PA.
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Doc, That's beautiful!
Awesome work! I have an Epilog Helix for way more years than I can remember. I bought it after no less than 3 engraving companies went bust and I had to keep finding a new source to engrave my anodized aluminum parts. I use it all the time. One of my favorite uses is with CAD... cardboard aided design...
When I can't bring my FARO arm to the work, I make a cardboard template and digitize that. Before I cut a saw guide or machine part, I whip a chunk of plywood in the Helix and laser cut it out to make sure everything fits before starting production. A lot of times for saw guides and things with a lot of features, I'll cut it from acrylic so I can see if the bolt holes and threaded parts all line up as well.
It's a super handy tool. I'm listening to it hum as I type cutting out Go - No Go guages for a major sawmill chain.
sounds like I could learn a lot. please feel free to add photos and explanations if you have time. I use it as a hobby and learn as I go.
for my APP out on maternity leave.
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original phone pic.
You do amazing work Doc. 8)
I got a sample size of Bluecreeper at the pig roast and everyone bragged about it. A very nice gentleman came up and offered me some from a gallon he had procured and put some in a water bottle. we have no small kids, but I wanted a container that no one would want to drink from. he suggested an old style oil can. I met so many new people and had a hard time matching up the handles with real names, so I cannot give him full credit. feel free to chime in. smiley_old_guy
so I was at tractor supply and remembered to get a can. all they had were red.
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Jeff gave me a hard time for it being Red, and not blue! :( . Just goes to show how nice most folks on the forum are, and very generous. Thanks again and so sorry I cannot recall your name to give you proper credit! :)
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charcuterie board for one of our docs who served in USAF,
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another for a colleague whos daughter just got early acceptance to University of Kansas, School of Medicine. the walnut is the stash given to me by a friend who had it stored in a shed for 30 years. the wood is prob over 100 years old. when asked, that is how long I will tell someone that it took to "make". the image is of the "Jayhawk doc"
You work magic! Creativity goes a long way!
another dog child memorial for my marine buddy Joe and his wife Melissa. now married and expecting a human soon.
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i worked with Joe and mel at the pediatric ED at the Wesley Children's Hospital. jomel!
BIL made this for me on a plasma table out of scraps. it is a bear. hanging on my honor wall.
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I make a half dozen of these each year, but thought I would post this one, as I met this guy at breakfast, the day before his belated graduation (Covid). his dad owns the company that did an addition for my friend and neighbor "sawdust Jimmy", that does the bowl turning. we ran to the local diner, "Skates" for breakfast and sat next to Colby and his dad. Jimmy had invited me to breakfast, and forgot his wallet. we all got a big laugh out of that...(as long as it does not happen every time)! :D :D :D
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congrats to Colby! (pic sent by his dad)
I posted this board a while back. here it is in action with Emily, daughter of my friend Dr. John Fan. she just got into KUMC school of medicine.
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going to the chapel and my cousins daughter is going to get married!
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they are also the ones I cut the centerpiece and cake cookies for.
looks like in the pic I need to go rub the boos butcher clock oil out a bit. the bigger walnut piece is a meat and chees board or charcuterie block.
Very nice Doc. # Special, Handmade and Unique
nice wedding. here is a pic of the cookies for the cake.
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the lovely couple under an arch made by the groom and his grandpa.
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lots of boots at the wedding. 8) 8) 8) :D
engraved a few more things.
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turkey call for a veterans hunting group, and a couzzy that is non slip.
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did a few things for Christmas.
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my great niece, loves Maleficent, had a cake for b day, and dressed up for Halloween.
a little photo shop by my daughter who is a senior in animation.
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wedding gift for neighbor girl we have know 20 years.
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new maple beer and whiskey brew/wort stir paddle for my buddy Jim.
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(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21659/20201227_221039~0.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1609132388)tThis is a walnut cutting board I received as a bonus. I have no idea who made it!
Nice work, Doc. I have a customer that has several of the Epilog laser engravers (sorry, I didn't pay attention to the models) in different sizes working non stop for his business. He is doing similar types of work that you have shown in this thread, including making barn doors for the horse people around here, with the horses photo burned into the door, along with their name. He says it's one of his biggest sellers, and gets referrals non stop.
For a while, I was providing him with wood from my sawmill, but couldn't keep up with his needs and my own. I was also making raised panel doors for him in my shop that he was engraving/burning and selling. He had a heckuva gig going, last time I was at his shop, but that was about 5 years ago.
Best of luck with it. The photo etching/burning is the idea I liked the most. Weddings, birthdays, graduations, horses, favorite pets, favorite cars, trucks, etc.....
was helping my buddy Eddie pour concrete for a shop addition for my other buddy Dallas who spreads manure. Eddie was using a hammer with a split and chipped broken nearly in two handle. so i took it home and added resin, cut it down and re-mounted it, refurbished with some safety red paint, and custom engraving. now we will see if it is too pretty to use.
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I guess you can call him "Lucky Eddie" from now on. That's a fine cross peen hammer.
My daughter just got out of college with a degree in animation. it is close to graphic art and game design. she is great on face book and is trying to freelance online with up work. We have found some local stuff for friends to keep her busy. her expertise is touching up photo or artwork. Our latest is an ortho surgeon about to retire and has started a winery. he will produce 3500 bottles of 6 different wine varieties. we have been working on a logo and settled on a line art version of a photo of one of his grape clusters with a stem. he has used this font for a while. Monique did the engraving on 4 cases of Riedell red wine glasses. we had some issues with 4 glasses from one case. the had a little break outside the lines in the N. we sped up the laser and coated the glass with a thin layer of dish soap and it went away. you could barely see it, but Monique was on quality control duty as well.
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some of the work and prototypes. what looks good in a pic, or on a computer, may loose or add something when engraved, and it is different on wood vs glass.
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and of course will are working on coasters and charcuterie boards.
Doc Henderson
My youngest son is in his second year of a digital animation degree. He is very good at 3D art, sculpture, etc. he just picked up wood carving last month. It's just amazing how easy it is for him to create something.
Anyway, it's great to see your daughter working in your shop. Zach came home for the weekend to work in the shop on another project. The little tool kit we put together for his dorm room just isn't enough. :) :)
That live edge walnut piece looks like the state of Massachusetts.
:) :) :) two beers or a glass of wine, turn it over, and it even looks a little like Kansas. :D :D
Quote from: WDH on September 24, 2021, 10:38:59 AM
That live edge walnut piece looks like the state of Massachusetts.
Danny,
A couple of passes on the table saw will fix that. :D
Doc,
Nice work. Is this for a customer or a friend?
this is "work" for my daughter who is unable to find any animation jobs in Hutchinson Ks. :) Dr. L is a colleague I have known for 20 years and is trying to make a retirement business on his property. So we are tryin to source things including "talent" locally. so it is both, but the range of prototypes were so he could show ideas to his board (friends and family). It did not help as he said the consensus was "50/50". I am mostly doing the wood working. my daughter is helping with art but also working in the shop after things are prepped. she is getting paid. mostly to build confidence and to feel she is not jobless. she has been trying online stuff, but it is a slow start. We will prob. barter to some extent as we try to promote and support his start up.
Thanks for the explanation. Good luck to your daughter and hope this works out well for everyone. BTW - I like barter. ;D If properly done both parties win and everybody leaves happy.
All neat stuff Doc. I thought I'd said as much on this thread somewhere but I guess not. I'll have to share some of my own stuff with the Ortur Laser Master 1 (I think), which is a cheap Chinese version you mentioned earlier. I've been really enjoying learning and using this thing. I'm using LightBurn, which seems to be the go-to software for at least the less expensive models. I'd love to find some better software but I haven't dug too deep into it yet as I still have much to learn about it's current capabilities.
This is just a little hexagon stack I made by cutting what I think was 3mm plywood. I made another out of circles that I glued together and it looks neat, but I didn't take a picture.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/63516/laserhex.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1632835031)
Keychains! My first attempt with keychains, they didn't look cool enough, so I made more.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/63516/nametag1.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1632835042)
Second attempt (kind of... The trial and error part of lasering has caused me to redo two of the below). These still need a little sanding and finishing.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/63516/nametag2.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1632835047)
A backhoe! I cut three of these and glued them together to make a keychain for my backhoe.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/63516/laserbh.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1632834993)
I've got a buddy who's daughter is a big Harry Potter fan and he asked me to make him something out of some Beech (I think) and it turned out really well. That wood is lovely!
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/63516/hp.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1632834948)
Just a couple random designs, posted on a different thread.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/63516/20210421_210742.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1619093349)
These, also posted in a different thread, were my first real attempts at doing anything with the laser. This is on a piece of pressboard (though I don't know if that's what it's really called, it's like cardboard pulped up and glued together) that sits on top of my workbench.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/63516/20210422_002441.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1619093362)
so I have been working with my daughter making stuff for a local winery. she is engraving glasses, and here is the final approved charcuterie board style with the logo.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/51041/E66C4AFE-9748-4481-8EAA-F26AE45B458D.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1633515417)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/51041/B080624E-4DFA-42F7-9F0A-B1F25DE9A7AA.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1633515410)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/51041/42465EF5-1A00-487C-A9E3-FABD04CA84BB.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1633515403)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/51041/75FE0296-516A-4928-8884-0651F0A3C5B1.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1633515394)
I like that grape design a lot!
that stem and grape image, is from a picture of one of his clusters at harvest. he will also make a large photo for the wall of his tasting area.
got some coasters made and a few more cases of glasses.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/51041/29F71EA7-4E0B-47C9-A0D8-63831187B93E.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1633789095)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/51041/B2B746B5-6920-440A-BCFB-0CE14FD37ED4.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1633789111)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/51041/FFC65D3B-91DF-4FA0-AE06-742647F7D2AD.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1633789123)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/51041/30570A6C-A0AF-47D4-83F7-4CD9131AF7A0.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1633789137)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/51041/CF72541D-2499-40AD-9D10-17633C53A11D.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1633787469)
Doc L is happy and wanting more stuff. keeping my daughter busy. she was oiling charcuterie boards yeasterday.
Love the curly maple.
and some are spalted, and blue stained and look almost like marble. :o :o :o :)
They look great. In most houses it's dad can I borrow the car, but at Doc's it's dad can I borrow the laser. Up here we have many wineries and most cary the logos over into the wine racks and signage so I bet your daughter will be busy for a long time.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/51041/671A9764-AB75-44A9-878C-98CDB007F019.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1635248296)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/51041/066B29CF-14CE-4C9D-BBBF-DDE974CFA4B9.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1635248305)
Noodle/stove board done for the neighbors to gove as a wedding gift.
had a new idea for oil changes especially since my tiny tach went dead last year sometime.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/51041/0801F358-0279-4710-B0AA-1ECE9BCB83B2.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1659510099)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/51041/9706B881-538E-421B-A07D-434A0EF723A1.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1659510110)
and my buddy Dallas helped. He likes the little JD 850 for prepping food plots and all.
I'm looking for some ideas of items to sell at a ships reunion auction. The ship I was on in Vietnam, USS O'Brien DD725, has a reunion every year and we each take stuff to be auctioned off after our dinner, proceeds help to pay bus fees for touring around the area and some other costs. Items with the ships name always sell good and need to be small enough for people to pack in their luggage if they fly in. The ship was decommissioned when I was 19 so most of the ship mates are my age or older. I don't mind paying plus shipping to me but of course donations would be nice also, next reunion is October 2023 in Oklahoma City, this years was in Nashville. If you want to see pics of the ship you must add the DD725 because there were ships named O'Brien before and after ours. Ask away with questions.
My son has been working at a Jamba juice store for a while. He is also just starting college looking at Graphic Design. I think he is pretty talented. He wanted to make some sew on patches for the crew to put on their jackets. He came up with a pretty detailed design and I had to break the bad news to him that that (Tom) wouldn't work well for embroidery. I asked a few days later what he was going to do and he said he found someone on Etsy to laser engrave some leather for around $7 a patch (needed to do 7 of them). I reminded him I have a laser engraver and some scrap leather. So here they are on his cedar slab desk we made last year.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/30640/SOI_Final.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1672421222)
SOI is Smoothy Operator Inc, the franchise name. The background is a BlendTec blender on top of a mountain. The elevation is the store number. The laser cutting made them a little fragile so he found some little metal frames and mounted each and gave them as little Christmas gifts.
those look great John
when is the ship reunion @gspren (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=17800) ?
Quote from: doc henderson on December 30, 2022, 04:02:51 PM
when is the ship reunion @gspren (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=17800) ?
The exact date is being determined but they are shooting for sometime in October 2023. There is a shipmate that lives in OK City and he's lining up the hotel and some other stuff. Everybody pays for their own hotel room and transportation to and from, the auction proceeds help with a "Hospitality Room" and bus transportation to see the area. I guarantee that if someone sends something that I want I will bid on it at the auction like anyone else, even if I paid for it in the first place.
I looked at some pics last night, and I think I can help with that. Let me get through the next months and I should have more time.
coasters after satin poly in the warmer to speed cure and recoat rate. for the local brewery. 24 per shelf, in various number of coats.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/51041/55D2A313-DD8C-4290-870F-41B7202A6984.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1675617002)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/51041/329B34CF-C049-4A98-BABD-AF3404786C00.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1675616951)
spalted and blue stained maple from the big log milled for thin coater stock.
Is that a bakery warmer or proofed?
it was at the old Fort Riley hospital, and I bought it on a gov. auction site. 200 bucks. fluids, and blanket warmer. they bought a new one when they build a new hospital 160°F max thermostatically controlled.
Breaks my heart but I assume those are made to be more or less throwaways, since they are going to a brewery, doc? Hopefully they are selling them rather than tossing them on the bar.
I have been having alot of fun with my laser as well. But lately my CNC with a diamond drag tip has been my go to since my little 5w diode laser leaves a lot to be desired.
I keep drooling over the new 40 watt xtool d1. I wish I had an extra $1700 laying around.
I definitely need air assist!!!
Quote from: Crusarius on February 06, 2023, 02:44:01 PM
I have been having alot of fun with my laser as well. But lately my CNC with a diamond drag tip has been my go to since my little 5w diode laser leaves a lot to be desired.
I keep drooling over the new 40 watt xtool d1. I wish I had an extra $1700 laying around.
I definitely need air assist!!!
Last December Xtool wanted to send me the new 40 watt laser with a fire suppression system, enclosure, air pump, and the new honeycomb. It was over $2500 worth of stuff. They got mad when I told them to keep it because they have gotten to expensive for a blue diode. I get stuck claiming things like that as income so it got to the point it was no longer worth my time showcasing what their lasers can do and feel Co2 is the next step after 20 watt blue diodes. Just to much that can go wrong with all the heat and precision focusing in my mind. 10 and 20 watt machines are the sweet spot for most wood projects.If you build your YouTube channel in the cnc direction you will have many offers each week to try out new technology. Only thing is it's all from China as they are focusing on bringing the latest consumer technology at affordable prices to market using free advertising on social media.
It's at the point you can get a good starter Co2 that is faster and good with acrylics in that price range of the latest generation of high powered diodes. For marking metals like your aluminum dog tags diodes just won't work (some stainless will). I am currently looking at a fiber laser to engrave metals without ceramamark but waiting for recession pricing to start. If you plan on offering it as a business something like Doc has will give you the best support and longest life along with UL and fire ratigs for cheaper insurance.
My first air assist was just my compressor with a low pressure regulator and large needle for the nozzle that was just as good as current options. You could even 3d print a nozzle. Don't use air assist for engraving but it makes cutting go deeper by removing soot and keeps the flames blown out.
thanks for the insight 21. I know if I had a decent youtube channel I would get lots of offers of stuff. That is not where I want my life to go.
right now my latest project is basically origami for my wife. She has a conference she is attending and is doing a presentation and needed a bunch of small building blocks. Since she is going to be flying to st louis she can't really take a box of wood blocks. so I am making paper ones.
I am laser cutting them with laser score marks for easy folding. here is what they look like. This way she can take a whole bunch of them flat and fold them when she gets there. the design is self locking and needs no tape or glue.
This project has really pushed me to setup air assist because of the soot on the edges. I may end up just machining the current nose cone with a small hole I can put an air line into and run a regulator to get the pressure down low.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/45059/20230109_164323.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1675730318)
That's a tough job trying to score thin cardboard. Sometimes power and speeds can make a big difference. A while back I watched a video showing a box like that being made with thin white card stock using a Cricut machine with a blade and a scoring tool that gives a double dimple for clean rounded corners when folded. If you ever want to try a 10 or 20 watt xtool I have them both running and also have the small co2 to compare if you have artworks. I plan on dumping all the blue lasers this summer to make room for a bigger 100 watt co2.
I may be getting a hold of you. would be great to try out the bigger boys.
That paper I am cutting is 110lb stock. I have gotten it down pretty good for perfect scores and very clean cuts. just have a little to much soot on the edges for my taste.
they will be selling, but leave a few around. they are paying me about $1.50 each. benches and some charcuterie. I want him to sell stuff, or use the boards to sell meat and cheese. He like that but also to have brief seasonal promotions to keep people wanting more. they sell steins and hang the on a hook, and everybody wants one. the ones up for grabs went in 5 minutes. when I suggested he make another board with pegs, he wanted to keep it sort of exclusive. any hoo. it still take just over an hour to engrave and cut 24 coasters from my thin stock sheets. I can then start a process of sanding and spraying finish while the next batch engraves. and wind up being pretty busy in the middle and not so busy in the front or end of 120 coasters. i do one coat of poly on the back and 2 on the front. I spray from all four sides in my mini spray booth that shares a fan with the engraver. I have a bucket with a spice turning rack, and a high quality led from HF above. I have my desk, the engraver, the paint booth and then my warmer. all very neatly organized.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/51041/E404BA84-F206-4B84-9192-D92B8E9EB064.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1675738345)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/51041/5C23E225-FFB4-4AE5-BFD0-FC848A620DE5.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1675738349)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/51041/09D95710-809A-4A05-9C07-5E2BEFC34927.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1675738453)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/51041/1ABC5609-57DA-4642-A982-0AFD07F0DC85.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1675738470)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/51041/6057396B-094D-4869-A84C-AA5BBAD53A8F.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1675738342)
all in a line along the wall.
not sure how well it shows but here is some detail about the shred HF blower and blast gate, and my air line with regulator. the fan is plugged into a remote power strip. the air and power strip are behind the paint booth. the walnut lever is the remote on off for the air assist gate valve.. there are blast gate to turn on and off the paint booth or vacuum to the laser.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/51041/2F1F7672-3B6B-4FE7-8DF5-73137281F322.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1675738783)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/51041/D83DE8D5-5D46-4A69-AE21-036C72CBFD5B.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1675738797)
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always goes to food.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/51041/8807431D-D77C-4F1F-9C23-F977D12D1410.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1675738896)
the freq. on my vector cutting defaults to 2500, but 500 makes a lot less smoke and char on the edges. lots to experiment with.
doc , I am guessing that is a c02 laser whats the power? My little 5w diode really has given me power envy.
60 W
Ever try anodized aluminum with it?
Quote from: 21incher on February 06, 2023, 09:19:44 PM....... I plan on dumping all the blue lasers this summer to make room for a bigger 100 watt co2.
If you do, I hope you try to 'dump them' here first. Not sure on costing, but I'd like a shot at it too.
yes it is great. I did some tins with anodization and it was sharp. not sure it was alum. I have done powder coated stuff like Yeti style cups ect. also nice.
@Crusarius (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=35059) my air assist is almost as simple as it gets, a small air pump (https://a.co/d/i5YaZU8) for an aquarium, some air line tubing, and some coolant tubing (https://a.co/d/alOSipO) which I used to direct air and the nozzle works really well from that kit too. All for right around 50 bucks. My biggest issue is routing the air line as it tends to hang up along the tracks and disrupt the laser head movement. It'd probably been better to hang air tubing from above but I didn't think of that until right now. I'd be surprised if you didn't have some of any of that stuff sitting around.
the small diameter hose is probably the only thing I am lacking. I am not sure if I can regulate my air supply down far enough without 2 regulators.
I could probably rig something up if I take some time to look around :)
anybody ever try adding something like this for an air assist? says 12kpa outlet pressure which converts to 1.75 psi.
Quote from: Crusarius on February 07, 2023, 10:15:30 AM
anybody ever try adding something like this for an air assist? says 12kpa outlet pressure which converts to 1.75 psi.
For mine I used a 0 to 10 psi regulator with a precision flow control in front of it. Doesn't take much andtoo much pressure can move parts. Now I bought the low pressure laser pumps that are identical to aquarium pumps. I have spare clamp on nozzles for the older modules that you can try.
Here is a painted stainless bottle I did with the xtool
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34694/20230207_124012.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1675791943)
Painted and anodized aluminum comes out beautiful.
Quote from: Old Greenhorn on February 06, 2023, 10:39:33 PM
Quote from: 21incher on February 06, 2023, 09:19:44 PM....... I plan on dumping all the blue lasers this summer to make room for a bigger 100 watt co2.
If you do, I hope you try to 'dump them' here first. Not sure on costing, but I'd like a shot at it too.
I really am scared to send you down this rabbit hole 🐇. It can waste lots of time to reach the burrow. Lightburn has a free demo period to try their software and learn to use it. You may want to take a peek and load it on your shop computer to get an idea of what's involved with the grbl machines.
I use lightburn exclusively now that I have purchased it. Great program, better than anything else I have used for the laser. I wish they would make a program that would run a cnc.
My wife was looking for one of those hair thingys and couldn't believe how expensive the leather ones were. Took a chopstick from the kitchen drawer and went down in my shop. About 1/2 hour later gave her this. Quicker then Amazon delivery and custom made from real leather. She loves it. Now she wants me to buy some different color leather sheets to make more.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34694/20230301_081547.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1677677013)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34694/20230301_081713.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1677677014)
looks great 21, and now my wife wants a few herself and to give as custom gifts. do you mind sharing dimensions and thickness. I can go get one as well. I will give that a try.
Quote from: doc henderson on March 01, 2023, 08:42:57 AM
looks great 21, and now my wife wants a few herself and to give as custom gifts. do you mind sharing dimensions and thickness. I can go get one as well. I will give that a try.
Sent you a pm
Thanks Ed.
Those are beautiful 21!
Tried my first glassware on the Co2 and what a difference over the blue diodes. Nice frosted finish without chunks shattered out
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34694/20230306_161525.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1678142787)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34694/20230306_161537.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1678142787)
did you use and cermark or anything?
Quote from: Crusarius on March 06, 2023, 07:50:04 PM
did you use and cermark or anything?
Not yet. I have been waiting for it to warm up so I can spray it outside. Probably be a couple weeks. It seems to have hazardous fumes.
I think it is water based clay, that turns to glass when heated by the laser. it is good for ceramic or metal. i can be used on glass. the unheated base washes off with water.
A batch of slate coasters to go with the glasses.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34694/20230324_082456.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1679661318)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34694/20230324_082555.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1679661312)
Then my wife is making sister dolls and I got the job to make miniature eyeglasses and sunglasses from acrylic using the laser and my hot wire bender.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34694/20230324_082505.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1679661315)<br
>
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34694/20230324_082514.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1679661315)
Lasers are addictive.
I love the glasses. that really sets those apart from everyone else. Nice job.
very nice idea. love the dolls. they look great and the glasses and glasses.
Quote from: doc henderson on March 24, 2023, 10:33:42 AM
very nice idea. love the dolls. they look great and the glasses and glasses.
Quote from: Crusarius on March 24, 2023, 10:01:06 AM
I love the glasses. that really sets those apart from everyone else. Nice job.
Thanks. My wife made the first doll and it didn't look right to me without her glasses and no way to stand it up to display. Went down in the shop and designed a simple walnut stand and a feature that was easy to crochet into the body to hold them up. Next I did a quick prototype of glasses to try on hamlet
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34694/20230324_125805.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1679678603)
She liked them and wanted the bigger ones made. I had no large sheets of cast colored acrylic to cut them from and she said order some and I will pay for it. Well that was an open statement so I took advantage and ordered a (20) 12 x 12 sheet colored cast assortment. She was a little surprised when I told her she owed me $150.00 for the 2 pair of glasses 😲. Only take a couple seconds to cut and easy to modify. Working on some Mr potato head type parts to look like Easter bunnies with some of the extra sheets for the grandkids. What a rabbit hole these lasers send you down.
Well this isn't done with a laser but it's just as much fun. Started to play with sublimination to eventually bring color into my lazered parts. Started by converting an EcoTank printer with different ink and then the fun Started
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34694/20230406_200903.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1680826853)
Then I print the artwork on a special paper
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34694/20230406_195811.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1680826854)
Once it's printed I use my HTV heat presses to apply. The heat converts the ink to a gas that fuses to certain surfaces. Polyester works best.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34694/20230406_195405.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1680826858)
This is the final product. Wish the photos didn't lose sharpness when uploaded here. An aluminum business card that started out white. I use uv stabil ink so they shouldn't fade. Was able to use a wood grain background but it could be anything. Also works on fabrics and special blanks
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34694/20230406_195559.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1680826858)
This is a mouse pad made from one of my garden photos. Just amazing how easy it is to add photos to items. Working on adding a layer of polyester to wood blanks so I can add photos and then cut color jigsaw puzzles. Another fun rabbit hole. And yes my wife told me I had a spelling error after making 16 cards. Next time I will have her proof read first. Brain fog is a terrible thing.
New toy. 55 watt Co2 with a power feeder. Can make signs up to about 20 inches x 10 ft with the rollers I have. Mostly for thinner stock and plywood up to 14mm thick. Can also map out and engrave 3d parts.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34694/IMG_5093.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1688323554)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34694/IMG_5066.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1688323557)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34694/IMG_5094.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1688323562)
This one is my first test at 60" x 11". With the cost of plywood have to learn on smaller ones. Found multiply European poplar plywood that is equivalent of baltic birch but softer. Just have to make a walnut frame for it next.
Question for you laser engravers. I will be making a keepsake box out of walnut. The lady I am making it for has a friend with a laser engraver. I am planning on giving her the top before the box is assembled. I also thought I would include a practice piece of the same size. My question is, I plan on using a piece of curly walnut for the top, does the practice piece need to be curly walnut as well? Or to put it another way, does straight grain walnut engrave differently than curly walnut?
Doug in SW IA
the co2 laser uses gray scale for pictures, and for text it depends on the settings. the color change depends on how hot or deep the laser burns. there is contrast and a range of "brown" that is used to make a picture/photo with a wide range. Walnut is already dark brown so there is a limited range of color density in the dark brown range. so a photo would not work well on walnut. I have made one plaque with a very complex grain and even text can be hard to read. I worked on using colored wax to make it easier to read. you almost have to get the light just right to read it. on straight grained walnut it is easier as the background is more uniform do the texture of the text show better. but is still all very dark. If you make the top thicker than needed, you can engrave a practice burn and then plane or sand it off and re- engrave the final product. do you have a pic of the top? I will try to get photos of the two samples I am seeing in my mind for you later.
final answer, make the practice piece the same type wood, or the actual piece if it is not done yet.
Exact samples are best. Like Doc, I will sometimes start with a thicker part and if not happy with the first result will run it through the thickness sander and try again. If it is good I will remove stock from the backside. A lot will depend on the artwork file and the experience the laser guy has at pre editing files to be optimum for lasers. Text files are simple but pictures are a challenge on dark woods. Also the laser he uses will make a difference. I find my Diode lasers have better results on walnut then my co2 machines. The diodes burn cooler and darker where the co2 burn deeper and lighter. I have seen fiber lasers do amazing work on dark woods but have not tried one yet. I would actually talk to the laser guy and work through the details with him because there are many games you can play for a special piece but it may take a couple samples to get your approval. Straight grain gives a more uniform engraving result on most lasers. Curly done right is amazing.
This is done using a 5 watt diode laser. If you look closely the darkness / color changes at the different grains and densities. Once you find a happy medium it actually engraves really well with the diode laser. I do not have any experience with CO2 other than what 21 already mentioned.
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bridge we rebuilt in Colorado from 20 feet to 36 feet with approaches at each end color photo
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same pic on soft maple.
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plaque on fairly straight grained walnut.
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wilder grain live edge walnut with a saying for my wife who is a runner, with gold rub-n-buff in the engraving to highlight it. could barely read it without straining and moving to get the light just right without the rub-n-buff. I will remake it as she loves it and I do not like it with the rub-n-buff either as it was rough wood and it was taken up there also. available online or at arts and craft stores.
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couple of pics of one of our vets getting ready for a reunion in October. ERC and soft maple. same pic. note the grain coming through. it can add such as the wild grain as part of the water or the knots in the cedar not adding to the pic but showing the rustic nature of the piece. @gspren (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=17800)
Trying to imitate mother nature and make fossils. Pretty cool to be able to map irregular surfaces and have the laser engrave them. Lots of stones in the back yard to practice on 😉.
xTool P2 Rocks. Mapping And Engraving Curved Surfaces Making Fossil And Garden Stones - YouTube (https://youtu.be/xfJMei1NAi8)
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Neighbor girl Lin wants to do graphic design, so i had her come help make about 30 charcuterie boards.
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proud recipient in the cath lab. Chief of Staff is a 6 year term. pre, cos, post are 2 years each. you deal with any problems with the Providers at your site. I am now COS.
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an ED doc on his way to an annual fishing trip with buddies. topographical map of the area of the Platte River. he taught wilderness survival in the Airforce, a lifetime or so ago.
Made a fun little stacked acrylic Gnome decoration for my wife
xTool P2 Co2 Laser Making A Scary Gnome Pumpkin Plus Big xTool Anniversary Sale Starts 9/20/23 - YouTube (https://youtu.be/l5KJpW0X7RY)
woop woop! very cool and you make it look easy.
working on these for this weekend. getting old. class reunion.
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It's very easy when I just buy the artwork and cut it. These consumer lasers are very easy to use and quick for up to about1/2 inch acrylic. Looking at a split fiber laser for things like coasters and business cards now. They will do a coaster like that in less then 10 seconds and color engraving on stainless. Just too much fun.
Well I just got the latest and greatest diode laser from China and I can't believe how far they have taken the diode lasers. Totally plug and play with AI for photos. Resawed a bunch of cherry, walnut, and ash to get started on x-mas gifts.
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I can't imagine what's next. I bet metal cutting desktop aren't far off.
My second birthday. Got new PF Fliers and my older sister got Buster Browns. I wonder how many here have even heard of them.
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Got some nice 3d texture on Baltic Birch.
Heard a lot about Buster Browns. Radio ads often.
The local shoe store that sold them also sold Poll Parrot shoes.
21 that looks great!
Starting to think about Christmas. Just have to figure out how to paint them. Playing with the kids paint pens. 3 layers now but thinking about a fourth
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Well added another layer to give a little more depth 12mm and now thinking about thin acrylic faces with little snow flakes if there is time. First style ready , 8 more slightly different to come. Then make a bunch.
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All done and ready to go. Here's a pic of the 9 different versions
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And here they all are
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My boxes arrived from Amazon and packing them up. Have to print up some nice labels for each box next.
On to the next batch of gifts.
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It's beginning to feela lot like Christmas :christmas:
Made some acrylic Easter Bunny gifts. Surrounded by the Easter animals my wife crocheted
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21 the labels sound nice. I often will engrave on the box at low power. for coasters that are all the same, i print a copy of the coaster image on the box.
those look great. the cutting and assembly is not something I have done. are they assembled with super glue?
another plaque. Or radiologist is going to do tele-rad so she can be home more. One of her sons had leukemia, and survived it, but now has liver failure. May need a transplant.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/51041/IMG_8321.jpeg) (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=353668)