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Laser engraver question (Read 1,548 times)
 
Ed Weber
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Re: Laser engraver question
Reply #15 - Feb 22nd, 2023 at 5:43pm
 
Okay, here's a couple of examples.
Both of these "failed" in one way or another, thus is the learning curve.
First the unit is in a common position, piece to be engraved directly below it. Nothing more than a simple tripod setup.
As you can see, it did not burn deep enough (a matter of settings) or evenly enough (the grain is quite shiny where it didn't want to burn)
So, adjusting the amount of power output, the depth and number of passes is done in the app but it will need adjusting for different species of wood. Lots of trial and error to build a database of common settings.
Second, I left the unit on the tripod and simply set it on the lathe. I could have taken the chuck off the lathe and engraved on the bench but I was illustration the portability function of this unit.
This is a willow bowl I had sitting around, so I though it might be a good candidate. Logo is 1.25" wide on this
On this one, I burnt a bit too deep for my liking but it came out okay, not the best. I'm sure I could sand it back a little it I was to sell it. I also know the logo is not centered perfectly (human error).

I'll try to include a piece of hard wood in the next photos, they hold detail better as you might expect.
This can also be used off the tripod, there is a flat area on the bottom.
I will do my best to get some video shot of it working soon.
Questions are always welcome.
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Ed Weber
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Re: Laser engraver question
Reply #16 - Feb 22nd, 2023 at 7:09pm
 
A couple more photos for today, shop getting too smokey.
First one is of course too light.
Second came out good.
A simple matter of adjusting the settings.
As you can see, the maple takes a higher level of detail. These were burnt at 2" wide.
Working on a quick & dirty video so you can see it in action, it was of the first (lighter) image.
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Chris Brock
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Re: Laser engraver question
Reply #17 - Feb 22nd, 2023 at 7:37pm
 
Thanks for posting these Ed, I look forward to the video.
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Ed Weber
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Re: Laser engraver question
Reply #18 - Feb 22nd, 2023 at 9:13pm
 
This may very well bore you to tears but this is how it burns.
It's cool to watch for a moment but the novelty wears off quick. This is real time (5 minutes) so please feel free to fast forward
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Chris Brock
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Re: Laser engraver question
Reply #19 - Feb 23rd, 2023 at 9:36am
 
Well, it's not as bad as watching clear coat dry, at least the first time. But it is cool that first time!
Thanks Ed.
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Ed Weber
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Re: Laser engraver question
Reply #20 - Feb 23rd, 2023 at 10:29am
 
The most difficult thing is to get the settings correct for the wood you're using, take notes. Think of it like a finish, test it on a scrap piece first.
Taking these photos i found a good setting for maple and a not so good one for willow.
These little things are easy to use. You need a tablet or smart phone for the app that runs it but it's pretty straight forward.
Make sure it's stable, don't bump the table or bench once it's running this will compromise the clarity of the burn.
I have some completed projects that I may now go back and label, once I'm satisfied with the settings.

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Glenn Jacobs
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Re: Laser engraver question
Reply #21 - Feb 23rd, 2023 at 12:38pm
 
It's a lot faster than watching 3D printing.   Cheesy Cheesy Grin

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Ed Weber
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Re: Laser engraver question
Reply #22 - Feb 23rd, 2023 at 1:22pm
 
I have a safe setup area, where no one or nothing can interfere with it while it's working.
I often set it and go do something else. The timer lets me know how long each burn will take.

I know I'm not supposed to leave things unattended but there is no point in sitting there watching (with proper eye protection) paint dry.
I usually get it started enough to see if it's going to be viable, if not I cancel it and make necessary adjustments. If all is well, I make better use of my time.

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Re: Laser engraver question
Reply #23 - Feb 25th, 2023 at 10:07am
 
Ed, how long did it take to burn in logo?

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Ed Weber
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Re: Laser engraver question
Reply #24 - Feb 25th, 2023 at 11:13am
 
Honestly, i don't have an exact time but about 5 minutes for a large one.
It does depend on many of the settings, power, depth number of passes and resolution.
Again, this is where the trial and error comes in.
I just did a few yesterday on Redwood, that all came out well but they were basic lettering and plain logo.
For my logo, I need to experiment to maintain the bark texture without getting a burnt area. I need to try a lighter burn and more passes to try and maintain the finer detail, especially as it gets smaller.
I will time and post the next one if there is interest
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Glenn Roberts
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Re: Laser engraver question
Reply #25 - Feb 25th, 2023 at 11:20am
 
To prevent the shop from laser smoke, I do the lasering under  a fume hood. Works perfectly.
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Ed Weber
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Re: Laser engraver question
Reply #26 - Feb 25th, 2023 at 1:58pm
 
I don't have one yet, I didn't realize how stinky it would be indoors.
I usually do it outside but it's something anyone using a laser engraver should consider.
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Walt Nollan
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Re: Laser engraver question
Reply #27 - Feb 25th, 2023 at 6:25pm
 
I’m not familiar with that laser, I have the X Tool D1 Pro.  What I’ve learned so far is to practice with the settings on each material you are cutting or etching.  They have these files that have power and speed setting’s from almost nothing to maxed out so you can choose what effect you want before committing precious resources to the laser.  You can make these files yourself as well.
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Don Stephan
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Re: Laser engraver question
Reply #28 - Feb 26th, 2023 at 6:51pm
 
Years ago a customer wanted a company name on an ash magazine rack.  Because of the differences in early and late season growth rings the result was uneven.  On an earlier small mahogany project the result was extremely even.  I'll happily stick with the much less expensive and simplier pyrography pen with a small ball tip.  Still leaves uneven burn on some woods like ash and oak and that is okay, I hope to show off what nature made - the wood - rather than a laser' work.  Sorry.
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Ed Weber
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Re: Laser engraver question
Reply #29 - Feb 27th, 2023 at 10:59am
 
I agree, any embellishment on natural wood should be used tastefully. Meaning don't detract from the wood, only add to in order to enhance where you can.
I bought mine primarily for labeling my work. It's a small unit and really not suited for much more anyway.
ON the other hand, if someone want s that sort of treatment and I can provide it for them, I'll probably do it, after a few words of caution.
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