My laser cut pumpkin

[Robert Silvers]

100% power and 1mm/sec worked on most of it. The corners of the eyes were it was more out of focus did not break completely through, but almost. I looked for as flat a face as I could and then only cut about 90mm wide. I also focused a bit below the surface.

http://imageshack.com/scaled/1024x768/194/2yga.jpg

[Walt Langhans]

And now I have a new project... Thanks!

[Bruce Volden]

It's teeth is what I see in the mirror most mornings ;>)

Bruce

[David Somers]

Robert.

Am curious to see if burning a pumpkin holds up better over time than cutting one? Let us know? Pretty fun either way! Have you tried just engraving to get translucent sections as well as burning through?

Dave

[Robert Silvers]

No but I would guess engraving would just scorch it black.

[Joe Pelonio]

Yes, it does, then if you make a second pass the scorch is removed and the yellowish orange doesn't leave enough contrast. Using vector clipart, you can cut the outlines and get a decent image like this one I did yesterday. Found a fairly small pumpkin that fit nicely into the laser. I'm keeping it in the fridge until the 31st, not sure how quickly it would mold after being "cooked".

[Chuck Stone]

You can dip the pumpkin in melted wax to extend the shelf life..
And if you're crafty, you can figure out a way to wax only the
inside and not the outside. (the shell will hold up OK if the insides
are protected) Maybe roll it around the insides, let it pour out the
cut areas.. nice coat of shellac on the shell...

I've been trying to find a way to cut those Funkins .. the foam pumpkins.
Take a stencil graphic and vector cut .. but depth of field is a killer!

[Bruce Clumpner]

You can dip the pumpkin in melted wax to extend the shelf life..
And if you're crafty, you can figure out a way to wax only the
inside and not the outside. (the shell will hold up OK if the insides
are protected) Maybe roll it around the insides, let it pour out the
cut areas.. nice coat of shellac on the shell...

I've been trying to find a way to cut those Funkins .. the foam pumpkins.
Take a stencil graphic and vector cut .. but depth of field is a killer!

I read in one of the current home craft magazines to wash the finished pumpkin in bleach, it said it extended the life of the thing a couple of weeks?

[David Somers]

Chuck,

I thought the foam in Funkins was urethane based? Funkin gases being released....? (sorry....couldn't resist that. Not enough coffee yet this morning.) Just curious. I don't have access to one here so I have no idea what they are made of, but thought they were a urethane extruded foam.

Dave

[Chuck Stone]

it's a low density polyurethane foam. I cut it with no problem..
it isn't PVC (which you would need to worry about)