help - engraving on mother of pearl

[Ian Malings]

has anyone had success engraving on mother of pearl?
any clue for settings on a 45 watt Epilog?

[Bruce Volden]

Ian,

How "thick" is the MOP? I have engraved lots of MOP that I bought as sheet goods (extremely thin) and have had ~ OK~ results. I run, on my machine, 15%power/25% speed 300DPI, 25w CO2. I have had an occasional burn through?(glue joint?). My experience is with the inlaying of MOP, and with these extremely thin sheets I often will double up on them. Also I usually colorfill to accent the engraving. I love working with MOP, Paua...etc.
What is your application? Bruce

[James Stokes]

I engrave true mother of pearl for guitars, With a 30 watt laser I use 100 power 5 ips

[Ian Malings]

MOP is about 2.5mm thick

thx for the tips

i have a small amount of samples to try and i didn't want to screw up!