the gold method" or photograv.

[dermot upton]

Hello, Im researching the the best photo preparation for lasering and came accross a forum that redirected me to Sawmill Creek lasering section. The site mentioned
the 'Gold method' or Photograv. Could someone direct me to a link that explains these? I would like to laser a photo image on to a mirror if its possible. I have had success with some DXF on
mirrors ( backside ) and am curious to know if a decent image can be obtained on a mirror / glass.

Thanks in advance Dermot

[Tony Lenkic]

At top right corner on your screen click on advanced search and search the site for "GOLD METHOD"
There is a number of threads on subject.

BTW, ULS has a "1-Touch laser photo" that you can download 30 day free trial.

[Mike Null]

i believe the concensus is that Photograv is good software--just too expensive. The Gold method works and another place you might try is Mike Clark's Trotec web site. He works some magic with photos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5v9pBVopFU&list=UUvx6lww1xDJWoVTwqRQYW1A&index=13&t=219s

[Gary Hair]

What's more important to you - time or money? If you need to have something done fairly quickly, without as much of a learning curve, then either 1-touch or Photograv would be best. If you have time to experiment and adjust settings, then the Gold Method is the way to go. If I need to get a paying job done then I would buy the appropriate software, if I'm just doing it for myself then I'm usually willing to spend some time vs money.


Hello, Im researching the the best photo preparation for lasering and came accross a forum that redirected me to Sawmill Creek lasering section. The site mentioned
the 'Gold method' or Photograv. Could someone direct me to a link that explains these? I would like to laser a photo image on to a mirror if its possible. I have had success with some DXF on
mirrors ( backside ) and am curious to know if a decent image can be obtained on a mirror / glass.

Thanks in advance Dermot

[Kev Williams]

so now I know what it feels like to get your finger into the path of a full power incident beam!
428521
stings like a mutha for a few seconds!

Got it engraving this stock on the Explorer--
428522
-- I was continually refocusing the face to compensate for the curve, focus stick in my left hand, right finger on the pause-resume button, was stopping and adjusting about every 15 swipes of the gantry. Then the one time I raised my left hand while hitting the resume, but hadn't pulled my hand back yet... Felt just like that hot poker everyone talks about! A tiny poker, but plenty hot!

Anyway, just wanted to point out that 1-Touch is responsible for the photo. It is literally One Touch. All I do is fiddle with the contrast a bit. I don't do many photo's, but it's never failed me yet.

The wood on this stock is about as bad as you can get for engraving a face on, but came out better than I expected!

[Gary Hair]

That stock came out fantastic Kev! The contrast between the very sharp graphics and the more subdued photo give it a very cool effect.

I've only lasered myself once and it was on my fiber. I reached for the part a millisecond before it stopped lasering and caught my fingernail in the beam. No pain at all, just a burn mark where it hit.


so now I know what it feels like to get your finger into the path of a full power incident beam!
428521
stings like a mutha for a few seconds!

Got it engraving this stock on the Explorer--
428522
-- I was continually refocusing the face to compensate for the curve, focus stick in my left hand, right finger on the pause-resume button, was stopping and adjusting about every 15 swipes of the gantry. Then the one time I raised my left hand while hitting the resume, but hadn't pulled my hand back yet... Felt just like that hot poker everyone talks about! A tiny poker, but plenty hot!

Anyway, just wanted to point out that 1-Touch is responsible for the photo. It is literally One Touch. All I do is fiddle with the contrast a bit. I don't do many photo's, but it's never failed me yet.

The wood on this stock is about as bad as you can get for engraving a face on, but came out better than I expected!

[dermot upton]

Hi Tony , I tried to use the search box but it redirects me away from Sawmill Creek. I have read a little about the 1-Touch laser photo but will have to read alot more! Thanks anyway for the info.

[Steve Utick]

Another option is LightBurn Software. They have added a lot of photo processing capabilities into it lately, including halftone support. If you don't have a laser compatible with LightBurn, you can always process the photo there and export to Bitmap as well. 30 day free trial, and only $80 to purchase.

[Kev Williams]

I've only lasered myself once and it was on my fiber. I reached for the part a millisecond before it stopped lasering and caught my fingernail in the beam. No pain at all, just a burn mark where it hit.
This my 4th time :rolleyes: -a reflection off the downhill side of an SS tube blasted my face with heat and left my mustache smoldering (LS900), had a reflection from my Triumph fiber hit my face with heat, my ebay2 fiber engraved my finger, stepped on the foot pedal too soon, and now this one. Don't need no more battle scars! ;)


Hi Tony , I tried to use the search box but it redirects me away from Sawmill Creek. I have read a little about the 1-Touch laser photo but will have to read alot more! Thanks anyway for the info.
just below the search box it says "advanced search", click that one :)
Also, you can download 1-touch and try it out for free, link below, the 'download free trial' button is right in front-
https://www.ulsinc.com/discover-uls-innovations/1-touch-laser-photo

[dermot upton]

Thanks Mike, that youtube link opened up a new world for me.