A customer brought me a slab of ivory .105" thick and asked if I could engrave it and then cut it into a shape for him, is this possible with a 60 watt laser or should I dust off the scroll saw?
[OP]
Member
A customer brought me a slab of ivory .105" thick and asked if I could engrave it and then cut it into a shape for him, is this possible with a 60 watt laser or should I dust off the scroll saw?
Some people go their whole life wondering if they made a difference in the world, Marines don't have that problem.(R. Reagan)
Epilog Helix 60 watt laser
Corel Draw X5
EngraveLab 8
Expect the stink of burnt hairIt actually engraves quite well, especially with the larger power cartridges like what you have. Cutting may present a bit more of a problem, though I'd be willing to try for a 100mil piece... at worst, engrave on the laser and cut with the saw.
Hi-Tec Designs, LLC -- Owner (and self-proclaimed LED guru
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[OP]
Member
I took a shot at it, looked good until I had it on the buffer. Hope the guy has a sense of humor.
Some people go their whole life wondering if they made a difference in the world, Marines don't have that problem.(R. Reagan)
Epilog Helix 60 watt laser
Corel Draw X5
EngraveLab 8
Moderator
Haven't done it but I would use several passes for cutting just to avoid the risk of overheating and expansion breaking it.
Mike Null
St. Louis Laser, Inc.
Trotec Speedy 300, 80 watt
Gravograph IS400
Woodworking shop CLTT and Laser Sublimation
Dye Sublimation
CorelDraw X5, X7
[OP]
Member
I pulled a piece out of my stash and redid it with mine and it came out much better. My stuff was thicker and his already had a crack running through it. He should be happy with the results. The slice I used was .165 thick. Cut it at 4 speed and 60 power with a 140 freq. This is all just learning for me still.
Some people go their whole life wondering if they made a difference in the world, Marines don't have that problem.(R. Reagan)
Epilog Helix 60 watt laser
Corel Draw X5
EngraveLab 8
Moderator
Neil
Good info. Got a picture?
Mike Null
St. Louis Laser, Inc.
Trotec Speedy 300, 80 watt
Gravograph IS400
Woodworking shop CLTT and Laser Sublimation
Dye Sublimation
CorelDraw X5, X7
[OP]
Member
The first shot is all 3 attempts. The second shot is using 20 speed, 50 power and 140freq, took 3 passes to go through. Third shot was done with 4 speed, 70 power, 140 freq and went through with one pass but the crack was too much for the buffer and would have failed later anyways. The fourth is a bit thicker and was cut with 4 speed, 70 power, and 140freq and was buffed out to give it a bit of shine. The customer wanted it to look old and natural not new and polished flat, so I think leaving the tooling marks on it should give that effect.
IMG_6063.JPGAttachment 195629Attachment 195628Attachment 195627
Some people go their whole life wondering if they made a difference in the world, Marines don't have that problem.(R. Reagan)
Epilog Helix 60 watt laser
Corel Draw X5
EngraveLab 8
Moderator
The engraving is very nice but I would have drilled the holes.
If you want to play around try outlining the font and removing the fill. Then use India ink to fill the fine lines like scrimshaw.
Last edited by Mike Null; 05-24-2011 at 1:08 PM.
Mike Null
St. Louis Laser, Inc.
Trotec Speedy 300, 80 watt
Gravograph IS400
Woodworking shop CLTT and Laser Sublimation
Dye Sublimation
CorelDraw X5, X7
[OP]
Member
Think you're right about the holes. I will give it a try again tomorrow.
Some people go their whole life wondering if they made a difference in the world, Marines don't have that problem.(R. Reagan)
Epilog Helix 60 watt laser
Corel Draw X5
EngraveLab 8
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