JDS ceramic mugs - wow!

[Dee Gallo]

I just got my shipment of mugs from JDS and I just had to post this WOW. These are really nice quality mugs, the color is deep and rich plus easy to do! I only did the bottom as a test and even though it is slightly curved, it went fast and easy using their settings.

After doing the bottom, I'm thinking you could engrave the side and handle, go really crazy all over the thing!

For anyone who was wondering, these were only $1.52 each but about $2 total with shipping as they are HEAVY.

So when I drink from this mug, being left-handed, you get to read the advert!

cheers, dee

[Steve Clarkson]

Dee......that came out really nice! I have two of those mugs sitting here waiting for me to engrave.......just haven't decided what yet. What settings did you use?

[Mike Null]

Dee

Even your tests are perfect.

[Dee Gallo]

Steve, I used 35 speed/100 power/600 dpi, on my 35w. Worked perfectly the first time, so I won't be trying any other settings. This stuff engraves clean and white, very nice!

Mike, you are too kind.

dee

[Belinda Barfield]

Looks great, Dee! I really like the idea of engraving on the bottom. I haven't tried these mugs yet so your review of the product is really helpful to me.

[Martin Boekers]

Nice Dee!

I too like the idea of engraving on the bottom.
Great spot to put a favorite quote or to play a joke!

Now if we can convince JDS to make tile with a similar
coating.

Marty

[Jeff Aichinger]

I saw those mugs at the show here in Buffalo Dee. I didn't get a lot of time to talk with Marla about them but I'm very glad to hear that they engraved so easily for you.

I am curious to hear how they wear with use. Does the white stain from coffee or dish washing? Maybe someone who used the square mugs can tell us.

BTW- I like the traditional round mugs MUCH more than I do the square ones that they came out with first. No real reason other than I just don't care for the look of a square coffee cup.

[Dan Hintz]

I'd etch "Time for a refill" on the bottom

[Belinda Barfield]

And I would etch "honey, will you get me another cup of coffee?"

[Scott Shepherd]

Maxwell Smart would have a field day with your mug, Dee! He's constantly be showing people the bottom while dumping the coffee out on himself

Would you believe it, 100 armed men surround this place right now, 100 men, would you believe it? No.....would you believe 50 men?

[matt heinzel]

How about 2 Boy Scouts and and a row boat?

Dee I know this might be a stupid question, but how do you focus on the bottom of the mug? We have a 2" focal length so the carriage would just be hitting the mug.

[Dee Gallo]

How about 2 Boy Scouts and and a row boat?

Dee I know this might be a stupid question, but how do you focus on the bottom of the mug? We have a 2" focal length so the carriage would just be hitting the mug.

Not a stupid question, Matt. The mug measures 3 3/4" high, so with my 4" or so clearance, it makes it. I had taken the metal table out to cut a cardboard placement template first, so I just left that off and it give me a little more room. Focus was as normal, manually.

dee

[Dee Gallo]

I saw those mugs at the show here in Buffalo Dee. I didn't get a lot of time to talk with Marla about them but I'm very glad to hear that they engraved so easily for you.

I am curious to hear how they wear with use. Does the white stain from coffee or dish washing? Maybe someone who used the square mugs can tell us.

BTW- I like the traditional round mugs MUCH more than I do the square ones that they came out with first. No real reason other than I just don't care for the look of a square coffee cup.

Yes, Jeff, I like the round ones too - I wouldn't buy the square ones, they are just too ugly. After I figure out what I want to do with my test mug, I'll put it through the dishwasher and let you know what happens. I suspect it will be okay, since these appear to be good quality.

cheers, dee

[Scott Shepherd]

Dee I know this might be a stupid question, but how do you focus on the bottom of the mug? We have a 2" focal length so the carriage would just be hitting the mug.

Matt, it's on the bottom, outside, not the bottom inside.

[Dee Gallo]

Yes, Matt, it's on the outside bottom, not the inside...

So folks, I solved a few problems after my test mug which might come in useful to anyone trying this in the future.

First, fixed the left handed-right handed thing: see picture. But, I did not have the handle exactly on my mark (duh, why make a mark...) so it is not perfectly centered, but hey I'm still in R&D.

Second, make sure you place your artwork at the top of the page, so the carriage does not have to move far to start. Then make sure your red dot is where you want the design to start on the mug (top of page=far right side of design). This assures placement.

Third, my first test mug slipped out of the rotary clip shortly after it started engraving the side... I found that you can push it in so it's a hairline away from the bumper and still have room for the handle to rotate. I had it too far out the first time, worried about the handle hitting. But the mug rotated smoothly after that. You need to remove the outer drive wheels or it won't fit the handles.

Fourth, I put some black coffee in the depression on the bottom of the mug where I engraved it and let it sit for 1/2 hour. It washed right off, even though it looked like it was going to tint the white parts. Yay! I think with normal use it will be fine.

Last, I recommend focusing before you put the template down because moving it afterwards got my mug slightly off center. The focus area is too far to the edge to keep the mug in the template.

Have fun, dee