I boughts me a Laser Engraver. Now wadda I do?

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Larry Peterson

Larry Peterson

SPFG, Supreme Picture Framing God
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Apr 8, 2003
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Wilkes-Barre, PA
In a moment of temporary insanity..........................or not, I bought a Laser Engraver. https://www.newegg.com/p/288-00EY-00001?Item=9SIANRBH890182 SCULPFUN S9 Laser Engraving Machine Ultra-thin Laser Beam Shaping Technology High-precision Wood Acrylic Laser Engraver Cutting Machine Full Metal Structure Quick Assembly Design 410x420mm - Newegg.com

I have no idea of what I am going to use it for, just needed another toy. I can hear the other toyer's catching up to me. I have it setup and am starting to learn a bit about it. After a bit of research I am going to learn the LaserGRBL software to use with it and see how it goes. https://lasergrbl.com/ LaserGRBL – Free Laser Engraving

I've ordered some Anodized Aluminum blanks and some Basswood blanks. Will also use scraps of acrylic of which I have zillions of pieces lying around the shop.

Now what to use it for. Any suggestions of anything framing related that I might delve into?

ANRBS211215AOgJ6.jpg
 
I think Bob Carter has a business utilizing laser engraving.
 
I have been considering one. I believe they can be used for metal plates for framing, if the laser is strong enough.

A vendor asked me to test one and I said no thanks. I regret that now! hah
 
Check out FB Group A Frame Odyssey-Micah Paul Creative
Amazing the stuff he designs and builds using laser cut acrylic.
An example of one of his LE readymade frames:
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And a detail of one of his custom frames. Each frame can have thousands of pieces.
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Here's the rabbit hole...
www.micahpaulcreative.com

Micah Paul Creative | Innovative Custom Framing

www.micahpaulcreative.com www.micahpaulcreative.com
 
His stuff is jawdroppingly cool. Dave Wettwrstroem at Framemakers of Powell has one, and he makes nice engraved wood clocks with it, among other things. I got one from him for my brother-in-law of his 1948 Beechcraft Bonanza plane.
:cool: Rick
 
Micah is extremely creative. Love his stuff!
 
Too many rabbit holes. Rather than checking out designing my own carp, I see that there is tons of available stuffs out there to check out. Where is Alice when I need her?

alices-life-went-downhill
 
Mary Beth,

Those cut mats are great. Do you have any links for them?

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Edit: Google Image Search did find the entire frames for sale. but nothing for just the mat files.
 
Larry Peterson said:
Mary Beth,

Those cut mats are great. Do you have any links for them?

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No, unfortunately I don't. The first one looks just like one we sold at ACMoore. We'd get a whole endcap, very limited quantities and I remember them selling out FAST every year. All cheap, made in China, 1/3 would be broken out of the box. BUT IF YOU DID IT WITH A BETTER FRAME.... I think you could sell the crap out of them, even as similar readymade tabletop frames. I liked that with the intricate wood mats, you can space them apart and they wont bow as bad as matboard equivalents. Google "paper shadowbox SVG" and you will be well inspired, and hopefully find some files you can use that papercrafters have already done, because the cut paper shadowboxes are a big thing in the Cricut crafters circles.
 
Mary Beth van der Horst said:
No, unfortunately I don't. The first one looks just like one we sold at ACMoore. We'd get a whole endcap, very limited quantities and I remember them selling out FAST every year. All cheap, made in China, 1/3 would be broken out of the box. BUT IF YOU DID IT WITH A BETTER FRAME.... I think you could sell the crap out of them, even as similar readymade tabletop frames. I liked that with the intricate wood mats, you can space them apart and they wont bow as bad as matboard equivalents. Google "paper shadowbox SVG" and you will be well inspired, and hopefully find some files you can use that papercrafters have already done, because the cut paper shadowboxes are a big thing in the Cricut crafters circles.
Click to expand...
More rabbit holes, thank you very much. :p

I like some of the Shadowboxes like this one:

If I can figure out decent backlighting, I may try some out.

il_1588xN.4168508335_gikb.jpg
 
Oh I like that shadowbox too! I wish I had a pic of some of the diamond dots I lit up for customers, because the same technique could work for a shadowbox like that. We used those cheap short strands of fairy lights that have about 20-50 bulbs, tactically pick where we wanted stars to be, poked holes, and snaked the strand around the back, taping each light to a hole so it would shine through and twinkle. Same concept as the LED canvases that sold like hotcakes. Of course a canvas is transparent enough that a light could shine through, but not a diamond dot after I stickyboarded it, thus the need for holes. Lasercut panels would similarly be too opaque to shine through(unless acrylic), but putting lights tucked down behind a spaced panel would certainly give a cool backglow as well! You could also get the LED striplights and experiment with them running the full perimeter of the frame, or on one edge like the top for a "toplighting" situation?
 
we occasionally contract our acrylic fabricator to do some laser cuts for us, both in acrylic and sometimes in matboard. He did the lettering in the fleetwood mac guitar shadowbox i did a few years ago, as well as a few others. I've been wanting one for awhile, but don't know where I'd put it.
 
Hey Larry-a high level skill of Corel-type programming is really needed. If you are capable of recreating those designs on your CMC, then you are on your way. On a more basic level engraving on mat boards with personalizations on things like weddings, etc is a great first step. Personalization is a huge easy money add on. While it does plaques easily, not sure outsourcing isn't a smarter path unless you will do a bunch
Your laser is pretty small limiting your options. We looked at your model to use at craft shows because of it's size and noise but were a little spoiled with our behemoth now but it's a real beginner's low cost entry way to seeif you like it
We just set up our Shark HD520 CNC and that learning curve is as daunting as what you are facing. https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=shark+hd520&view=detail&mid=201F3DA9280A2C3F228A201F3DA9280A2C3F228A&FORM=VIRE shark hd520 - Bing video
Of course I am extremely technologically challenged making the task even more difficult.
The bad news is that it will cut into your Judge Judy time
 
Bob Carter said:
Hey Larry-a high level skill of Corel-type programming is really needed. If you are capable of recreating those designs on your CMC, then you are on your way. On a more basic level engraving on mat boards with personalizations on things like weddings, etc is a great first step. Personalization is a huge easy money add on. While it does plaques easily, not sure outsourcing isn't a smarter path unless you will do a bunch
Your laser is pretty small limiting your options. We looked at your model to use at craft shows because of it's size and noise but were a little spoiled with our behemoth now but it's a real beginner's low cost entry way to seeif you like it
We just set up our Shark HD520 CNC and that learning curve is as daunting as what you are facing. https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=shark+hd520&view=detail&mid=201F3DA9280A2C3F228A201F3DA9280A2C3F228A&FORM=VIRE shark hd520 - Bing video
Of course I am extremely technologically challenged making the task even more difficult.
The bad news is that it will cut into your Judge Judy time
Click to expand...
Judy, smudy. We don't need no Judge Judy. This an entry level attempt to check out the technology. Maybe I won't do anything with it but it will be fun to check it out at a small price.
 
Is it a CUTTER or an ENGRAVER???

...or both?
 
COOL!!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
 
Larry Peterson said:
This an entry level attempt to check out the technology.
Click to expand...
that's exactly what you have and the price is really low.
The difference between engravings and actually cutting through a material is a function of power setting and run time. Cutting through a material 1/2in thick might be a marathon of judge Judy's :p :p
Have some fun with it but some of those designs in the shadow box frames might be better suited for a cutter
Hint: start out with scrap matboard to experiment
 
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There seems to be a lot of potential. The machines have come way down in price and have gone from 5w to 10w and even 20w for the low cost ones.
 
Mike-the Chinese have really created a great line of hobbyist-level machines at great prices. I would recommend viewing some Youtube videos on out-of-the-box set up and assembly. This thread ought to be a journal for Larry to share his experiences
We got into the biz because I was hired by Universal Laser in Scottsdale to help in Marketing to non-traditional users and gave me one to learn the applications. They provided a ton of training and resources that these Chinese simply do not offer.
Imagine that Wizard shows up in a box and you're on your own
I think Larry's approach, for the price, is a good path
May I suggest when it comes to price, you often get what you pay for.
Back in the day when we had our stores, we offered personalization items like this. It set us apart and personalization takes price resistance down a notch or two
Bottom line: for $300 what have you got to lose?
 

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Bob Carter said:
Mike-the Chinese have really created a great line of hobbyist-level machines at great prices. I would recommend viewing some Youtube videos on out-of-the-box set up and assembly. This thread ought to be a journal for Larry to share his experiences
We got into the biz because I was hired by Universal Laser in Scottsdale to help in Marketing to non-traditional users and gave me one to learn the applications. They provided a ton of training and resources that these Chinese simply do not offer.
Imagine that Wizard shows up in a box and you're on your own
I think Larry's approach, for the price, is a good path
May I suggest when it comes to price, you often get what you pay for.
Back in the day when we had our stores, we offered personalization items like this. It set us apart and personalization takes price resistance down a notch or two
Bottom line: for $300 what have you got to lose?
Click to expand...
Do you know how many Watts the lasers are in the Commercial units that you have?

This is probably where the commercial ones shine.

I'll have to pick up one of the machines and give it a try myself too.
 
Just replaced my 50w for just under $2000
did I mention for $300 what do you have to lose?
With your tech-savvy nature i'm sure it will be no hill for a stepper
For me, it still is Mt Everest
 
I think that my initial approach will be more on using the machine to do things fro other's designs rather than learning the engraving software which seems to have a steep learning curve.

There are zillions of engraving files out there. Take a look at some from Etsy at https://www.etsy.com/search?q=laser+svg+files Laser svg files - Etsy

il_1588xN.3083313131_tfpu.jpg



Supplies are not too expensive either. I have ordered some some initial supplies including basswood blanks, Black aluminum anodized business cards and metal engraving sheets. That ought to get me started. For an idea of all the supplies out there take a look at https://www.amazon.com/s?k=laser+engraving+blanks&gclid=CjwKCAjwqJSaBhBUEiwAg5W9p4LjhuMJ9nGc2gBzru1hPU9rT9wMsCaWmyE4L6u25PgImVMP-X-TfRoCjRYQAvD_BwE&hvadid=616931429917&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1025406&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=15472356007545644432&hvtargid=kwd-301403068489&hydadcr=24632_13611814&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_30p3i49n4k_b Amazon.com : laser engraving blanks
 
What drives that, Larry? Is it just software on your computer, or is there a controller box like a CMC?
How do you generate the images you tell it to engrave?
:cool: Rick
 
Rick Granick said:
What drives that, Larry? Is it just software on your computer, or is there a controller box like a CMC?
How do you generate the images you tell it to engrave?
:cool: Rick
Click to expand...

About the same as a CMC. USB connection to the PC and driven through a software program. There are lots of them out there but two that seem popular so far are https://lightburnsoftware.com/ LightBurn Software (paid) and https://lasergrbl.com/ LaserGRBL – Free Laser Engraving (free)

You can create your own images with the software but there are literally zillions of files available to buy cheaply. Here is a small sampling: https://www.etsy.com/search?q=laser+engraver+files&explicit=1&is_personalizable=true Laser engraver files - Etsy and more https://www.etsy.com/search?q=svg+files Svg files - Etsy

My biggest problem so far is deciding what to try first. They are cheap. The two bundles below are both under $6. I may eventually try some of the picture frame ones. The last bundle is a whopping $17.99

As for materials, they are available everywhere. Here is a sampling from one store. https://smokeyhilldesigns.com/ Laser Materials, Laser Supplies, and Custom Gifts


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Bob Carter said:
Larry-i would love to see the time required to cut any of those examples on your machine. keep us posted please
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Will do as I move along and get time. Currently printing some test files and setting up software and machine.
 
Shayla said:
What substrates do you engrave in?
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I have purchased 3 types of substrates to play with:

5 x 7 Inch Metal Engraving Sheets​

Amazon product ASIN B09ZNTX1FQ
61vAK+cwmsL._AC_SL1500_.jpg


Thick Black Aluminum Metal Business Cards​

Amazon product ASIN B08JM4YJ13
51aVjcLsJgL._AC_SL1280_.jpg


Fabbay 20 Pieces Basswood Sheets Thin Wood Sheets​

Amazon product ASIN B08YJZDYSN
71CrYt6cWaL._AC_SL1500_.jpg



So far I have just been playing with the basswood sheets.

Here a couple of feeble attempts at printing test files on the basswood.

engraver1.jpg


engraver2.jpg


The first is parts of 3 separate test files. The second is part of a single test file. My results so far are feeble at best but maybe I'll get better once I learn how to use the durn thing.
 
Larry-trial and error for sure. getting that power/speed ratio is critical. Do you have a vacuum system to extract 'burnt' residue? The 'shadow' effect at edges looks like set lower power/faster speeds. You're doing the right thing and test, test, test
the other critical element is to get a good micrometer. The focal point of beam is important
Substrates are A-Z and in between
got our CNC running and now we're doing the same 'experimentation'
Thank goodness Sandy understands this stuff
 
One of our customers had fun engraving on some kind of flat stone.
 
Be very careful with laser engravers. Just looking at the laser cutting can cause permanent damage. Highly recommend buying Thorlabs safety glasses rated for your machine. I try not to look at my machine unless I really need to (and that while wearing the proper glasses)
 
Greg Apprentice said:
Be very careful with laser engravers. Just looking at the laser cutting can cause permanent damage. Highly recommend buying Thorlabs safety glasses rated for your machine. I try not to look at my machine unless I really need to (and that while wearing the proper glasses)
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My laser came with safety glasses.
 
Shayla said:
One of our customers had fun engraving on some kind of flat stone.
Click to expand...
Some friends of ours have a business that includes laser engraving. After staying with us for a few days they sent us a set of coasters made of slate with a fancy "W" burnt onto them.
 
here is a local company we had a relationship with
www.jpplus.com

LaserBits | JPPlus

www.jpplus.com www.jpplus.com
I guess pretty much anything that is in solid form that doesn't eat, breath or measure more 24in we can probably do
 
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Bob Carter said:
Larry-trial and error for sure. getting that power/speed ratio is critical. Do you have a vacuum system to extract 'burnt' residue? The 'shadow' effect at edges looks like set lower power/faster speeds. You're doing the right thing and test, test, test
the other critical element is to get a good micrometer. The focal point of beam is important
Substrates are A-Z and in between
got our CNC running and now we're doing the same 'experimentation'
Thank goodness Sandy understands this stuff
Click to expand...
Bob,

If you don't mind me asking, what kind of CNC did you get? We have been running CNC routers for about 15 years. The one we are running now is about 6 years old and with the constant changing technology I am always interested in what's available in newer more modern equipment.
 
Shark HD520
www.bing.com

shark hd520 - Bing

Intelligent search from Bing makes it easier to quickly find what you’re looking for and rewards you.
www.bing.com www.bing.com
Changing technology? In my case that train left the depot years ago without me:eek:
 
Bob Carter said:
Shark HD520
www.bing.com

shark hd520 - Bing

Intelligent search from Bing makes it easier to quickly find what you’re looking for and rewards you.
www.bing.com www.bing.com
Changing technology? In my case that train left the depot years ago without me:eek:
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Interesting. The material mapping which then adjusts the G-Code is something new. Especially if it makes allowances for material warpage as it claims. The fact that is comes with V-Carve Pro is a huge plus. That alone is currently over $600.00 I believe. It is an extremely good CAD 2.5d design software. It also allows you to cut 3d if you have a design already available. You can also design and create 3d detailed carved round and oval frames with it. There are also quite a large number of clip arts available for 3d carving if you want go down that road.
 
We were outsourcing our initial project to a person with one but moved away. Sandy got some training prior to his moving. When we purchased it, they had a promo that included a free water cooler for spindle. So far we probably have about $6K in it. I will say wood pricing is going up like heating oil in NE. Sure makes experimentation costly.
One step at a time
When i buy equipment I try and spend more to get more. The US service for VCarve has been top notch
We're notch sure where we go next but it looks endless
 
Bob Carter said:
We were outsourcing our initial project to a person with one but moved away. Sandy got some training prior to his moving. When we purchased it, they had a promo that included a free water cooler for spindle. So far we probably have about $6K in it. I will say wood pricing is going up like heating oil in NE. Sure makes experimentation costly.
One step at a time
When i buy equipment I try and spend more to get more. The US service for VCarve has been top notch
We're notch sure where we go next but it looks endless
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Your are correct - it is endless. We have a number of designs and products that are our bread and butter but we also do custom one off projects for hospitaity and decorators and they are always different.
After 15 years I still find myself saying - "Wow - yes we can do that" If you ever want to talk through something or have any questions just send me an email. rick@rianfabrication.com
 
thank you so much and i will keep your info handy
this is pretty much part time/hobby level on etsy. My 'big endeavor' days are waning but enjoy the 'keep the wheels' turning process. This stuff is competition with Judge Judy for my time:)
your offer is the pure essence of The Grumble
 
Either will melt your eyeballs!!! :faintthud:
 
 
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