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Laser engraving query

M

Margo

Full Member
Joined
May 25, 2020
Posts
73
Location
England
First Name
Margo
Hi,

We've just invested in a little laser engraver.
My query is, when in the pen-making process is it best to do the engraving?

Would the finish be spoilt by the heat?

Thanks in advance
Margo
 
M

Margo

Full Member
Joined
May 25, 2020
Posts
73
Location
England
First Name
Margo
Which means I can't engrave anything already made.

What about sanding sealer - before or after?

That's a shame.
 
flexi

flexi

Executive Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2014
Posts
6,457
Location
Maidstone
First Name
mark
The last pens I had engraved ( by Scott Walker) were pre finished blanks 5 coats of melamine lacquer. He just engraved them....I filled the engraving...spun them up and added two further coats. Others I have done before finishing too.....sorry if this doesn't help:funny:
I suppose what I'm trying to say is....it can be done both ways:thumbs:
 
M

Margo

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May 25, 2020
Posts
73
Location
England
First Name
Margo
Thanks Flexi, that's helpful to know.
I was concerned about causing the new machine damage, or fires!
I'll have a play...
 
Phil Dart

Phil Dart

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Nov 28, 2014
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Colebrooke, Devon
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Phil
In my experience, if engraved after finishing, you always need to do a wee bit of remedial work to tidy it up. Most finishes will "micro bubble up" at the edges of the engraving due to the heat. It's only tiny damage and fairly easy to deal with - fine abrasive and perhaps another coat of finish, but I've never been able to send out a pre-finished pen directly straight after laserwork without at least a little bit of touching up.
 
D

Druthman

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Oct 1, 2019
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Redruth, Cornwall
First Name
Neil
I’ve done quite a few and I always give the wood one coat of thin CA then engrave it before finishing with several coats of CA and polishing, it has always worked for me.
 
Pierre

Pierre

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Joined
Sep 2, 2015
Posts
1,022
Location
Southern Central France
First Name
Pierre
It all depends on the burn time that you specify for each item, if it is just a quick flash and it just burns the surface then a swift burnish with renaissance wax will work (the pen can be finished first) if, however, you are going to get a burn (like from Flexi's mate) where he had to fill the depth to the tube then I recommend only finishing the pen to the last sanding then filling the burn to the colour you want, then remounting the pen to carry out the final finish because the filling will want whichever finish you choose. Hope that helps. :winking:
 
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