Laser Engraving question

[chas_41_uk]

I've been asked to make a couple of pens with peoples names on. I've seen a thread regarding transfers not working too well and wondered about engraving.
It just so happens that there's a new craft shop opened up just round the corner from us and they do laser engraving.
So I took a blank in to see what it came out like.

Here's the before and after pictures



The name is one the guy in the shop chose. He didn't charge me as it was a trial for him as well. He usually only engraves on to flat surfaces, not curved. I'm please with what he has done and he charges £1 per minute of laser usage. So this would have cost £1.00.

Now how do I fill the cut? Paint? CA?

 

[paulm]

I would use either; a contrasting wood dust and superglue it in, stone, brass dust, aluminium dust or anything else you can think off. Personally I would probably use brass dust.

Nice find to get someone to engrave it like that, I thought that the laser might burn it a bit too much.

 

[bassethound]

Blimey that's hard to answer i think, it looks just nice as it is to me :idontknow:

 

[Grump]

Get some kiddies powder paints and ca it in, you have all the colours you want in a cheap set and can mix your own.
Looks like Colin has a pen to show off and get some more business for you and him init?
Great idea and very enterprising.

 

[bassethound]

Get some kiddies powder paints and ca it in, you have all the colours you want in a cheap set and can mix your own.
Looks like Colin has a pen to show off and get some more business for you and him init?
Great idea and very enterprising.

What a good idea! Like that

 

[Neil Lawton]

Overfill with whatever, then take back to the original diameter, any further will elongate the lettering.
I would guess he has a 30W model, with a low PPI on the Raster setting, by the lines visible in the bottom of the engraving. Won't matter if you fill it with an opaque substance.

 

[nimrod]

I use Rub'nBuff its a wax which I buy from my local art shop its not cheap but it lasts a long time and you can get it in a variety of colours and finishes.

Robin

 

[turnaround360]

Mate that is a great price for engraving.

 

[stevenw1963]

yep like the look of that - brass or copper powder & CA, sanded to make it nice n shiny

 

[silver]

It depends on the kit that it's for.

If it's a sierra then I would probably match the kit with either brass or aluminium dust with CA.

If it's a euro or slimline, stream line I would put a contrasting colour similar to what Brian has said. But as it's a mans name then I wouldn't use pink.. Unless Colin likes pink of course...:wink:

 

[Jimjam66]

Why fill it at all? Get the finished barrel engraved and leave well enough alone ... Just my 2p.

 

[Jim]

For £1 that is a good deal Chas, and looking at the sample the guy knows what he is doing ..

 

[Kardav]

Good find Chas, wish I could be that lucky! I think it looks OK unfilled, maybe thick CA over the top and micro mesh as usual.

 

[turnaround360]

This was just a sample i thought.

 

[chas_41_uk]

This was just a sample i thought.

It was/is just a sample. But I'm just trying to find out people's opinions on fillings

 

[billyb_imp]

A pound is a great starting price, be nice to see it in one of the ca/dust methods

 

[Buckeye]

The engraving looks superb and I would have a go with just ca filling it there is enough contrast already and it will be a little understated. Whatever you do is experience and I am sure you will hit on the best way.

Peter

 

[mattyts]

£1 a minute isnt too bad,I spent 2 hours doing some scroll work on a piece of walnut,wouldnt want to pay that much though!

If you ask the guy to drop the power,there will be a point where it no longer rmoves wood to the point you cant feel it.

Usually when etching wood,I set the laser weak and do multiple runs (between 3 and 4) but since your on a time/cost thing,this probably wouldnt be ideal.

 

[Terry]

Either filled or left alone it looks great to me!!!!