Gonna open a can or worms here. Got a question!

[OCtoolguy]

I'm thinking of buying a small laser to engrave my signature on my stuff and I am totally clueless about them. So, I would love to know what you all already know about them. I know a couple of you folks have them so I'm hoping this topic will generate a whole bunch of info on the subject. I was looking at one called "Laser Pecker". No jokes please. It seems to be able to do what I want but it is not something that can be enhanced. It's a what you have is what you get sort of thing. I don't want to just throw money away if I might want to get more into the hobby at a later point. So, with that said, I also don't have a boatload of money nor space so that has to be taken into consideration also. Now, I'm going to sit back and wait to read all the posts that I just know are coming. 

 

[Karl S]

Steve good did a review of a couple of them not too long ago, You might give them a look for starters.

 

Edited June 26, 2022 by Karl S

[Dan]

This may be a better place to ask that question. 

 

[OCtoolguy]

51 minutes ago, Dan said:

This may be a better place to ask that question. 

 

Thanks Dan. Goes to show how old I am. I forgot all about that group.

 

[kmmcrafts]

I think Scott ( Iggy ) uses a small laser for engraving names on his key / leash holders he makes.. He bought one some years ago and for the life of me I cannot think of the name / brand of it be I'm pretty sure he's still using it to this day.  I've not messed with the smaller table top type lasers.. I know they're not very powerful but the time it takes isn't much of a concern to those in the hobby and just engraving a small name / logo etc.  While some folks would set it up and go do some other work.. you don't want to leave these unattended... after all they're burning wood.. something goes wrong and the laser stops moving it's not very long for a fire to start. I recommend anyone using these to have a fire extinguisher handy.  

[amazingkevin]

8 hours ago, Karl S said:

Steve good did a review of a couple of them not too long ago, You might give them a look for starters.

 

Very nice demo , first I ever seen!!! Thanks!!!

[Joe W.]

As an alternative (and maybe less costly?), a "branding iron" could be fashioned, small enough to attach to an electic wood burning pen.  Heat it up - press against the back of the backer - and [Bob's your uncle"] done.

[FrankEV]

5 hours ago, Joe W. said:

As an alternative (and maybe less costly?), a "branding iron" could be fashioned, ...

I've looked at this option from time to time.  It is a good option but it is also a custom made item if you want it to include a signature, which I was looking for.  The custom irons are not cheap.  My other problem with the Iron is I like to date my work, so I would still have to use a burning pen to add the date,

Have no idea what a small laser engraver cost is but it may not be too much more than a custom Iron, and it can be used for other supplemental details on a scroll piece.  I have also entertained this idea but just have not done any research, so answers to rays question would be welcomed by me and others as well, I'm sure.  

Update Edit:  I watched Steves Video and did some research. And yes, a small engraver is less expensive than a custom Branding Iron.

KKmoon makes a small engraver that lists for around $113 that has great reviews but, unfortunately, it is so popular that it is Out Of Stock and there is no indication when if will be available.  It appeared to be the perfect choice for my wants.  So the next choice is the unit Steve reviewed, but no longer avaialble on Amazon.  Howwver, I did find it available at Walmart: 

KKmoon 7000mw Desktop Engraver Portable Engraving Carving Machine Mini Carver DIY Mark Printer for Metal Engraving and Deep Wood Engraving and Cutting  $219.99 +tax. 

There are a ton of laser engraving products, but I kind of liked the fact this unit works with Inkscape.  And the unit can be position on any size board.   I want the engraver to predominently add my Logo,Signature and Date to the back of my panels.  I've been using a burning pen in the past, but would like to have something more professional looking.  So, I decided to jump in and order it.  There is a 30 day return policy if I don't like it.

Edited June 27, 2022 by FrankEV

[OCtoolguy]

3 hours ago, FrankEV said:

I've looked at this option from time to time.  It is a good option but it is also a custom made item if you want it to include a signature, which I was looking for.  The custom irons are not cheap.  My other problem with the Iron is I like to date my work, so I would still have to use a burning pen to add the date,

Have no idea what a small laser engraver cost is but it may not be too much more than a custom Iron, and it can be used for other supplemental details on a scroll piece.  I have also entertained this idea but just have not done any research, so answers to rays question would be welcomed by me and others as well, I'm sure.  

To add, this is another hobby also. Just gaining knowledge is important to me. As usual, learning the vernacular is where we must start. I never gave lasers much thought but my eyes have been opened to the possibilities.

[Blaughn]

I ordered this on Amazon about a month ago.  It just arrived and here are the results:  I hold the brass portion in front of a propane torch for 1min 15-30 seconds - set it on the wood for 5 seconds or less and this is the result.  I am pleased with it.

[OCtoolguy]

I just bit the bullet and bought a used Neje laser on eBay for $150. About half of what a new one sells for. It's still in it's original box. Now the fun begins. Thanks to Steve Good and Daniel Zimmerman for all their expert guidance.

 

Edited June 28, 2022 by OCtoolguy

[kmmcrafts]

5 hours ago, OCtoolguy said:

I just bit the bullet and bought a used Neje laser on eBay for $150. About half of what a new one sells for. It's still in it's original box. Now the fun begins. Thanks to Steve Good and Daniel Zimmerman for all their expert guidance.

 

Congrats on the new toy, I'll be interested in seeing what you think of it once you get your feet wet. I love my laser as it's just another tool to play around with in the shop and it does things my scroll saw or no other tool can do. Post your progress and updates in the Laser groups.. many die hard scroll sawers will slap your hand for getting a new tool like that and posting it here, LOL

[new2woodwrk]

I have a Neje - it works very well and is very easy to use

Tips:

1. Mount your Neje to a board

2. Get yourself a grid mat and mount it below the neje - much easier to align engravings that way

3. Use painters tape to hold the item when lasering so it doesn't move. Also good if you have to double laser an item

[Puzzleguy]

All well and good , but it feels like a mom and pop business situation

that goes aray - sometimes going fancy can hurt you more than help -

we just use a sharpie on the back - with the copyright date and our names .

I feel that when i get fancy i will loose myself trying to be fancy .

Thou we know someone who makes alot of train whistles and has to do this ( he sells to stores as well )

 

That laser engraver is neat - but ill keep my money in the bank.

[OCtoolguy]

3 hours ago, kmmcrafts said:

Congrats on the new toy, I'll be interested in seeing what you think of it once you get your feet wet. I love my laser as it's just another tool to play around with in the shop and it does things my scroll saw or no other tool can do. Post your progress and updates in the Laser groups.. many die hard scroll sawers will slap your hand for getting a new tool like that and posting it here, LOL

Will do Kevin. No more mention of lasers here.

[OCtoolguy]

2 hours ago, Puzzleguy said:

All well and good , but it feels like a mom and pop business situation

that goes aray - sometimes going fancy can hurt you more than help -

we just use a sharpie on the back - with the copyright date and our names .

I feel that when i get fancy i will loose myself trying to be fancy .

Thou we know someone who makes alot of train whistles and has to do this ( he sells to stores as well )

 

That laser engraver is neat - but ill keep my money in the bank.

I'm 79 years old but still crave knowledge. I'm not in the business of selling what I make. I just want a way of personalizing my work with a signature that's readable. If that violates some code, tough! 

[Puzzleguy]

12 minutes ago, OCtoolguy said:

I'm 79 years old but still crave knowledge. I'm not in the business of selling what I make. I just want a way of personalizing my work with a signature that's readable. If that violates some code, tough! 

If i offended you - I am sorry !

[OCtoolguy]

2 hours ago, Puzzleguy said:

If i offended you - I am sorry !

I'm too old to be offended. No problem. No apology necessary. Just me being my old cantankerous self. 

[Gonzo]

Got an update on your laser Ray?

[OCtoolguy]

3 hours ago, Gonzo said:

Got an update on your laser Ray?

Not yet. Still in the studying stage. There were a couple of things missing and a broken wire in one harness. Also had/have many honey-dos so there is that too.

[OCtoolguy]

On 6/28/2022 at 6:37 AM, new2woodwrk said:

I have a Neje - it works very well and is very easy to use

Tips:

1. Mount your Neje to a board

2. Get yourself a grid mat and mount it below the neje - much easier to align engravings that way

3. Use painters tape to hold the item when lasering so it doesn't move. Also good if you have to double laser an item

When you mention "grid mat" can you give me some idea of what you are using? I've seen some folks using the green cutting mats. Is that what you use? Doesn't the laser burn it? My idea is to mount it to a solid 3/4" piece of plywood and cut a large hole in it to suspend the laser over. That way I can put tall pieces under the laser and adjust the height accordingly. I've been told to just elevate the laser on blocks but seems too unstable. I'm open to suggestions. Most of my creations have been 5" to 10" in height. 

[new2woodwrk]

3 hours ago, OCtoolguy said:

When you mention "grid mat" can you give me some idea of what you are using? I've seen some folks using the green cutting mats. Is that what you use? Doesn't the laser burn it? My idea is to mount it to a solid 3/4" piece of plywood and cut a large hole in it to suspend the laser over. That way I can put tall pieces under the laser and adjust the height accordingly. I've been told to just elevate the laser on blocks but seems too unstable. I'm open to suggestions. Most of my creations have been 5" to 10" in height. 

NP @OCtoolguy

This is the one I use: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08J45VHDV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

My laser never goes through the wood, I only engrave with it so no, it never damages the mat

I have my laser suspended on 2 blocks. The Neje comes with 2 90 degree angle brackets. I mounted them to 2 1"x1"x 4" blocks on the edge of my mounting board

It is not too unstable at all.

I never adjust the height - if you have to adjust the height, then you will more than likely also have to adjust the laser it self. My set up, I set the laser once and have not had to reset anything.

Hope that helps

[OCtoolguy]

Here's my first image and how I've got it laid out on a plastic table for now. I'll have to come up with a better setup for sure.

[kmmcrafts]

3 hours ago, OCtoolguy said:

When you mention "grid mat" can you give me some idea of what you are using? I've seen some folks using the green cutting mats. Is that what you use? Doesn't the laser burn it? My idea is to mount it to a solid 3/4" piece of plywood and cut a large hole in it to suspend the laser over. That way I can put tall pieces under the laser and adjust the height accordingly. I've been told to just elevate the laser on blocks but seems too unstable. I'm open to suggestions. Most of my creations have been 5" to 10" in height. 

Once you get a good "focus" burn.. measure the distance from the piece to the laser and write it down.. then every piece you want to burn set the distance to you piece to the laser head.. Ever played with a magnifying glass out in the sun to set papers etc. on fire as a kid.. you get just the right distance and you can hone in that dot to be a small dot.. the smaller the dot the more concentrated the power / heat of it is.. the better and more crisp your burn will be..  

[OCtoolguy]

48 minutes ago, new2woodwrk said:

NP @OCtoolguy

This is the one I use: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08J45VHDV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

My laser never goes through the wood, I only engrave with it so no, it never damages the mat

I have my laser suspended on 2 blocks. The Neje comes with 2 90 degree angle brackets. I mounted them to 2 1"x1"x 4" blocks on the edge of my mounting board

It is not too unstable at all.

I never adjust the height - if you have to adjust the height, then you will more than likely also have to adjust the laser it self. My set up, I set the laser once and have not had to reset anything.

Hope that helps

How do you put tall things under it?