From: scroller (JEFF) [#9]
5 Apr 2005
To: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#8] 5 Apr 2005
I have a 75 watt laser and for lettering run it a 10% speed and 100% power and get a dark brown mark on oak and a medium brown mark on maple. Alder I am able to engrave at a much higher speed. I engrave the lettering before finishing and then run it through the drum sander to get the smoke residue off. If I want a really black mark I laser. sand and then put 2 coats of lacquer on and then apply laser darc without relasering.
From: Nick (KOZASNJZ) [#10]
5 Apr 2005
To: shari (APPLIK) [#5] 5 Apr 2005
We've been using liquid shoe polish for some time now and it works great. You have to be sure that the wood you're using isn't too soft or else it will seep into the veins of the wood. We only color-fill wood plaques made of walnut, cherry or something of the like, never red alder. Alder is a very soft wood and normally doesn't require color fill like the other plaques do (it's also one of the woods that will soak the polish into the veins of the wood). I can agree with Pete on the unfinished wood, but we've actually never tried it ourselves either.
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#11]
5 Apr 2005
To: shari (APPLIK) [#4] 7 Apr 2005
Shari,
Finished, or unfinished, I think?
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
From: Jim (JEARMAN) [#12]
6 Apr 2005
To: shari (APPLIK) [#1] 7 Apr 2005
Try "Sumi Ink". It is the stuff that is used for Japanese Calligraphy. But the same caution applies as with other inks...very porous wood will absorb ink along the edges.
From: Barbara (RGILE) [#13]
7 Apr 2005
To: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#3] 7 Apr 2005
I have also been told that hard floor wax will work. I learned that in a class that I took.
Good luck! all of the suggestions are good. I have used black polish also and it works good if the wood is not soft.
Barbara
RGile Engravers
From: shari (APPLIK) [#14]
8 Apr 2005
To: Barbara (RGILE) [#13] 12 Apr 2005
Many thanks to all for all the suggestions. I will be trying them all! If I discover something else, I'll be sure to share. I just love this forum. It seems there is nothing someone hasn't already done or tried. You are all great inspiration.
Thanks again,
Shari
Show messages: All
1-8
9-14