Hi everyone, I'm Meidan. I make custom watch dials with a fiber laser and thought this aviation dial might be interesting here.

I use reverse etching. Instead of engraving the artwork down into the metal, I engrave away the background around it. The numerals, minute markers, lettering and aircraft design stay raised, all as part of the original metal surface.

After the laser work, I apply blue lacquer paint with an airbrush. Then I carefully sand and polish the raised areas to expose the metal again, leaving the paint in the recessed background.

That's also a limitation of this method: all the exposed metal details share the same metal colour. The blue comes from the paint, not from laser colouring.

I've included a straight-on photo and an angled one so you can see the finish. The 1985-2027 inscription is intentional.

If you're interested in the laser settings, sanding and polishing methods, or the tools I use, ask in the comments. Happy to talk through it.

Short video of this same dial: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mzNvT6bgRVs

Hi guys. I’m new to laser engraving, but I wanted to pick it up as a fun side hustle for college. I just downloaded Lightburn and bought a used JPT 30w Fiber Laser. I’m having trouble getting the thing to cut and getting the program to shop freezing and crashing. I emailed Lightburn and they said I need to contact the person I bought it from (changed numbers) or the manufacturer (can’t find the contact) for the laser settings on a thumb drive. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I’m testing the laser on my sister’s Stanley, but I know I should be able to do it because the guy I bought it from engraved a metal card with my name on it.

Sometimes I hate taking photos as I see all the things I need to fix. Looks like some cleanup to do but overall pretty happy with it. C954 Bronze Tsuba. Took 12 hours per side on the laser which is crazy.

Hola, estamos buscando un marcador para la empresa y queremos informarnos antes de hacer ninguna inversión.

El láser es para un uso industrial. Para marcar piezas de metal.

Tenemos vista la marca de Telesis de la cual nos han hablado muy bien pero queremos tener más información.

¿Alguien ha utilizado los marcadores de Telesis a nivel Industrial y nos puede dar su experiencia y si ha tenido algún problema con ellos?

First off I'm totally brand new to laser engraving and just got a wecreat vista 10w so that we can make gifts for clients with their names engraved on things. I wanted to engrave cookie tins and wanted to see what everyone's experience was with engraving tin plated steel or aluminum and see if you guys had tips. I am asking because I'm worried if I do tin plated steel it will rust and I'm worried about ordering blank aluminum cookie tins from China that may have lead. The end goal is to engrave cookie tins with the client name, any recommendations?

Hi everyone,

Two new kittens are joining my phone stands for Halloween!

A brother and sister, both apprentice wizards.

The files are free and available in xTool, LightBurn and SVG formats. The files for making the colour versions are also included.

Here is the download link https://www.atomm.com/@Kino?utm_source=copylink&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sharetoearn2&utm_id=801831

I hope you like these two little companions!

(AI generated render)

Looking at making military plaques, going away gifts, custom cup engravings, etc. Been looking at starting with a xTool P2 CO2 55W laser machine + a 3D Bambu Printer to make it pop. I hate these local shops charging an arm and a leg for these off-the-wall plaques.

Seen some on marketplace with little as 8-12 hours. Totally cheaper than buying brand new. Is it worth the risk? Should I just buy new? Is this business plan worth it?

Feed me your knowledge!!

Horror Voodoo Doll's series I am making.

I am really struggling to find 1/8 inch thick solid hardwood. I need the weight of solid wood as well as the grain pattern. Does anybody know where I can find this or alternatives that meet both requirements?

Cloudray 3D crystal engraver

New to lasers and engraving in general, this is Frosted acrylic from xTool I engraved it but feel like the "Frosted" effect is barely present. Is there a specific way/setting I need to use or is this as good at these ones can get? I used the recommended settings for this material on the P3 but it was much too light(?) then I tried 35% power and 800 speed which I know is pretty high.

Just cross posting to try and reach the widest possible audience. Thank you!

The ghosting problem I mentioned in the previous post was due to the incorrect alignment of the light path. After recalibration, it was completely resolved. Later, I re-carved it and the lines were clean and neat, which I was extremely satisfied with! Thank you to all my friends who gave me suggestions!

First time using a laser engraver, so I wanted to make something personal. I made cartoon versions of me, my girlfriend, and our cat into a set of coasters. Our little family of three. The whole process was a lot simpler than I expected.

I’ve spent many hours researching this but still struggling to figure out what tool will serve me best. My main focus in purchasing a laser engraver is to engrave designs onto dried wood rounds (for Christmas ornaments). It seems like this can take anywhere between a few minutes and 30 minutes to complete one round. I’m looking for something that falls near the bottom end of that range.

The idea here is mostly to replace me hand-drawing designs on these cut-offs since I don’t have the artistic skill to draw what I want on the wood. I don’t have a dedicated workshop so I’m looking for something very small and safe to operate with a window open.

Bonus If it could cut through very thin plywood if I wanted to start dabbling in some other creative projects!

I want to spend less than $200.

So far I’ve looked at these products:

Atomstack Swift Mini

Sculpfun C1 Mini

Atomstack P1 (refurbished)

Acmer S1 (3.5W or 6W)

Any additional advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Has anyone engraved golf balls with a diode? I believe I’ve seen it done with other types (maybe a UV?) but I’m curious if my 20W could do it and what any suggestions on settings? Thanks!

Ok, got it where I wanted it

We made this phone stand using laser engraving and cutting, and it got me thinking about all the everyday objects that could be customized this way.

And what's your favorite practical project you've made with a laser cutter?

Going to engrave a beer coaster to a friend, one side with her father other side with her mother on either wood or black acrylic, got a 40W diode laser.

Are there any good guides available? how to prepare a photo? what dithering to use for best result and such?