Do not always go where there's a path. Go instead where there's no path and leave a trail for others.

-

 The title is a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson.  I would say that I do try and live my life blazing a trail for others.  Then again, at times.... a smooth, flat road is great to cruise on. Put in some gentle curves and some scenery makes it all worth it.


With that said, I've been working on mastering the laser.  Needless to say, there is a mix of science, art, and plain dumb luck!  It took me three tries to finally get a workable piece completed.  Mainly I had issues with the laser not cutting through the basswood plywood.  Finally NINE passes for a cut-through.  What is irritating is the fact that I did test pieces and got my settings from those, yet when doing a full project what happened in the test, did not happen for the final run.


I am going to move away from plywood for the laser and stick with natural wood.  The only issue is getting good pieces larger than 8 inches wide.  As of now, I have to scale projects down say compared to doing a 12-inch square plywood board.


Anyway, Here is my newest puzzle/toy on the grid with the laser chugging away.



I am still having inconsistency issues with burning through all the way.  I think it is the plywood. This meant when I tried to "pop" pieces out the plywood splintered and cracked! The other issue I had was my "logo". I got the settings down so it looked nice.. or at least I thought I did, but when I burned it on the backer board (back-side), it came out looking like crap.  I tried many variations of testing with little luck.  So that is another thing I have to work on.

So I glued up and dry-fitted everything on the truck, now to do some final sanding and fitting before sealing it.  I've already made some monitor design changes for the next iteration, combining a couple of the cutouts, and not having certain pieces come out.  This simplifies things just a little.  I also added some "reflection" marks on the window. I changed the 555 number on the access door to "4077", a little easter egg there for those in the know.

Here's how it all comes apart.


Originally the springs also came out, but I changed that part of the design early on, as I used to have the wheel come off in multiple parts, but they were too fragile as they were narrow laser cuts. I also thought that there were too many parts and that it would get confusing.

And here it is together.

Having the laser is fun, but I still prefer the scroll saw.  I will use the laser for the accents and some details in my scroll work and knock out a puzzle or two once in a while, but I won't be manufacturing a lot of stuff on it.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Breathing Easy: The Crucial Connection Between Dust Collection and Personal Protection

-
Image
In the realm of woodworking, where creativity and craftsmanship converge, there's more at stake than meets the eye. Beyond the beauty of the finished pieces lies a hidden, yet significant, concern - the dust. Woodworking dust may appear innocuous, but it can pose a serious threat to the well-being of artisans. To safeguard our health and uphold the joy of woodworking, the use of proper dust collection systems and personal protective equipment (PPE) is paramount. The Unseen Enemy: Microscopic Dust Particles The tale of woodworking dust begins with the seemingly harmless shavings and particles that fill our workspace. These particles, when released into the air, become an invisible menace. Some dust particles are so minuscule, measuring in microns, that they can easily bypass the body's natural defenses and enter the respiratory system. Over time, exposure to these tiny particles can lead to a host of health issues, including lung diseases like bronchitis, asthma, and even more s...
Read more

Crafting Americana Artistry: Scroll-Sawing the Spirit of the Nation

-
Image
In the world of woodworking and scroll-sawing, few themes evoke as much pride, reverence, and patriotism as Americana. It's a genre that celebrates the very essence of the United States, capturing its rich history, enduring values, and unwavering spirit. Today, we delve into the heart of this art form, exploring the craftsmanship behind three iconic symbols of America: the Flag, the Eagle, and the Statue of Liberty. Image: Patterns are in place ready to be cut. The Flag: Stitching History in Wood The American flag, with its bold stars and stripes, represents more than just a piece of cloth; it symbolizes freedom, unity, and the indomitable American spirit. Scroll-sawing the flag is an art form that demands precision and attention to detail. Each star, each stripe, is a testament to the painstaking craftsmanship required to recreate this emblem of liberty in wood. The Eagle: Guardian of the Skies The bald eagle, America's national bird, embodies strength, freedom, and courage. S...
Read more

Crafting Mosaics in Wood: Unveiling the Intarsia Technique in Scroll Saw Art

-
Image
Within the realm of scroll saw art lies a captivating technique that transforms wood into intricate mosaics – the art of Intarsia. This woodworking method involves the meticulous arrangement of various wood pieces to create detailed patterns and designs, resulting in vibrant, mosaic-like masterpieces. In this blog post, we'll embark on a journey into the world of Intarsia, exploring the techniques that bring depth, texture, and color to your scroll saw projects. Understanding the Intarsia Technique Intarsia, with its roots in ancient woodworking traditions, is a method that celebrates the natural beauty of wood by crafting intricate images through the assembly of various wooden pieces. Unlike other woodworking techniques, Intarsia involves the layering of different wood types to create a visually stunning, almost painterly effect. Materials and Tools for Intarsia Before diving into the process, gather the materials and tools needed for successful Intarsia work: Various wood species...
Read more