I am so glad you pointed out the just because you have figured out your KERF setting - that it doesn't mean that number will be perfect every time - that you have to also deal with the differences in wood, dryness, moisture, etc. It is really frustrating once you have it, to cut something and have the KERF be too tight or too loose!
When you are making those 19 rectangles, an easier way is to use the array button. Set the x columns to 19 and x spacing to 0. It will be much faster and more accurate than placing by hand.
Nice job, I'd love to see how you do with the plywood you spoke about. Also a little trick for that sanding, if you apply painters tape to your bench and the back of the piece then some CA Glue on the piece and spray the bench tape with activator and press together. It'll hold nicely while you sand and save your fingers and just pull the tape off afterwards
That turned out nice new sub here. I have playing with diode laser’s for the last four years with my little 10 watt Longer Ray with a .060 mm beam width it makes very tight inlays. On that radial arm suggestion, when cutting do not pull the saw towards in the cut. This can cause a kick back! You want to push towards the back of the saw when cutting. I am 70 years old and still have 9 fingers the tip of one was not a woodworking accident. 😀🛫
That is an excellent explanation and I am going to have to make some of my own. I saw the booger line on the right top edge of the face. I knew as soon as you turned the face down, there was going to be some scratches. I know you saw it too. Oh well, we finish and we learn eh? Thanks for the great video.
Great video, I have just bought a laser mainly to help me get good inlays. It’s good to watch someone doing the exact thing. Hopefully I can succeed in time😅
WOW! Optimization settings!!!! Great heads up !!!! I did a puzzle recently and could not find a way to stop it cutting twice BUT just ran it with this setting applied and VIOLA! Success. Thanks to @frankligas and @MakeBetterWithKnowledge. Great video!
I have already started preparing it, so I can hopefully release it next week. If you want to know when it is out, just click the subscribe button. Thank you for your interest in the video.
nice work/ The only downside is you can always see the charred edge versus a CNC inlay that will be seamless. But that defined edge could be a feature of the design. I think if I could manage it with the inlay design, I'd use the laser to make a template and then use a router inlay bit set yo do it without burning the wood.
Thankyou, these simple plaques are extremely fun to do and the creative possibilities are endless. What laser did you end up purchasing and have you owned or used a laser before?
I have ordered the Algolaser 22W Delta. It should arrive this week. I've never owned a laser and am only a hobby woodworker. I am planning on retiring next year and then can do a lot more of this myself
Brilliant move to make multiple cuts to multiply your kerf to get a more accurate measurement. I use duplicate quite a bit too. For something like this where I need several of the same thing, I would go to the Array option and make my copies that way. 0 spacing to get them all nicely lined up like you did here. You can make as many as you need that way, all in one move. If you need each object to always be like the original, there is a way to do that in the array feature so when you make a change to the original, all of the copies update too. 🙂 I have several pencil videos that I have done over the years. Fun to do. I make one for my brother with a bunch of geometry formulas on it. We do some fun problems from time to time and it is a helpful reminder for him. ;-) I can't wait to see how you do pencils. Are you going to use that big CO2 laser!? My little 5.5 was more than enough. I also used my desktop router to makes some. I built a fixture to help with consistency but only 1 at a time. I subscribed so I will see that when it comes out. I am totally interested to see a video on painting MDF and using that as an inlay. That is a great idea. One of my next projects is going to be using powder coat material in a laser engraved piece of wood and then head it up with a heat gun. Using the laser to heat the powder coat has too many issues and is the wrong tool for that part of the job.
Well done! To get it to fit even better you should account the kerf angle. Which means to cut the inlay mirrored to compensate for the angle of the pocket. But yours is maybe perfect enough 😂
so just to clarify your adding to the overall dimension of the inlay part to account for the laser cut when it cuts the part out. I have been using plywood 3/4 maple plywood with 2.7mm mahogany plywood inlays i am just starting to test pieces and so far haven't had much of a gap. i am using an OMtech 2440 100-watt c02. going to try your Kerf offset idea and see if it yields any better results btw a nice Video and a great project. will be watching for more from you
Thank you , I am halfway through the production of my next video, but I am working on the designs at the moment for the sequel to this video, which goes through that exact process. I haven't tried it yet, so fingers crossed it works. My theory is to make a design that incorporates 3 or 4 colours, and then everything fits together like a jigsaw puzzle. Hopefully, using a very fine sandpaper on the colours will be enough to apply a clearcoat on top to get it as flat as possible. This video won't be out this week, but I hope to have it finished for the week after ( although christmas is fast approaching). If you haven't done it already, I would urge you to subscribe so you know when I release it but no pressure. Thanks again.
Can you share your multi layer settings for the engrave portions? I see it’s a multi layer engrave, would love to know how you determined and set that up. Thank you!
Great video! I have a Monport 80w CO2, very similar to your to your laser. Mine came with air-assist, but I see many people use a seperate air-assist, usually a California Tools air compressor. What do you do? I’m wondering if my air isn’t really enough. Thanks!
When calculating your baseline of the kerf, the error is caused by cutting the vertical lines two times by cutting touching rectangles (and because the MDF is too thick). Lightburn can delete overlapping lines, or you could've just cut vertical lines (arrayed) and two horizontal just to make the rectangles fall out.
Thank you for your support. Your sub means a lot. To find the desired depth for the thickness of material. I would cut a 10mm square out of your desired thickness of material, then you will have to run a 10mm square grid test with varying speeds and power settings until your materials are flush. I will make a point of covering this for you in an upcoming video.
The glue I used was a generic ca glue. In the uk it's commonly known as mitre mate. And the rubio monocoate is the natural or pure colour. It has no pigment in it but if its used on a light wood it can yellow it slightly so I would always test it on a bit of scrap wood first to make sure it's a finish you are happy with.
Dude, for the love of your hands, use a dang holding stick to secure your work piece! If your stick gets cut, your fingers won't feel a thing! Seriously.... Trying to pick up fingers with no fingers just doesn't work. Otherwise, good demonstration of LightBurn Software's capabilities.
Wooops there! Your method is invalid. You will need to refilm and upload. You missed a critical setting. The issue is that the edges of your rectangles are cut lines and they overlap. Effectively you are burning the overlapping edges twice each. That will give you a false answer as to what your kerf is. To fix this issue, you need to prevent Lightburn from engraving overlapping vector lines. Go to: Window Tab // Laser // now in the Laser Window (which you might have docked. This is the window/docked window that has the Pause, Stop, and Start buttons on it) Click the Optimization Settings Button just below the Job Origin selector // Now in the Cut Optimization Settings Window it is the last setting at the bottom, Turn on "Remove overlapping lines" That should fix your issue.
That is some decent information thankyou for your comment, hopefully people will read your comment and try your method for themselves. When I get back to the workshop on the 8th I'll run through your method and if it gives better results I will make a video to remedy that issue. I have another inlay video that my community want me to put out. Thank you again.
I've literally just hit this issue an hour ago. Decided it was time for a beer and youtube recommends this videos with your comment that fix the problem. Spooky.
Etsy Shop Link mbwkdesign.etsy.com
I am so glad you pointed out the just because you have figured out your KERF setting - that it doesn't mean that number will be perfect every time - that you have to also deal with the differences in wood, dryness, moisture, etc. It is really frustrating once you have it, to cut something and have the KERF be too tight or too loose!
When you are making those 19 rectangles, an easier way is to use the array button. Set the x columns to 19 and x spacing to 0. It will be much faster and more accurate than placing by hand.
Thank you very much for your insight. I will keep the array tool in mind the next time I have to create multiple of the same object.
My thoughts exactly. What Nera said. I use the array tool every time I need multiples.
Nice job, I'd love to see how you do with the plywood you spoke about. Also a little trick for that sanding, if you apply painters tape to your bench and the back of the piece then some CA Glue on the piece and spray the bench tape with activator and press together. It'll hold nicely while you sand and save your fingers and just pull the tape off afterwards
Beautiful work friend. Thanks for the info.
That turned out nice new sub here. I have playing with diode laser’s for the last four years with my little 10 watt Longer Ray with a .060 mm beam width it makes very tight inlays. On that radial arm suggestion, when cutting do not pull the saw towards in the cut. This can cause a kick back! You want to push towards the back of the saw when cutting. I am 70 years old and still have 9 fingers the tip of one was not a woodworking accident. 😀🛫
That is an excellent explanation and I am going to have to make some of my own. I saw the booger line on the right top edge of the face. I knew as soon as you turned the face down, there was going to be some scratches. I know you saw it too. Oh well, we finish and we learn eh? Thanks for the great video.
Great video, I have just bought a laser mainly to help me get good inlays. It’s good to watch someone doing the exact thing. Hopefully I can succeed in time😅
That's fantastic. Great minds think alike.
That machine is huuuuge ! liked and subbed :)
What an awesome idea :0 I never even thought of doing this with my laser subbed ;)
Thats pretty awesome, I think thats the cleanest I've seen any laser engraving. Had no idea they could be that tight without a full cnc inlay method.
Thankyou
Well that just enhanced my life... THANKS! Subscribed
Thank you
WOW! Optimization settings!!!! Great heads up !!!! I did a puzzle recently and could not find a way to stop it cutting twice BUT just ran it with this setting applied and VIOLA! Success. Thanks to @frankligas and @MakeBetterWithKnowledge. Great video!
Glad it helped!
Yes, please make the video you spoke of! Nice piece!
I have already started preparing it, so I can hopefully release it next week. If you want to know when it is out, just click the subscribe button. Thank you for your interest in the video.
Thank you! I did subscribe!
nice work/ The only downside is you can always see the charred edge versus a CNC inlay that will be seamless. But that defined edge could be a feature of the design. I think if I could manage it with the inlay design, I'd use the laser to make a template and then use a router inlay bit set yo do it without burning the wood.
Thanks, Learned something new that I can do with my Laser. I have lots of Black Walnut and a fair sized piece of Purpleheart that I can use.
Fantastic, I'm glad I could help.
great work !!!!👍🤟
Nice work mate.. my laser is arriving next week and I cant wait to start trying on projects like this.
Thankyou, these simple plaques are extremely fun to do and the creative possibilities are endless. What laser did you end up purchasing and have you owned or used a laser before?
I have ordered the Algolaser 22W Delta. It should arrive this week. I've never owned a laser and am only a hobby woodworker. I am planning on retiring next year and then can do a lot more of this myself
Brilliant move to make multiple cuts to multiply your kerf to get a more accurate measurement.
I use duplicate quite a bit too. For something like this where I need several of the same thing, I would go to the Array option and make my copies that way. 0 spacing to get them all nicely lined up like you did here. You can make as many as you need that way, all in one move. If you need each object to always be like the original, there is a way to do that in the array feature so when you make a change to the original, all of the copies update too. 🙂
I have several pencil videos that I have done over the years. Fun to do. I make one for my brother with a bunch of geometry formulas on it. We do some fun problems from time to time and it is a helpful reminder for him. ;-) I can't wait to see how you do pencils. Are you going to use that big CO2 laser!? My little 5.5 was more than enough. I also used my desktop router to makes some. I built a fixture to help with consistency but only 1 at a time. I subscribed so I will see that when it comes out.
I am totally interested to see a video on painting MDF and using that as an inlay. That is a great idea. One of my next projects is going to be using powder coat material in a laser engraved piece of wood and then head it up with a heat gun. Using the laser to heat the powder coat has too many issues and is the wrong tool for that part of the job.
Quedó precioso!
Well done! To get it to fit even better you should account the kerf angle. Which means to cut the inlay mirrored to compensate for the angle of the pocket. But yours is maybe perfect enough 😂
Fantastic, thank you. I will certainly take a look into that with my next inlay project.
Certainly would be interested in seeing a mdf inlay video.
I will try to make it happen early in the new year.
Great, thanks. Subscribed
Your welcome
so just to clarify your adding to the overall dimension of the inlay part to account for the laser cut when it cuts the part out. I have been using plywood 3/4 maple plywood with 2.7mm mahogany plywood inlays i am just starting to test pieces and so far haven't had much of a gap. i am using an OMtech 2440 100-watt c02. going to try your Kerf offset idea and see if it yields any better results btw a nice Video and a great project. will be watching for more from you
Great. Video. I would be very interested in how you get on with inlaying painted woods, i wonder how it will work for the sanding?
Thank you , I am halfway through the production of my next video, but I am working on the designs at the moment for the sequel to this video, which goes through that exact process. I haven't tried it yet, so fingers crossed it works. My theory is to make a design that incorporates 3 or 4 colours, and then everything fits together like a jigsaw puzzle. Hopefully, using a very fine sandpaper on the colours will be enough to apply a clearcoat on top to get it as flat as possible. This video won't be out this week, but I hope to have it finished for the week after ( although christmas is fast approaching). If you haven't done it already, I would urge you to subscribe so you know when I release it but no pressure. Thanks again.
Awesome!
Thank you
Can you share your multi layer settings for the engrave portions? I see it’s a multi layer engrave, would love to know how you determined and set that up. Thank you!
Great video! I have a Monport 80w CO2, very similar to your to your laser. Mine came with air-assist, but I see many people use a seperate air-assist, usually a California Tools air compressor. What do you do? I’m wondering if my air isn’t really enough. Thanks!
When calculating your baseline of the kerf, the error is caused by cutting the vertical lines two times by cutting touching rectangles (and because the MDF is too thick). Lightburn can delete overlapping lines, or you could've just cut vertical lines (arrayed) and two horizontal just to make the rectangles fall out.
Nice video. Ty.
Lovely thanks, subbed 😊
Thanks for the sub!
Love this. Thank you so much for sharing. Just subscribed. I was wondering how you determine the depth of your engrave to work with the inlay.
Thank you for your support. Your sub means a lot.
To find the desired depth for the thickness of material. I would cut a 10mm square out of your desired thickness of material, then you will have to run a 10mm square grid test with varying speeds and power settings until your materials are flush. I will make a point of covering this for you in an upcoming video.
Did you ever do this video? 🙏🏼
@@MadeBetterWithKnowledge
Thanks for the information. Can you tell me what air pressure you are using? Thank you.
You're welcome. I used 25 psi.
May I ask what glue you are using, as well as what Rubio Monocoat color you used?
The glue I used was a generic ca glue. In the uk it's commonly known as mitre mate. And the rubio monocoate is the natural or pure colour. It has no pigment in it but if its used on a light wood it can yellow it slightly so I would always test it on a bit of scrap wood first to make sure it's a finish you are happy with.
I’m from the uk where do you get your exotic wood from?
How thick can you inset your inlay?
My take away is to skip the mdf bit and test fit using the material you’re actually using starting at a 0.1 kerf and go from there
Are you using an external air pump ? Sounds like a lot of air as evidence by it blowing your bits away, way more than mine.
Etsy Shop Link mbwkdesign.etsy.com
Dude, for the love of your hands, use a dang holding stick to secure your work piece!
If your stick gets cut, your fingers won't feel a thing! Seriously....
Trying to pick up fingers with no fingers just doesn't work.
Otherwise, good demonstration of LightBurn Software's capabilities.
Wooops there! Your method is invalid. You will need to refilm and upload. You missed a critical setting. The issue is that the edges of your rectangles are cut lines and they overlap. Effectively you are burning the overlapping edges twice each. That will give you a false answer as to what your kerf is. To fix this issue, you need to prevent Lightburn from engraving overlapping vector lines. Go to: Window Tab // Laser // now in the Laser Window (which you might have docked. This is the window/docked window that has the Pause, Stop, and Start buttons on it) Click the Optimization Settings Button just below the Job Origin selector // Now in the Cut Optimization Settings Window it is the last setting at the bottom, Turn on "Remove overlapping lines" That should fix your issue.
That is some decent information thankyou for your comment, hopefully people will read your comment and try your method for themselves. When I get back to the workshop on the 8th I'll run through your method and if it gives better results I will make a video to remedy that issue. I have another inlay video that my community want me to put out. Thank you again.
I was thinking the same.
I've literally just hit this issue an hour ago. Decided it was time for a beer and youtube recommends this videos with your comment that fix the problem. Spooky.
You entered the wrong kerf calue, should have been 0.10125 not 0.102, hence the first tap test fail i think ?
ALL THAT WORK AND CALCULATING JUST TO MANUALLY GUESS AND TWEAK IT 20%. Measuring one cut would have gotten just as close.
Timestamp 6:11 Fishing? Turn down you power of your air-assist. 1,000 psi is too much.
I don't use 1000 psi
You entered the wrong Kerf Offset the first time, and your second setting was more correct. First you did .102 should have been .101