So I Got a Laser Engraver

[shaintiques]

It is a small one but seems to work pretty good. I'm planning to use it on pipes, but wanted to ask if anyone has experience with these. Should I wax the pipe and then engrave or engrave and then wax. I'm not sure if it will matter, but wanted to get opinions. I'm working on a project right now and will post pics when it is done.

 

[mikethompson]

I don't have any experience with a laser engraver, but my gut says engrave then wax, unless you are doing some intracate design work and the wax would fill in what you cut.

 

[zack24]

Waxing won't matter- there's not enough residue to load up in the engraving. I wouldn't try any buffing compounds after engraving... i'd be intersted in seeing how that works for you- i've been thinking about one...

Thanks,

Zack

 

[rx2man]

Well you got my interest. I dont have a stamp and is next but I will look into a laser engraver. Had not really thought much about it..

 

[shaintiques]

Engraving before wax works best. I tried both and the result before wax is way cleaner. The pipe I'm making is a surprise for somenone so I will wait to post pics but the result turned out pretty good. And I'll be able to engrave my logo on pipes once I figure out what that is going to look like. The engraver I got is a small one from Amazon. For the price I think it is a good little investment, but it only does small items.

 

[mawnansmiff]

"Should I wax the pipe and then engrave or engrave and then wax."
I can't give you an answer myself but I can tell you that on Upshall pipes, it appears that the engraving was the last process in the making of the pipe which is why their engraving stands out against whatever finish was applied to the rest of the pipe.
Regards,
Jay.

 

[woodsroad]

You could do some mean tattoos with that thing.

 

[crashthegrey]

I've seen a few guys doing laser engraving and would have guessed, as you surmised, that waxing after was better. It should be fun new tool.

 

[stranger]

I've played around with a laser engraver on leather. I know this doesn't help answer your question but they are a fun little machine once you figure them out. Do yourself a big favour and practice on similar shapes and grains of wood before you do your final product.

 

[mso489]

Interesting idea, the laser engraver. How easy is it to set up and vary the imaging or lettering for a pipe? Is it such that you could use it for applying a pattern or design to the briar (or other wood)? Or is it primarily just for a pipe stamp? Is this a fairly expensive tool or has the price come down to a consumer level?

 

[nevadablue]

I would like to know more too. Interesting.
I have an engraver made for things like trophy plates and would like to try it on a pipe some day. Too many projects, too little time for play.

 

[shaintiques]

It's a great little machine. I did many test runs before the final. I'll post pics next week after it arrives to its new owner.

 

[rx2man]

Decided to do this, got the 1500W version, $92 shipped.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1500mW-laser-engraving-machine-DIY-cnc-router-USB-laser-cutter-Automatic-Laser-Engraver-Off-line-Operation/32812142365.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.4WOgMs

 

[cortezattic]

Pretty nifty little gizmo for under $100.

 

[mso489]

Very nifty. I'll be interested to see what these can do.

 

[mawnansmiff]

I'm curious to know how it deals with curved surfaces...as in many pipe shanks. I know it can be done as I have several Upshall pipes that are engraved but I'm blown if I can figure out how it works.
Regards,
Jay.

 

[jabo]

I gotta look into this. It's now in my league. Thanks for the info !

 

[gecko13]

I have a friend (yes, no really, seriously I do have friends) that has this same type of engraver, and has used it to engrave wooden pens he makes. Overall it seems to do a good job. I have noticed on some of the lighter woods it seems to burn the wood creating somewhat of a scorched area around the lettering (mostly on the less dense wood types). Maybe on burl or other darker, dense woods, and using bigger lettering or graphics it wont be as noticeable.

 

[nevadablue]

It will be interesting to see how the machine does on curves. The curve of a stem is pretty sharp for such a 'flat oriented' machine, but the lettering is small and therefore won't cover much of the curve. Of course, a sophisticated CNC machine can travel over the curves with no issues, if the programmer knows his stuff, but that probably isn't necessary for our pipe work.

Watching!

 

[cortezattic]

I thought I'd bump this thread to see if there are any updates or new developments.