Laser Focused March/April 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover Story

Alisha Pate: Straight Shooter 8 Shedding Light on Laser Selection: Which One is Right for You?

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Cha-Ching! Rotaries: Rolling In Profits

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By Michael Horton, Party of 4 Crafts

By Jason Rife, RotoBoss Rotary Attachments

Laser Eye Safety: Back to Basics

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How to Add AI Art to Your Creative Process

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Laser Focused: Survey Results & Patreon

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By Brian Roof, DO, TSOpticals

By Dan Shapiro, CEO Glowforge

By Robin Roberts, Editor and Publisher

Recurring Columns Business 101

Laser Focused on Taxes:

How to Make Tax Season Your New Favorite Time of Year

By Susan Barney, CPA, SDBarney, CPA, Inc

Design

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Fonts:

By Amy Coe, SnarkHeart

Maintenance

Laser Cutting: When The Fumes Hit The Fans

By Robin Roberts, Robin's BirdBrain Designs

Marketing Corner

Marketing with a Laser Focus: The A-Z Guide to Building Your Business Website

By Carla Hartman, Chartman Marketing

Materials: Acrylic

Laser Beams and Color Dreams

By Melody Thornton, CMB Acrylic

Materials: Wood

Conditioning Cutting Boards:

By Misty Chamber, Spring Trading Post

Regular Features Tips & Tricks Catching Up With The Covers

Hello, Fellow Laser Enthusiasts!

Can you believe it's the fourth issue of Laser Focused? I can't! It surprises me every time I think about it; what began as a simple idea is now a very big reality!

We have over 4500 subscribers, which just scratches the surface of our vast laser community. Many more makers are out there, and we want Laser Focused to reach them all! To facilitate that end, we have a contest coming up. Watch for the announcement on social media with all the details for winning.

This issue is jam-packed again! Lots to talk about and learn. We are always looking for content, and we know there are many of you out there who have valuable information to contribute. Do you have an idea for an article? A process to explain? Best tools? Safety?

Marketing? An area of expertise that you want to share? We are looking for submissions that relate to lasers and the laser business. Whether you have an idea fully fleshed-out or just the seed of one, contact us at Contribute@LaserFocusedMagazine.com.

We will also be adding a project section to each issue, with at least two projects per issue, hopefully beginning with our May/June magazine. If you would like to submit a project for consideration, please email Project@LaserFocusedMagazine.com, and we will get details on applying to you as soon as possible.

Finally, please check out the page explaining our new Patreon offering. Creating this magazine has grown by leaps and bounds, and we could use financial support to keep up! We need new tools and skilled people to produce Laser Focused and expand it into the comprehensive resource it is destined to become. Your support is deeply appreciated.

As always, please support our advertisers. They are helping getting this information out to the community and are offerring some nice discounts and/or bonuses as well. They believe in the mission so please, show ‘em some love!

With that, what are you still doing here? Dig in and read on! There is lots inside for you, waiting to be read!

Laser On!

EDITOR’S NOTE

LOOKING FOR TALENT!

GUEST CONTRIBUTORS

Susan Barney,CPA SD Barney CPA, Inc

Jason Rife RotoBoss

Misty Chambers Spring Trading Post

Bryan Roof, DO TSO

Amy Coe SnarkHeart

Carla Hartman Chartman Marketing

Dan Shapiro, CEO Glowforge

Michael Horton Party of 4 Crafts

Melody Thornton CMB Acrylic

Become a guest contributor and showcase your expertise with the Laser Focused readers. Contact us HERE

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THIS IS

CATCHING UP WITH THE COVERS So what has Darryl Aspin been up to since his debut on the inaugural cover of Laser Focused?

Well, quite alot actually! He has a new moniker, That Laser Dude, and is building more outlets for his endless creativity.

You can find him soon at ThatLaserDude.com. (Visit and sign up to be notified the minute it goes live!)

You can also find him on his expanded YouTube channel, That Laser Dude.DDarryl has some tutorials up there already and will be adding more!

Near Future: Watch for an announcement of a comprehensive Adobe Illustrator class focusing on designing for lasers.

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t i m b u S s p i t r u o y ! e her

T IP S &

Tips from other laser professional

Do you find lint remaining after cleaning engraved wood with a baby wipe?

An easy way to remove it is to take a lighter and gently move the flame over the linted areas.

The lint will burn off.

Alisha Pate

Not laser specific but it is an often requested ‘fix’...

There’s a way to turn off that annoying @everyone Facebook tag - go to Settings and Privacy, choose Settings, then choose Notifications, then Tags and turn off the @everyone switch. That’s it!

To clean wood m Murphy’s Wood O Dampen a cloth Use the cloth Dee

Use kitchen fridge magnets to hold up the acrylic just a bit off of the bed. I put six on (pictured) just barely clipping the edge of the acrylic. I do not get the backflash and messiness I got when laying it directly on the bed. I particularly do this with mirrored projects.

Ogrmar Metal Clip 1.2” 12 pack Misty Chambers Tip of the hat to Cindy Caicedo who sent in a similar tip!

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ls. if you have one, submit it here.

You see the question out there alot Should I paint before or after I cut?

Here’s how to make the decision:

Spray paint first if you are ok with the lasered ‘char’ edges.

(It actually does look good).

Spray paint after laser cut if you want edges painted.

Linda David

mix 50/50, water and Oil in a spray bottle. h with the mixture. h to gently wipe. e Zsurka

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Tip for finding business: I have been doing door plates (‘Office’, ‘Janitorial’, etc) and tags for electric panel boxes for every new store being built in my area for at least 7 years.

See one being built - stop in and ask to speak to the construction foreman.

Nothing lost by trying!

Besides someone is going to be supplying them... might as well be you!

Lannie Keith Childress

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This is a No BS zone...

When you join The Laser Lounge – CO2 & Fiber Laser Community Group on Facebook, that is clearly stated, and you have had fair warning. And for those who know her, it perfectly reflects the straight shooter who runs it – Alisha Pate.

A Systems Engineer by education and training, Alisha decided to create a side hustle in 2018.

She began with a Cricut and soon displaying her creations at a vendor market.

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ALISHA PATE Straight Shooter As Alisha watched, she noticed many booths offering items made with vinyl. Customers would touch the products, rub their fingers over them, and then move on without buying. She also observed no booths featuring laser work – the kind of items someone could create with a Glowforge. Why a Glowforge? Because that laser machine had been enticingly fillIntro and Start ing her feed for months! Alisha finally thought she had a unique (at that time – 2019) solution for attracting buyers. So she got home, put her head together with James, her husband and partner in business, created a business plan, and ordered the Glowforge Pro. Her laser business was born.

To get the business off the groun Alisha first approached her frie and neighbor, a realtor, with an ide She offered to make closing gif and her friend jumped at the chan to create such a personal gift for h clients. (This was before it becam as popular as it is today.) From th beginning, real estate agents ha become a strong foundation of h business. To this day, Alisha fulfi 10 to 15 orders per week from th base, accounting for 30-35% of h

The awards and trophies space bu business foundation. It came abo servant about what was happeni daughter, was involved with FFA which meant Alisha was already nization needed for its programs. phies to the young people who rai lots of trophies, awards, and reco larly, creating the perfect recurring business! Alisha asked for the business and then exceeded expectations by creating unique awards. Her awards were in the shape of the animal itself and were a big hit with the winners.

As they started handing them out at different competitions and shows, word spread from chapter to chapter, and this part of the business grew. Pate Ranch now supplies these wo 4H chapters throughout the U

Alisha was no stranger to creating, as that was how she originally ended up with a Computer Science degree. Long ago there was greeting card software, by Hallmark of course, which had caught her attention. She loved the technology paired with creating, and that interest eventually propelled her into an undergraduate degree and then Graduated with Masters in into a Systems EngineerSystems Engineering in 2011 ing Masters degree. AliMethodist University sha put her education to work first in the aerospace industry and, most recently, in oil and While it sounds great to build gas with Chevron. While she still works with Engineering Career you know, I had to ask Alisha Chevron several days a week, her body and heart knew you would also want to ask are far out in the countryside, communing with, cretions without being sales-y and pu ating from, and appreciating nature all around her. tances or potentially damaging re 10

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nd, end ea. fts, nce her me hat ave her fills hat her business mix.

uilt Alisha’s next piece of her out organically by being obing around her. Reagan, her (Future Farmers of America), familiar with what the orga. FFA and 4H clubs give troise and show animals. In fact, ognition are handed out regu-

Alisha was only too happy to answer this question. She suggests you do as she did and start by creating some small items (for example, bag tags for a few of the band kids), give them away for free, and then let word of mouth do the rest. As those kids started to use their tags for their instruments, other kids wanted one too. What started as “Hey, see if this works for you.” quickly became her advertising. “It’s something everyone can do and builds on relationships – the “here, this might help” approach versus testing the relationship with the implication “buy this from me because we’re friends.” The genius of it is that people then experienced the results and came to her to ask to buy; when trust and value are established, word of mouth naturally follows. (In actual fact, all of Alisha’s marketing is word-of-mouth. She does not advertise or overtly market her business in any other way, yet it continues to grow from happy clients. experiencing excellent results.)

Sales Advice

Alisha has also become involved with Folds Of Honor. This organization funds college educations for children of fallen military and first responders. They hold many charity events, such as golf tournaments, where prizes and trophies are needed. Alisha emphasizes that in the nonprofit arena, these purchases are built into their budget; they have the funds, and not everything needs to be donated. There will be money spent with someone to supply their needs - why not you? It is also worth noting that the items they choose are often high quality which incentivizes their donors to attend functions regularly and support the cause generously. The

e onderful trophies to FFA and United States.

a business starting with what a the next question because I her. “How do you offer soluutting off friends and acquainelationships?”

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Folds of Honor Video

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ALISHA PATE Straight Shooter...continued added benefit for Alisha is working with the organization itself. She loves Folds of Honor’s mission and feels privileged to help them succeed mightily. She highly recommends laser creators look into such organizations and what they need as the demand is there. Alisha shared with me that the award and trophy market is vast, and there is room for everyone at the table.

As for the Pate Ranch presence out in the marketplace, you can find it in several places: an Etsy shop for digital designs, a part of the business that she loves, which provides 10-15% of annual revenues.

they’ve been partners ever since. T for each other and are building thei an engineer’s thoughtful and thoroug an engineer, too!

Mix of Business

The real estate orders are handled through Google docs, where her clients can sign in, pick their product and font, include the message, and then she receives the order. Not a website or anything fancy. And this piece accounts for 30-35% of her revenue stream.

Finally, Pate Ranch has Shopify, but it is skeletal at best.

However, Alisha swears that this is the year it will become fully populated and operational. Really!

All of this proves you don’t have to have anything big and fancy to be successful. Notice that over 50% of the annual revenues come from the simple Google Doc setup.

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They recently moved into their ba built (and are still working on) in th out of Houston. Having both worked suburbia, they had a goal to move o a life surrounded by creeks, trees, w

Alisha says James is a great soun strategies for growing the enterprise. both strategically and materially, as h for the enterprise. They source woo some projects, including having a While there, I saw the piece of ced mantle for their great room fireplace out the picture of it now resting in it

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On the home front, Alisha and James, have been together for over 30 years, married 26. The couple met when James approached Alisha at the gym as she was working out. “You’re doing the exercise wrong, and I wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself.” was his opening line, and They continue looking out ir future – of course, with gh approach. Yes, James is

They have two children, Kyle and Reagan; they are 19 and 20 and both in college at Texas A&M. Kyle is in the Corps of Cadets studying Construction Science, while Reagan is working toward her degree in Petroleum Engineeri n g .

The family gene for entrepreneurship has been passed down to both, as Kyle expresses his creativity in the welding world, and Reagan has her own silversmithing business.

arndominium, which they he countryside, 90 minutes d as engineers and lived in out onto property and build water, and cows!

nding board for ideas and . He’s a part of the business, he also does woodworking od from their property for kiln to prepare it for use. dar that would become the e drying in the kiln. Check ts place of honor!

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Family So, what’s with the six lasers? It is an interesting progression. From the first laser, a Glowforge Pro, Alisha quickly knew she needed more capacity. Enter a Mira 9. Still needing capacity, she reached out to Aeon for another laser.

It was September 2020, and nothing was available before December. That wouldn’t work, so she researched other options and came upon Thunder USA. After determining which model would best fit her needs, she got fantastic news – it could be delivered (to her dining room!) in

Continued on the next page...

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ALISHA PATE Straight Shooter...continued just 2.5 weeks. Within a month, Alisha was the proud owner of a Nova 63 and a Mira 9. She ran both machines side by side and determined that moving forward Thunder was the best solution for her, so she eventually sold the Mira 9 to a local maker and brought in a Nova 35. From her terrific experience with the Nova machines, Alisha has now become a brand ambassador for Thunder Laser, USA. She is an excellent resource for those with questions searching for their new laser.

Ever curious, Alisha became intrigued with the world of fiber and galvo lasers, bringing on board a Bogong 50 watt JPT fiber, then a Thunder Aurora 20 watt fiber. But come on, no laser space would be complete without a UV laser, right? So a Haotian 5 watt UV laser joined the lineup, followed by a Haotian CO2 Galvo! Six beautiful lasers now grace the purpose-built shop out in the her office.

Thunder Ambassador

Galvo & Fiber & UV - Oh My!

At this point, there is a laser to test any scenario and almost any material. It is a marvelous base from which to run The Laser Lounge. Experiments can be done; discussions are often centered on how to use which laser and for what; the Laser Lounge truly is a place of education and assistance. Which is what Alisha always envisioned it to be.

UV Laser Glasswork

Alisha’s goal is to always be the helping hand, teaching and educating. Her desire is to see everyone who is willing to do the work succeed. She is transparent in her business with those who seek information. She’ll share her mix of business and her numbers, all in the service of helping the next one along. She also is committed to learning and improving herself. She as an amazing team around her and says, The Laser Lounge “When you surround yourself with people that are better than you, you become better.

And that is the space that I want to be in.” And it is evidenced everywhere you look, and by all the assistance that is offerred easily and freely! *Note: There are more snippets of conversation available HERE on YouTube!

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Finally, I asked Alisha the questions I ask of each of Laser Focused’s cover guests. First, what is the best business advice you have ever received, and from whom?

She credits mentors at work throughout her career with encouraging her to take healthy risks. She was spurred on to try something new, open new doors, and not be afraid to fail. Her words to us are, “Be willing to put yourself out there and take a chance on something. You never know what opportunity will open. I always believe that I’m a winner.

Even if I’m failing, I’m learning something, and eventually, I’ll be a winner in that space as well. Have a positive attitude and acknowledge learning from everything you’re doing.”

Business Advice

As for life advice, it comes from James. Enjoy the moment. Slow down and focus on relationships and experiences as opposed to pushing things so hard that time slips by. Value your relationships and build them a little better than in the past because you never know how long you’ll be here.”

And with that, we leave Alisha and the family to sit by the fire pit, soaking up the serenity that surrounds them in their sweet country refuge!

Life Advice

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SOME SURVEY RESULTS We recently did a survey of our 4500 subscribers.

With approximately 10% responding, here’s what we learned from two of the questions:

If you haven’t taken the survey, you can take it by clicking here.

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On Patreon

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- LASER EYE SAFETY BACK TO THE BASICS

Guest Contributor: Dr. Bryan Roof, DO The Laser: something that nearly everyone in the developed world interacts with daily, yet it has almost lost the respect it deserves. Modern life would not be what it is without this fancy lightbulb.

direct exposure, but scattered exposure is not harmful, 5-499 mW Class 4 – scattered light from lasers in usage can cause eye damage upon exposure, >500mW

Initially proposed by Albert Einstein, and first built in 1960 by Theodore Maiman, lasers are different from any other light source due to the coherence of light they emit. This means that laser light is, in essence, very pure in its frequency and waveform. The purity of the light allows for very precise and tight focusing of a laser, which makes it very useful in cutting and engraving. It also allows for using very specific wavelengths of light or very short pulses of light, which optometrists and ophthalmologists take advantage of in eye care for various laser surgeries.

Lasers are found in a huge variety of everyday products, such as barcode scanners, disc drives, welding phone lines, skin treatments, and measuring range and speed. Since the very first laser was fired, its potential to cause harm has been well recognized, particularly harm to the eyes. This has resulted in the following safety rating scale we use today, ranging from Class 1 to Class 4.

The current rating system is focused on the potential for damage to the eye. The eye is particularly susceptible to laser damage for a several reasons.

Obviously being an optical system, the eye is designed to permit light to enter and then focus that light on photoreceptors. Damage to the eye generally occurs to either the photoreceptors of the retina, the lens that focuses light inside the eye, or to the cornea which is the front window of the eye.

Class 1 – safe during normal usage Class 1M – safe during normal usage unless magnified with a telescope or microscope Class 2 – generally safe during normal usage; the eye will be able to blink to protect itself prior to permanent harm Class 2M – generally safe during normal usage unless magnified Class 3R – small risk of eye damage during normal use even with the blink reflex, up to 5mW Class 3B – can cause immediate eye damage upon

Photoreceptors, also known as rods and cones, are

the light detectors that convert light into an electrical signal that then goes to the brain and processes into what we experience as vision. They are very delicate and active cells, buried deep inside the retina. At first glance, the retina almost appears inside out, as the photoreceptors are not on the surface of the retina but are the very innermost layer. They are very susceptible to thermal damage, which makes them more susceptible to lasers in the visible and near-infrared wavelengths ranging from around 400nm up to 1400nm. The GlowContinued on the next page...

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- LASER EYE SAFETY BACK TO THE BASICS...

forge CO2 laser is an example of a laser that falls in this range.

The crystalline lens inside the eye is what we use to focus light onto our retina. This is the part of the eye that everyone will at some point become very familiar with. If you know anyone that uses reading glasses, particularly over the age of 40, this lens is the culprit. The crystalline lens changes throughout our lifetime, becoming denser with age.

As this density increases, the flexibility decreases, leading to the near-universal need for reading glasses at some point. The second purpose of the crystalline lens is to protect the retina from UV light, light from around 180nm up to 400nm. Lasers in this range, and UV light in general, cause clouding of the lenses, which is commonly known as cataracts.

The cornea is our window to the world. It’s the front surface of the eye that is the first part of the process of focusing light into the eye. It is made up of

the same type of tissue as the sclera (the white part of the eye), and our skin; however, since it is so well-organized light can simply pass through it as it does a clear window. The cornea is sensitive to far UV in the 180 to 315 nm range, as well as the infrared range of light. Damage to the cornea from light is known as photokeratitis and essentially amounts to a sunburn on the front of the eye. Also known in the welding world as “welders flash” and to the

continued

northern latitudes as “snow blindness,” photokeratitis can be very painful but generally resolves without permanent damage.

At the end of the day, laser safety really depends upon preventing excessive laser energy from entering the eye. Anyone who uses a laser should be aware of the risks and the precautions necessary to prevent harm to both themselves or others with respect to their specific laser or lasers. One of the most significant dangers associated with lasers is complacency; dealing with dangers that we may not be able to necessarily see even with the laser is in operation.

Laser eye protection specific to each laser should be used in order to prevent reflected or scattered light from the laser from reaching the eye. There are no universal safety glasses for lasers; they must be designed according to the specific wavelength of the laser or they will be ineffective. Additionally, measures must be taken to ensure there is not leakage of the laser light to others that may accidentally be exposed. For particularly high-powered or exposed lasers, this may even involve locking mechanisms to prevent the door to the room where the laser is operating from being opened. Anyone with eyes is suseptable to damage from lasers. One sad story is from a patient that did not take these precautions and became complacent. The patient was a semi-professional hobbyist and artist whose medium was laser cutting. This person ensured that the laser was operating properly in the enclosure, however they did like to look and see the scattered light as the laser was in operation. When they visited my office, they Continued here...

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Shedding Light on Laser Selecti

Guest Contributor: Michae

When it comes time to choose a laser, there are so many options in this very important decision. Brand name, power, size, and type are all part of the equation. In this article, I’ll talk about the last one, laser types, so that you can better understand that part of the decision. Each type has its benefits and its drawbacks and those should be clear to you by the end.

DIODE LASERS Diode lasers are inexpensive, low power lasers that are popular with beginners. The diode is housed in a small rectangular cube about the size of a stick of butter. They are rated in the range of 5 Watts to 40 Watts, but you have to be very careful with this number. With all other lasers, the Watts refers to the actual output of laser light, but with diodes, that number is often measuring the input of electricity. So a 5 Watt diode only puts out around 1.1 Watts of laser light.

Be sure that the diode that you buy tells you what the actual optical output is somewhere in the detailed description. Diodes are slow. They typically top out around 4,000 mm/min which is only about 67 mm/s. A good CO2 laser can engrave at 500 mm/s. The low power limits what you can cut and most do not have any kind of enclosure or exhaust fan.

CO2 LAS

CO2 lasers h ignites the l waves are in flowing wat around 30 w watts in ind nesses use C

Some comm GweikeClou

Benefits: Can cut man top to very la range of pric

Some common diode lasers are Atomstack, Ortur, xTool, Sculpfun, XTool, TwoTrees, NEJE Benefits: Diode lasers start at around $300 and the best barely exceed $1,000, portable, small, light, most can use Lightburn (gCode version), some have rotaries available, low cost allows users to get into laser engraving for a small investment, some new models can mark metal without any coating Drawbacks: Slow, low power; most do not have enclosures; most do not have exhaust fans; cannot engrave clear acrylic

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Drawbacks Glass tube i in temperatu sprays

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ion: Which One is Right for You?

el Horton, Party of 4 Crafts

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RF LASERS

have a glass tube with CO2 in it and a plasma laser to produce finely focused light whose n sync with each other. The glass tube has ter in it to keep it cool. CO2 lasers start at watts and go all the way up to thousands of dustrial applications. Most home-based busiCO2 lasers in the 40W to 150W range.

RF lasers are similar to CO2 lasers except that the laser is ignited by radio frequency waves that travel at the speed of light. In order to engrave at high speeds, the laser needs to be able to turn on and off at very high rates. Nothing travels faster than the speed of light, so RF tubes are a great way to increase your engrave speeds. The life of RF tubes is generally longer than CO2 tubes as well. Some lasers house both an RF and a glass CO2 tube.

mon CO2 lasers are: Glowforge, Flux Beamo, ud, Aeon, Full Spectrum, Thunder, OMTech

ny materials in one pass, available from deskarge sizes, faster engraving than diodes, wide ces ($500 to $15,000)

Some companies that offer RF lasers are: GweikeCloud RF, Boss, Trotec, Thunder, Aeon, Epilog Benefits: Very high engraving speeds, otherwise very similar to CO2 lasers Drawbacks: More expensive than CO2 lasers ($4,000 to $20,000)

s: is fragile; requires water cooling to remain ure range; cannot mark metal without special

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Shedding Light on Laser Selection... co GALVO LASERS A galvo is not really a different type of laser, but a different way of moving the laser. The galvo laser has moving mirrors in it and the beam is moved around simply by moving the x-direction mirror and the y-direction mirror.

This is much faster compared to moving the entire laser head like in CO2, diode, and RF lasers. One can purchase a CO2 or Fiber galvo laser. Galvo lasers can engrave at speeds in the thousands of mm/s.

FIBER LASERS

Fiber lasers pass the laser light through fiber optic cables to create a very narrow beam.

Narrow beams concentrate the power into a small area and allow very fine engraves. This concentrated power also allows fiber lasers to engrave many kinds of metals and even cut some thin metals in the higher wattage range.

The laser source does not move back and forth like diode, CO2, and RF lasers, so speeds can be faster. They are good for marking metal flasks, tumblers, dog tags, etc. Fiber lasers with MOPA technology can change their frequency to make different color engraves on metal.

Some common galvo laser companies are: Trotec, Epilog, XTool, Full Spectrum, BesCutter Benefits: Incredibly high speeds, different abilities depending on whether it is a CO2 or fiber Galvo Drawbacks: Price is higher than fiber ($5,000 to $25,000)

Some common brands that offer consumer fiber lasers: Cloudray, OMTech, Gweike, Raycus, JPT Benefits: Very fast, marks metal, fine engraves, generally not water cooled Drawbacks: More expensive than CO2 and often have a small engrave work area ($3,500 to $10,000)

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UV LASERS Light is made up of particles called photons. Each color of photons have a different amount of energy. Going from red to orange to yellow to green to blue to violet, the amount of energy increases. So, ultraviolet has more energy per photos than any of the visible colors. Therefore, a low power beam can cut just as well as a higher powered beam of a different color. Using a low power beam to cut and engrave leaves much less char afterwards. Low power beams can also be focused down to a smaller point, making the beam even more concentrated power. Because the beam is so small, they’re often used for marking small objects such as electronic components, pharmaceutical capsules, etc.

Some common UV laser companies are: StyleCNC, JPT, Full Spectrum, Barch Laser Benefits: Low power but can still do the work of other more powerful lasers, fine beam allows for precise engraving, little char, can engrave on more materials than other lasers Drawbacks: Like fiber lasers, they typically have a smaller engrave area and are more expensive than CO2 or diode lasers ($5,500 to $25,000), lower price UV lasers can be slow

So, which type of laser is best for you?

Ah, that’s a question that only you can answer after weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each!

Michael Horton is the proprietor of Party of 4 Crafts. Find him on Etsy, the Friendliest Glowforge Group on Facebook, Youtube, the Partyof4Crafts website, and Instagram by going to his Linktree site.

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BUSINE

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR: Susan

Laser Focuse How to Make Tax Season You Tax season is upon us once again. Let’s begin by exploring the psychology of tax season. There are basically three groups of taxpayers: 1. those that react to tax season with anticipation and excitement, 2. those that react with dread and procrastination, and 3. those that are somewhere in between. Which group do you fall into?

If you react with excitement, you probably have your tax documents, W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, 1098s, property tax statements, donation letters, etc. organized in a folder and ready to go to your accountant as soon as IRS opens the filing season.

Your bank statements are reconciled, and your receipts are in date order. You anxiously wait to find out if you owe tax or get a refund with your completed return. Accountants call these the “early birds”, and they enjoy working with them because their excitement and enthusiasm get tax season off to a great start.

Those that face tax season with dread create more of a challenge for accountants. The feeling of dread may be based on feelings of fear and the unknown. These people are usually unorganized with their tax documents. The tax documents come in the mail or email, and they remain unopened until the tax deadline can no longer be avoided. The recipient cannot bring themselves to open the documents and the accountant must open the documents to prepare the tax return.

Some procrastinate too long, and the tax return cannot be completed by the April 15 deadline.

The accountant must then file an extension for the tax return, Form 4868. An extension creates more fear and anxiety (dread!) in some because 26

they believe that an extension will draw attention to their tax return and increase their chance of audit.

The belief that an extension will increase the chance for audit is not true. Extensions are common and will give you more time to complete your tax return. The last day to file your tax return without penalties will be extended for six months from April 15 to October 15. An extension is required to prevent late filing penalties.

However, it does not extend the time to pay tax that is due with your return. Tax that is paid after April 15 may be subject to under payment penalties.

What can we do about procrastination? Procrastination is the result of underlying fear and anxiety.

The remedy to fear and anxiety is education. Everyone should understand the basic tax formula. Let’s break down the formula into steps: 1. Income less adjustments to income equals adjusted gross income (AGI).

2. AGI less standard deduction (or itemized deductions) equals taxable income.

3. Taxable income is taxed at applicable rates.

4. Tax less payments equal tax due or tax refund.

The first step is to identify your income. There are many types of income. The most common is wages from employment. All of the information that you need to report your wages can be found on your W-2. Taxable interest and dividend income are earned from your money at the bank and reported on Form 1099. Business income,

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n Barney, CPA, SD Barney CPA

ed on Taxes: ur New Favorite Time of Year the net income from your Schedule C, is a common source of income for those of you that are self-employed. These types of income are called ordinary income.

They can be taxed up to the highest tax rate in the tax tables published by the IRS. The other type of income is called capital gain income and is taxed at a lower preferential tax rate, most often 15%. Capital gain income is from the sale of capital assets such as stocks and real estate.

come. The tax rates range from 10% to 37% for ordinary income.

Finally, you offset your tax by the payments that you have made throughout the year. Many people pay their tax by having it withheld from their paychecks. Your employer remits your tax payment each pay period on your behalf. The amount of your federal withholding is reported on your W-2. If you are self-employed, you must make your own payments directly to the IRS by making quarterly estimated tax payments. The tax payments are due April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year. You are expected to pay 25% of your tax each quarter.

When you get to the end of the tax formula, you

Your total income can be reduced by specific deductions. These deductions are called “above the line” deductions because they reduce your adjusted gross income. The most common above the line deductions benefit the self-employed such as deductions for self-employed health insurance, pension plan contributions (SEP, SIMPLE) and the self-employment tax deduction.

Your adjusted gross income is then reduced by the standard deduction or your itemized deductions, whichever is higher. The amount of the standard deduction is set by Congress and adjusted for inflation. The standard deduction for 2022 is $12,950 for single filers and $25,900 for married couples filing joint. Your itemized deductions include your mortgage interest, property tax payments (limited to $10,000 per year), and charitable contributions.

The next step is to apply the tax rates per the tax table for your filing status to your taxable in-

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will know if you owe tax with your tax return or if you are due a refund. If your payments are less than your tax, you will owe the remaining balance. If your payments are more than your tax, you will receive a refund. With proper education you can turn tax season dread into excitement and enthusiasm.

Susan Barney, CPA is the principal of SD Barney CPA, Inc. (281) 894-8686, 12115 Jones Road Houston, TX 77070. We provide business consulting, tax preparation, QuickBooks training and bookkeeping services.

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H C CA

ROTAR

Laser rotaries come in two main types, the four-wheel rotary roller and the rotary chuck. Both allow the user to engrave around cylindrical objects, which would otherwise be impossible with a laser alone.

The chuck tools have been in the woodworking and metal lathe industries for a long time and in the laser world for about 15-20 years. However, in the last couple of years, laser rotary companies have been working to improve the rotary chuck specifically for laser use.

The roller tools have been in the laser community for about 10-15 years, only recently improved upon by several laser rotary companies and hobbyists. The improvements have made working with round objects easier and more efficient than ever, leading to a huge boom in the customized drinkware market.

Each type has its place, but with the advancement of some rotary rollers currently on the market, the rotary chuck has become less and less useful for common, everyday items. So when it comes right down to it, which one you need depends on how you intend to use it.

A quality roller rotary with features such as clamps, heel plate, and lifting systems is designed and built for the commercial production user that processes small to large quantities of the same or multiple objects. They genuinely give you dependable repeatability with the least amount of wasted materials.

(Waste can be due to objects moving or slipping which ruins your piece and costs your business money.) The rollers are also useful for hobbyists, small production outfits, or one-off custom shops due to their ease of use and dependability - no matter the size of your business or hobby, time is money!

Chuck R

Chuck rotaries are the oldest type, an commonly used - sometimes the only Typical chucks are often heavy, cumb to operate. In addition, they can often because of how they hold them and th in place. People over the years have ma mon chuck rotary to make it more usef veloping their own versions of the rot the laser community. These new chuc the problems previously encountered. S address is the inability to handle a prod of how they work means increase setu roller rotary, and again, time is money place when working with very large an a square base that can not roll. Anothe that, when placed on a roller rotary (d tall to fit within the confines of your la

Today the most popular and sought-aft rotary roller. The choice is yours as to w

Roller Rotary

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As for why you would need any one machines in the ever-growing laser per creasing demand for personalized drin have some rotary tool to accommodate

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Rotary

nd until recently, they were the most y option for doing cylindrical objects. bersome rotary tools that can be hard damage the items you are working on he pressure needed to keep it securely ade some great adaptations to the comful. In addition, companies started detary chuck, geared specifically towards ck-style rotaries help address many of Still, a persistent problem they can not duction-type environment. The nature up and production time compared to a y! With that being said, they do have a nd irregular items, such as glasses with er use, for example, is a large dog bowl depending on your laser), may be too aser.

fter type of rotary on the market is the which one you want or need to own.

e of them at all, they are rolling ATM rsonalization market. With the fast-innkware, it is hard to own a laser and not e your customers’ needs. A rotary is an

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Guest Contributor: Jason Rife, RotoBoss amazing revenue generator and requires very little effort to make a good profit, and because of this, the ROI (return on investment) is often realized within a few months of use.

Please take what you have read as a stepping stone and use this information to help dig a little deeper to find what works for you and your business. You can not go wrong with either or both types in your toolbox. Having all available tools at your disposal makes your business more versatile, allowing you to tackle any challenge that walks through your door.

The goal of this article was to help shed some light on different types of rotaries that are out there, as well as briefly explore the use, pros and cons of each. Hopefully, I met that goal! I wish you the very best in your laser journey and hope it is hugely prosperous! If you have any questions about anything covered in this article, please feel free to reach out to me.

Jason Rife is a proud Retired US Navy Veteran, the Owner of JER Custom Designs and the creator of RotoBoss Rotary Attachments. Not only is he the creator of the market leading Rotoboss Rotary he is also an experienced Laser user with 8 years of laser experience on all types of lasers and brands. He also runs a local business in Jacksonville Florida providing customers with Laser engraving services, Direct to film(DTF), Vinyl Graphics, Sublimation and UV printing solutions for a wide variety of applications.

Email: rotoboss@rotaryattachments.com, YouTube, Facebook, Tik-Tok, Instagram

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ODE TO A MAGICAL MACHINE In a laser cutting business, the machines do the trick They slice and they dice with a laser beam’s flick From acrylic to wood, they cut with such ease And leave behind perfectly cut pieces with ease The laser cutter’s precision is truly divine It follows the path set with an accurate line But beware, my friends, don’t forget your glasses Or you’ll be blinded by the light’s laser flashes The machine’s power is something to behold It slices through metal, it’s not just for the bold But when it comes to cutting a delicate lace The laser cutter’s finesse will never misplace So if you need a design, cut with such grace Go to a laser cutter, they’ll put a smile on your face They’re fast, efficient, and always on time And they’ll make sure your design is simply sublime!

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- LASER EYE SAFETY -

BACK TO THE BASICS... continued had significant uncorrectable vision loss from repeated low-level exposure. Unfortunately, during our conversation they mentioned that their pet dog was also often present in the room with the laser in operation and had also been having vision issues.

At the end of the day, each operator should become familiar with the hazards associated with the laser that they use and take precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of others that could be potentially exposed. For many lasers, this is as simple as using them as they were designed, without modifications. For others, these precautions may be more extensive, particularly with increasing personal customization of the laser and its use. In my opinion, the most significant hazard (and the hardest to address!) is complacency as we become familiar with the lasers that we use.

So, please use your safety glasses, and I hope to never need to have a conversation with you about how lasers affected your vision.

Dr. Bryan Roof attended the University of Texas at Dallas, earning an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience. He then earned his Doctorate in Optometry from the University of Houston.

You can email him here.

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Guest Contributor: Dan Shapiro, Glowforge If you’re fascinated by creative tools like I am, you might have heard of some strange new names in the world of digital creations: DALL-E 2, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, and more. They’re all examples of “generative AI,” a term that sounds like science fiction because until very recently it was. Behind the scenes, it’s cutting-edge research, machine learning, and very, very powerful computers.

Once you learn it, though, it’s a great option to have in your creative toolbox. No matter what kind of laser projects you make, having your own custom art can be a real game-changer. And I’m going to show you three ways to make it useful to you—today. I’m not going to walk you through every possible option; I’m just going to give you three different ways to move fast and get to something awesome. So let’s get started!

What are AI image generators?

Let’s begin by talking about what AI image generators are, and what they do. At the highest level, this is software that has been trained on millions of images and their descriptions. From this huge library of images and text, the software has “learned” the relationship between the two. It understands that “badger” is an animal. It’s also learned enough to know that “badgers playing hockey” is not an animal.

So you can reasonably expect that if you ask it for a picture of a “dog,” you’ll get something like this:

Notice that I didn’t specify a breed of dog, but I could have. I could have described the length of its fur, too. You can keep adding more words to see what happens. “Dog with a cute bowtie” might give you this:

All AI image generators have this same basic functionality: you type a description and you get a brand-new piece of unique, never-before-seen art.

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How does AI art generation work?

Most of the time the results are … interesting. I compare it to an artist that’s studied just about every picture ever made, with descriptions of each. A wizard with Photoshop, with a perfect memory— the only challenge is that they learned everything about English based on just the descriptions of the art they’ve seen, and the grasp is somewhat tenuous.

When you describe what you want, they think about all of the pictures they’ve seen with a similar description. They recall the colors, style, composition, and every minute detail about that artwork. Based on that recollection, they create something original just for you. They make sure it’s not like any art that’s ever existed before, and nobody will ever make that exact piece of art again.

That said, the language barrier means sometimes you won’t get quite what you expect—the software “thinks” a little differently than you. It also can get confused with too many conflicting descriptions (horse in space with a cat head playing volleyball), or with unusual relationships (river on a bridge with a building underneath). Then, it starts ignoring things and reverts to “typical” pictures.

You can see there’s a lot of potential here! I’ve spent hours just playing with images, thinking about how I could use them with my laser. Sometimes I know exactly what I’m looking for, and build a long prompt detailing it. Other times I’m just following the wizard-artist wherever it wants to go based on a simple prompt like “dogs playing poker.” I used the results from that small bit of text, I created a custom playing card box on my Glowforge printer.

Option 1: Midjourney Midjourney is a ready-to-use service that costs $30 a month. Anyone can use it, and it produces consistently solid results. It was one of the first generative AI services, and it’s the first one I tried.

It does have some drawbacks. You have to learn how to use Discord, a chat service that may not be for everyone. It also doesn’t support readyto-use styles; you have to input your own. And finally, your subscription gets you a limited number of fast-generated images every month; after that, you’re stuck with slower-generated images, which can be a little frustrating.

Option 2: Stable Diffusion If you’re a do-it-yourself type, you can actually run an image generator at home. It requires a beefy, modern computer with an advanced graphics card - I had to build one from scratch to try it out. Install Git and Python, clone the software from github (instructions here), and you’ll be able to create images on your own computer. You can let it run overnight, then sort through thousands to find the one you like best.

If you’re comfortable with the setup and have a high-end PC with a compatible graphics card already, Stable Diffusion can be a great choice.

It gives you all the knobs and dials to play with, Continued on the next page...

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How to add AI art...

continued

and after you pay for the hardware, there’s no additional cost. That said, it can be tricky to coax it to giving you the style you’re looking for. And of course if you need customer support, you’re on your own.

Obviously I have a favorite. I subscribe to Midjourney and I’ve installed Stable Diffusion on my computer, but I use Magic Canvas the most because it’s the fastest path to something I can use.

For example, last night I made ten co-workers custom-engraved notebook covers. I just typed their title into Magic Canvas, chose the “super cute” art style, and got back hilarious cartoon images. (My “CEO” image is below.)

Option 3: Magic Canvas Finally, there’s Magic Canvas. Magic Canvas is part of the Glowforge App available with Glowforge Premium, so while you’re building your favorite designs, you can easily generate personalized artwork. (It’s a great way to add a special touch to gifts.)

It’s fast, and you can make an unlimited number of images, with art styles that are designed for laser engraving. It also includes an image editor that lets you tweak the results like sharpening, contrast, and brightness before you print. Alongside Magic Canvas, you get all of the additional features of Glowforge Premium, including millions of fonts and images, plus thousands of ready-toprint designs.

The only drawbacks are that you have to own a Glowforge, and Magic Canvas only generates one image at a time.

That’s the power of AI-generated images: with a few words and in just a few seconds, you can have unique art that’ll elevate your laser work from good to great. It really is a magical tool, and I hope now you’ll feel ready to use it!

Dan Shapiro is the founder and CEO of Glowforge.

Prior to starting Glowforge, Dan launched a variety of companies, including the best-selling board game, Robot Turtles, where he learned the joys and challenges of using complicated laser technology to create unique prototypes. Dan saw the major potential of bringing a beautiful, user-friendly laser to the market, and the idea for Glowforge was born.

Follow Dan on Twitter

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MATERIALS

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR: Mel

o you want to add color

to your laser projects, but don’t know where to start? Are you tired of paint filling your acrylic sheets, or just want more detailed prints? Read on to learn about sublimating acrylic and why it may be an option for you!

First things first, what is sublimation? At the core of sublimation and for our purposes, it is a chemical process that embeds ink into our substrate (acrylic) by using heat and pressure. You will likely want to invest in a heat press if you don’t already own one. (Personally I collect machines like I collect acrylic – a lot!)

Okay, so what else do you need? Sublimation prints- you can purchase a printer and make your own, or, and I would recommend this route- start by purchasing prints from someone on Etsy or another maker so you can test it out first and find out if this is for you before you invest in more expensive equipment.

And then of course you’ll need acrylic.

But what kind of acrylic? The AWESOME thing about acrylic is that most any cast acrylic is sublimation friendly. There are no special coatings, no lamination to apply, nothing to do besides buy the acrylic you already purchase. And while most cast acrylic will sublimate, the results will 36

Laser Beams an The Art of Subli

vary based on the acrylic color. I would stay away from darker colors and stick with light & bright for the best results!

The two biggest things I want to note here- 1) Clear acrylic will sublimate with a transparent image, and 2) not all white acrylic is the same. There are varying degrees of opacity within the range of acrylic sheets sold as white. For best results look for a 3015 white from your supplier as this is the industry standard most opaque. The more opaque, the less light comes through and the brighter your design will sublimate.

Alright so we have all of our supplies, what’s next?! Turn your heat press on and set it to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is really where you’re going to have to start getting comfortable and testing it out on your own. Trial and error is going to be your friend for finding the best settings for you- including pressure.

I prefer high but have heard many have success with a lower pressure point. My recommendation is always to start low and work your way up!

While your press is heating up, if you haven’t already, I would suggest cutting your designs first. One of the biggest issues

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nd Color Dreams: imating Acrylic

people have with sublimating on acrylic is warping when you remove it from the heat. Cutting your acrylic, and sublimating a smaller piece(s) usually lessens the possibilities of warping. Generally with sublimation, you’ll want to use a heat safe tape to keep the paper design from sliding around. However, you’ll have to be careful with your application so you don’t wind up with tape marks on the back of your acrylic. One way to mitigate this is to apply the tape on the image, and then to a piece of paper under your acrylic (and not directly on the acrylic itself). The added benefit of a piece of paper under your acrylic is it offers an easy way to slide your pieces directly onto a harder surface for cooling down!

Generally you’ll apply a piece of parchment paper over the sublimation sheet, and press your image for 4560 seconds (again, lots of trial and error for best timing).

Once the timer is up, immediately slide your pieces onto a hard surface, and apply something heavy on top of them. This is going to help it cool down nice and flat without warping.

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After 15+ minutes you can remove the heavy pieces and take a peek at your product! Once you remove the tape and sublimation paper do me a favor and DON’T PANIC if there’s a lot of residue- a baby wipe or damp cloth will scrub it right off!

One of the perks of sublimation over other mediums is that once the ink is in there, there is nothing that will remove it. It won’t scratch, it won’t be damaged by harsh chemicals, it won’t rub off over time- it is SET. Of course the disadvantage is that this process is a bit arduous and time consuming, and the warping problem can be hard to scale on a level for higher manufacturing.

NOW- Go have fun!

I’ve sublimated on pastels, mattes, marbles, pearls, and more!

Experiment with what you have and you’ll be able to create some truly unique pieces!

Melody Thornton started her acrylic obsession with a Glowforge which quickly spiraled into an acrylic purchasing problem. To combat it, she started CMB Acrylic, supplying the highest quality acrylic sheets to the Laser Community. In addition she runs the Acrylic Obsessed-Laser Edition Facebook group, dedicated to all things acrylic and the CMB Facebook group.

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MATERIAL

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR: Misty C

Conditioning C

Sharpening Your Cutting boards are an essential tool in every kitchen and can be a very profitable part of your business! They require proper conditioning and care for best presentation and longevity. Here’s the process of conditioning that I use, why I use it, and how I educate my customers to do so, which makes me more competitive in the crowded marketplace.

While conditioning is an ongoing process it only needs to start after you engrave the board. If you condition your wood before you engrave, it doesn’t make the oil embed further or deeper into the wood; it causes the oils to burn out of the wood, which could leave the engraved area with a lip or raised-up outline. This is not something anybody wants for their cutting board - be it a gift or for personal use. That lip can be sanded out but requires more sanding than normal after-engraving sand, making your cutting board thinner than you would like it to be. Also, sanding the cutting board requires that you condition it again. So as you will always condition after an engraving, you save time and effort by working with untreated wood.

First, look over your cutting board and find the best section with the fewest imperfections, then mask off the area, engrave the cutting board, and remove the masking. By 38

masking the site, you will cut down on the amount of sanding you will have to do afterward, helping you maintain the consistent thickness of the cutting board.

After removing the masking, you will want to sand the engraved area lightly, keeping your sander flat and even. Lightly sand over the entire cutting board, not just the engraved area. This will give a much better finish to your product. Many people do not do this extra sanding; they only sand the engraved area leaving the board a little uneven. Since my boards are always evenly flat, that sets my work apart from the crowd. When I’m at shows, selling my cutting boards alongside other woodworker’s pieces, my customers often comment that my boards are better quality than the others. It’s not actually the quality; it’s because the board has been prepared to be evenly flat, nothing else. It is the care of the crafter that makes a difference here!

Then the goal is to start conditioning the board. This treatment penetrates the wood, saturating the wood fibers and stopping other liquids (i.e., blood, bacteria) and moisture from soaking into the board. A well-oiled cutting board will also keep its shape when

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Chambers, Spring Trading Post

Cutting Boards

Competitive Edge the wood fibers are saturated. In addition, by conditioning the wood, it will not expand and shrink as a board that is left untreated will when it dries out completely and then is exposed to water. This shrinking and expanding effect is the leading cause of warped cutting boards. In addition, on glued cutting boards, it will cause breakage at any of the glue joints, sometimes causing the board to break apart completely.

I always highly recommend that customers use mineral oil or beeswax. There are also several cutting board oils on the market, like Butcher block conditioner or butcher block wax. Those products are outstanding and do work great. The main thing you want your customer to know is that they should not use cooking oils on the board, like vegetable oil or canola oil. Those oils will produce a rancid smell after a while. That smell will not only seep into food, but it will make the kitchen smell as well. So you want customers to use an oil that is stabilized, a finish-like product. And that is where mineral oils come in; for example, the butcher block series uses a mineral oil base and others. Your customers also need to know that even though there is cutting-board soap out there, it’s optional for the boards.

They can keep them clean without the extra expense.

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An instruction sheet, ‘How to Care for an Engraved Cutting Board,’ is something that I give to each of my customers with their new board. I usually have it printed on a cutting-board-shaped piece of kraft paper. I wrap a string around the board, tie it in a bow, and add the care instructions. If I am in a rush or it’s a bulk order (which I often have), I will sometimes just pop it into the bag along with the board. No matter how it is presented, this is something I feel every customer needs to know so that they can extend the life of their cutting boards. This not only helps reduce the number of questions customers may ask, but it also lets them know that I am committed to their knowing how to take care of their items, that I care about the quality and longevity of the product. (You can get a copy by following the link highlighted above.) This also helps distinguish me from my competitors.

With these tips and tricks, you can make sure that your engraved cutting boards are not only functional but also a work of art.

I’m Misty Chambers and I own Spring Trading Post. I love creating unique items for my customers. My advice: stop thinking inside the box, flip that box over, and stand above the crowd!

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MARKETIN

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR: Carla H

Marketing with a Laser Focus:The A-Z G Over the past decade how we shop has evolved. It is estimated that over 2 billion consumers buy products online annually, and according to Yahoo Business, over 70% of buying decisions will be influenced by digital marketing. For some laser entrepreneurs, this data is exciting. Lower overhead by not having a brick and mortar storefront, less time spent on per sale communication, and more time to focus on your craft. For others, navigating the world of digital marketing is abstract and insights fear of the unknown.

As Owner and Senior Marketing Executive at Chartman Marketing, I put together a simple starter list for getting more visibility online.

PICKING A WEBSITE NAME & PLATFORM Websites are important for so many reasons.

They help establish your overall brand, they build credibility for your business, they can aid in getting found more easily by search engines, and they can minimize costs to sales platforms such as Etsy. If you would have asked me 10 years ago about building a website, I would say, you need to hire an expert but now there are many good platforms to build a website on that do not require coding or a webmaster to maintain.

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BUYING A DOMAIN To get started you go to a service such as GoDaddy and buy your domain. The website platforms I will mention below do try to sell you domains but in the fine print, some platforms actually OWN your domain if you buy it through them. This becomes problematic if you decide to switch platforms, but if you buy from a site like GoDaddy, you own it outright to use on the platform of your choice.

Picking a good domain means that what you are selling should be included in the URL title. My domain is www.chartmanmarketing. com. I include marketing in the title because that helps get that keyword recognized right away by search engines. This magazine’s website is also a good example, www.laserfocusedmagazine.com, it states exactly what you may be searching for; a laser publication. Once you purchase the domain, set it up for auto renewal. Go Daddy domains are low cost and if you forget to renew, there are people out there that troll the web waiting for someone to default on their renewal and they will buy your domain and try to sell it back to you at a premium. It is better to auto renew on a domain that you may not use and cancel than to miss the renewal and lose your domain.

PICKING A PLATFORM When it comes to picking a platform to build your site on, you have options. I’ll just name a few that I am most familiar with, and what I personally perceive their pros and cons are.

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Guide to Building Your Business Website

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Wordpress Wordpress is a popular website platform choice because it is low cost. Starting at $48 a year you can host your website on Wordpress and incorporate Search Engine Optimization (SEO) best practices to rank organically on the web. Wordpress is extremely customizable but can be difficult to design and maintain. To have the certain functionality, Wordpress requires plugins and these can require the cost of a webmaster to keep up with. If you are technologically savvy and have basic coding knowledge, Wordpress is the best option for you.

WIX WIX is a personal favorite of mine. It is higher cost than Wordpress at around $300 a year but it requires NO CODE at all to create pages, do basic SEO, and manage inventory. Most business owners that choose WIX are able to maintain their website without a webmaster. If you are selling on Etsy, WIX has an easy and free integration, but you still will have to pay Etsy fees. If you are conducting in-person sales in addition to ecommerce using a square or similar device, WIX does require an app at an additional fee to sync the sales and inventory. WIX runs 50% off sales quite often. I would recommend waiting to connect your domain for when they run the offer to lock in the best pricing.

SquareSpace Similar to WIX, SquareSpace is no-code and integrates with your in person sales if you are using a square for payments at no cost and it also integrates easily with Etsy.

Cost is similar to WIX, however, it is not as customizable as WIX or Wordpress.

Shopify Shopify is truly for ecommerce. It is nocode but is a little more difficult to set up than WIX or SquareSpace. Shopify also offers more for online businesses and its own point of sale tracker integration. The price of the basic Shopify plan is similar to the ecommerce plans for WIX and SquareSpace but the cost jumps drastically if you move up to their standard plan.

Builderall The Laser Focused enterprise is built on the Builderall platform, another site which requires no coding and also integrates email and ecommerce as two of it’s many features on a one-platform solution.

There are many more platforms on the market, with new ones popping up every day. These five platforms are fairly intuitive and cost friendly for the start-up business.

continued here...

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DESI

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR

The Good, the Bad, How to Laser Engrave Fonts are an integral part of any design project, and choosing the right font is crucial for creative designers.

A font can convey the message of a design and create a certain mood or atmosphere. With thousands of fonts available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this article, we will discuss some tips for selecting the best font for your creative designs.

Understand the Purpose of Your Design

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The first step in selecting a font is to understand the purpose of your design. What message are you trying to convey, and what emotion do you want to evoke?

Is the design formal or casual? Is it playful or serious? The answers to these questions will help you narrow down your font choices.

For example, if you are designing a wedding seating chart, you may want to choose a more formal font like serif.

However, if you are designing a children’s playroom sign, a fun and playful font like a decorative and flowing may be more appropriate.

Consider the Legibility It is important to choose a font that is easy to read. The legibility of a font can affect the effectiveness of a design. Some fonts are difficult to read, especially when they are used in smaller sizes or on certain backgrounds.

As a general rule, sans-serif fonts tend to be more legible than serif fonts, especially when used in digital mediums. However, serif fonts can be more legible in print materials such as books and newspapers.

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R: Amy Coe, Snark Heart

and the Ugly Fonts: e with Style and Sass

Pair Fonts that Complement Each Other

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Pairing fonts is an art in itself. Choosing two fonts that complement each other can create a visually appealing and balanced design. When pairing fonts, consider the contrast between the two fonts, the font weight, and the size.

One way to pair fonts is to choose a serif and a sans-serif font. For example, you may use a serif font for the header and a sans-serif font for the body text.

Another option is to choose two fonts from the same family, such as a bold and regular version of the same font.

Avoid Overusing Decorative Fonts Decorative fonts can add personality to a design, but they should be used sparingly. Overusing decorative fonts can make a design look cluttered and unprofessional. Decorative fonts are best used for headlines or titles, rather than body text.

It is also important to choose a decorative font that is appropriate for the design. For example, a cursive font may be appropriate for a nursery sign for a girl, but it may not be suitable for a restroom sign.

Continued here...

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GUEST CONTRIBUTOR: Robin Ro

Laser Cutting: When t Dealing with air quality is not the fun or sexy part of lasering but it is definitely a critical factor in being safe and successful in our business! The process of laser cutting can release harmful particles and gases into the air, making proper ventilation essential for the safety of all!

Why is Ventilation Important?

During laser cutting, the heat generated by the laser can vaporize the material being cut, releasing fumes and particles into the air. These fumes and particles can include various chemicals and compounds, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and acrylic acid.

Inhaling these particles can pose a health risk to those operating the laser cutter and anyone else in the vicinity.

In addition to the health risks, the buildup of fumes and particles can affect the quality of the laser cutting. The buildup can cause residue to accumulate on the lens, affecting the accuracy of the cuts, and can clog the ventilation system, leading to reduced efficiency and potential equipment damage.

What is Being Released in the Air After Cutting Each of the Following Materials?

The materials being cut with a laser can vary, and each material can release different particles and fumes into the air. Here are some examples of the types of particles and fumes that can be released during the laser 44

cutting process for some common materials: Solid Wood: When cutting solid wood, the laser can vaporize the wood fibers, releasing particles such as formaldehyde, benzene, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs*).

Plywood: Plywood is made by bonding layers of wood together, and the adhesives used in the process can release formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, into the air when cut with a laser.

MDF: MDF, or medium-density fiberboard, is a popular material for laser cutting.

However, the resin used in the manuChecmical Structure of facturing process Formadahyde can release formaldehyde and other VOCs during the cutting process.

Cast & Extruded Acrylic: When cutting cast acrylic with a laser, the heat of the laser can vaporize the material, releasing fumes that can include acrylic acid, hydrogen cyanide, and other compounds. The fumes from extruded acrylic tends to be less toxic then the cast acrylic due to the manufacturing process and vapors can be highly flammable.

Leather: The laser cutting of leather can release fine particles that can cause respiratory irritation, and the fumes released can contain harmful chemicals.

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oberts, Robin’s BirdBrain Designs

the Fumes Hit the Fan Glass: When cutting glass with a laser, fine glass particles can be released into the air, which can be a health hazard if inhaled.

What are the Health Risks?

Inhaling the fumes and particles released during the laser cutting process can pose a variety of health risks, including respiratory irritation, headaches, dizziness, and nausea.

Long-term exposure to the fumes and particles can lead to more severe health problems, such as asthma, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, some of the particles and fumes released during laser cutting can be flammable or explosive, creating a fire hazard in poorly ventilated spaces.

Safety Rules for Ventilation Proper ventilation is crucial when using a laser cutter. Here are some safety rules to follow for ventilation when laser cutting: 1. Always operate the laser cutter in a well-ventilated area with an exhaust system that is properly designed to remove the fumes and particles released during the cutting process.

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2. Make sure the exhaust system is equipped with a HEPA filter or other type of filtration system that can effectively remove the particles and fumes.

3. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as a respirator mask, safety glasses, and gloves, to avoid inhaling or coming into contact with the particles and fumes released during the cutting process.

4. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the laser cutter and ventilation system, including the recommended air exchange rate and the maximum occupancy of the space.

5. Regularly inspect and maintain the ventilation.

6. Note for any hobbyists -Even hobby setups need to follow safety guidlines! *VOC stands for volatile organic compounds, which are chemicals that can evaporate at room temperature and create indoor air pollution. These compounds can be released from a variety of sources, including paints, adhesives, and plastics. Some VOCs, such as formaldehyde and benzene, are known carcinogens and can pose a health risk if inhaled. The release of VOCs during laser cutting is a concern because the fumes can be harmful to the health of those working with the laser cutter and anyone in the surrounding area. It’s important to ensure proper ventilation when laser cutting to minimize the release of VOCs and other harmful particles.

When she isn’t busy putting together a magazine, Robin Roberts is the owner of Robin’s BirdBrain Designs in Spring, Texas

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MARKETING... continued What to Include in your Website You’ve bought your domain and you have decided what platform you want to build on, so now you need to decide what to put on your website.

If you don’t already have a logo, you can create one on Canva (there is trademark text in their terms and conditions that is worth reading) or hire a professional. From there, identify your brand colors and fonts. If you have no idea what colors to use, google brand color psychology. Certain colors evoke certain emotions. You can determine what emotions you want your brand to represent by using these guidelines. This will help provide brand consistency in your digital marketing efforts.

From there you should have five pages at a minimum. Pages such as home, contact, about me, shop, and a blog. If you are building a shop, have as many

categories as possible that will help rank keywords.

Include Google Maps for your headquarters location. The more pages you have, the better for SEO. You will want to ensure each page’s URL has a keyword, and that each page has a title tag, and a meta description. If you include any photos, make sure you title them based on what people may be searching for, and as a rule of thumb you will want between 600 - 700 words per page for your site to be optimized. Utilizing blogs can further enhance your ranking on search engines and lists such as “Father’s Day Gift List” or “Holiday Gift List for Clients” can help capture audiences searching for gifts during specific holidays.

In Closing Creating a website is a big task, but remember this is your place to shine and be truly unique. The easier you make it for consumers to make a buying decision the more revenue you will bring in.

Carla Hartman has worked in the field of Marketing since 2003. Studying business at Bowling Green State University and obtaining her MBA from The University of Houston-Downtown, she has held both domestic and international marketing leadership roles, and currently owns Chartman Marketing in Houston,Texas.

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DESIGN...continued Consider the Branding If you are designing for a specific brand, it is important to consider the branding guidelines. Some brands may have specific fonts that are part of their branding, and it is important to use those fonts to maintain consistency.

If the brand does not have specific font guidelines, it is still important to choose a font that reflects the brand’s personality and values. For example, a playful and colorful font may be appropriate for a children’s clothing brand, while a simple and elegant font may be more suitable for a luxury brand.

In conclusion, font selection is an important part of any design project.

By considering the purpose of the design, legibility, font pairing, the use of decorative fonts, and the branding, you can choose the perfect font to convey your message and create a visually appealing design.

Amy Coe is the creative brain behind Snark Heart: Laser Designs for Cool People. Her favorite things are her family, chocolate covered donuts, her laser and swearing...and not necessarily in that order. You can find her at her computer, in Portland Oregon, designing hella cool files and picking fights on the internet. Find her at https://snarkheart.etsy.com

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