Laser Focused November/December 2023

NOV|DEC 2023

LIGHTBURN: HITTING THE GROUND RUNNING A GUIDE TO ACRYLIC ADHESIVES AWARDS CAN BE A REWARDING BUSINESS LBX: A WEEKEND IN PICTURES GETTING TO THE POINT WITH FIBER FOCUSING

Hope Yoder

Getting Beyond the Yet

EDITOR’S NOTE This Issue's Advertisers

All Craft Adhesives Builderall Cohn Acrylics Glowforge GS2 Awards Houston Acrylic Johnsons Plastics Plus Shop Review Crew Thunder Laser

Editor Robin Roberts

IYKYK If You Know, You Know.

It’s a bit frustrating, isn’t it? Especially when it’s all about lasers, and I don’t know!! LOL! But here’s the beauty of the laser world – there’s always something new to learn. Since the inception of Laser Focused, I’ve embarked on a journey of endless discovery. It’s like having a treasure trove of tools, skills, tricks, and tips at our fingertips. And guess what? It just keeps growing!

Every day, I have the privilege of chatting with brilliant minds who are crafting pure magic with their lasers. Their ideas, experiences, and boundless creativity inspire the incredible articles you find in our magazine.

It’s all because of one thing – curiosity! I’m always left wondering, “Who else out there, besides me, absolutely needs to know more about... Lightburn, or metals, or business, or who knows what?!?”

So here’s a new acronym for you, Laser Friends – IYDKGC: If You Don’t Know, Get Curious. It might not roll off the tongue as smoothly as IYKYK, but it’s a ticket to expanding your world, one laser-focused adventure at a time!

Once again, I’d like to emphasize the importance of supporting our advertisers. Their contributions are what make it possible for Laser Focused to remain a free resource for all laser enthusiasts. These advertisers are not just businesses; they are dedicated members of our laser community. So, let’s show them some love and gratitude for helping us keep the laser magic alive!

As always, thanks for being here!

Laser On

Creative Director Victor Havens Copyright ©2023 Laser Focused Magazine

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November/December 2023

Cover Story

Hope Yoder: Getting Beyond the Yet.

8 IN THIS ISSUE

She’s bubbly, and people call her the energizer bunny. It’s easy to see why. When you get her on her own, the true Hope reveals herself... as a ridiculously optimistic, driven, idea-filled nerd.

5 Catching Up With the Covers 6 Tips & Tricks 12 LightBurn: Hitting the Ground Running Tyler Raps - LightBurn

Columns Acrylic - 22

Cast Acrylics & Laser Engrving

Johnson Plastics Plus

Marketing - 30

Closing the Sale - Maximizing Your Success at Vendor Events Nicki Piland - The Laser Chick

Wood - 32

Engraving 101

Braaden Todd, GS2 Awards

Business - 36

Keeping it Under Wraps Navigating Trade Secret Law Lindy Laurence, JD, LLM - Lumin Law

Metal - 40

Getting to the Point with Fiber Focusing Natt Boddiford, Laser Everything

November/December 2023

16 LBX - A Weekend in Pictures Robin Roberts

18 A Guide to Acrylic Adhesives

By: Cathy Sutherland & Tracie Schwickrath, All-CraftUSA

24 Selling on Etsy - Part 3 of 3

Jessica Trueblood - Shop Review Crew

26 Awards Can Be a Rewarding Business 39 Patreon Members Profile 42 MakerRemix Marketplace Mark Collier - Big Blue Laser Designs

Matt Boddiford - Laser Everything

Step by Step Projects

Arch Coin Bank 45 Boho Bail Ansara - Just One More Project Embrace 49 Winter’s Jamie Bowser - The Hands That Shape Laser Focused | www.LaserFocusedMagazine.com

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a guest contributor and showcase Guest Become your expertise with Laser Focused readers.

Contributors Contact us HERE!

Braden Todd

Tyler Raps

GS2 Awards

LightBurn

Jessica Trueblood

Matt Boddiford

Shop Review Crew

Lindy Laurence

Laser Everything

Mark Collier

Jamie Bowser

Lumin Law, LLC

Big Blue Laser Design

The Hands That Shape

Bail Ansara

Cathy Sutherland &Tracie Schwickrath

The Laser Chick

Just One More Project

All-CraftUSA

Nicki Piland

W W W . S H O P R E V I E W C R E W . C O M

IS YOUR ETSY SHOP DEAD? Let's revive it! I'm Jessica, and I help Etsy sellers build successful businesses!

COACHING I w or k 1: 1 w i t h b u si ne s s o w n e r s , o r in s ma ll g ro u p s!

COURSES Se l f p aced cou rse s on SEO , Pricing , etc

Jessica Trueblood Etsy_Underachievers www.shopreviewcrew.com

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COMMUNITY J o in my Fre e F B C o mm un ity , E t sy Un de r a chie ve rs ! a t forcklis a d is a he in th op c to w ! * n tio sh ce iew en Etsy han rev last M E c op lies E a p FR nd ini sh ilesup a m h w

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November/December 2023

Catching Up With the Covers

Anuj & Sumita Patel May/June 2023

It’s always a delight catching up with the guests from our covers, and my recent conversation with Sumita and Anuj of Home Bound Custom Decor was no exception! As leading figures in the laser industry, they’re perpetually on the move.

They recently had the pleasure of sharing their expertise at September’s inaugural Laser Craft Fest. Their workshop on engraving recipe boards garnered enthusiastic reviews. Additionally, they’ve just delivered a talk at LBX (The Lightburn Experience10/27-29) about Growing Your Laser Business, a subject they are deeply passionate about. Known for freely sharing their journey and wisdom, they’ve become sought-after experts.

Their outreach doesn’t stop there. Sumita and Anuj have also organized two successful in-person meetups in the Atlanta area, collaborating with The Laser Chick, Nicki Piland. The events attracted attendees from various parts of the United States, not just Atlanta. Sumita remarks, “There’s a genuine hunger for these gatherings, and we plan to host more!” They’re gearing up to hold quarterly day-long seminars in 2024, covering diverse aspects of the laser business and hosting warehouse tours.

They have also begun to offer private mentoring. They will spend an hour with you, answering whatever laser business questions you have, and nothing is off-limits, including financials. They have a passion for helping those driven to succeed in this business. Anyone can make an appointment through their

November/December 2023

website HERE. NOTE: If you choose to sign up, use the code LASERFOCUSED, and you will receive a 10% discount on the fee.

Adding to their arsenal of equipment, they’ve welcomed a fiber laser, enhancing their capacity to fulfill leatherette patch orders more efficiently this holiday season. And on the horizon, they’re preparing to incorporate a UV printer, a move that will greatly benefit their corporate clientele.

True to form, Sumita and Anuj continue to blaze a trail, demonstrating how to achieve both success and happiness in the ever-expanding realm of laser possibilities.

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& When engraving on a Glowforge, If you are making duplicates of a design, often by ‘pasting as a separate step’ versus just duplicating, you can save time. The difference is the laser creates each step separately rather than doing the same part of all the designs for the whole bed. For example, if you have something laid out horizontally and only duplicating, the printer head runs across the whole bed and back repeatedly, rather than finishing one and moving on to the next. Less travel time means shorter production time.

For cleaning up the edges of your cut pieces, get Sharpie Oil-based paint pens and paint them. https://amzn.to/46KTN15 Kim and Garret VanHuizen, Kim and Garrett Make it

Have a Tip or Trick you want to share?

Let us know! Click Here!

Here!

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November/December 2023

Use masking tape with inches printed on it when size and placement are critical. Just apply it to the bed and place your material. You can find it here: https://amzn.to/3SrSFeH Bail Ansari, One More Project Ever get surprised by the size of your piece once you have cut it? It seemed bigger or smaller when you designed it? Make yourself reference pieces. Cut mdf sample sizes of 1”, 2”, and 5 “ circles and squares.

Keep them at your design station as a point of reference so you can get an idea of the final size. Similarly, use a sample of hole sizes. You can find the template - either inches or millimeters - at www.Cuttle.xyz. It is available when you create your free account.

Frederico Tobon of Cuttle When you do cut tests with your materials, cut something more complex than a circle or square, such as a star. That will give you a better sense of how the laser will deal with more intricate designs.

Ever pull out a baby wipe and get more than one? For the soft-sided packages, put a rubber band around it, about a third of the way from the end. Now the wipes will come out one at a time.

Don’t reinvent the wheel (or door knocker!) In your design software, set up templates for the fundamentals of your popular items. This will save you time as you begin new projects, as the basics are already set up. You pull in the template to your design space and go from there.

November/December 2023

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By Robin Roberts

Getting Beyond the Yet

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She’s bubbly, and people call her the energizer bunny. It’s easy to see why. When you get her on her own, the true Hope reveals herself... as a ridiculously optimistic, driven, idea-filled nerd. She loves the tech stuff. She also loves the business stuff and pulls it all together with the love of teaching – or ‘edutaining,’ as she calls it.

But let’s start at the beginning – as a Navy kid born in Hawaii, then moving every two years or so (including to Spain, where she learned to speak fluent Spanish); Hope became resilient. When she went on to college, she became a dental hygienist – you can still see the evidence with those beautiful pearly whites she flashes today. She became interested in crafts and sewing during that period of her life.

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November/December 2023

Now, her mother had sewn, but often behind closed doors, uttering words young Hope wasn’t to hear. But she thought that it was time for her to try her hand at it. That first machine – perfect for what Hope needed then – came from Sam’s Club.

As she struggled with it, not wanting to repeat her mother’s experience, she became friends with a woman from the dental practice who became her sewing mentor. And she thrived.

Hope met her husband, Marv, at a College and Career Church group. It was a big group, and they hung out on weekends. She loved how kind he was. He asked her out, but she was dating someone else. Undaunted, he told her he would wait his turn, which got her attention! They married in 1989 and created a life together, including his son from a previous marriage. After eight years, their first child came along, Hannah, and she became a stay-at-home mom. Not too far behind Hannah came Olivia, completing their family.

While Hope loved being a mom, she ‘itched’ to do something more. Hope had started taking sewing classes from her local store to help build her skills.

She enjoyed them and wondered how anyone could get such a cool job. The store owner counseled her that all that was necessary was to get really good at something and then just do it. Hope took the advice seriously, got certified as a sewing teacher, and began her career in the sewing world.

Shortly after she began teaching, Hope heard that Husqvarna Viking was taking submissions for teaching a class at their upcoming conference.

And because she didn’t know she shouldn’t, she applied to teach by submitting a beautiful organza vest. She was shocked when they said yes!

When the day came and she taught that class, the students wanted her books, patterns, and whatever else she had for them. But she didn’t have anything on that first outing! It was something she HOPE YODER Continued on P 10

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hadn’t foreseen. By listening to some very successful people in the sewing world, Hope quickly learned how to earn revenue by developing her own line, which grew to include fabric, patterns, designs, and books. At the height of this business, she traveled 15 out of 30 days a month, building a multi-six-figure operation and a solid reputation in the Sewing and Embroidery world.

Along the way, the sewing world went digital with cutting machines for fabric. That’s when Brother contacted her to help them as a beta tester for their offering in this market. Hope was in her element - the nerd in her came out! After receiving the heavily redacted instruction book, she figured it out and fell in love with the machine. She still uses the machine as one of her favorite fabric tools.

Today, part of her revenues still originate in the sewing industry. It comes from not only her various product lines but she is also in demand as a Keynote speaker and freelance content creator.

Enter the Glowforge... Her friend and business partner, Kim, lived on the other side of Florida and had gotten a Glowforge. At first, Hope was puzzled, “When will you have time to do that?” then she got the bug. She went to her friend’s on many weekends and got acquainted with the laser. Her first piece – and one that still sparks joy to this day – was her pink Apple watchband. She was hooked.

When she got her own Glowforge, the focus was on the watchbands. She designed them with sewing and embroidery themes, offering them to her existing client base for their stores. And it took off.

At this point, walking away from a large chunk of her sewing industry business be10

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November/December 2023

came necessary to protect her intellectual property. She was letting go of an assured six-figure income to grow a new business in the laser world.

She set out again with support from her husband, a lot of prayer, and the confidence that she could catch lightning in a bottle twice.

Then came a bump in the road. She had production problems, and going to Kim’s weekly to keep up with orders was not a workable solution. Hope began looking for her next machine, and after much research, she ordered an Aeon. But, when she talked to her hubby about getting one, he asked the financially responsible question about funding. Could she pay for it outright? Nope, she had half of it, and that’s all she needed for a deposit. He suggested that she ‘find’ the rest before committing. It lit a fire, and in true Hope fashion, she began rehoming some of her excess embroidery machines, turning them into cash. Within a few days, she had enough to pay for her new laser outright and then some.

as a production warehouse and a classroom. Every quarter, she has in-person training at her location. Her workshops top out at 12 people and fill up quickly. She loves it but now finds that several challenges have arisen. First, teaching the handson class shuts down her machines from production, which stresses the production system, making for weekend and after-hours work – ‘no beuño’ as Hope says. Second, many people want the information, but the travel, time, or expense is prohibitive. She felt an additional solution was needed.

While you’re building the business, the life you want, don’t forget about the people you started with, your family.

With a few more twists to the story, eventually, Hope received a Mira 9. This upped her production capabilities significantly, allowing her to expand her business. In the laser world, she has grown from producing products for end customers to becoming a powerhouse B2B (business-to-business) operation. She has three lasers now and keeps them fully employed.

She is currently the number 3 affiliate for Aeon in the nation.

Along the way, her love of teaching came into play. Hope missed that aspect of her business but couldn’t teach laser skills the same way (traveling to teach.) So, she repurposed her physical facility November/December 2023

As always, Hope created an answer so students can get what they need. In May, going out on a limb again, she hired a film crew and captured her whole course on video. She has been putting the finishing touches on recreating the entire class as an online course. The Laser Business Accelerator: 1.0 Digital Laser Retreat will be available very soon, and you can preregister by subscribing HERE.

People who loved her course, and even those who haven’t been yet, have another way to link to Hope’s vast experience and love of teaching. She has an online membership – PLM – the Premier Laser Membership, where she produces a video every week regarding something about lasering or the business of lasering.

A thread that runs through all of Hope’s offerings is the lessons on the business aspect of lasering.

So many folks see the possibilities of having these machines but need to gain the experience of creating a sustainable business. Therefore, a great deal of the content of her offerings covers how to HOPE YODER Continued on P 21 be in business.

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Hitting the Ground Running

By Tyler Raps, LightBurn

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November/December 2023

If you’ve spent any time at all in the laser community, you’ve likely heard of LightBurn. If you haven’t, here’s a quick rundown: LightBurn is layout, editing, and control software compatible with a wide range of lasers, from entry-level to production-grade machines.

Whether you’re looking for your first laser or have your eye on a more powerful machine, there’s a strong chance it works with LightBurn. The good news is that LightBurn is user-friendly and feature-packed, so you’ll be able to hit the ground running with your new laser. Here are a few basics for beginners, as well as some time-saving tips and tools for new users and old hands alike.

Cut Settings Mistakes are inevitable - catching them in the Preview window saves time and lost material. You’ll also see an estimated job time in the bottom right. As you tweak settings, you can check the Preview estimate to see which changes result in the greatest time savings.

Material Library

In LightBurn, the Cuts/Layers window and Cut Settings Editor are where you apply settings that control your laser’s speed, power, and other important parameters. Graphics are assigned to layers, and any layer can be set to “Line” (for cuts or outlines), “Fill” (for engraving), “Offset Fill” (a special “Fill” mode that follows outlines of shapes), or “Image” (for engraving dithered images). Speed isn’t the only setting that makes a big difference in time - for “Fill” layers, slight increases to the Line Interval setting can often lead to huge time savings with no loss in quality.

Preview The Preview window provides a simulation of your job, a great way to check that your project set up properly.

November/December 2023

Once you’ve found effective settings for a given material, you can save them to your Material Library in order to quickly reapply them in the future. Select a layer whose settings you’d like to save, then go to the Material Library window and click “Create new from layer” - you’ll be prompted to give your entry a name, thickness or title, and LIGHTBURN Continued on P 14 Laser Focused | www.LaserFocusedMagazine.com

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LIGHTBURN Continued from P 13

short description. Later, you’ll be able to select that entry and click “Assign” to apply the saved settings to a new layer. Some laser manufacturers provide Material Libraries for their lasers that you can load into LightBurn, reducing time spent having to test settings yourself.

dow, and each duplicate will advance according to the increment you’ve set.

Optimization Settings

Job Positioning LightBurn provides multiple “Start From” modes to control the location of output to gantry-style lasers.

The simplest, “Absolute Coordinates,” outputs graphics to your laser according to where they’re positioned in your LightBurn workspace. “User Origin” and “Current Position” allow you to define custom origin points, providing greater versatility and the ability to set starting positions relative to your material or a jig, often a much more efficient method for production work. Galvo-style lasers work differently, and output is always positioned by “Absolute Coordinates.”

Grid Array

Optimization Settings allow you to adjust the path and sequence in which your laser will perform operations.

You can run a job in layer order, by custom groups you’ve collected your graphics into, or even by individual priority set to discrete shapes. There are many other optimization settings available - among the most helpful is “Remove Overlapping Lines.” When enabled, lines shared by two shapes will be cut only once, resulting in quicker jobs. As always, you can use the Preview window to check which optimizations result in the greatest time savings.

Framing

LightBurn’s Grid Array feature is a great way to quickly lay out duplicate designs. Select the original graphic you want to array, then select the Grid Array tool. A window will pop up where you can specify the amount of rows and columns of duplicates to create. You’ll also be able to to set the spacing between the duplicates, and shift rows or columns to help graphics nest together for the most efficient use of material. The Grid Array feature pairs perfectly with Variable Text - toggle on “Auto-increment variable text” in the setup win14

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Framing outlines the area where your project will output, functioning as a helpful check for positioning and fit on your material. LightBurn provides two framing options: “Bounding Box” framing and “Rubber Band” framing. “Bounding Box” framing traces the smallest rectangle that can contain the shapes in your design, while “Rubber Band” framing traces the shortest path around the contours of your shapes, as if a rubber band were stretched around them. “Rubber Band” framing is particularly useful for making sure your job will fit on irregularly shaped materials. For Galvo lasers, the “Bounds” and “Hull” options work similarly, but framing is done with a red dot pointer, and there’s an additional option, “Contour,” which outlines all shapes individually.

November/December 2023

Variable Text Variable Text is a tool for incrementing jobs when you need to cut or engrave multiples of the same design with different text in each. It can be formatted to increment time stamps, serial numbers, project settings, or to substitute in lines of text from a spreadsheet saved in CSV format. In the Variable Text window, you can set the text to auto-advance between jobs, meaning each time you run your job, the text will automatically move on to the next increment. For a serial number, the output will advance to the next number in the sequence on the next job. When working with a spreadsheet, it will advance to the next row of text.

and different machines. Get started today with a 30day free trial of LightBurn: https://lightburnsoftware. com/pages/download-trial Tyler Raps is a Support Agent, Copywriter, and one-man shipping department at LightBurn Software. For more information on the above tools, and many more, visit our documentation at https://docs.lightburnsoftware. com/index.html or email us at support@lightburnsoftware.com.

Those are only a handful of the features available in LightBurn to help you get the most out of your laser and customize your workflow to suit your needs and preferences. Since LightBurn works with many lasers, your time investment in learning its ins and outs will be rewarded as your workshop grows to incorporate new

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A Weekend In Pictures

EXPERIENCE

Jason Dorie & Joe Spanier, LightBurn

Hope Yoder

Tyler Raps

Brian Agan and Nicki Piland

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Len, Lensdigital

November/December 2023

Courtney & Chelsea, Houston Acrylic

Jason Rife, RotoBoss

Bail Ansara

Chris Lacasio, Thunder Laser

Heather Lynn

November/December 2023

Liz Rivers

Laura Matthews Art, Laser-made Puppet

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A Guide to Acrylic Adhesives

By: Cathy Sutherland and Tracie Schwickrath, All-CraftUSA

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November/December 2023

As fellow makers and laser enthusiasts, we have been there too! Our Glowforge Pro laser cutter is our trusted partner for bringing acrylic creations to life, but we have also learned that the key to achieving a successful outcome often lies in the choice of adhesive. That realization sparked our extensive dive into the properties of various types of glues and ultimately resulted in our own small business.

Through trial and error (often many errors!), we have uncovered the pros and cons of different adhesive options, including adhesive sheets, epoxy glues, and super glues. To hopefully spare you some of your own trial and error, we’ll share with you what we’ve learned so that you can effectively stock your supply closet with the proper adhesives to meet your varying needs.

Let’s Meet the Unsung Heroes An often-overlooked aspect of creating with acrylic is the importance of having top-notch adhesives at your fingertips. In most cases, adhesives do not get the accolades, but they are really the unsung heroes of our projects, holding together the intricate patterns and designs we create with precision. They are the trusted bonds that connect individual pieces into an inspirational whole and help us love the projects we create. In all cases, the adhesive can be the difference between a valued customer thrilled with their purchase and one who leaves the purchasing experience less than satisfied.

Let’s dive into the pros and cons of three commonly used adhesive options for acrylic materials:

1. Adhesive Sheets Double-sided adhesive sheets are laser-safe and can be applied to acrylic before cutting. They come in various sheet sizes and can be applied fairly easily to your material. So, how do these sheets stack up overall against their bottled alternatives?

Pros: • Ease of Use: Adhesive sheets are simple to work with and can be applied before lasering. The sheets adhere to your material easily with a flat edge. Once your acrylic is cut, removing the paper backing may require a little patience.

• Clarity: They generally offer excellent clarity, ensuring the adhesive does not detract from your project’s aesthetics. The adhesive will also extend to the end of your laser cut so you won’t see a glue line.

• Low Odor: Adhesive sheets typically have a minimal odor, which is ideal when working on large projects or in areas with limited ventilation.

Cons: • Hazing: While they provide clarity, some adhesive sheets may cause slight hazing on the acrylic surface, which can be noticeable under certain lighting conditions.

• Waste: Configuring your project to use as much of the adhesive sheet as possible can be challenging if you cut unique or intricate shapes, often resulting in wasted adhesive.

• Cost: The material cost can be expensive for larger project needs • We’ve found that some of the ideal applications for adhesive sheets include large signs or projects where you will have minimal material waste. They’re also ideal for projects where the assembly is structured or doesn’t require the flexibility or time to position the elements before they stick.

ADHESIVES Continued on P 20

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ADHESIVES Continued from P 19

2. Epoxy Glues Epoxy adhesives can feel a bit more “industrial” and typically require a resin and a hardener. Depending on the brand and type, epoxies may need to be mixed by the user, requiring a bit more planning and care. Let’s break down these types of adhesives.

Pros: • Strong Bond: With the mixture of hardener and resin, epoxy glues create a chemical bond that provides an extremely strong hold.

• Versatility: This type of adhesive works on a variety of porous and non-porous materials and often can be found marketed to specific material types, like acrylic.

• Durability: Epoxies are very durable and water-resistant and can hold up against weather extremes like temperature, wind, and rain.

Cons: • Ease of Use: Epoxy glues are not the easiest to use given the two-part process. They require proper prep and cleaning of the project ahead of application and also require a precise mixing ratio to ensure an effective bond.

• Odor: Epoxy glues can have a strong odor, necessitating proper ventilation during use. They also should not be applied prior to lasering as they can emit toxic fumes.

• Curing Time: A longer cure time is required, so patience is key when using epoxy glues.

• We’ve found that some of the ideal applications for epoxy glues are for projects such as outdoor signage, where you need that extra durable hold and weather resistance.

3. Super Glues (Cyanoacrylate Adhesives) There are many cyanoacrylate (CA) glues – also known as super glues – on the market today. These glues come in many forms and types (gel, precise, clear) but essentially act as multi-functional glues for various crafting needs. Let’s look at how they compare for the laser acrylic market.

Pros: • Quick Bonding: Super glues offer rapid bonding, ideal for projects where time is of the essence.

Most glues grab and hold within 20 – 30 seconds 20 Laser Focused | www.LaserFocusedMagazine.com

yet provide enough time to position elements in place before sticking permanently.

• Minimal Odor: They generally have a less pungent odor compared to some other adhesives, making application less noxious.

• Cost: Super glues typically require a very small amount to achieve a strong hold. Their application can go a long way, making them one of the most cost-effective options.

Cons: • Brittleness: Super glue bonds can be relatively brittle, making them less suitable for projects subject to significant stress.

• Potential for Clouding: Some super glues have polymers that may cause clouding or hazing on acrylic surfaces, particularly with thicker materials.

• Shelf Life: Once opened, air and moisture can seep into the glue and cause it to harden even when resealed with the cap. This can result in product loss if it’s not used quickly enough.

• We’ve found that super glues are ideal for smaller projects that have intricate pieces or lettering requiring precise placement, such as cake toppers, bag tags, or jewelry. They are also a smart choice when gluing different types of materials together, such as acrylic and wood.

What’s the end result?

Each type of adhesive has its place in your craft room!

Now that you understand the merits and drawbacks of each, you can carefully consider the specific needs of your projects and choose accordingly. And as professional makers and laser enthusiasts, aren’t we always experimenting to find new products that will appeal to our customers? With the right adhesives in your supply closet, you’ll be ready to accomplish any project that comes your way, ensuring that your creations continue to shine in the eyes of your customers and fellow makers alike.

Cathy Sutherland and Tracie Schwickrath are fellow laser enthusiasts and co-owners of All-CraftUSA, maker of All-Craft Multi Glue. You can reach them at info@allcraftproducts.com or visit their website at all-craftusa.com November/December 2023

HOPE YODER Continued from P 11

From networking to pricing to closing the deal, she is laying it out there for those who are searching. Hope says, “It does you no good to have amazing laser skills if nobody buys your products.”

Intentional networking is one of her favorite topics and has become the bread and butter of her laser business. She began by meeting with smaller groups and organizations to get the word out and did well. As she clarified her Business-to-Business (B2B) model, it became time to try a more structured, lead-generating option. Through her experience, Hope has become a firm believer in BNI (Business Network International), a very on-purpose, intentional worldwide business networking organization. While some feel BNI is expensive, Hope broke it down into cost per week for her chapter and found that it was a little over $17 weekly. She noted, “You couldn’t pay someone that small amount to create the know, like, and trust factor you get from belonging to such an organization.” It has been a game-changer for her, and, as with everything she does, Hope has jumped in 110%! [Find a local BNI to you HERE] We turned to the topic of goals and motivation for her business. And her advice is to know WHAT you

significant others – without feeling the ‘pinch’ of financial worry. She keeps her eyes on these prizes and powers through for the win.

Regarding the best business advice she has received recently, Hope cites her mentor, Darin Kidd, “Don’t compare yourself to anyone else or their journey. Put blinders on – just like a racehorse – keep your eyes forward on your path, your journey. Every day, decide to be 1% better than before, and in a year, you will find that you are 37 times better than you were when you started.”

Also, she urges using the small but powerful word, YET, when you find yourself with troubling thoughts such as “I don’t have the business I want.”

- put YET at the end – “I don’t have the business I want YET.” This leads you to the next thought, “What do I need to do to get beyond the yet?” And now you can move forward once again.

want the money to achieve. A strictly monetary goal doesn’t keep the fire lit, like knowing what you want to do with the money you bring in. For Hope, it is being able to support a local non-profit that fights human trafficking. She is looking forward to the day she writes a 5 figure check to them without batting an eye. Another big motivator is to create opportunities for her family to travel together – she, her husband, their children, and November/December 2023

As for life advice, she credits Marv, her husband and best friend. He reminds her to continually find balance. “While you’re building the business, the life you want, don’t forget about the people you started with, your family. At the end of the day, that’s what matters most. Be intentional; be present with them. Just like you make an appointment, schedule time with those people that you love, that encourage you. Create that balance and work to keep it.”

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Acrylic

Cast Acrylics and Laser Engraving By: Johnson Plastics Plus By now, you know that acrylics are the plastic material of choice to fabricate in your laser. Material manufacturers have been producing laser-friendly acrylics for decades and offer a wide range of colors, thicknesses, and finishes for any type of craft or signage project.

However, not all acrylics are the same. The two main types of acrylics for laser engraving are extruded sheet acrylics and cast acrylics. This article will focus on what makes cast acrylic different from extruded materials and some of the unique ways you can fabricate cast acrylic in your laser.

Cast vs. extruded acrylic

Cast acrylic is made by pouring liquid acrylic into a mold or frame and allowing the material to set. This “casting” process differs from extruding acrylic, giving the finished product greater optical clarity than its extruded counterpart.

Due to the hardness of the material, cast acrylic is ideal for detailed laser engraving. The laser beam can easily penetrate the material without distortion, resulting in sharp, fine lines and intricate designs. When laser-engraving cast acrylic, there’s minimal residue or discoloration left behind. This ensures that your engraved designs remain crisp and clean, requiring little to no post-processing.

The benefits of cast acrylic

Cast acrylic comes in a wide range of colors and thicknesses, enabling creative freedom. It’s perfect for crafting signage, trophies, jewelry, and other intricate decorative items. Along with outstanding optical clarity, cast acrylic is very durable along with being UV-stable, and outdoor weatherable.

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Extruded acrylic tends to be slightly less expensive than cast acrylic, but that cost savings for the extruded version comes at the expense of the optical clarity and rigidity found in cast acrylic.

Lasering cast acrylic

Now that we’ve talked about the differences between cast and extruded acrylic and highlighted why cast acrylic is a great choice for laser engraving, let’s look at some of the unique applications and uses for cast acrylic.

Cast acrylic is available in several different forms.

The three most popular for laser engraving are as follows: • A single, clear sheet of plastic.

• A sheet of plastic with dye added, giving a colored tint to the clear acrylic.

• Cast acrylic with a colored, laserable foil added to the BACK of the sheet.

Laser engraving the front or back of traditional cast acrylic can give you several different looks depending on the speed and power of your laser. You can either get a clean, almost transparent mark or a slightly frosted look. Either of these options can look great when creating signs with edge lighting or when you want a finished product that mimics the look of glass.

Cast acrylic products with a laserable foil on the back offers you a unique range of possible projects you can create. To engrave these types of cast acrylics, we’ll be using the “reverse engraving” process.

With traditional front engravable products, the colored cap (top layer) sits on top of a clear or colored core (base layer). When laser engraving through the top layer, you reveal the base layer, creating a contrasting mark. With reverse engravable products, the colored foil layer is on the back of the material with clear cast acrylic on top.

Reverse engraving is exactly what it sounds like.

Instead of engraving on the front of the material, you’ll be lasering through the foil surface on the back. The lasered area will appear clear when viewed from the front. Reverse engraving through cast acrylic allows you to use several November/December 2023

different secondary processes to create fully customized pieces with your laser.

One application is to reverse engrave a cast acrylic material with a laserable foil on the back and backlight the finished product. Doing so will allow the light to shine through the clear, engraved area while the remaining foil blocks out the extra light. The result is a project that looks like the engraved area is lit while the rest of the piece is not. Because of the optical clarity of the cast acrylic and depending on how the piece is being backlit, it may be necessary to use a thin sheet of clear extruded acrylic as a diffuser panel between the light source and the piece.

Back painting is another application to use with a reverse, laser-engraved cast acrylic. The engraved area can be filled with acrylic paint purchased from a hobby or hardware store. This allows you to use a custom color to contrast the color of the foil to match whatever your design calls for. This process can be used to create signage that matches a particular Pantone color for a customer to maintain their branding and color themes.

One thing to keep in mind when reverse laser engraving is to “flip” or “mirror” your artwork so that appears correctly through the front of the material.

Conclusion

Laser engraving with cast acrylic is a game-changer in the world of creative expression. From outstanding clarity and precision to a versatile range of color options, cast acrylic delivers great results for any project. Its ability to maintain optical clarity during engraving, minimal residue, and resistance to heat make it a top choice for intricate designs.

Whether you’re crafting personalized jewelry, signage, or home décor projects, cast acrylic offers a world of possibilities. It’s the material of choice for those who seek to bring their artistic visions to life with precision and elegance. Dive into the world of cast acrylic and elevate your laser engraving projects to new heights of creativity and craftsmanship.

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Jessica Trueblood is an Etsy coach and strategist. She is the owner of Shop Review Crew, founder of the Etsy Underachievers group on Facebook, which provides free resources to Etsy sellers. She teaches using only Etsy best practices to ensure her students get the best information possible!

She lives in Colorado with her husband, son and her Glowforge, Maxine. You can connect with her at www.shopreviewcrew.com 24

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November/December 2023

How Product Photography Can Enhance Your Etsy Shop

By Jessica Trueblood, Shop Review Crew In the previous segment, we learned all about the importance of Etsy SEO and matching your listings to buyers when they What you need search! The next most to know in 2023 important thing you can do for your Etsy Third in a Three-Part Series shop is to have great listing photos! If your titles and tags bring the buyers to your listings when they search, you want your photos to stand OUT among other listings. Here are some tips on making your listing photos clickable!

SELLING ON ETSY:

Not only can high-quality images elevate your shop, but they can also increase sales and trustworthiness among buyers. Thankfully, achieving professional-grade photos doesn’t require expensive equipment. In this article, we’ll delve into how you can leverage the power of product photography using just your smartphone and a few inexpensive tools!

The Importance of Product Photography: A Quick Overview An image speaks a thousand words, and in the world of e-commerce, it could very well be the deciding factor in a purchase. When buyers can’t touch or try out products in person, they rely heavily on images to gauge an item’s quality, size, and aesthetics. Stellar photos: • Convey Professionalism: High-quality images indicate that you take your business seriously.

November/December 2023

• Boost Credibility: They help in establishing trust and assurance that the product is as described.

• Enhance Visibility: Better images can help your product listings rank higher in search results.

Unlocking Your Smartphone’s Potential Most modern smartphones come equipped with camera s that can rival traditional DSLRs. Here’s how you can harness their power: • Know Your Camera App: Familiarize yourself with your phone’s camera settings. Learn about the different modes, especially the ‘Pro’ or ‘Manual’ mode if available. This will allow you to adjust settings like ISO, shutter speed, and focus.

• Use Natural Light: Whenever possible, use natural light. It casts a softer glow on products and reduces harsh shadows. Shooting during the ‘golden hour’ – right after sunrise or just before sunset – can produce especially appealing results. Avoiding direct sunlight is also helpful, as it can show glare or distort colors!

• Avoid Using Flash: On-camera flash can create unflattering shadows and overexpose images.

If natural light is not an option for you, invest in a lightbox or use diffusers like white bedsheets to soften the light. Amazon has many inexpensive options. You can also try your local camera store!

ETSY Continued on P 29

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If

you’ve talked to me about lasers for any length of time, chances are good that I’ve mentioned selling awards. If you’re not offering awards to your customers yet, you are missing out on a great repeating income stream! So, if you’re not already making awards, read on (and bookmark this article). I’ll tell you why awards are great, who you can sell them to, what you can sell them for, tips for finding those customers, and even a few tips for design and assembly as well.

AWARDS

Can Be a rewarding business By: Mark Collier, BigBlueLaserDesigns

“OK, why are awards so great, Mark?”

(Thank you for asking!)

No matter where you live, you’re surrounded by businesses and organizations who love to recognize and reward their team, their volunteers, and their high performers. From car dealerships to restaurants, churches to sports teams, schools to non-profits - your city is full of potential customers who would love to have a trusted place to return to each month, season, or year to celebrate their people!

That’s right. I said, “return.” Not only do they often need awards on a recurring basis, but each time they return, that gives you opportunities to show them other things you can provide as well.

Awards are something millions of businesses and organizations around the country need, and they’re something you can provide - and at a good price and a quick turnaround that makes you an invaluable partner.

And maybe one of the best things about providing awards? Most of your business customers have budgets set aside to reward their people, so they’re already prepared to spend, and their budgets are typically higher than the money individuals would normally spend.

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November/December 2023

“Where can I find those organizations that need awards?”

a coach, so you could ask them if they give out player awards.

They’re all around you! Here’s a list of just 10 to get your brain going: • Churches (Volunteers of the Month/Year) • Car Dealerships (Top Salesperson - Month/Year/ Promotion) • Schools - Teachers (Department Awards, Teacher of the Year) • Schools - Sports, Clubs, and Team Awards • Community Sports Teams (Team Awards + Tournaments) • Business + Personal Growth Organizations (Completion Awards, Milestone Awards) • Restaurants (Team Member of the Month, Sales Goals, etc.)

• Non-Profits (Annual Dinners, Quarterly Accomplishments, etc.)

• Gyms - Sports and Tournaments they host • Chamber of Commerce - they’re FULL of businesses who need awards!

The first thing you’re trying to do is to find out if they’ve already rewarded their people in the past.

If they have, ask them what kinds of things they’ve given out. Then you can say that you love making awards with your laser and would enjoy making one for them so they could see the possibilities!

You could even make a photo album on your phone full of laser cut awards that you’ve made or that you’ve seen and show them a bunch just to get their creative brains going.

Once you start looking, you’ll quickly realize that opportunities really *are* everywhere! And you’re not just limited to customers in your city. If you include awards on your website or Etsy Store, you can 100x your customer base!

“So, how do I approach them?”

Start with the business people and leaders you already know. Friends, family, people you know at church, through your job, in your community.

I guarantee that you know dozens of people who lead somewhere, play somewhere, or serve somewhere. Start brainstorming a list!

Then circle at least five on that list who you know well and are comfortable talking to and start with them. You can start a conversation with easy questions like, “Do you give rewards or bonuses to people where you work?” Or “Do you host things like volunteer dinners each year?” Maybe they are

Since these are people you already have a relationship with, you’ll find these conversations easy because they’ll usually be quite interested in talking about their organization as well as how you could help them.

I’ve also had good success with making an award and surprising them with it! You can make one with their logo and name on it, and the occasion of the award can be silly, serious, or completely made up. That part doesn’t matter. But when you show up at their business with a free award in your hand that you made for them, they almost sell themselves!

Once you’ve talked to a few people you already know, talking to ones you don’t will become easier.

Your next step might be to choose five on your list who you don’t know and make an award for each of them. Then, you can stop by with the gift you made and one of your business cards.

“My name is Mark and I love making awards for local businesses, so I made a sample for you. If you ever need to reward your people, I’d love to make something cool for you to give to them. Shoot me a message if you ever need anything!” Then you can leave - but chances are that many will ask at least one AWARDS Continued on P 38

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All you need to

make remarkable things Our most powerful printer

powers over 1000 businesses.

Introducing

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Explore the future of making with #Glowforge.

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Visit us at glowforge.com → November/December 2023

ETSY Continued from P 25

Composition and Background Matter • Keep it Simple: Use a neutral background color to ensure that the product remains the focal point. You can invest in a roll of seamless paper or use a plain wall. Another idea is to browse your local craft store to look for stick and peel tile or contact paper. The photo below shows two pieces of foam core with peel and stick materials.

• Try Different Angles: Don’t just stick to one perspective. Shoot your product from multiple angles to give customers a comprehensive view.

Here are some ideas for your 10 photo slots: • Photo from a distance • Photo up close, showing texture and color • Photo of item with a prop for size reference or context (including a pen alongside a journal that is for sale) • Lifestyle photo of the item being used • Photo collage of the color/style/shape options • Video of the item so the buyer can see everything about it You might be wondering, is using all 10 photo slots necessary Etsy doesn’t have a stance on this, so the best advice is to use as many as you can! It can’t hurt you, and buyers love to see photos!

Pay Attention to Details • Clean Your Lens: An often overlooked step! A clean lens ensures sharp, clear images.

• Stabilize Your Phone: Use a tripod or rest your

November/December 2023

phone on a stable surface to avoid blurry images. Many affordable smartphone tripods are available in the market.

• Edit, But Don’t Overdo: Apps like Snapseed, VSCO, or Lightroom Mobile can enhance your photos. However, ensure your edits remain true to the actual product to avoid misleading customers.

Think Beyond the Product While showcasing your product is primary, don’t forget to show it in use. Lifestyle shots, where your product is seen in real-life settings or being used by people, can help potential buyers visualize it in their own lives. This creates a connection and can drive sales.

Consistency is Key Maintain a consistent look across all product photos. This includes using the same lighting, background, and editing style. Consistency not only looks professional but also builds a recognizable brand image. For example, if your brand is rustic, then choose rustic-themed backgrounds, or use more natural colors for your background and props. If you use mockups, the same rules can apply: find mockups that match in layout, color, etc.

Your product images are often the first and sometimes the only chance to grab a buyer’s attention.

With smartphones increasingly becoming powerhouses of photography, you no longer need a hefty investment to produce striking images. Remember, the devil is in the details. Invest time in understanding your smartphone’s capabilities, experiment with different setups, and keep refining.

With patience and practice, your Etsy shop can shine brighter than ever before.

If you’ve enjoyed this Etsy series, join the Facebook group Etsy Underachievers (https://www.facebook. com/groups/etsyunderachievers) for more tips and tricks! See you there!

Laser Focused | www.LaserFocusedMagazine.com

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Marketing

Closing The

SALE Maximizing Your Success at Vendor Events

By Nicki Piland, The Laser Chick

Vendor events can be a great opportunity for businesses to showcase their products or services and connect with potential customers.

However, closing a sale at these events can be challenging. With the right approach and strategies, you can increase your chances of closing a deal and maximizing your success at vendor events.

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Here are some tips on how to close a sale at vendor events.

1

Prepare and set goals: Before attending a vendor event, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your goals. Determine what you hope to achieve at the event, whether it’s selling a certain number of products or generating leads. By setting goals, you can focus your efforts and develop a strategy to achieve them.

2

Engage with attendees: One of the key aspects of closing a sale at a vendor event is engaging with attendees.

Don’t wait for them to approach your booth; be proactive and initiate conversations. Ask open-ended questions to understand their needs and interests. Show genuine interest in their responses and listen actively, which will help you establish a connection and build rapport with potential customers.

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3

Demonstrate the value of your product or service: Highlight the unique selling points of your product or service and explain how it can solve the customer’s problems or fulfill their needs. Use engaging visuals, demonstrations, or samples to showcase the benefits and features of your offering. Demonstrating value can convince attendees that your product or service is worth investing in.

make phone calls to express your appreciation for their interest and offer any additional assistance they may need.

QUALITY OF CONNECTION

4

When it comes to vendor events, many businesses focus on attracting as many potential customers as possible. However, the key to succeeding at vendor events is not just about quantity but also the quality of interactions with attendees. By focusing on building meaningful connections, you can increase your chances of closing the sale and establishing long-term relationships with customers.

5

Quality interactions allow you to understand potential customers’ needs and wants. When you take the time to engage in meaningful conversations, you can gather valuable insights about their preferences, pain points, and specific requirements. This information is crucial in tailoring your products or services to meet their expectations, increasing the likelihood of a successful sale.

Offer incentives or discounts: People love incentives and discounts, so consider offering special promotions or exclusive deals to attendees. This can create a sense of urgency and encourage them to purchase at the event. Make sure to clearly communicate the limited time or quantity of the offer to develop an understanding of scarcity and drive action.

Overcome objections: It’s common for potential customers to have objections or concerns before making a purchase. Anticipate these objections and prepare responses to address them effectively. By addressing their concerns and providing solutions, you can instill confidence in the customer and increase the likelihood of closing the sale.

6

Provide excellent customer service: good customer service goes a long way in closing a sale. Be attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable when interacting with attendees.

Answer their questions promptly and provide any additional information they may need. By providing a positive customer experience, you can build trust and increase the chances of converting a potential customer into a buyer.

7

Follow up after the event: Closing a sale doesn’t always happen immediately at a vendor event. Many potential customers may need more time to decide or gather more information. Following up with leads after the event is essential to maintain communication and nurture the relationship. Send personalized emails or

September/October 2023

In addition, quality interactions help to build trust and rapport with potential customers. You establish a personal connection beyond a mere sales pitch by demonstrating genuine interest in their needs and actively listening to their concerns.

Trust plays a significant role in the decision-making process, and customers are more likely to buy from someone they trust and feel a connection with.

Moreover, focusing on a quality connection allows you to showcase the unique value proposition of your products or services. Instead of bombarding attendees with generic information, take the time to understand their specific challenges and position your offerings as the ideal solution.

By highlighting the benefits and addressing their concerns directly, you can effectively demonstrate why your product or service stands out from the competition.

VENDOR Continued on P 32

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VENDOR Continued from P 31

Furthermore, quality interactions enable you to provide personalized recommendations and solutions. By actively listening to the needs of potential customers, you can offer tailored suggestions that align with their requirements. This customized approach demonstrates your expertise and ensures that customers feel seen and understood.

This level of attention and customization sets you apart from other vendors and increases the chances of closing the sale.

Most importantly, focusing on your customers allows you to establish long-term customer relationships. Vendor events provide an excellent opportunity to build a strong network of loyal customers who will make repeat purchases and refer your business to others. By prioritizing them, you can leave a lasting impression and create a positive association with your brand.

Focusing on building meaningful connections, understanding customer needs, establishing trust, showcasing unique value propositions, providing personalized recommendations, and setting the foundation for long-term relationships can significantly increase your chances of their buying your pieces and you achieving success. Remember, it’s not just about reaching as many people as possible; it’s about reaching the right people and making a lasting impact.

Making the sale requires a combination of preparation, engagement, persuasion, and excellent customer service. By implementing these strategies and making genuine connections, you can increase your chances of success and achieve your goals at your events. Remember, each interaction is an opportunity to make a lasting impression, so make the most of it!

Nicki Piland, also known as The Laser Chick, is a graphic designer and laser community influencer. She shares her knowledge and experiences with others through various platforms, including social media, workshops, and tutori- als. You can follow her here. https://linktr.ee/ thelaserchick 32

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November/December 2023

Level up your laser game and unlock a world of exclusive benefits with Laser Focused Patreon.

By joining Laser Focused Patreon, you’ll not only support our mission but also gain access to laserfocused resources, community engagement, and invaluable insights from industry experts.

Become part of an exclusive community that celebrates innovation, creativity, and the laserpowered brilliance that sets us apart. Unleash your potential and make your mark in the laser world.

Let’s light up the laser universe together and unlock limitless possibilities!

November/December 2023

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33

Wood

Engraving 101 Choosing the Right Wood Makes All the Difference By: Braden Todd, GS2 Awards, www.gs2awards.com

Ever have a wood engraving that came out too light? No matter what settings you tried, no matter what design you tried, it was just always light and not enough contrast? Good news, we’ve all been there, and it’s not anything you did wrong or something wrong with your laser!

The truth is, not all wood engraves are the same, and some sheets can engrave slightly differently based on the tree the wood came from! So how do you know what wood to choose for your project? We have over 14+ years of laser experience with wood and will give you a good explanation of what you can expect from the most popular species when laser engraving!

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Maple - This wood species is a great light-colored species with a pleasing and light grain pattern. When engraved, Maple results in a lighter contrast that can have some extra light tan hues to the engraving. If doing a genuine 3D engraving, Maple is our go-to because it engraves down so smoothly. Because the wood is lighter to begin with, the mark does stand out well against the natural wood coloring but is on the lighter side.

Cherry - This wood species has varied tones throughout the wood, ranging from a reddish brown with light pink hues to a darker brown color. When exposed to light/sunlight, the wood will darken quickly and appear darker brown and have a golden luster. When laser engraving Cherry, you can expect great contrast and dark marks! Cherry is one of our favorites to laser engrave because the wood is beautiful, and the engravings have always stood out well with a consistent contrast.

Alder - This wood species is very similar in color to Cherry, ranging from a tan to reddish brown color. Alder seems to be lesser known compared to Cherry, but very similar and difficult to tell apart from Cherry. This wood species laser engraves with excellent contrast, and really shines when engraving photographs! The grain is generally straight and fine in texture which leads to less distractions to the eye when viewing an engraved photograph.

Walnut - This wood species ranges in color from a pale brown to a deep dark brown. The result when engraving is a very nice, dark mark. Since Walnut is so dark to begin with, your engraving will show as more of a tone-on-tone effect. We love to use Walnut as a backer with a lighter colored wood layered on top for a dramatic effect!

Mahogany/Sapele - Both species are very close in appearance and have beautiful reddish, pinkish colors that deepen to reds and browns. Mahogany and Sapele are a great choice for projects that need to stand out with a premium wood species. When engraved, Mahogany and Sapele have great contrast with the reddish wood grains. If we want a piece to stand out and impress, Mahogany/Sapele is our go-to!

Baltic Birch - This wood species has probably given the most “why isn’t my engraving dark enough” comments! When it works, it’s great and has a nice contrast, but sometimes it can also leave a lighter mark. One tip to achieve a darker engraving is to engrave slightly November/December 2023

out of focus, this helps to give a little extra burn to the mark.

So what does knowing the engraving characteristics do to help with projects?

We now know which wood species can give lighter results, dark results, and contrast that falls in the middle.

Knowing these characteristics will help you to decide which wood to use and when you can simply choose one because the grain color is more desirable, i.e.

Cherry vs Alder.

We took this knowledge a step further and developed LaserLumber™, which is a solid hardwood that has been selected and expertly stained based on the final engraving result. The final product is a sheet that shows the unique wood grain of each species and then capitalizes on the species’ reaction to laser engraving! A Red Stained Maple is a gorgeous red color that, when engraved, results in a two-tone effect because Maple generally engraves lighter/whiter in color! Remember how dark Walnut engraves? The Whitewash Walnut is a white sheet that results in almost a black engraving mark! Knowing and understanding the intricacies of how wood reacts to the laser engraving process has allowed us to develop some market-changing opportunities!

There are other options available for a colored sheet too. Rowmark has their line of stained Birch PlywoodColorShop® Wood. This is also a great option when you need larger-sized sheets that are more difficult to produce in solid hardwood. The only downside is that every color is on Birch Plywood, so the grain you see and the engraving result will all look the same and not play on how other wood species react to laser engraving and blend with the stain colors selected.

Always remember that if you need to darken an engraving and choose to paint-fill the engraving, seal the engraved area before applying paint to avoid bleeding and losing your hard work!

I hope this helps everyone to better select the wood needed for your next projects!

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Business

Keeping it Under Wraps:

Navigating Trade Secret Law By: Lindy Laurence, Lumin Law

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Trade Secret Law Trade secret law refers to the legal framework that governs the protection and enforcement of valuable business information known as trade secrets. These intellectual property assets can include formulas, processes, techniques, methods, or any confidential information that provides a competitive advantage to its owner.

Definition of Trade Secrets A trade secret is generally recognized as any non-public, commercially valuable information that derives its value from being kept secret. This confidential knowledge may range from customer lists and marketing strategies to manufacturing processes and software algorithms. Unlike other forms of intellectual property such as patents, copyrights, or trademarks, trade secrets do not need to be registered with any government agency.

Protection of Trade Secrets To safeguard trade secrets, it is essential to implement robust measures within your business. Here are some recommended actions you can take: 1. Identify: Determine which information constitutes a trade secret. Classify and document all trade secrets within your business. Identify proper handling or processes for disclosing this information in protected ways.

2. Confidentiality Agreements: Require all employees, contractors, and business partners to sign confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Establish clear guidelines on the handling and protection of trade secrets.

3. Restricted Access: Limit access to trade secrets only to people who require such information for legitimate reasons. Implement secure physical and digital measures to restrict unauthorized access, such as encryption and password protection.

4. Vendor and Partner Management: Exercise caution when sharing trade secrets with third-party vendors or partners. Conduct thorSeptember/October 2023

ough due diligence and establish contractual obligations to ensure their compliance with maintaining confidentiality.

5. Mark Confidential Information: Clearly mark or identify documents, files, or materials containing trade secrets as “Confidential” or “Trade Secret.”

6. Physical Security Measures: Safeguard physical copies of trade secrets by implementing access control, video surveillance, and secure storage systems.

7. Enforceable Contracts: Ensure that your employment contracts and non-disclosure agreements contain enforceable provisions regarding trade secrets, outlining prohibited disclosures and potential legal consequences in case of breaches.

Remember, maintaining the confidentiality of trade secrets is crucial to their protection. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with an experienced attorney who is well-versed in trade secret law. They can help you develop a comprehensive strategy that is tailored to your specific business needs. By seeking legal guidance, you can ensure that you are taking the necessary steps to safeguard your valuable trade secrets and minimize the risk of unauthorized disclosure or use. An attorney can provide expert advice on identifying and classifying your trade secrets, implementing appropriate security measures, drafting non-disclosure agreements, and pursuing legal remedies in case of misappropriation. With their expertise, you can navigate the complex landscape of trade secret law and protect your competitive advantage. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to a knowledgeable attorney to safeguard your trade secrets and secure your business’s future.

Lindy Laurence is an attorney and founder of Lumin Law (www.lumin.law). She’s laser focused on serving the legal needs of mission-driven entrepreneurs and small business owners. Reach out and say hello at lindy@lumin.law.

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If you’re not offering awards to your customers yet, you are missing out on a great repeating income stream!

AWARDS Continued from P 27

question, and you might get an order right then, so be ready with at least a ballpark price!

“What should I sell these awards for?”

The most common size of award that I have made is around 6”-8” tall, and if I’m using Glowforge-sized sheets of material (12” x 20”), I can usually get 4-6 awards from a single sheet. If I’m using 1/4” acrylic, a sheet typically costs $12-$15, making material costs less than $4 per award on average.

I charge $25-$30 each for an award that size, so my profit is quite good and that leaves me a bit of room to discount for quantity or for a special if I want. And it’s not uncommon for me to charge $40-$50 for a larger custom award.

“What are some quick tips for making great awards?”

• Use 1/4” material. It looks and feels more substantial and valuable in the hands.

• Layers are your friend. I make bases with multiple layers because they look great, and I often use a translucent or clear layer sandwiched between two opaque layers to give me places to hide glue.

• Vertical layers can also be used to add dimension, thickness, and weight (and again to hide glue).

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• 3M adhesive can make assembly even faster than glue and cleaner as well.

• When using a customer logo, ALWAYS see the logo file before committing to a project because it may not be in great condition, the wrong format, etc. for engraving.

• You can take almost any basic award shape and make it feel custom with a large logo, great fonts for text, and a shape cut out of the award or a dimensional piece glued on top of it. Don’t feel like the overall shape has to be unique.

• Need ideas for shipping or transporting awards safely? I have a video on my YouTube channel called “How to Ship Awards Securely” that might help.

Hopefully, I’ve convinced you to add awards to your list of products. They’re perfect for connecting with businesses and organizations in your community (as well as online), and they can keep you busy with recurring revenue as well!

Mark Collier is the owner of BigBlueLaserDesigns, and he loves helping beginning and busy laser owners create great things faster. You can connect with him at mark@BigBlueLaserDesigns.com and visit his website at www.BigBlueLaserDesigns.com

November/December 2023

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Laser Focused Patreon Member Profile Jamie Bowser The Hands That Shape

Anthony Tucci Whispering Mountain

Katie Mullinax Monarch Pine Craft Supply

Category: Files, Finished Products

Category: Files, Finished Products

Category: Findings

Are You A Laser Focused Patreon Member Yet? November/December 2023

Laser Focused | www.LaserFocusedMagazine.com

39

Metal

Getting to the Point with Fiber Focusing By: Matt Boddiford, Laser Everything

Fiber lasers have gained significant popularity for their ability to produce precise and high-quality marks on various materials, but people buy them specifically for metal marking. Maintaining the correct focal point is one critical aspect of achieving successful laser marking. If a fiber laser is out of focus, it may fail to mark the material effectively or not even touch the material.

Galvo fiber lasers operate by first having the fiber laser source create an amplified photon that then gets hurled into a fiber optic cable. Here it gets bounced around at incredible speeds through a very thin piece of fiber optic cable, using the cable to naturally contain and reflect the beam inward, which will carry that intense power to where it exits the cable through the emitter. The pulse is then released and reflects off a set of mirrors mounted on galvanometric motors that direct the laser beam.

These motors transform electrical voltage into angular movement. The mirrors mounted perpendicularly on the motor’s shaft move the laser beam along the X and Y axes according to the in40 Laser Focused | www.LaserFocusedMagazine.com

put received from the motor from the controller.

Finally, the beam is focused through a lens and finds its way to the substrate to mark or engrave.

All of this is happening at neck-breaking speeds, with the mirrors being able to direct the beam at rated surface speeds, sometimes 4000 mm/s.

That speed, of course, will depend on the material, the power of the laser, and the type of mark you want to create.

So now that we know how a fiber source creates the laser beam and sends it all the way to the material, how does focus affect the ability to mark?

Well, let’s look at the three most important, but not the only, factors of focusing a fiber laser: • Lens size on a fiber laser is what determines the size of your marking field where the laser will effectively mark if it has been calibrated correctly with the most efficiency.

So a 300mm lens will give you a 300x300 (12 inch) field vs a 70x70 (~3 inch) field.

• The lens size will determine your focal distance, which is how much distance needs to November/December 2023

be between the scan head and the substrate so that marking can be precise and accurate. A larger lens will have a much greater focal distance vs a smaller lens that will have a much shorter focal distance (see diagram).

• Finally, the last major factor is the amount of Power it will take to send the laser beam down the correct distance with enough strength to mark/ engrave the surface due to the focal distance.

Keep in mind that this is just how to find the focus so that your machine will mark a substrate. Now you also have to consider frequency and speed to get the proper settings for each type of metal, then, on top of that, there are different settings to mark the same metals differently by eliciting colors, depth, finishes, and more.

Maintaining the correct focus is essential in fiber laser marking because it directly affects the precision, energy density, and consistency of the marking process. When the laser is out of focus, it may not deliver the necessary energy to the material’s surface, resulting in ineffective marking and could ruin your product. So take the time to accurately find and measure because proper focus control and calibration are critical for achieving high-quality and reliable laser markings on a wide range of materials.

Matt Boddiford is one of the Laser Everything team. If you’re still struggling to get consistent markings, then head over to the Laser Everything’s discord community or the Laser Master Academy at masters. lasereverything.net where you can get the help you need to get you focused!

November/December 2023

The HOW-TO Don’t be alarmed by all of this information in the article, even though it can seem overwhelming from a scientific standpoint. Laser Everything has great resources to help you get marking quickly with videos such as the Galvo Crash Course for Lightburn and free settings found at lasereverything.net/freelasersettings - because application of this technique is far simpler than comprehension of the science behind it!

Here is what all of that information looks like in practice: Step 1: Download Lightburn’s 30-day free trial or grab a subscription Step 2: Head over to lasereverything.net and grab the settings Step 3: Put a piece of metal, steel or aluminum, down on your breadboard and raise the galvo head up higher depending on your lens size (see diagram for approximations) Step 4: In Lightburn, create a small box and set it to run continuously and input the settings for the substrate, determinant upon your laser power and lens that you are using, (“steel engrave” or “aluminum engrave” depending on what you are using.

Step 5: PUT ON YOUR SAFETY GLASSES! Step 6: Hit start again to have the laser beam begin marking and slowly lower the galvo head until the laser comes into focus as you traverse the galvo head downwards Step 7: Watch and listen because the focal point is parabolic on a fiber laser, like an hourglass, you’ll start to hear and see the laser marking, but it will get louder and brighter until, at a certain point, it will begin to fade away until it is no longer marking.

Step 8: Raise the galvo head back up to the optimal focal distance to where the laser beam hitting the substrate is the brightest and loudest it can be while engraving.

Step 9: Write that down and keep it somewhere safe so you can make a focal stick so you can quickly and repeatedly mark materials with this lens in the future.

Congrats! You now have your proper focal distance for a lens and are ready to find the next one if your laser comes with multiple lenses. Make sure you take your time and measure accurately because it will save you more in the long run!

Laser Focused | www.LaserFocusedMagazine.com

41

MakerRemix Marketplace 42

A Supportive and Inspiring Environment for Laser Enthusiasts By: Matt Boddiford, Laser Everything Two years ago, Alexander Sellite from the YouTube channel Laser Everything had an idea to create an online marketplace for laser users.

With the encouragement of his wife Miranda, he started the process that is just now coming to fruition, and he believes it is a game changer for the maker space.

For the most part, laser users and other makers have faced similar issues in the past: finding out where to buy blanks without an EIN, trying to remember which Facebook group had “that one item” they forgot to screenshot, looking for reliable files for their lasers on Etsy that end up having tons of issues in lightburn, or wanting to buy that new piece of machinery direct from China on a budget but not knowing who is legit or has quality machinery for highly variable prices. None of those are ideal for people with jobs, a small business/side hustle, and a family to juggle.

The MakerRemix Marketplace offers an alternative as a new maker-facing market where small business and private buyers are welcome to purchase directly from small business dealers within our community with all the items you need in one location. You no longer need to sift through a slurry of private messages or the anxiety of being sent through back channels to buy lasers from resellers. The MakerRemix Marketplace has laser machine prices clearly defined, direct dealings with laser distributors and manufacturers, and a secure purchasing method of PayPal or credit card.

More than that, it offers an opportunity for makers like you and me to have a place where we can grow our business by being a vendor ourselves by offering all of our marketable skills. The Marketplace is made by the people, for the people. The Marketplace is now in full swing, and it’s important to understand why it’s so valuable to us, the everyday laser users, and how it can help raise the level of our businesses. The significance of having most of the vendors in an online laser marketplace be everyday laser users from all different communities cannot be overstated.

So here are the top reasons this is so impactful to the maker community: In-depth Product Knowledge: Everyday laser users have hands-on experience with the products they sell. People like Anthony Montez of the “Beam It Up Laserworks” storefront have first-hand knowledge that enables him to provide valuable insights, technical details, and practical advice to potential buyers. This level of expertise builds trust and confidence in the Marketplace, as customers can make informed decisions based on their real-life experience and knowledge of the machines they have versus buying blanks from a massive distributor who most likely has never actually used the product in the first place.

Anthony’s expertise spreads across diode, CO2, fiber, and now UV!

Laser Focused | www.LaserFocusedMagazine.com

November/December 2023

Innovation and Feedback: Everyday laser users are at the forefront of innovation. As they explore the potential of laser technology in their daily lives, they often develop creative uses and applications. By having these users as vendors, the Marketplace can also be a place for innovation, encouraging the development of new laser products and solutions like Andrew Farmer of “Beth’s Creations” storefront, who saw the need for other users to improve their Shopify websites and got an immediate response from a handful of people. By looking at what other laser users needed and taking their feedback, he saw an opportunity for innovation and created his success by bolstering the websites of other makers like myself, Alisha Pate, and Josh Evans.

Authentic Recommendations: Vendors like Robert Phillips of the “Advanced Racing Technologies” storefront, who are regular users of laser products, are more likely to offer genuine recommendations of the different focusing tools he creates for CO2 gantry and fiber lasers. He created the products and understands their strengths and limitations, helping buyers find the perfect match for their specific uses and needs.

Realistic Expectations: With everyday laser users as vendors, like Josh Evans of the “LoneStar Adhesive” storefront, there is a higher chance of setting realistic expectations for customers. He can accurately convey the learning curve, required maintenance, and potential safety precautions associated with the laser, his blanks, and the products he makes and sells. By directly helping his clients with helpful explanations, customers are more likely to find success and less likely to have to guess what will work and what won’t work.

Continual Improvement: Having direct access to the people behind the product is not something you get everywhere, but at the Marketplace, every vendor is a laser user with a vested interest in its success. They are more likely to actively participate in improving the platform, suggesting new features, and implementing customer feedback. This level of engagement leads to a continuously evolving and customer-centric marketplace. For example, Matthew Blackwell of “Blackwell Engineering” storefront provided feedback for the shipping parameters that made the most sense for his mixture of heavy XL fixture plates and smaller products, which he mills from aluminum billet himself so his customers got the best deal he could offer them on shipping. He advocated for his customers, and it was remedied with a patch in a few days, which benefitted everyone.

November/December 2023

Community Building: When vendors are laser enthusiasts themselves, the Marketplace becomes more than just a place to buy and sell products. It becomes a community where people share their passion for lasers, exchange ideas, and support one another. This sense of belonging fosters a collaborative and friendly environment that LaserEverything prides itself on maintaining and attracting more laser enthusiasts to join and contribute. Not only is MakerRemix a marketplace, it’s also a website with a ton of spaces for like-minded individuals to create groups, discussion boards, and even resell old equipment and extra materials, whether they are laser makers, printmakers or any other kind of creative person.

With its mix of everyday laser users, manufacturers, and vendors in an online laser marketplace, it creates a place where you can purchase products, files, and lasers free from the anxiety and stress of some other venues all in one location. Its goal is to create a thriving and customer-focused community where knowledge, experience, authenticity, and passion for lasers contribute to a marketplace that not only offers high-quality products but also fosters a supportive and inspiring environment for laser enthusiasts and makers of all kinds. The MakerRemix Marketplace is open to join as a vendor or customer at market. makreremix.com, so go take a look and become a part of the community of makers!

Matt Boddiford is one of the Laser Everything team. If you’re still struggling to get consistent markings, then head over to the Laser Everything’s discord community or the Laser Master Academy at masters.lasereverything. net where you can get the help you need to get you focused!

Laser Focused | www.LaserFocusedMagazine.com

43

proje c t s Boho Arch Coin Bank

By Bail Ansara Just One More Project

Winter’s Embrace Snowman & Poinsettia

By Jamie Bowser The Hands That Shape

Download the Step By Step Projects Here.

44 Laser Focused | www.LaserFocusedMagazine.com

November/December 2023

Boho Arch Coin Bank

For this step by step, I’m thrilled to share one of my favorite projects to put together. There is a little of everything in this one. You’re going to learn how to cut and assemble your very own boho arch coin bank. This bank is one of my favorites to give to kids who want their very first “piggy bank”. This isn’t your average coin bank as it looks more like a decor piece. This is why I love it so much!

Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need.

For my project, I used white acrylic for the base and white acrylic the backer piece. This is the piece engraved with the boho floral pattern. You’ll need to choose a contrasting color to fill this engraved pattern with (I chose green.) You will also need to choose any color of your choice for the borders and the name. Make sure this colored piece is 3M backed (you can also use an adhesive of your choice instead.) Finally, you’ll need some clear acrylic for the coin bank front panel, and another color of your choice on the opposite arch piece (I used frosted acrylic!) Let’s get started!

Materials: • ⅛ inch 3M Backed Colored Acrylic (any color) • ⅛ inch White Acrylic for backer and base • ⅛ inch Clear Acrylic • ⅛ Frosted Acrylic (or other if desired) • Acrylic Paint Pens in color of your choice (I used Posco) • Adhesive of your choice if not using 3M backed acrylic

Step 1:

Begin by cutting all the pieces of the design out and lay them out as seen here. Remove the masking from all of the pieces except the engraved pattern piece. (Leave this masking on as this is necessary step for painting)

November/December 2023

Laser Focused | www.LaserFocusedMagazine.com

45

Step 2:

Begin by stacking both pieces of the base together. Apply an adhesive of your choice between the pieces. Be sure to match up the slots when stacking them.

Step 3:

Use an acrylic paint pen in the color of your choice and carefully fill the engraved pattern with the paint. Be sure to thoroughly flood the engraved grooves with paint to ensure that all parts of the pattern are filled with paint.

Step 4:

Once painted, set aside to dry and begin assembling the arch pieces.

46 Laser Focused | www.LaserFocusedMagazine.com

November/December 2023

Step 5:

Insert the right arch into the slot (Frosted Acrylic piece) This is the piece that is slightly shorter than the others.

Insert this piece into the right slot in the base. This is the slot closest to the front and less wider than the other.

Step 6:

Adhere the name/text to this piece using adhesive of your choice. I used 3M backed material.

Step 7:

Remove masking from engraved piece

November/December 2023

Laser Focused | www.LaserFocusedMagazine.com

47

Step 8:

Assemble the left arch pieces

Step 9:

Make sure all the pieces are aligned with the top of the arch. The clear acrylic piece should be slightly longer than the other pieces.

Step 10:

Insert the clear acrylic piece into the remaining slot on the base.

48 Laser Focused | www.LaserFocusedMagazine.com

November/December 2023

Winter’s Embrace Snowman & Poinsettia

Wood Prep: I like to paint or stain and then clear coat the wood with polyurethane before lasering. Pre-finishing the wood prior to cutting allows for any smoke residue to be easily wiped away with isopropyl alcohol. There are also many other ways to prep the materials for processing. Other options include using a masking tape to protect the surface to cutting all of the pieces and then painting each piece or even clear coating after final assembly. There are many different options for material prep, depending on your situation, some will work better than others.

Materials Finished Size: 16”x16” -76 pieces Wood/Color (Size Needed) Walnut – 1⁄4” (9” x 4.25”) Cedar – 1⁄4” (7.25” x 5.75”) Mahogan y – 1⁄4” (9.75” x 8”) Cherry – 1⁄4” (5.5” x 3.25”) Poplar – 1⁄4” (13.25” x 7”) Red Oak – 1⁄4” (5.5” x 5.5”) White Oak – 1⁄4” (5.5” x 2.5”) Birch – 1⁄4” (18.5” x 9.5” )

Cutting: After the materials are prepped, each file can be cut for each wood species / color of wood using settings appropriate for the material and your setup. The files are designed / orientated to be cut with the “good” / finished side facing up. Import / open the file of choice into your preferred laser program. Each file contains a 1”x1” reference square that can be checked to confirm the file is still sized as intended. Before cutting, verify the “square” is still at 1”x1”, if so, proceed with cutting. If the dimensions aren’t correct, try opening / importing a different file format. Some file formats may work better for your setup. I like to use plastic baskets for each wood type / color to keep all of the pieces separate to make assembly easier. For each color / type, I give the approximate size of the cutting area to make it easier to use scrap pieces from previous projects that may still have some useable space on the boards.

*Dimensions rounded up to nearest 1⁄4”

Useful Tools for Assembly: • Framing Square • Tape Measure • Tweezers • Straight Edge • Trim Saw • Masking Tape • Wood Glue • Paint Brushes • Clamps / Weights

November/December 2023

Assembly: I like to use a large framing square in one of the corners to act as a square reference for when I’m placing all of the parts. For the Winter’s Embrace: Snowman and Poinsettia piece I started laying out the pieces for the sky first and then worked my way into the snowman and poinsettias, placing the larger pieces first and then filling in with the small pieces as the shape developed. Print out a copy of the color and assembly guide to reference when placing all of the pieces. For the smaller Laser Focused | www.LaserFocusedMagazine.com

49

pieces I like to use tweezers to help with the placement of them. For pieces that have similarly shaped sides, try rotating it 180 degrees to verify the orientation fits as intended. Check out our YouTube channel (https:// www.youtube.com/@thehandsthatshape) for a video of us assembling this art piece.

Piece Alignment / Review: After all of the pieces are set in place, do a once over on the art piece looking for any small pieces that may have been misplaced and will need to be recut.

Also, look at the colors and grain patterns that were used for each piece. Do they all “fit”? Sometimes I’ve found that the grain pattern I used for one piece doesn’t exactly fit in the location it’s in and I need to recut it with a better match or the color I chose would work better as a different color.

Once everything is as it should be, I like to do a final alignment of the pieces. This involves using another straight edge to push the edges into the square, straightening up the sides and also snugging the pieces together for a tighter fit.

Backer Creation: In order to create a finished product a backer board needs to be cut out for all of the pieces to be glued to.

I generally use a 1/4” sheet of quality plywood to act as my backer. The plywood can be cut down using a table saw, laser or other cutting options depending on your preference and situation. Some stores will cut down whole sheets of plywood to useful sizes for those that are not able to cut their own backer. For the 16” Winter’s Embrace: Snowman and Poinsettia showpiece I cut the backer board at 16”x16”. I like to always take a double check measurement of the laid out pieces before cutting the backer. Depending on the laser, the number of passes and materials used the overall dimensions may be slightly smaller than the nominal 16”x16”. Depending on your laser size, you may also be able to add a laser logo or other markings to the back of the art piece on the backside of the backer.

50 Laser Focused | www.LaserFocusedMagazine.com

Taping the Pieces Together: The easiest way I’ve found to glue all of the pieces to a backer board is to tape all of the pieces together to create a single item that can then be glued to the backer.

I use an off the shelf painters masking tape for the process. Ensure the tape is placed on the “good” side. I start in areas that are “problematic”; areas that may have many smaller pieces or a slight bow to the wood. The entire surface doesn’t need to be covered in tape, you’re really just trying to get enough tape on the surface to hold all of the pieces together to allow the whole art piece to be picked up and transferred to the glue covered backer. Many of the wood types being used will likely have small differences in thickness, spending a couple additional minutes making sure the tape has good contact to as many pieces as possible will save some reworking time in the future. This can be done by running your hands / fingers over the taped surface allowing your fingers to follow the topology of the various woods pushing the tape into contact with the wood pieces.

Gluing: Before adding glue, ensure any markings, logos or other items on the back side of the backer board are in the correct orientation and on the appropriate side. I prefer to place the glue over the entire surface of the backer. Use a paint brush or other spreading method to coat the entire surface of the backer with your chosen glue. I prefer to use a standard off-theshelf- wood glue. Once the glue is sufficiently spread out, carefully lift the taped art piece and place it onto the backer. Don’t fret if some pieces fall off the bottom during the transfer, they can easily be glued in after the tape is removed. Depending on the glue November/December 2023

used you’ll have varying amounts of time to get the art pieces aligned to the backer. Adjust the art piece to the backer by “floating” the art pieces on the glue spread of the backer. Ultimately, you’re trying to get the taped art piece to be well aligned to the edges of the backer board. If you notice some random pieces sticking out slightly beyond the others you can trim them flush later or rely on a rabbeted frame with sufficient coverage to hide them.

Clamping: When clamping you want to have even weight spread over the entire surface to allow all of the pieces to be held down. This can be accomplished by using other boards on top of the art piece to evenly distribute the weight. The weight can be generated by sandbags, water jugs, workout weights, books, bricks, a clamping station or any other heavy item. Allow the piece to rest in the weighted clamping station for the recommended set time for the glue that was used.

Tape Removal: I like to start in one corner and slowly peel the masking tape off the surface of the art piece.

As I’m peeling I like to keep one hand on the glued pieces to not put unnecessary strain on the adhesive. It’s not uncommon to have some edge pieces or other pieces within the body of the art lift up and come off. These can easily be re-glued and reapplied to the art piece. This sometimes happens if a piece was excessively bowed or a slightly different thickness when compared to the pieces surrounding it. In either case, it’s an easy fix. For pieces that don’t fully release and are still partially attached, you can use a tiny paint brush or other glue application method to place glue under the released section to try and adhere it.

Note: After removing all of the tape I like to flip the piece over and lightly tap around the backer to see if any of the other pieces are loose. If so, I glue them back in along with any other pieces that may have come out.

November/December 2023

Frames: There are a lot of options for frames. Some pieces look very good without a frame, especially with some edge cleanup. Other options involve buying stock boards and cutting / routing them to create the right frame for the art piece. Another option is to take the art piece to a professional frame shop. Depending on the framing method used, you may want to trim off any pieces that shifted during the taping or gluing step and stick out beyond the backer. This can be accomplished with a multitude of finish saw blades,including handheld manual saws (or sanded) to remove the small amount of edge overlap. If needed, the trimmed section can be edge stained with a dark stain / marker to allow it to match the surrounding laser burned edges.

Hangers: As with frames there are a lot of options available for hanging the art piece. Depending on the size and weight of the finished art piece nailed in sawtooth hanger(s) can be used or D-ring hangers or even a wire hanger.

Feel free to reach out with any questions JBowser@ TheHandsThatShape.com. If you really like the file, please consider leaving a review on my website https://www.thehandsthatshape.com.

PLEASE TAG @thehandsthatshape if you share pictures of your physical items on social media. I love seeing what people create with my designs. Thanks for all your support!

p roje c t s

Do You Have A Project You Would Like Featured in Laser Focused Magazine?

Send us an email at project@LaserFocusedMagazine.com with your project idea!

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51

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