Laser Engraving Shellac/Wax Finish

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buistd
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Joined: Wed Feb 29, 2012 7:34 pm

Laser Engraving Shellac/Wax Finish

Post by buistd »

Anything to be careful of? I'm concerned that the laser may crack the shellac a wee bit.
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Jos
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Re: Laser Engraving Shellac/Wax Finish

Post by Jos »

Always finish the pipe completely before laser engraving - it's a true PIA to poke carnuba and stuff out of the engraving ... and will necessarily result in scratches.

Jens
buistd
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Joined: Wed Feb 29, 2012 7:34 pm

Re: Laser Engraving Shellac/Wax Finish

Post by buistd »

Jos wrote:Always finish the pipe completely before laser engraving - it's a true PIA to poke carnuba and stuff out of the engraving ... and will necessarily result in scratches.

Jens
Thanks - My only concern was that the laser may do funny things to the shellac. The pipe is finished but for the stamp/engraving.
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Sasquatch
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Re: Laser Engraving Shellac/Wax Finish

Post by Sasquatch »

There shouldn't be a HUGE amount of shellac on there, and shellac melts around 70 degrees, so the laser will just eat it very locally is my guess.
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kkendall
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Re: Laser Engraving Shellac/Wax Finish

Post by kkendall »

You can laser engrave it after the finish - that's fine. And, if you did do a touch of wax afterwards, a couple seconds with a heat gun will take care of any visible wax deposits inside the engraving.
buistd
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Re: Laser Engraving Shellac/Wax Finish

Post by buistd »

Thank you all. Once again the willingness of members on here to divulge pearls of wisdom amazes me.
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