Ferg

I think of it as "augmenting" my normal leather work. Since arthritis and other health issues make my tooling leather a distant memory, "Tooling" with a laser is my "Happy" place. LOL Every time I engrave another piece of leather be it with my very own renditions or professionally designed, I am absolutely amazed that this old man of almost ninety years can still do something of what I love. Broke my left wrist 3 weeks ago. Doctors say if I don't use my arm/hand and mess up the break they will remove the cast next Friday and maybe they won't put another on me. My wife says quit picking your nose with your left hand.

This is 3D illusion. There is very little difference in the level of engrave. I would estimate depth at .10mm to slightly more if power was increased. This is not intended to be a substitute for carving and stamping. I have been doing leather work for over 70 years. I believe there is room for many different methods of decorating leather. Laser engraving is just one of them. I have tried line drawing on leather which is actually a pattern for carving. It makes for an extremely accurate pattern.

I have found that many folks who buy a diode or CO2 laser who have never used same or had any experience with them, have a tendency to want someone to tell them how to operate and achieve fantastic results. In over two years of using first a diode and now a CO2 laser I can tell you it takes time and untold amounts of trial and error to find out what you can accomplish. If you have little patience and perseverance to work things out by reading and studying everything available, you chose the wrong endeavor. Every laser has it's very own idiosyncrasies get used to it. Apply what you derive from info available and try. LightBurn gets lambasted by folks who think since it is highly rated it will be their miracle worker and provide everything they need to make those fantastic items they view with little to no input from themselves. I have used/tried many programs for lasering and found one thing about all of them, they are difficult to learn because they are involved in thousands of scenarios for one. My advice to anyone beginning their Laser journey, read everything and study it plus watch videos with many of those being bogus. Sit back when you are exasperated and think what you haven't done correctly or simply try another setting and burn a lot of scrap whether it be leather or wood. First image engraved on hickory second on leather.

Those of you that desire wanting a laser..... Begin with a Diode Laser. You can get a 3W to 5W for $200 to $300 some cheaper but they are unfortunately not worth your money. My laser is a 60W Omtech CO2. I paid $2700 for it two years ago, it is $3400 now. Ferg

I know, I had that pic set to a high resolution. I use Photoshop, was in a hurry and forgot I had the resolution high.

Sorry about that

Laser engraved Veg Tan leather. A take on a little different object. 60W CO2 Omtech laser Ferg Vadim Bee copy.pdf

Nice! I have done a few on Baltic Birch. Problem I have with it is the veneer is so thin the laser get's into the cross band while engraving subject. Ferg

Thank you, makes it worth doing all the prep work worthwhile. Ferg

I like to think of it as, changing gears. lol

We live in a two story Log Home my wife and I built thirty years ago plus my main computer and leather room is upstairs and my shop is on main floor to very rear end of our home. lol Helps whatever flexibility I have left. Hope you able to use those tools!!! Ferg

Before any of you give me a bad time about laser engraving in lieu of carving these two pieces of leather........ Hear me out. I have developed severe Arthritis in practically every joint in my body so handling most any kind of carving or otherwise tool is extremely difficult or impossible. With that said, I bought a 60W CO2 laser about two years ago and have laser engraved some really fantastic products of which I have sold a few and given away a lot. Hadn't done any leather until this last week. Used some semi-scrap I had to do these two pieces. Veg Tanned cowhide 3oz to 4oz. Forgive my expertise in photo work, I didn't bother to correct. There is no editing done on the photos. As said above they are 3D Illusions not true 3D. The laser sees the different values of light and dark in a black and white photo as set into program before engraving. As the beam travels across the substrate/leather it varies in power and develops the light and dark portions of image. Hope you enjoy.... Ferg

Nice work. I have several from various individuals.

The beam from your testing position M1 to M2 is way off. I don't even consider checking with M2 close to M1. Extend the M2 location all the way towards opposite to Tube side. If you get that centered then M2 to M3 with same idea, move M3 mirror all the way to the right side. You also need to check the beam from the nozzle to the working level of your lens. The adjustments on the mirrors are very sensitive, don't get carried away and only loosen the stop nuts very small amount each time. Ferg

There has to be something wrong in the method of attempting to contact OM-Tech. Have owned my CO2 60W over two years now, have never had a problem with help. You need to provide some more info. What software are you using? Did you follow setup info? I use LightBurn software best there is. I am confused with what you are providing for settings. Are you using G-Code? Arduino control? My settings for cutting are 10mm/sec speed with , 45%power. I can cut 1/4" MDF veneered material in one pass. My simplest setup for engraving is 150mm/sec speed with 25% power. Need a lot more info from you please. Ferg

If you haven't used and experienced Light Burn software you have missed the best product for laser engraving and cutting and it keeps getting better. Opinion from a dedicated user.

Dwight, You may try this. I use "Ozium" neutralizer on my laser cut wood products. Available in most hardware stores in a small spray can. Ferg

Have you done a test pattern on some scrap? I am assuming you are using LightBurn software, if not please do yourself a favor and get it. There are test patterns to run along with directions for doing "Ramp Tests". Correct settings of your laser for the material, air assist if you are engraving or cutting with ample exhaust. When I engrave or cut a new type of product I run exhaustive tests at different speeds and power keeping a written note of those settings until I get what I want. Time consuming I agree, necessary, you bet! Begin with low power and speed settings adjusting one or the other to see any change. Visit the Lightburn Forum at https://lightburnsoftware.com Ferg

Yes, the bender and dies are still available. I am unable to respond via telephone due to hearing problems. E-mail is a must for me. I am in Southwest Ohio 45432. Please let me know if you wish to visit to see and possibly buy the items. Ferg

I used to do sublimation which I accomplished on white dear leather. I have posted a photo of same before. Also used a Laser Printer Mono color to make whatever image/text I wanted. You can print on the better quality of laser copy paper lay it on your leather or whatever you wish to use. With a household iron you can actually transfer the image to the substrate. No messing with all the other "stuff." Ferg

Perfect condition. Complete 1/2" letter stamp set. $25 plus shipping.

I used this on a Cowboy 3200. It is designated as Juki but it fits other machines also. $45.00 plus shipping.

Bonded Nylon Sewing Machine thread. One pound spools 1 white #92, 1 white #138, 1 white #207, 1 Scarlet red #138. $25 each or all four $90 plus shipping.

Tandy Super Skivers. $8.50 each or both for $16.00 plus shipping

Probably 10 or 12 years ago I unearthed a piece of Veg Tan at least forty years old which meant it was bought from Tandy. I found a sketch in one of my art books that I decided to carve into that piece of leather. It wasn't dried out, stiff, or hard. I tempered it and carved this design. Stored under two other leather pieces I done about the same time. It has never been stored or displayed in daylight. Some day I will probably frame it and give it to my youngest daughter. Ferg