Beginner Laser Project 8 Slate Coasters

#8 in a series on beginner laser projects. This features engraving slate coasters
Links to laser and accessories used:
Atomstack P9 M50 Laser amzn.to/3ILvIOo
Slate Coasters amzn.to/3GFxi1D
Cloudray Laser Safety Glasses 1064nm 532nm 355nm OD7+ CE Protective Goggles amzn.to/3WmPnIA

[@bobby3hatwoodcarving925]

Thanks, Roger, I got more out of this #8 for beginners than 10 other I've watched. Can't wait to see your next!

[@patrickboudreau3846]

My step father is getting old, 87. He does not have a hobby and i see him bored, looking for something to brighten up his life. I think this is great….working with any type of machine is so cool!

[@SodBustersMetalDetecting]

Thank you, I look forward to getting started

[@jborgstrom7897]

Hi Roger. I'm new to the laser hobby. I find your videos very informative and helpful. Slate tiles was the next thing I was going to tackle, so the timing is perfect! Thank you! Keep up the good work!

[@it3d109]

Thanks for the how to mate. Off to my garage to try this out with my new laser. Cheers

[@GODSpeace777]

Howdy Roger. Thanks for the awesome info sir. I'm still just starting off into this realm but learning as I go. Got a few slate coasters on the way for my next project. Your video helps alot. Keep up the great work!

[@markkendall7371]

I've started making these after i saw this so cool!

[@webcompanion]

Subscribed for the tips and 312 Goose Island. Great taste! Thank you Roger

[@sharisloma595]

I learn so much from all of your videos. I purchased the atomstack a5 m50 pro laser, can you help with the settings for doing the slate? Thank you for all your help!

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

Thanks for the tips just subscribed, well done. How do you do your audio? It sounds great even with the printers in the background.

[@rogersshop]

Synco Lapel mic. wireless to camera receiver.

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

@@rogersshop Thanks for the quick reply. Sounds fantastic.

[@josephfelix6330]

Hi Roger. I've been watching your videos and they are great! I ordered a Longer Ray5 10W and it's due in a few days. I am trying to do as much research as I can. I have a question regarding Test Firing and Framing @ .50%. Are safety glasses need for such a low light?

[@rogersshop]

Below 2%, no.

[@ljgault]

I was wonder how to do slate now I know thanks Roger. Have you done any video's on the Cricut?

[@rogersshop]

Other than original startup and a reply to being accused of being Gay for having one, not as a specific dedicated video. I do show it in use in a few videos on Dye Sublimation.

[@patberry3388]

I have some of these slate coasters. I have not tried to engrave them yet. I am working on engraving photos on granite, have you ever done this? I am struggling a bit to get perfect photos. The coasters are a great idea, I also have engraved slate landscaping pieces. By using the proper focus makes them perfect.

[@rogersshop]

Since I don't currently have a market for engraved (etched) granite, have not tried it.

[@stephanierobb3270]

Hello Roger! Thank you for the informative video! I enjoy learning from you. I'm new to the laser community, and I'm wonder what/if you do anything to prep the slate before you engrave it. I was told to use a clear varnish on it before I get started. Is this necessary? Would it be better to do it after it's complete and cleaned with soap and water to seal it? Thanks!

[@rogersshop]

I coat after engraving with clear lacquer (Dries faster and I can use a spray gun. Also does not yellow or make an amber cast). Some coat before engraving and again afterwards, which gives a slightly different look.

[@stephanierobb3270]

@@rogersshop Thank you for the reply. I appreciate it.

[@mickhawkins182]

hi from over the pond great videos just wondering if you could help. i have a foxalien 20w laser with 5.5w out put i am trying to engrave on slate coasters same as this video. i am trying to do photo the slat will be coated with matt spray varnish what setting would you recommend. ie newsprint/grayscale etc speeds and power. also would i need to use negative image. also using lightburn. thanks in advance

[@rogersshop]

Try 150 mm/min at 100% power as a test start point.

[@mrsdizi1234]

Thank you just a question on what you would engrave using a laser optical power of a actual 20w for the settings? Thank you, I have the XTool D1 Pro 20w

[@rogersshop]

I am going to be doing some burn tests on slate with a 20 Watt Longer Ray 5 that will be coming up soon. Haven't done slate with a 20W yet.

[@slhasebroock]

Have started to do some slate, but when I clean the coaster, i find little voids that have chipped off in the solid fill areas. I assume the laser has kind of weaken the surface and so the little chip flakes off when cleaned or rubbed. Anything I can do to prevent this? Thanks Roger enjoy your informational videos!!!! You're an excellent teacher.

[@rogersshop]

Try a different brand. Some slates are "too brittle" and can flake.

[@slhasebroock]

@@rogersshop OK Thank you!

[@BSDLLC]

Never thought about the thickness. My first batch of coasters shows up tomorrow.

[@wooly196211]

Hi Roger, I'm totally new and my question is why did you use offset fill on the coaster? what would happen if you just used fill?

[@rogersshop]

Less head travel results in shorter engrave time. Outcome is pretty much the same with regular fill, just takes longer. It also depends on the graphic.

[@1burningman]

One more comment. I love your videos. I've made some coasters already and they are turning out awesome, except for the darn spelling mistakes. I am an older gentleman, about your age, and it would be helpful if your curser was a little bigger and maybe a different colour. I end up having to back up the video to see where you move your curser to. I keep mine yellow and bigger on my own computer because I can't follow my own curser! Beside that, keep on making the videos and I'll keep on watching them. Many thanks. Denis

[@paulmayuk]

Hi Roger, the more I watch your videos the more things I want to do. I would like to dip my toes into the laser engraving world. I want to start smallish and build myself up to something larger. With that in mind I am looking at the Atomstack P7 M70 machine. I’ve had a look at your videos but can’t find what I need. Have you ever done a video on this machine? If not do you have an opinion of it? Be great to hear from you.

[@rogersshop]

The X7 is a P9 on a A5 frame, giving a larger working area. I have an A5 and a P9, but nothing in the X series. Atomstack makes a quality product, so which ever one you choose should be OK.

[@paulmayuk]

@@rogersshop thanks for replying. I have a feeling a new machine may be acquired shortly.

[@kathleenweidner1913]

Do you wear the laser safety glasses when operating your laser?

[@rogersshop]

Yes, if I can see it. Cloudray Laser Safety Glasses 1064nm 532nm 355nm OD7+ CE Protective Goggles amzn.to/3WmPnIA

[@homehobbybuilds2450]

Hi Roger. I'm looking at getting a laser to make small projects (sings and multi layered projects) to sell locally and at craft fairs/markets. I'm looking at 20w lasers. Do you have some you would recommend over (xtool, atonstack) others that can easily have attachments added (rotary tool)? I'm looking for something easy to learn that can fit in my small garage shop. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[@rogersshop]

Atomstack, Longer, Ortur, xTool are all quality machines. A rotary can be used with any of them.

[@eevagirl]

Hi Roger, what would you seal the design onto the slate? (for a memorial for outside)

[@rogersshop]

Rustoleum makes an aerosol automotive clear coat that works very well on slate outdoors. However, it is high gloss, so may or may not fit your purpose.

[@1burningman]

Do you coat the coasters with anything or sell them as is?

[@rogersshop]

Mostly, as is. If a customer wants a gloss finish, I use either Spar Poly or Polycrylic.

[@normazaharioudakis115]

Good morning, I have a question can you sublimate on those coasters ?

[@rogersshop]

Not without a coating applied first to accept the dye.

[@mlbuxbaum]

Do you clean the coaster once its done? If so, with what?

[@rogersshop]

Just dish soap and water

[@teriwillis3672]

I have a We Creat, and was told to invert the image since it’s going on slate. However, something strange happens - image looks good on screen but when I press start, it shows 3 seconds for processing, which is obviously incorrect. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[@rogersshop]

I have also done slate on my Wecreat, bit do not invert the image. But, it may depend on what your image is. No idea why it is giving such a short processing time.

[@bentucker1377]

Where do you get those coaster feet?

[@rogersshop]

Included with coasters. Slate Coasters amzn.to/3GFxi1D

[@edmelzark1069]

what would be your setting for a 20 watt laser

[@rogersshop]

Try 500mm/min @ 90% for a starting point and tweak from there. Note that slate can vary in results, depending on source.

[@nickschuster7618]

Just be aware that Harley logo you downloaded was only a personal license. You cannot legally sell anything with that logo due to the copyright. Love the video just make sure to mention this stuff to your viewers otherwise people may end up in trouble selling designs that legally cant sell!

[@rogersshop]

That was mentioned

[@nickschuster7618]

@rogersshop yes but you also said you werent sure. Wasnt being a dick i just looked it up and posted what they say in black and white from the site

[@witness1013]

Lol - endorsing trademark infringement isn't exactly a great idea your results look like crap.

[@rogersshop]

It is not infringement when for your own use. As far as how my results look, NEVER had any complaints and have sold several hundred of the designs I own. I do not sell trademarked or copyrighted items and STATE NOT TO DO SO!

[@olafb.2929]

​@@rogersshopThat was just one of those who enjoy making negative comments. The results look pretty good!

[@oldchev2850]

They obviously watched the video without volume. Thanks for posting this. Good pointers and I think they look great.

[@tomaszpralat344]

I can see you dont know much about that

[@rogersshop]

About what? We do hundreds of these a year.