Crafting Brilliance Laser Engraving with Powder Paint Mastery

[@arawtgabi]

I noticed you used it on a cheese board. Is powder paint food safe?

[@WoodWorkTherapy]

Great question! Achieving a smooth coat through practice makes powder coating safer than raw wood. Most finishes, as per the FDA's guidelines, are food-safe, and the safety of finishes often depends on degassing. Powder coating stands out as it doesn't require degassing. Colored metals used for serving are typically powder-coated, ensuring it doesn't flake or harbor bacteria. While not food-unsafe, it's essential to note that powder coating, like epoxy, shouldn't be used on surfaces for cutting foods. When a knife directly contacts the powder coat or epoxy, it may cause permanent damage, though not rendering it unsafe. For instance, using it on a cheese slicer is fine since the slicer doesn't touch the powder-coated area. Powder coating is considered food-safe up to 1000 Fahrenheit, as it turns into a liquid before reaching that temperature. 🙂

[@arawtgabi]

@@WoodWorkTherapyThanks. I make cheese boards and I wanted to step up my engravings with more detail.

[@WoodWorkTherapy]

@@arawtgabi Glad it helps! 🙂

[@BryanNWright]

good video but why didn't you se the laser to set the powder coat? Does your diode laser not do that? works great on my c02 but I am working with a lot more power than a diode can output.

[@WoodWorkTherapy]

Thanks for your inquiry! Lower-end diodes, such as the 5.5-watt model we're using, come with a few drawbacks: 1. They tend to create an uneven surface, resembling a moon-like texture with pockmarks, especially in wider areas. This issue persists despite adjusting settings for speed and power, likely due to inconsistent heat distribution across the large surface. For instance, the letter 'P' may end up being about a quarter of an inch across each line section. 2. Many users of diode lasers lack proper ventilation, leading to a strong, unpleasant odor during operation. This smell is reportedly toxic, as informed by the manufacturer, even when using a good fan and keeping the garage door open. 3. Low-end diode lasers often struggle with simultaneously cutting and melting materials. 4. There's no concern about positional slipping if the burn-then-fill method is employed. 5. This method allows for quick pouring, heating, and sanding on large areas, a task that can be challenging even with a more efficient laser due to timing issues, especially on extensive surfaces. Ultimately, achieving perfection with any method requires practice. The key is to use what works best for you, as all effective methods have their merits. Laser melting might be a preferable option for some, especially with a more powerful machine and better off-gassing capability. However, the time investment required may not always justify the results. In our case, we've opted for laser melting, and it seems to work well with minimal hassle. 😃 I hope this provides a comprehensive answer, albeit a bit lengthy. LOL