Creating Perfect Wood and Epoxy Inlay With A Laser

[@DonVintaggio]

Great tutorial, nice finished product and I love that classic quote from Jaws.

[@1elephantmemories]

Thank you. It was a custom order and I thought people might enjoy seeing the process to inspire them!

[@TechOutsider]

Appreciate the details, most people don't understand the steps and care taken to make these beautiful items. great job!

[@1elephantmemories]

Thanks for the kind words. I try to be as detailed as possible!

[@LaserEngraving911]

great tutorial. thanks!

[@1elephantmemories]

You're welcome! Always love your videos too.

[@leslieloveless788]

Great video with good information. Thank you

[@1elephantmemories]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MakerMomZ]

You make this look so easy. Can’t wait to give it a try. Thank you!

[@1elephantmemories]

It’s definitely a fun one to make!

[@TotalBoat]

What an informative video, great job!

[@1elephantmemories]

Thank you!

[@natalierushton]

What where the speed, power and number of passes did you you on your diode later please?

[@1elephantmemories]

We have an Epilog Mini 50 Watt CO2 Laser. I typically use a 600 DPI, Power 90, Speed 38 with Stucki dithering. The number of passes depends on the wood type as the density of woods are different. For this Cherry piece, I did 3 passes. You might want to practice on some scrap wood to get the settings that work best for your particular laser. Hope this helps.

[@OrionsOasisDesigns]

I might have missed it but did you condition and seal both sides?

[@1elephantmemories]

I only sealed with shellac on the side I put the inlay on, then sand it off when sanding the epoxy. I did use the hydrating serum and wax conditioner on all surfaces. Just didn't add it to the video.

[@forsythbmf6127]

I like the idea of using the shellac to prevent bleeding outside the inlay but I can’t help but think that it might prevent the epoxy from getting a good mechanical bond to the wood inside the inlay. Have you received any reports of the inlays coming loose over time?

[@1elephantmemories]

I have not. I have been doing this for years and have a few boards myself. I am careful not to soak my cutting board, but really you shouldn't soak or dishwater any wood or bamboo cutting board anyway.

[@forsythbmf6127]

@ Not sure where I gave you the idea that I was suggesting soaking a wood cutting board but good to hear that the inlays aren’t coming loose. I only asked because the shellac is creating a barrier to the wood. Epoxy needs bare wood to bond with; it won’t bond to oil based finishes. So I am nervous the epoxy doesn’t have a good bond and that over time it could pop out. But my concerns seem to be unwarranted so that is great! Best of luck

[@1elephantmemories]

I was just thinking of what could possibly make the inlay loosen and my thought came to possibly if the board was being soaked and the wood actually warping around the inlay. More me thinking outloud.

[@MileyonDisney]

c o o l

[@1elephantmemories]

Thank you