How to Make a Custom T Shirt with a Laser

[@peta1001]

This is how I like KZbin videos...true, informative, with no unnecessary hollywood dramaturgy. This is one out of ten that actually teaches you something.

[@MakerExperiment]

Glad I could help. I mean the shirt didn’t survive long though 😂

[@shadowliving6858]

On my Glowforge I use 90 power and 35 speed on t-shirts. Works well especially on denim jeans.

[@MakerExperiment]

SHADOW LIVING very cool.

[@patricenixon3324]

What's your denim jean speed?

[@MakerExperiment]

Patrice Nixon I’ve never engraved denim so I’m not sure to be honest.

[@vickygunkel2184]

Honestly? Glowforge recommends 1000 speed and 20 power. Your settings seem really high.

[@linboelz7477]

great video I would not try this on a tee shirt for sale but I am going to try denim since it is thicker.

[@MakerExperiment]

I wouldn’t do it to sell. It was a fun project to try though.

[@marcusmcglone4131]

can you do a sun faded/vintage aesthetic with this laser also? ive been trying really hard to fade my black tees and i think this might be the short cut.

[@MakerExperiment]

This didn’t hold up long term so I wouldn’t recommend it.

[@laczlowb2729]

Nice experiment, now years later, how did it tun out once you washed it a few times?

[@MakerExperiment]

It fell apart 😂.

[@laczlowb2729]

Expected, but thanks for your answer and trying it out @@MakerExperiment

[@01Rebel]

If you add a layer of liquid stitch over the engraved area and let it dry. it keeps it together. it does create a harder area but no more than a iron decal would.@@laczlowb2729

[@stephencovrig2908]

Thanks bro, such good information here

[@MakerExperiment]

I’m glad that you found it helpful!

[@Entreprenorris]

I think you should try the paint spray they use for the coloring that washes off easily but yet bonds with the lazer . I’ve never used a lazer I’m actually waiting on one I just bought. I’m curious if it will work. I think it will hold up from weakening the threads last through washing.

[@MakerExperiment]

That would be an interesting test.

[@KenyonKores]

What about laser cutting shapes out of fabric? Small ones might work

[@MakerExperiment]

It’ll work. I’ve done it before. It takes some practice though

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

I honestly had no idea this was possible until you told me about it - so cool! That first shirt has had better days, huh?!

[@MakerExperiment]

Ethan Carter Designs that first shirt was a major fail haha.

[@tinkeringcyclist9314]

Thanks for the straightforward video. How did the shirt last?

[@MakerExperiment]

It fell apart after a few washes which I kind of expected.

[@nakulnaks]

Bro do this laser will cut white fabric???????

[@MakerExperiment]

I’ve cut fabric with it before. Just depends on if it will look the way you want.

[@nakulnaks]

@@MakerExperiment Means can u tell me in detail plz

[@MakerExperiment]

@@nakulnaks what exactly are you wanting to know? As long as it’s laser safe material for the fabric, it’ll cut it. Whether or not you’ll like the finish is a different story. It can sometimes leave a darkened edge.

[@canonrust1599]

I am wondering how you record your Timelapse? I have an Xtool P2 and am wondering what you would recommend!

[@MakerExperiment]

I use my camera to record Timelapse. You can do it with a phone, a go pro or many other cameras.

[@maddielopez8084]

Thank You, I've been wondering how Buy me Brunch gets that cool look to their t-shirts... I think this may be it! Appreciate it.

[@MakerExperiment]

I’m not sure that this is how they do it. They may use sublimation or direct to garment printing.

Any mention about the laser machine used? Please.

[@MakerExperiment]

I used an Epilog Fusion M2 40.

[@KrissCalam]

How has it held up with washing …?

[@MakerExperiment]

Terribly as expected lol. It fell apart in the engraved areas.

[@psevenzoe]

what machine do you recommend for cutting polyester twill fabric?

[@MakerExperiment]

You can use a laser for that. I don’t think you’d have issues with the material itself. Fabric can be kind of tricky at times though so it may require a lot of trial and error.

[@motormikeyy7707]

any shop update videos coming soon? ive currently been in the same process as you with setting up my shop! im really curious to see your layout

[@MakerExperiment]

MotorMikeyY I hadn’t planned one yet. I will try to plan one. It’s a mess in all honesty. I only put the clean side in the videos.

[@motormikeyy7707]

Maker Experiment haha understandable. Either way, I can’t wait for part 4 if you ever make a final!

[@melyann81]

Can you do this with an xTool D1Laser Engraving & Cutting Machine

[@MakerExperiment]

I don’t have that machine. Ideally I don’t recommend using lasers for t-shirts. This was just an experiment and it only partially worked. The t-shirt eventually fell apart.

[@melyann81]

@@MakerExperiment Thank you, I was thinking if that would happen. NOTE: don't try on Tshirts lol!

[@MakerExperiment]

@@melyann81 it was fun to try and it kind of worked. I just wouldn’t sell them.

[@melyann81]

@@MakerExperiment The one I mentioned I just ordered. It sayd it works on fabric. So I was curious but I must assume it works on thick fabric cause I wondered if It would eventually rip if it was thin fabric.

[@MakerExperiment]

@@melyann81 it’ll work on certain fabrics but if it’s too thin it will probably rip apart.

[@texsurfer]

wait until you do denim. Levi's is now selling custom lasered jeans for $148.

[@MakerExperiment]

That’s a lot.

[@texsurfer]

@@MakerExperiment the Star Wars licensing is probably half of it :)

[@texsurfer]

@@MakerExperiment I've played with denim and it's amazing

[@patricenixon3324]

What's the denim settings you use?

[@freddiedrawhorn1939]

Have u washed it yet how did it come out

[@MakerExperiment]

It held up for a pretty long time. I ended up burning holes in it while welding though, so it eventually died.

[@loanclosingagentllc.8893]

Anyone has done it using an xtool d1 10w? if so, can you share settings and blend of material? I just got my laser and would like to try some pieces. I'm still leaning since this is my first ever laser. :) Thank you.

[@MakerExperiment]

I wish I could help, but best of luck. I don’t know the settings for an xtool laser.

[@matejipalo2478]

I want to buy a laser e graver, what power is enough to engrave tshirts? Is 1w enough?

[@MakerExperiment]

matej đipalo I’m honestly not sure. I would think 4 watts is enough but I’ve never used one with that low of a wattage.

[@matejipalo2478]

@@MakerExperiment i see, but for wood engraving, what wattage is enough?

[@matejipalo2478]

@@MakerExperiment im new to this field sorry, i wouldnasume it depends on the typenof wood right

[@MakerExperiment]

matej đipalo most lasers that attach to cnc machines are enough which are usually about 4 watts. It should engrave regardless but the speed may need to be really slow.

[@matejipalo2478]

@@MakerExperiment i understand, thank you :)

[@jhsplaya]

What DPI did you use on???

[@MakerExperiment]

jhsplaya I think it was 400 DPI but I don’t remember exactly.

[@derekgrey-d7u]

👍

[@josehuerta16grapix]

Bro, itll would of been nice, 💯 f you would of share the settings. You get no good reviews on my behalf

[@MakerExperiment]

Sorry to hear that. Although, you should probably read the description where I put the settings.

[@RobertCole1981]

you should have sewn the cutout pieces onto another shirt

[@MakerExperiment]

That would involve me learning how to use a sewing machine. Definitely not sewing that by hand.

[@RobertCole1981]

@@MakerExperiment that's why they made Speed Sew glue for guys like us

[@MRJSWORKSHOP]

nice video

[@MakerExperiment]

Mr J thank you!

[@mansamusa1786]

What’s the name of the machine.

[@MakerExperiment]

MÁNSA MUSÁ it’s an Epilog fusion.

[@Respectmfs]

Yeah, all my attempts even before I watched this video ended in dusting off the engraving even before I washed it lol

[@MakerExperiment]

Yeah, it didn’t last long but it was fun to try.

[@Respectmfs]

@@MakerExperiment Now I'm trying on heat transfer vinyl, but isn't working as good as those co lasers on the videos

[@MakerExperiment]

@@Respectmfs I’ve heard heat transfer vinyl is pretty good.

[@Respectmfs]

@@MakerExperiment I got few types but can't get the results I aim for and that's to burn the unwanted vinyl ... Engraved it pretty good tho lol

[@MakerExperiment]

@@Respectmfs I’m not sure what you mean by burn the unwanted vinyl.

[@michaelbrindle7154]

If you decide to sell some shirts set aside a XXL for me!

[@MakerExperiment]

Michael Brindle you’ll be the first to know man.

[@Orc-icide]

If you were willing to waste a shirt, why didn't you use a gradient? 20 40 60 80 100% power and whatever other settings in columns of 5

[@MakerExperiment]

Feel free to do it.

[@Bobster986]

This must destroy the integrity of the material the shirt is made of.

[@MakerExperiment]

Bobster986 it certainly weakens it. If you watch the whole video, I talk about how it may not make it through the wash for a long time. This was just a fun experiment.

[@FredMcIntyre]

😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@erickg1811]

I wasted my time, bro be productive, talk and show results at the same time... nobody really like the process or maybes..

[@MakerExperiment]

Erick Garcia well, we’re all entitled to our own opinions.

[@cw4608]

ErickG I had a snarky retort for you but after checking out your video productions I sensed you would not be capable of receiving it well. I recall a childhood movie in which Thumper the Rabbit said, “if you cant say something nice, say nothing at all.” Good advice.