LASER ENGRAVING - Materials to AVOID lasering - beginners advice RESIN?

[@springwoodcottage4248]

Stainless steel does not rust due to the formation of a protective chromium oxide layer. There does not seem to be much concern about laser engraving stainless steel, whereas it is advised that welding or plasma cutting of stainless is done in well ventilated areas preferably with a mask using a forced filtered air supply. Maybe best to be careful with stainless steel. Imho the biggest danger with lasers is children or some maniac abusing them to make for example a blinding weapon, the second biggest dangers is diy repairs/modification by unskilled individuals. Thanks for sharing!

[@RedRockingBird]

Thank you for adding this, I honestly couldn’t find a video that addressed what materials not to laser, so it does need to be discussed more so we don’t harm ourselves or others. They are becoming so widely available now, often without detailed instructions which is worrying.

[@kellyvcraig]

Generally, VERY good advice. That aside, take a lesson from we woodworkers: (1) I have a sanding station that captures dust via a powerful woodshop dust and chip collector. The station has sides, a top and a back and does a remarkable job capturing even fine dust from project work. (2) I build a copper plating station. The work area, like my dust sanding station, has a top, sides and a back. Rather than a large, cumbersome dust collector (mine has two upper cartridge filters and two lower collection bags), I draw air into the work area via an in-line, variable speed fan. Working with Sulphur compounds that would stink up the shop in short order (used to patina the copper), you never know I've opened the jar, because the negative air flow created by the $30.00, in-line, variable speed fan pushes all the nasties outside through a common dryer vent. My simple venting system uses common painter's plastic for the sides and the air is drawn off the top and exhausted out a window, via a piece of plywood used to secure the window and with a hole to accommodate the 4" dryer hose. ________________ Even if you were not working with materials that created super nasty smoke, you should be exhausting everything outside. My exhaust fan does a remarkable job working at or around the whisper fan level.

[@RedRockingBird]

Very good advice, thank you so much for adding. Since making this I now have an extractor to vent outside too 👍

[@dalemaclaren7576]

Thank you so kindly for sharing this wonderful video full of fantastic safety with us all. Another thing that should never be laser cut is vinyl records. Very dangerous fumes. Deadly fumes

[@RedRockingBird]

YES most definitely not to laser VINYL either, which is PVC, so no vinyl records, but you do see people do this unfortunately. Thank you

[@chitowntexan]

Thank you. Very informative.

[@RedRockingBird]

Thanks for watching

[@Azarathification]

Just a note: differentiate between things not to laser for organic health reasons, and things not to laser for machine health reasons. Things like resin, depending on which resin you use, are fine for the machine, so as long as you have a setup for ventilating properly then you'll be good to go. PVC however, releases hydrogen chloride, which combined with water in the air produces hydrocloric acid, damaging the machine itself, so even with the best ventilation system, you will kill the machine itself. As you said though, people should do their own research instead of just believing anything they read.

[@RedRockingBird]

Thank you for adding this

[@margaretdillinger5090]

Thank you for in warning. I’ve wondered if there were down sides to using a machine like this. I watch several artist that have gotten this machine wondered. Like you, I wouldn’t want to expose myself and others to any toxic fumes. I have such a chemical allergy, I’d be really Leary of that. 😊❤

[@RedRockingBird]

Thanks Margaret, it’s quite alarming and I’m sure many are not aware 🤍

[@margaretdillinger5090]

@@RedRockingBird I’m sure they don’t know either. Especially if they have never used one and suddenly have one through PR .

[@RedRockingBird]

@@margaretdillinger5090 they often don’t come with much instruction either unfortunately

[@margaretdillinger5090]

@@RedRockingBird that’s what I thought.

[@neilreeves5627]

Thank you, nice video and very helpful!

[@RedRockingBird]

Glad it was helpful, thank you

[@WoodenItBeNice]

Such an important video Sarah and thanks for putting it on your Channel. What is your opinion on engraving MDF. I have stayed away from using it as when I first started Pyrography a good friend told me the fumes from MDF are really nasty due to the adhesives used in its manufature. Take care Sarah and thanks again. Cheers, Huw

[@davidwilliams1060]

You might be able to use some materials with a proper filtering system. They aren’t inexpensive, so probably only viable for higher profit situations.

[@RedRockingBird]

I have the air purifier and when working with wood you can’t smell anything at all, where without it fill the room with smoke, but I’m still dubious about anything harmful still seeping out 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@debbiefox6846]

I believe they are talking about an industrial air purification type system. The expense is enormous. Regular household HEPA purifiers are Not going to take enough of/ or more serious chemicals out of your home.The are just not strong enough. I just don't think companies want everyone to know how dangerous some of their products are so they just explain the basics. So many people are destroying their lungs with resin by wearing no masks, not the proper type of filtered air mask, not using the product with plenty of air ventilation, not using the product in an enclosed space, and not using it when out in fresh air. It's sad to see how sick these people have become some worse than sick 😟

[@jksjrgfpsjgr]

i was worried about those little tags you cutout of a card with disney caracters in another video, pretty sure that was PVC. but hey, the filter will take care of chlorine gas too, or anything else for that matter, its still not a good idea and should be avoided ofc.

[@RedRockingBird]

Thank you ❤️ the tags were card, I’m still very dubious of some of the harmful gas releasing from the filter, especially when the filter comes to needing to be changed.

[@enerbot283]

Don't live, you might die. Seriously use these machines following their safety instructions, i.e. air filtration and eye protection, then no worries.

[@RedRockingBird]

I still wouldn’t be putting PVC in there, many lasers don’t come with detailed enough safety instructions imo!