Making a Jig for Laser Engraving Tags

I make a jig to laser engrave dog tags. I use LightBurn as the software and use the new save positions feature to make this setup really quick to make any type of tags you want to engrave. This video is a little long but hang in there its worth it.

[@timlewis4201]

Very informative, I've learned more about Lightburn by watching your vids than watching the Lightburn tutorials. The great part is you explain everything so anyone could understand. Please keep making these vids. Thanks again.

[@computercreationz]

Thanks for the input Tim, I appreciate it.

[@joannneve8258]

AWESOME video. best process on the subject I have seen! needed it, thank you

[@computercreationz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@CoastalBachelor2009]

I’m pretty new. I’ve made some cutting boards and engraved leather but just for practice and fun and showing off. I’ve watched dozens of videos from some popular channels but your explanation and example of the jig aligning with the 2 burned aligning spots was a game changer. I ordered 30 cutting boards and each time I engraved on, I was “Close” but you’ve inspired me to do more because I can be EXACT. Subscribed, liked and shared. Thank you so much.

[@computercreationz]

Thanks for the comments and Sub Scott. jigs make life so much easier and faster. I have them for all kinds of things!

[@CoastalBachelor2009]

@@computercreationz Also, countless people watch your Chanel using Roku on the Television. There’s no way to hit “Like” so, probably have a much bigger presence without getting the love you deserve.

[@normas8720]

I really liked your approach to this problem. I have been watching lots of videos with using Absolute Coordinates and only end in frustration. Going to try your method next! thanks!

[@computercreationz]

give it a try it can be very useful, thanks for the comment!

[@mudshark1971]

I actually ended up on this video because I’m scouting your page for a video on kerf. Glad I watched this. Now back to searching for the kerf.

[@computercreationz]

not many videos on that subject that ive found.

[@DrewMacTavish]

Thank You! I just got my laser and could not figure out this important process. Your video answered and fixed all my problems & questions. Followed you step by step and I'm so, so very grateful. Thank you again for this video.

[@computercreationz]

So Glad it helped, I appreciate you input!

[@yvonnerodriguez946]

Love your videos! Your are always my "go to" when I need help or learning to do something new.

[@computercreationz]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@moccasin]

We just today wanted to try and align a pre-carved sign in the laser to add some fine detail. I’ve been running CNC plasmas for years and a CNC router for the last few years. No one makes a laser that can be easily added to my CaMAster Stinger so until that happens, I thought it would be possible to do the carving and index the part to realign in the laser. I found your video tonight and the process you used for aligning the tags looks as if it will do what we need. Thanks for sharing. MM

[@computercreationz]

thanks for watching, I appreciate it!

[@Tignoso79]

Simple and yet very effective suggestions! My “growing spare time” says thank you 🙏🏻 Keep up with your nice videos 😉 Bye, Fulvio from Rome 🇮🇹

[@computercreationz]

Sorry I missed you comment, Thank you for your input I really appreciate it! Thanks for watching!

[@talonalec4282]

Pro tip : watch movies at flixzone. I've been using it for watching loads of movies recently.

[@brantleyjoaquin3238]

@Talon Alec Definitely, I have been watching on Flixzone for months myself :)

[@harryantonio3156]

@Talon Alec yea, been watching on flixzone for since november myself :D

[@bjornwilder2073]

@Talon Alec Yea, I've been watching on flixzone for years myself =)

[@computercreationz]

You can there is a little button below the wrench icon that dynamically changes all info and setting from inches to mm or mm to inches. Work great, thank for watching

[@culdesaccritters]

You have been so helpful for me. Thank You for making these videos.

[@computercreationz]

You are so welcome!

[@jordyna99]

Your videos are super helpful... Thank you!

[@computercreationz]

Glad you like them! Thank you for the comment!

[@darrinstephenson451]

Awesome video! Thank you, sir!

[@computercreationz]

My pleasure!

[@hukigid]

Dude, I love your channel I have learned so much. I'm completely new I've had my laser for about a week and your videos have been a gigantic help. I have a totem s 5.5 laser

[@computercreationz]

Great to hear!

[@erlakijeno3456]

Thanks for the informative video. I think I will be very useful for the videos on the one hand in the implementation of my own projects and on the other hand for making a similar demonstration video. Because nothing is presented in my language... But then pretty little by little... (I'm learning this now too... ;-) )

[@computercreationz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@fishfab]

Thanks for the tip. Great video.

[@computercreationz]

Thanks Steve, I appreciate your comments. Thanks for watching!

[@fishfab]

@@computercreationz Where can you buy those blank tags?

[@computercreationz]

@@fishfab JDS Industries.com

[@julesmarcu5635]

Another great video thanks I appreciate it

[@computercreationz]

Thank You, I appreciate you watching. Have a great day!

[@ManUp83]

I would just order a light burn camera and use snap shot once material is there and then place the design where you want it on the material it eliminates the use of jigs.

[@jurgenbergman6887]

I can see that your has a past from CNC :) Work for Bystronic laser as well.

[@toddltomlinson]

Another brilliant video. Such a great idea! Quick question - if you're doing a run of multiple sets of tags - do you lock the jig to the table to keep it from moving in between sets - or do you just check it after placing the tags? Thank you again for all your work on these videos and the thought that you put into making the instructions clear and easy to understand.

[@computercreationz]

Hi Todd, thanks for the question, yes if I’m going to be doing several tags I put down a couple pieces of 1/8” ply with magnets or pins to lock in the location. That way I can remove and reload the jig or make a bigger jig. be sure to see the video on Variable text option in LightBurn at the end of the video. That can make doing multiple names on tags quick and easy.

[@JoHunter]

Thank you for all these great videos; they are giving me a great introduction as I wait for my laser to arrive. One question here though - why not just jam the wooden jig into the top left corner so it always has a straight edge to line up on? Or is there too much gap between the physical edge and where the laser starts?

[@computercreationz]

Hi Jo, I replayed before but I don’t see it so yes you are right the gap pretty large in my case along with the autofocus sensor. the open part of the laser is larger than the working area of the laser. so if that was possible you would have to keep track of the piece of wood you used and could be off. one thing about creating tags is that a little misalignment will really show up in your design on the tags. the smaller the tag the more critical it becomes. congrats on your new laser . They are so much fun!

[@necrosanct7467]

You may have said and I just missed it, did you add any kind of small offset with the dog tags themselves to account for kerf so they would fit well in the grooves?

[@computercreationz]

yes that’s correct

[@Ricks2Cents]

How did you create the original image of the tag? Did you scan a Tag on a Flat Bed Scanner?

[@computercreationz]

I down loaded the outline from the manufacturer. Look at my very latest video it will show you how to do it if that option is not available

[@peterfarkas943]

you should use the print and cut option in LB.

[@computercreationz]

it’s one option for sure!

[@sadeniji1]

I love your tutorials . Thanks for what you do. By any chance if you can you please educate me on being able to generate a QR code in Lightburn ? The other question is, I do not see a 3rd icon on my toolbar for the mirror. If you can please enlighten me, that will be great. Thanks.

[@computercreationz]

Tools > create QRcode> use your mouse and drag out how big you want your code. attach link. Done! They work great.

[@sadeniji1]

Thanks a bunch. I was able to do that, I just wasn't sure if the is some monthly fee through a 3rd party. Thanks again.

[@leighworshek1594]

Thanks for your informative videos. I sure have learned a lot. Question-what is the metal bar in the side of the wood? Is it a magnet or a clip? Does it help keep the wood in place?

[@computercreationz]

Hi Leigh, yes it half of a round magnet that broke. Just there to hold the piece of wood in place. Thanks for the comment and watching my videos

[@craftmoorUk]

Hey - i love the videos you do and i find them very easy to learn from. Do you have one that shows how to make ink stamps by cutting lazerable rubber? I cant find anything good to learn from. Thanks Grant, Plymouth UK

[@computercreationz]

thank you for your comments, I don’t currently have a video on making a stamp. it’s on my long list of items. thanks for watching

[@MatthcaB]

Binging your videos for two days now, keep it up :) Why don't you just place every jig you make at the top left of the workspace (home)? That would make placing the jig a whole lot faster, right?

[@computercreationz]

Working I upper left corner means I have to bens way over no need for back problems. I work where I want to not where it’s Connie t for the laser. Lol

[@ruftime]

@@computercreationz love your videos! I understand where your coming from, my laser is 1300x900, it didn’t take long for my back to complain. My solution was taking some ply, indexed into the corner and cut a “ new” corner, closer to the front of the machine and my control panel😎

[@kerryannfoster1712]

I am struggling to get the jig to work. When I go to use it after creating it, the machine just goes to the very bottom right corner of the bed whenever I pick any coordinate for any of my jigs in the move tab. That happens no matter what origin type I pick or any other setting I try. What am I missing?

[@laurac4562]

do you have a video on how to set up spots so it will go from dog tag to dog tag and cut all of them? another video you were talking about lines per inch is that the same dot per inch? excellent videos, have my small laser about 2 weeks and finally came across your videos luckily for me and you are teaching me greatly. thanks, also subscribed

[@computercreationz]

there is one other jig video on my channel check it out!

[@katrinaclemons4686]

First thank you so very much for the beyond helpful videos! New to this and you have been so helpful. So I did make a jig and followed your every step to success! Now I have a quick question do I need to put send Mark spray on the dog tags before I laser engrave them? I have a OMtech 80 W CO2 laser. Thank you again and I appreciate your time and guidance!🤗

[@computercreationz]

If they are powder coated a color no Ned for any kind of spray. Just laser your design. If they are stainless steel tags you must use a marking spray before laser engraving. Be sure to clean the stainless very well with acetone or alcohol before you use marking spray! Thank you for the comments and watching my videos

[@georgiabates6744]

Hi, after finishing the set up of your jig and writing on the coordinates for reference, I’m slightly confused to what order you did things. For e.g, sending to the printer, changing coordinates to user origin, saving the document... etc. Apologies!

[@computercreationz]

on initial setup you would do a pulse on the laser and then before moving the laser head you would go to the move tab to manage button then add new coordinate and name it, do the same for a second laser pulse point usually one top left and one bottom right. once both of those locations are saved all you have to do is put the jig in the laser bed focus your lens, go to move tab pull up top left saved position line up laser pulse mark, then select bottom right in the saved position and line you jig lower pulse up with you red dot and your set. you MUST have an accurate red dot pointer for this to work

[@stephanieweid4788]

Question... When I try to frame my project on my Thunder Nova 24/60, the head moves so fast. How do I slow it down like yours? I am sure there is a setting ....

[@computercreationz]

Push the speed button on the laser controller and adjusted the speed. A nice framing speed so you can see what’s goi g on is 50-75 mm/s

[@stephanieweid4788]

@@computercreationz OMG thank you!!!!!! Now I only have to frame like one or two times. Not 8/9 hahaha

[@tammycollins954]

How do you get the icons that are at the bottom (numbers 00 to T2) to the left of the screen? I would like to move mine there but not sure how to do it

[@computercreationz]

ther are three little dots right next to the black color. grab those dots and drag the color bar where you want it.

[@tammycollins954]

@@computercreationz Thank you!!

[@albertgarcia607]

I'm having an issue in this video, I'm at the point to where you click on the move tool and i click on the upper left corner. My laser does not move. I'm not sure but i had to figure out how to do the outter and inner frame not sure if i did that right or not. I made the frame around the dog tags and then made another frame which i have saved in the line menu of the project box. Coud someone please tell me what might be wrong and is there a video showing how he put the template tigether period, for me being a begginer it seams like steps are missing. ty very much

[@computercreationz]

there may be some issues with your particular laser. is it a diode?

[@albertgarcia607]

@@computercreationz do you have a video that shows exactly how you made the actual jig, step by step making the frame, setting the inner parameters, adding the dogtag, making the multi colums and rows. to the point of this video that i just watched

[@computercreationz]

@@albertgarcia607 I have another video on how to make jigs and the concept is the same but that jig is much larger. Check that one out

[@albertgarcia607]

​@@computercreationz yes there was an issue with me lol i was not connected to the laser. now my issue is i am at the point in the video where i move the laser the top left to make my firing mark, and it fires about 1 inch to the right of the cross hairs. then when i go to move my laser to the bottom right to make my fire point it is off by at least an inch low and an inch to the right. im wondering if my laser is not lined up with the cross hairs, is this sounding like that may be the issue. sorry to be a pain but iam totally new to this whole media type of work. ty so much for your help.

[@albertgarcia607]

its actually the cross hairs that do not go to the marked bottom right position

[@jasepotts2865]

Hi what did you spray on the metal and what setting have you found best? Thanks

[@computercreationz]

I use enduramark spray, for my 60 watt 200 mm/s at 40% power provides the best results. make sure your stainless is very clean before you spray. 91% alcohol works well.

[@nturegano]

can you make an aligning video without a jig? say a 16" round

[@I-build-crafts]

Cool video, thanks. How do you evacuate the smoke when burning with your laser? Thanks

[@computercreationz]

I have an 8” affinity inline fan that works very well

[@I-build-crafts]

@@computercreationz so I’m assuming you have a hole in the wall to evacuate the smoke outside, right?

[@computercreationz]

@@I-build-crafts yes a 6” flexible duct to a 6” dryer style type vent

[@I-build-crafts]

@@computercreationz hmmmm so a hole in my brick wall. That’s a real deterrent for me. I’ll have to research a different way to have ventilation.

[@computercreationz]

@@I-build-crafts unfortunately any laser you operate will require ventilation. I’ve heard of some people going out the roof!

[@kaos187_x]

Is there anywhere I can download the file to import directly into lightburn?

[@urbannpa]

That would'd made sense.

[@jsmith7310]

you are wasting time by manually setting your jig in position every time. Watch this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJDCpJSFgLuopqM and you'll see lightburn doesn't need the jig to be straight and square every time. Show the software where your two designated points are and the software will do the rest even if you turn your jig at a 45 degree angle relative to the gantry. Additionally , if you install hard stops on your x and y axis you will be able to adjust your software positions so you can hit a reference point simply by placing the jig in the machine.

[@Teklectic]

This is exactly what I was expecting to see in this video and I was surprised to see he was doing it manually!

[@tsommers1]

Lightburn published that video (and the update to the software as far as I can tell) AFTER this video was made. This was a really ingenious method of tackling a problem that didn't have an easy solution until the software update.

[@carylamb7704]

Can you build jigs for a Ortur Lazer?

[@computercreationz]

yes the process would be the same if your using Lightburn

[@diogomc2821]

Can u share the layout please?

[@computercreationz]

Not sure what you mean the video covers how I laid it out??

[@juansalmeron1537]

What kind of laser is this?

[@computercreationz]

Thunder Laser Nova 24 60 watt co2 laser.

[@juansalmeron1537]

How do you like the way it runs? What’s the thickness of material you have been able to cut?

[@computercreationz]

@@juansalmeron1537 it’s a fantastic machine, I can cut 3/8” no problem with external air connected

[@BEARSMIX]

Sorry this is unwatchable do to the poor audio; I would have loved to see how you did this though

[@computercreationz]

Ya this audio is pretty bad, unwatchable? Not sure I agree with that. This video was one of my fist and I didn’t have any audio equipment at the time. The audio is much better now.

[@Lexitivium]

If you moved your microphone closer you wouldn't have to yell the entire video...

[@computercreationz]

Thanks for the input but there is a little device called a volume control on your device. The volume modulation in this video is mid range.

[@Lexitivium]

@@computercreationz Try to read my comment... :) Yelling in the back of the room to a camera 5 m. ahead (probably with the microphone attached to this) isn't proper recording... just sayin'... It wasn't meant as heart-ripping criticism - it just sound bad with such a sound setup...

[@agentsmith7947]

That's called fixture, not a jig, there is a difference

[@computercreationz]

Yes in the Cnc world but no in the laser world!

[@agentsmith7947]

@computercreationz I did not know that, I'll have to look into this, I thought it applies to everything. I don't know much about lasers thanks