Turning Laser Cut Segmented Spiral Vase

www.AsWoodTurns.com
This project was inspired by Mark Hunter's artical in American Woodturner June 2023.
While the result was the interesting part. I did not like the process to cut the segments. It seemed extremely time-consuming and a significant risk element.
But, having recently acquired a 40 watt LED laser, I decided to try it out on a smaller scale. Only 16 rings with segments incrementing from 5 to 20 segments. BTW that is exactly 200 segments from six different woods: maple, hickory, sycamore, oak, walnut with a background of cherry. All rings were 1/2" thick. The finish is wipe-on poly. I wanted to use bloodwood and heat treated ash for more contrast but I could not cut them. Both triggered the fire sensor on the laser. Bloodwood due to the number of passes required to get the cut and the cumulative power; Heat treated ash simply flamed up very quickly. I think due to the previous processing it was almost charcoal already.
All segments were prepared using Lightburn software then cut on an LED 40 watt laser with smoke enclosure and exhaust. Since I am still checking out the laser, I hesitate to give the manufacturer.
Some newer viewers may wonder why I insist on wearing a face shield for safety. Please check out this video:
Woodturning Disaster • Woodturning Disaster
Enjoy.
p.s. If you would like a more in depth demonstration than my weekly videos, please contact me for an IRD (Zoom Demo) on this or other topics.
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#vase #segmented-turning #woodturning #woodworking #wood-turning-projects #lathe #AlanStratton #video #DIY #Utah

[@LewisKauffman]

Thanks for the video and the safety reminder!

[@AsWoodTurns]

You bet! Alan

[@glencrandall7051]

It's a pretty vase. Interesting use of varying segment counts per ring. Different CNC Lasers would yield different results on the difficult woods. But I will stick with my trusty Wedgie Sled. Less waste too. Although I should be honest and state that I do not have a CNC Laser, nor do I think I want one. Thank you for sharing. Have a great 2024 and thanks for the safety reminder.🙂🙂

[@AsWoodTurns]

A good wedgie sled goes a long way but becomes a pain with increasing (and odd) segment counts and keeping track of segment species order. Until then. Wedgie sled! Alan

[@williamgoodway1002]

Absolutely wonderful. The info about cutting wood is, in my mind, more relevant than the vase itself, which is charming. I like what a laser can do, but I hate the scorch lines.

[@AsWoodTurns]

Glad to help Alan

[@jackthompson5092]

Pretty neat Alan.

[@AsWoodTurns]

Thanks 👍 Jack Alan

[@alanmullock381]

Very interesting Alan, personally, I've got the computer skills of a Brussel sprout😂👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍😎😎😎😎😎😎

[@AsWoodTurns]

Thanks 👍 But even a sprout can grow.

[@williamellis8993]

Interesting experiment, Alan. Now you know. I'm sure you'll figure another way to do it.. Bill

[@AsWoodTurns]

But, it will take some time.... Alan

[@stuartscott9646]

Yep. CNC router to the rescue. It is an interesting concept. Haven't seen segment count variation before. Must think about this for a bit.

[@AsWoodTurns]

It is intriguing. I plan to explore it more. Alan

[@arose62]

For extra secure joins between adjacent segments, a laser could cut a jigsaw-like protrusion and socket, rather than just a straight edge, to give a mechanical connection as well as the glue joint. The extra cut time would be minimal, compared to doing this any non-laser way.

[@AsWoodTurns]

Interesting idea especially since the scorched wood weakens the joint. Would help alignment also.

[@tcarcher3d]

Hello Absolutely love this! Could you please tell us what laser you used? I currently have a 10watt and would like to upgrade. Thank You.

[@AsWoodTurns]

I am still evaluating my 40 watt LED laser and I only have one data point for LED lasers, so I hesitate to cite the manufacturer.

[@arose62]

Just curious, were you using air assist when laser cutting (and attempting to cut 😂)?

[@AsWoodTurns]

Yes, air assist at full blast is essential for cutting. IMHO

[@RubenWoodcraft]

turned out very well. which laser do yo have?

[@AsWoodTurns]

I am still evaluating my 40 watt LED laser and I only have one data point for LED lasers, so I hesitate to cite the manufacturer.

[@RubenWoodcraft]

@@AsWoodTurns thank you for the honest answer. I already have a diode laser, was just curious 😉