Got wood?

Discussion on what materials you laser cut or engrave
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Josh Creswell
Posts: 20
Joined: Sat Jan 21, 2017
Location: Lebanon TN
Country: USA
Laser Machine Make or Type: Red and Black Chinese Laser
Laser Power: 60w
Laser Bed Size: 700mmx500mm
Home Position: TR
RDWorks Version: V8.01.18
Windows Version: 7

I need everyone's help. What type of wood lasers good but is flexible. I need something flexible enough to fit the contours of the front of a hat. I have tried thin balsa wood, it's OK but I've had a few pieces snap on my. I really don't know what else to try. Please see photo to see what I am talking about.
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Everyday I'm learning
60w Red and Black Chinese Laser
700mmx500mm TR
Flatbed rotary
RD V8.01.18
Windows 7
Josh
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Gene Uselman
Posts: 2180
Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2016
Location: Suburban Minneapolis, Minnesota, US
Country: USA
Nickname: Gene
Laser Machine Make or Type: QC
Laser Power: 130W
Laser Bed Size: 900x1300
Home Position: TR
Control Software: LIGHTBURN
RDWorks Version: RDw .19 & Lightburn
LightBurn Version: Latest
Ruida Controller: RDC6442
Windows Version: Win 10 Pro
Accessories: I have a combining lenses, pin tables [homebuilt], honeycomb tables , wireless remote, Modifed Ultimate Air Assist, home built non-powered rotary device, PrusaMK4 and Mini Prusa printers.

You could possibly steam the flag and bend it to shape after the engraving. Most wood is not very flexible, you could maybe engrave/cut grooves in the back to get some flex- how bout leather or pleather? It is a nice idea, tho.
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Josh Creswell
Posts: 20
Joined: Sat Jan 21, 2017
Location: Lebanon TN
Country: USA
Laser Machine Make or Type: Red and Black Chinese Laser
Laser Power: 60w
Laser Bed Size: 700mmx500mm
Home Position: TR
RDWorks Version: V8.01.18
Windows Version: 7

Gene Uselman wrote: Wed Mar 06, 2019 You could possibly steam the flag and bend it to shape after the engraving. Most wood is not very flexible, you could maybe engrave/cut grooves in the back to get some flex- how bout leather or pleather? It is a nice idea, tho.
I've done hundreds of the leatherette patches, just trying to find something new to use. Got to keep the market fresh. I am trying to find some veneer at a reasonable price to practice on.
Everyday I'm learning
60w Red and Black Chinese Laser
700mmx500mm TR
Flatbed rotary
RD V8.01.18
Windows 7
Josh
Top
User avatar
Gene Uselman
Posts: 2180
Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2016
Location: Suburban Minneapolis, Minnesota, US
Country: USA
Nickname: Gene
Laser Machine Make or Type: QC
Laser Power: 130W
Laser Bed Size: 900x1300
Home Position: TR
Control Software: LIGHTBURN
RDWorks Version: RDw .19 & Lightburn
LightBurn Version: Latest
Ruida Controller: RDC6442
Windows Version: Win 10 Pro
Accessories: I have a combining lenses, pin tables [homebuilt], honeycomb tables , wireless remote, Modifed Ultimate Air Assist, home built non-powered rotary device, PrusaMK4 and Mini Prusa printers.

Gotcha- I like the idea of steaming more and more as I think of it. Does not take much for a .125 wood to bend it, and I think it would be unique.
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The days that I keep my gratitude higher than
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Ray Wylie Hubbard- unfortunately deceased
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Mike Piantanida
Posts: 6
Joined: Sat Mar 09, 2019
Location: Eastern NC
Country: USA
Nickname: Elmojo
Laser Machine Make or Type: Chinese 50w (Blue/White)
Laser Power: 50w
Laser Bed Size: 300x500
Home Position: TL
RDWorks Version: 8.01.38
Windows Version: 7 Pro x64
Accessories: None yet, still in the crate

bamboo is very flexible, at least along the direction of the fibers.
I'm not sure if you'd get the contrast you want, the the widths are very limited without getting into laminated materials, but it's a thought...
with thanks,

Mike P.
"50"-watt Chinese blue/white laser
basic rotary deck
zero experience
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