Laser Engraver Question

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Randydb

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Sep 27, 2014
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I see lots of people etching their blades with acids. Do people use laser engravers for their makers mark? I see them laser engrave just about everything in my school district. I'm wondering if laser engraving is used for makers marks on knives.
 
You need a fiber laser to engrave into steel. The 'regular' CO2 lasers can mark the steel. The machines are cost-prohibitive to buy, but outsourcing is possible.
 
I have a fiber laser at work, but I use an etching machine on my knives. Unless I did a big run of the same knives and marked them before putting on handles, using the laser would be too time consuming to set up.
 
I have cutting lasers at work. Setting them up to etch a knife would just be more work than it's worth. Cutting blanks however, they're reeeally nice for.
 
I looked up pantograph engravers, but I'm not sure what they are. Basically a tracer that lets you translate what you trace? You can down size it too right? Can you use it on hardened blades?
 
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Yes, pantograph engravers use patterns to guide the engraving. The engraving can be sized, usually from 1/2 size of the original, to 1/6 size.
Used pantographs are available on Ebay. A Hermes/New Hermes GM model will usually go for around $150. Then you have to buy the letters- usually about $75 per set. You don't need the motorized version- just the diamond drag stylus. Yes, they will engrave hardened steel, but will engrave unhardened steel deeper.
 
Bill DeShivs said:
Yes, pantograph engravers use patterns to guide the engraving. The engraving can be sized, usually from 1/2 size of the original, to 1/6 size.
Used pantographs are available on Ebay. A Hermes/New Hermes GM model will usually go for around $150. Then you have to buy the letters- usually about $75 per set. You don't need the motorized version- just the diamond drag stylus. Yes, they will engrave hardened steel, but will engrave unhardened steel deeper.
Click to expand...
Do you have to have the letters or can you just trace something that you draw or create?
 
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