Laser engraver

[chadleys]

Does anyone have an opinion or experience using a home laser engraver to etch knives?

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Small CO2 lasers won't mark steel.
Steel engraving requires a fiber laser that starts at around $10,000.

 

[stompbox64]

Correct, and that doesn't count for all the extras like cooling system and exhaust fan. Don't forget the goggles...

 

[bucketstove]

Easier to buy than to make $899.99/$479.99 Amazon.com: CNCShop Laser Engraving Machine Laser Cutting Machine Co2 Laser Engraver 40W Carving Tools Artwork Milling Woodworking (40W)

 

[Natlek]

But.....................no steel engraving ?

This 40W laser engraver machine is suitable for various materials, such as bamboo piece, double-color planks, boulder, horns, leather, crystal, wood, organic plastic, abrics, paper ,film, canvas , Acrylic and Plastics..

 

[bucketstove]

But.....................no steel engraving ?

I could have sworn the ad-copy said metal .... just like this one Amazon.com: DIY Laser Engraving Machine Omnipotent 2000mw Cutting Plotter Mini Engraving Machine Small Seal Cutting Machine

See also Metal Marking Control Panels with a C02 Laser (using CerMark)
TherMark Laser Marking - CerMark LMM6000 Black Laser Marking Ink for Metal TherMark Laser Marking - Adjusting Your Laser

Also popped up Laser Engraver Kit - Permanently Mark Metal Objects in Seconds.

So $10k not required

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Wrong. They make a paint that you can spray on and engrave through for marking metal, but it doesn't engrave it. It's also expensive.
A CO2 laser will mark anodized aluminum by cutting through the anodizing.
Believe me, if a CO2 laser would mark steel, I would have one here.

 

[Delta1067]

You need to contact Dalen: http://www.lazerwerk.com/

 

[Bill DeShivs]

If you notice on the lazerwek site- no steel is engraved, only anodized aluminum.

 

[REK Knives]

One off laser engraving is going to be expensive because there is an initial set up fee. One of my best friends here locally does laser engraving in steel as a side business, but the only reason is because his work let's him use their high dollar machine.