My partner and I want to make some natural edge coasters and laser cut names into them to double up as place indicators and wedding favours. Something like this:
Was wondering where we might source some wood with the bark still on like this? (Admittedly barely know where to buy prepped timber, but SL Hardwoods has come up a few times!)
Then from a practicality perspective, I’m wondering 2 things - are there any considerations for using this type of wood in the laser cutter for engraving (still waiting for induction)? and how might one go about making the bark edge durable?
AFAIK, best bet for that might be to use Paraloid B72. It’s used by conservators as a consolidant for timber that is crumbling, e.g. in medieval picture frames. It’s a clear resin that comes in crystals that are dissolved using acetone as solvent. Google it. Others may have better suggestions.
We’d be looking to make 80-100 (haven’t even sent invites out yet…) around 10cm diameter, I guess around 1cm thick (some extra length for messing up would be great). How much would you be looking for for that?
Very novice to timber - assume the freshness means we need to (leave it to?) dry it out? If so, what would that involve?
It’s possible to engrave pine - from experience low power and a few passes works better than high power.
Watch for residue build up - check the nozzle after each pass
As long as it’s untreated non-exotic wood (so pine etc. will be fine). And you are carefully with clean up (stopping every so often to watch for residue build up) - you should be good to go.
You might want to look at varnishing or similar after lasering, as the bark has a habit of flaking off.
Also - the laser is currently out of action, and won’t be online for another week+
