Cameron’s Laser Build

Intricate engraving on brass

Happy New Year folks! Ah, a fresh new year and hopefully lots of fun new projects ahead for everyone! If anyone reading this has decided to take on a new creative pursuit this year I’d love it if you shared your new interest with us!

We hope to gain more insight into the nuances of engraving and colorizing metals, among other things, and that’s what this post is about. As a refresher, this past fall we bought a Monport 100 watt MOPA fiber laser. MOPA indicates the ability to colorize stainless steel and of course the wattage has to do with power output. As a preface to exploring deep carvings or depth maps, as they’re called (think of coins that have three dimensional carvings on them) we wanted to test the claims of precision made by Monport. I’m happy to report that the performance lived up to the expectations they put forth.

We started with a really simple design intended for an engraved wax seal you’d find on a letter or invitation. Cameron forgot to mirror it but the result was good. Then onto the precision testing. We used these two images as our precision test figures.

Extremely intricate detail
A bit less intricate

Here is how it went

.08 mm thick brass plate
Still of result

These dragonflies are only 1.5” square. I’d love to do the one on the left at triple the size.

We’ve also been doing some ocean themed epoxy paper weights; half of them are very wet because we poured the second step tonight and a final pour will follow in a few days. Cameron has been working with his 3D resin printer and I’ve been working on some sewing projects. We did use these two images laser to cut the segments in this quilt block called Cleopatra’s fan.

Blocks with curves are a test of skill and patience.
Oof!
Thread painted textile art
Whimsical mug rugs

And I’m always cooking and or baking something. I made my first focaccia on Friday; Cameron, unsolicited, texted from his office to tell me it was VERY tasty. I’ll be making it again!

Focaccia

We’re always on the make around here; it sure keeps life interesting. And speaking of interesting (and more like exciting) Blue Origin will launch its mega rocket New Glenn, weather permitting, on Friday from Cape Canaveral, Florida! It’s the biggest rocket made by Blue Origin and its reusable booster is set to return to earth on a ship at SEA! Talk about suspense!

Lots of excitement to kick off the new year; don’t forget to tell us what you’re taking on in 2025!

Dana

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  1. keelyinla@gmail.com

    This is amazing, We are LONG OVERDUE for a catch-up call chica. When works for you please?

    Keely

    Reply
    1. Cameron’s Rezo Laser Build

      I emailed you ????

      Reply
  2. drivensecretly482e687bb1

    Thanks for the video. I just bought a Monport MOPA 100 watt as well. I have a door switch on the back of mine. I am building my own enclosure (slow go). I am designing as I go. LB changes states on the first red / green indicator. Now I need to see if it will actually stop the laser. Your videos have helped me really think things through. I want to be very careful as I go. I don’t quite trust only the goggles or only the enclosure. I agree wear the goggles and have an enclosure. My goggles are orange and my 12” x 12” window is green. It is just the opposite from yours.

    Keep up the good work.

    Reply
    1. Cameron’s Rezo Laser Build

      Hi again! Thank you for subscribing! I replied to you on YT. I hope you’ll share your makes with us either here or on YT; it’s so inspiring to see what other people make!

      Good luck with your build; our enclosure was part of the package we bought but the enclosure didn’t arrive until 6-7 weeks after the laser delivered. There is a video of me complaining about it ????.

      Reply
    2. Cameron’s Rezo Laser Build

      I’m so sorry we are just seeing this; this platform is glitchy with messages.

      Congratulations on your new laser! I’m so happy that our content has been helpful to you; we have learned so much from other makers who share videos; it feels great to contribute in that same way! Please keep us posted and share what you make!

      Reply