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Akai GX-635D custom end panels, with laser engraving

hertzdonut

hertzdonut

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Not that there's anything wrong with my current end panels, but I've been hankering to make a pair of new ones. I knew that I was staying with Walnut and wanted them a little thicker than 3/4". I also wanted to dress them up just a touch, with some laser engraving. We have an Epilog Mini, and I've used it to engrave a few things (including my iPhone!)

After trying a couple of things out, I settled on an outline of the Akai logo. I didn't want it to be too subtle, and decided to paint the lasered area black. After cutting and sanding, and then finish sanding (through the vertical sander at 180 grit), I taped off the area where the laser would do its magic. Taping provides the masking, and the laser burns through it and the wood no problem as you can imagine.

Here's the pieces fresh out of the Epilog. The crosshairs indicate where to drill for mounting holes.



A closeup--though the wood has been burned dark, I was concerned the stain might minimize it. Hence, the later steps



Painting...



When the coats were dry, time to peel away the mask.



Almost done peeling...



All done!





Time to sand and finish!
 
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Wow, absolutely beautiful :thumbsup:
Did you use a topcoat or sealer in the end? The finish has just the right amount of sheen and it's very even, just wondering how you got it so perfect.

Wish I had access to an Epilog laser engraver, that's a pretty handy gizmo to have around!
 
audiojones said:
Wow, absolutely beautiful :thumbsup:
Did you use a topcoat or sealer in the end? The finish has just the right amount of sheen and it's very even, just wondering how you got it so perfect.

Wish I had access to an Epilog laser engraver, that's a pretty handy gizmo to have around!
Click to expand...

Thanks audiojones! It has a sealer and a catalyzed varnish topcoat. It's the standard finish for our cabinetry. (I'm very fortunate as I was able to include these in our production for the day. I took care of everything up to the point of sealing and top coating, those steps were done at one of our spray booths, and sprayed by hand.) (Her name is Rose, and she's very good!)

Yeah, that Epilog is way too much fun! I even engraved the back of my iPhone:
 
Hi hertzdonut,

very nice indeed. It looks like you have just taken it out of the box!!! Splendid job!!! That would look nice on my Revox A700s, they have similar side panels.

GPS16
 
Thanks for the kind words, GPS! I'm very happy with the way they turned out.
I think Revox A700's are a sharp looking deck, with a minimalist modern look to them. Nice!

- Jeff
 
OK, too nice! Epilog = another toy I have to put on the wish list if I ever see one discounted. I replace panels on all my decks, usually with walnut, but never thought to engrave them. Great post!
 
Thanks, phantom! Laser engraving can become addictive. I keep thinking, "What else can I put in there?!" My next project is going to be an edge-lit LED lamp. Probably with the Pioneer logo. We'll see. I've already picked up the acrylic, the LED strip with power supply and controller, and the lumber is on hand and I have a nice vector file of the Pioneer logo. Now, if I just give up some sleep... ;)
 
hertzdonut said:
Thanks, phantom! Laser engraving can become addictive. I keep thinking, "What else can I put in there?!" My next project is going to be an edge-lit LED lamp. Probably with the Pioneer logo. We'll see. I've already picked up the acrylic, the LED strip with power supply and controller, and the lumber is on hand and I have a nice vector file of the Pioneer logo. Now, if I just give up some sleep... ;)
Click to expand...
That sounds awesome. A little off-topic, but can you give a short explanation on how this device works? For example, can you simply scan in an image and have it etch it or is there some complex programming or obscure software involved (you did say vector file)? I'm wondering if someone computer challenged like me can make an etched preamp faceplate using this system.
 
phantomrebel said:
That sounds awesome. A little off-topic, but can you give a short explanation on how this device works? For example, can you simply scan in an image and have it etch it or is there some complex programming or obscure software involved (you did say vector file)? I'm wondering if someone computer challenged like me can make an etched preamp faceplate using this system.
Click to expand...

I'd be happy to. At its most basic, you are simply printing. (The print dialog box is even involved!) With the Epilog (I can't speak to other lasers, never run any others) it doesn't have to be a vector file, it could be a raster (pixel) image. And not to complicate the issue, but we are talking about CO2 lasers. The other type is a Fiber laser.

So, to answer your question, yes, you can scan an image, and then lay it out to fit your workpiece. Your layout program could be most any graphics program, from Photoshop to Illustrator to free drawing or free illustration programs.

Now, having said that, moving on to your second thought: etching a preamp faceplate. Assuming it is a piece of flat stock, the only other issue is material. If it is anodized aluminum, yes, it can etch that. Other types of metals can be etched, but first require applying a metal marking solution.

There is obviously more to it than that, but truly, it isn't difficult. If you really want to get sucked in, check out Epilog's web site: Epilog Lasers

- Jeff
 
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