Cutting Templates and Inlays with a Laser Engraver
George VondriskaGeorge Vondriska demonstrates how to use an Epilog laser engraver to cut templates and inlays in your shop.
Laser engraver provided by Epilog Laser. For more information, visit www.epiloglaser.com, and check out this other WWGOA video on laser engravers!
That was very interesting. I don’t have a CNC machine, which this laser resembles. How much did it cost? What other software is required? How long did it take you to master it? How often do you use it? Thank you.
Usually the laser will come with some basic software to control the unit. Here’s a popular third party software tool that is a nice upgrade over the free software that comes with many lasers: https://lightburnsoftware.com/. You can find product and pricing information on this unit and others in the Epilog family here: https://www.epiloglaser.com/
I have a laser engraver and use it only occasionally, but it’s a great option when I need to engrave something, or make precision curved cuts on thin materials. George uses his CNCs more than his laser, but he does use his laser occasionally.
The learning curve will depend on your computer background. If you are comfortable with a variety of software, you shouldn’t have much problem learning to use a laser engraver. Within the first weekend I was able to do just about anything that I wanted to.