Laser Cut Plastic Patterns from Delrin

We have the ability to cut patterns and shapes out of various plastics.  In this project, we used Delrin to make “tap-offs” for leather tooling.  When saddle makers want a consistent look to the floral patterns they tool, they will make “tap-offs” that they can use to press into the leather to give a consistent pattern to carve.  Instead of using dried leather to make the “tap-offs” we used Delrin and then used an arbor press to emboss the pattern into the leather.

Delrin patterns for use with leather tooling.

We have the ability to cut patterns and shapes out of various plastics.  In this project, we used Delrin to make “tap-offs” for leather tooling.  When saddle makers want a consistent look to the floral patterns they tool, they will make “tap-offs” that they can use to press into the leather to give a consistent pattern to carve.  Instead of using dried leather to make the “tap-offs” we used Delrin and then used an arbor press to emboss the pattern into the leather.

Arbor Press

Custom Dog Collars…..

These pictures show two dog collars that we made this week.  Wouldn’t you like your pet to have a custom collar?

Northern Nevada Chamber of Commerce – Biz Flash

Yesterday, Thursday March 3rd,  I attended the Northern Nevada Chamber of Commerce Biz Flash event!   The speaker was Bret L. Simmons.   It was a great event.  When I left I was excited to get back to the office and tryout all his suggestions for social media.  The chamber hosts the Biz Flash once a month!  I strongly encourage everyone who is interested in improving themselves and their businesses to attend

About the Presenter:

Bret L. Simmons, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Management in the College of Business at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), where he teaches courses in organizational behavior, leadership, and personal branding to both undergraduate and MBA students. Bret blogs about leadership, followership, and social media at his website Positive Organizational Behavior. You can also find Bret on Twitter, Facebook, andLinkedin.

 

Northern Nevada Chamber Events Calander

Acrylic patterns for woodworkers…..

I was working in the garage last night and I was thinking about using our laser engraver to cut-out acrylic templates.   I would like to make a wood keepsake box and inlay a custom tooled/cut piece of leather.  But I don’t want to do the usual rectangle.  I would like the border to have curves.  I would use Adobe Illustrator to cut the leather pattern and then cut the same pattern into a piece of acrylic.  The acrylic pattern could be used with a wood router equipped with a top bearing bit, to route the wood in the perfect shape of the leather!     I have so many ideas for laser projects and I would love to hear your ideas!  - Mark

Leather Portfolio Project…..

In our latest project we used the laser engraver for a variety of tasks.  First we used the laser to engrave the pictures into the leather for the portfolio cover.  Next we used the laser to cut our the rectangular shape with rounded corners.  After this was finished, we tooled in the basket weave pattern using traditional metal stamps and mallets.  Then the holes for stitching were punched.  Once we were ready to apply the finish dyes and lacquer, we used the laser to cut out plastic shapes that would cover or mask the pictures to protect them.  We didn’t want to get too much stain on the pictures and have them darken.  The entire project was then sealed with a spray saddle lacquer.    This was a great project!  Walking into a business meeting with this portfolio breaks the ice on many conversations.

Final Product

Masking the pictures to protect them from dyes.

Inside of the portfolio......

Leather fresh off the laser engraver.

Material thickness and laser cutting…..

Lately I have had a lot of questions concerning how thick of a piece of acrylic will our laser cut through.  Today we did some experimenting and the answer is 1/2″.  It took a few passes, but we were able to cut display shapes out of a 1/2″ thick piece of clear cast acrylic!  Great news for you sign makers and promotional goods distributors that would like us to fabricate custom laser cut parts for you!

Leather project for a 5th grader…..

Recently my son has been studying Native Americans in the United States.  He asked me to produce a leather banner for the top of their project.  One thing I did a little different this time was not to clean the soot off the leather after the engraving and laser cutting was finished.  I wanted a worn aged look. I took the engraved piece and rubbed the oil in directly over the dirt and soot.  It soaked in and gave me just the look I wanted.  The laser even cut the shape out.  The spots and textures were made using various gradients and brushes in Adobe Illustrator.

Lasered Leather Banner

Tooled Leather Pictures

Take a look at our tooled leather pictures and awards.  We can take your text, pictures or both and make a unique gift.  Perfect for hunters and fisherman.  Great for the people in your life that like western style decor.

Family Store in Carson City - 1800s

Trevor's First "Big" Catch

Engraving Pictures…..

Lately we have been working hard at engraving pictures into leather.  The Photoshop work is not too difficult, but how a piece of leather reacts to the lasers is very interesting.  A lot of experimenting with settings in both Photoshop and on the laser go into producing a good finished product.   This leather piece is still unfinished.

Trev at Van Gorder Sock Hop

Trev Leather Piece Van Gorder Sock Hop