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Cat Box

How-to
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Bob's LP4
2024/04/10 06:28 12
A wood Cat themed box with a ceramic tile top, foam lined, with aluminum inlay Freyja symbol (or heart) on the sides

Basic Information

MachineLP4
MaterialMetal/Ceramics/Plastic
Size100 x 100 mm
Material InformationTile from Amazon, Foam from Ben Franklin. Aluminum tape from TapeBear Estimated time doesn't include making and finishing the box or mounting the tile. Estimated time is coating the tile with TiO2, engraving, cutting the metal tape and weeding - the weeding is a slow and delicate operation
Software UsedLaserPecker Design Space PC
Production Time60 min
Engraving Difficulty
Firmware version ≥655

How-to Tutorial

Step 1

Ceramic tile coated with TiO2 using a foam brush, 2 coats. 1 Part TiO2, 3parts water, 1 part school glue. Add a wood frame and fit to the box. The box is made from 3mm plywood, the fame from 6mm plywood stained dark walnut and finished with 3 coats of polyurethane varnish. The box and frame are made using an Atomstack 20W laser.

Settings 1

Engraving MethodPicture
MaterialCeramics
Resolution1 K
Power50%
Depth90%
Pass1
Module Type10 W 450 nm
Other ParametersCeramic tile coated with TiO2 using a foam brush, 2 coats. 1 Part TiO2, 3parts water, 1 part school glue

Step 2 Metal cutting and inlay

Lay the tape GENTLY down on varnished wood surface, two coats, don't press hard or it will be difficult to weed. Don't worry about small wrinkles. They will be burnished out. Engrave on the tape. Carefully weed the design, Lay a piece of paper over the design, and strongly burnish the tape into the wood. This completely  removes the wrinkles and firmly seals the tape to the wood. finish with a thin coat of varnish to further seal the edges of the tape.

Settings 1

Engraving MethodLine
MaterialMetal
Power100%
Depth98%
Pass3
Module Type2 W 1064 nm
Other Parameters0.03mm Aluminum tape with heat resistant glue obtained from TapeBear

Step 3 Cut foam liner

Cut 2mm "Foamy" foam sheets to line the sides and bottom of the box. Note - power and depth depend on the color of the foam.

Settings 1

Engraving MethodCut
MaterialPlastic
Power100%
Depth90%
Pass1
Module Type10 W 450 nm
Other Parameters2mm "Foamy" closed cell foam

Step 4 Engrave Foamy Bottom Liner

Probably can use a higher power and faster speed. Power and speed somewhat dependent upon color. Glue the foam in place with Elmer's Glue All.

Settings 1

Engraving MethodPicture
MaterialPlastic
Resolution1 K
Power24%
Depth94%
Pass1
Module Type10 W 450 nm
Other Parameters2mm "Foamy" closed cell foam. Engraving done with Lightburn Software, Offset fill - Design Space doesn't have an offset fill mode. Probably a little deeper than optimum.

Design Files

LaserPecker Design Space V2.5.1 or above is recommended.

logo
bedac3243cca4d6bbe9665a5a9dcbe4c__%3AAluminum%20Freyja%20Symbol%20and%20Heart.lp2
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80d2536510e64c95bd13e26e257a6bbe__%3ACat%20Face.lp2
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