Crookes Radiometer Desk Toy

How-to
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elementsbyjon
2024/03/12 20:58 0
Bought a Crookes Radiometer or solar engine from the internet it, had an unatractive plastic base to it. I cut the base away and turned a new one on my lathe made from Pau Amerello wood. I then fitted an engraved fibreboard disc in the bottom of the base to complete the project. Before fitting, I engraved the disc with my logo and information about the science behind the operation of the Radiometer. I also used a cut layer to cut out the circle.

Basic Information

MachineLP4
MaterialWood
Size40 x 40 mm
Material InformationThe disc is made from Medium Density Fibreboard. The base is made from Pau Amerello wood.
Software UsedLaserPecker Design Space Android
Production Time180 min
Engraving Difficulty

How-to Tutorial

Step 1 Drew a 40mm circular image in designspace.

Drew a 40mm circle in designspace.  

Added a text box and modified each line of text to follow the contour of the circle

Added my logo to the design.

Aligned the text box, logo and circle.

Grouped the logo and text on the fill layer.

The circle was put in the cut layer.

Laser was set to do both operations in one job.

Settings 1

Engraving MethodFill
MaterialWood
Resolution1 K
Power10%
Depth15%
Pass1
Module Type10 W 450 nm
Other ParametersMDF IS 3mm thick

Settings 2

Engraving MethodCut
MaterialWood
Power100%
Depth40%
Pass6
Module Type10 W 450 nm
Other ParametersUsed mutiple passes to reduce smoke damage
My Handmade Daily
Atmospheric Decoration