Artist looking Laser Cutting.

[hoovedance]

Hi im trying to find a place in Australia that would be able to laser cut a skateboard, A skate board is roughly 12mm thick canadian maple (usually) but I will only be cutting into it a few 2-4 mm’s deep. Im finding it really hard to find a place who can do it. It seems most places are only interested in larger scale industrial projects. Below are some images of the kind of thing I will be doing, Just a refrence image for the type of detail.

IMG 164[14[2] | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7259223@N05/416419658/)
IMG 0232 | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7259223@N05/417303041/in/set-72157594580141913)

This is for a charity art auction that tours australia, Im not asking for free laser cutting, im happy to pay for that, Im just after free help here on Woodwork Forums.com If you need anymore information please dont hesitate to past and ask.

Thanks.

[malb]

You should be able to acheive something similar to the first pic by laser engraving, basically low powered cutting that only penetrates a fraction of a mil as opposed to cutting through the full depth of the material.

Not sure about the multi tone of the second image, I think you would have to dye or stain for the colours after engraving.

I don't know anyone with a laser engraver, so can't suggest a particular person, but look for a laser engraver rather than a laser cutter. Big difference in machinery, and more inclined to be artisticly inclined rather than production oriented.

[rogerjenkins]

It's called Laser- cut Engraving. All computer-guided and pre-set to cut a specified design. Off-hand don't know of anyone who would have this type of equipment as it is rather expensive to set-up and operate, but one would think there's someone somewhere who does specialized Laser-cut Engraving for small production runs of Specialized Artistic Design Work.

Lady friend of mine is having a go at present engraving Mask Designs into palm fronds, using a combination of a Woodburning tool, and a Dremel fitted with a fine engraving point, which may be another way of achieving the same end result. she is using the Dremel to engrave the initial design into the fronds, which she then enhances using the Woodburning tool. The end result being eye-catching, and quite spectacular when sealed with Gloss lacquer.
( Yes, will have some pics available soon, for those who are saying, " What's this all about ? " )
Roger

[Master Splinter]

Try some of the places that do trophys - some of them incorporate laser engraving, or here... http://www.woodworkforums.com/f12/inscribe-australia-laser-engraving-wood-118591/

[AlexS]

You could try Lasermade (http://www.lasermade.com.au/) in Thornleigh. I don't think that the places that do laser engraving on trophies will be able to do 12mm thick.

[lydra]

Hi guys!
We are a new laser cutting business in Fitzroy, Melbourne that can help out with jobs like these. Check out our website at Melbourne Laser Cutter (http://www.melbournelasercutter.com.au)

Good luck!
Linda.

[China]

As said above you need to talk to a laser engraver, not a laser cutter. I think you will have better response and understanding of just what you require, I know of and have used two separate companies in SA that could do what you want