Engraving Advice

**PenTurner** · 7th July 2012, 04:52 PM

If you thinking of getting a Pen engraved, here is some useful advice.
1. It is best if the Pen is finished with CA or WOP. CA=Super Glue WOP= Wipe On Poly(urethane).
That way if it is to back filled with colour, the colour won't bleed into the grain.
2. If you absolutely want a natural finish eg Shellawax, do a few coats, but it will still bleed colour.
3. If you want just a natural "burn" with the Laser and NO back fill with colour, choose a darker wood, the engraving will show up, have a look at the attached photo of the Vietnam Vet pens, note that the lighter colour is more difficult to see,(I did not back fill with black because most were finished with a natural finish and the black seeping into white grain is not a good look.)
4. If you are having just a small amount of pens done, then they can be "packaged" in pockets--BUT-- if you have many pens, it is best that they are laid in rows on bubble wrap, then bubble wrap over them, and put in a box, it saves a lot of "unpacking time"
5. This is related to the previous number(4), tags with details very informative, but a real hindrance if there are a multitude of items. Small amount of pens is ok, but with a large amount it increases work load and set up times.
6. The pen can be assembled or sent unassembled, if grain matching is vital then assembled is the way to go, it is more difficult, but the matching is important.
Some weeding pens are all one colour eg white, or black, or etc, then unassembled would be ok.
Picture attached gives you some idea, on variations of wood and colour etc. Amos

**Simomatra** · 7th July 2012, 05:06 PM

Well done Amos

**coffenup** · 7th July 2012, 10:54 PM

thanks for that information my friend
regards Michael

**gidgee 1** · 8th July 2012, 08:24 AM

Hi Amos
The last lot of pens that I sent(there are a lot in the above photos) were finished in auto clear,is this a problem?
If it is I will change to CA for the next lot.
Cheers
gidgee 1

**bench1holio** · 8th July 2012, 10:06 AM

i can definately vouch for your engraving on large orders amos, its top notch!

**maddog 62** · 8th July 2012, 11:51 AM

Amos
Thanks for the advice
I can also vouch for Amos work too ( master craftsman )
Cheers Tony

**PenTurner** · 8th July 2012, 03:35 PM

Gidgee1 , I would need to try one that I knew was "Auto Clear" , that way I could be certain of the engraving properties, unless of course you can identify one in the picture, and I will see if my memory of it is clear.
The info I gave would be good for any Laser Engraver you care to use, I am sure they would concur.--do remember that most commercial Laser Engravers have a minimum quantity and set up fees, and I can fully understand why, now that I have experience in that area. From a hobbyist pen turners point of view, it would be too prohibitive to get a pen or two done in that manner; so I try and help as best I can. Amos

**gidgee 1** · 8th July 2012, 06:33 PM

Amos
In the photo there are at least two segmented pens,I'm fairly confidant that they were made by me,they were finished(dipped) in "auto clear"..
Cheers
gidgee 1

**cookie48** · 8th July 2012, 09:16 PM

Amos.
Thanks for the info.
I know you are very good at it and appreciate your comments.
Cookie

**PenTurner** · 9th July 2012, 10:35 PM

Gidgee 1, I looked at the two segmented ones, the finish is ok, however I think it would need two or three coats, not sure what that finish you are using actual is. I noted that on some of the more porous wood, the finish had been absorbed into the wood and left tiny little furrows-not normally visible-- but once the back fill colour was applied, it showed up brilliantly!!!, nothing like a photograph or back fill with colour to show up any little wrinkle or furrow etc. So far, CA has proved the best, to do a "quick job" just apply a coat or two of Shellawax glow, then one or two coats of thin CA to "seal" in the beautiful Glow. Thanks, Amos

**gawdelpus** · 13th July 2012, 03:58 PM

I have a question Amos

can you laser engrave "truestone " pens , I am thinking of a pen and pencil set for a "21 st" and might make it from truestone

cheers ~ John

**PenTurner** · 18th July 2012, 06:30 PM

John, sorry I missed your post, here is a test engrave of some scrapped Tru Stone blanks, sorry , they had a bit of paint on them from an experiment, but, YES, they will engrave AOK

**gawdelpus** · 18th July 2012, 08:02 PM

Thanks Amos , I might have to get a move on with this project then hehe, cheers ~ John

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