How to Use a Laser Cutter to Make Pen Turning Parts
Pen turning is the art of making a piece of wood into a pen barrel, and it is done on a lathe. Some of the tools used to shape the pen barrel can be made with a laser cutter. These tools can have a variety of tips to create differently shaped barrels. Creating pen turning parts with a laser cutter does require some familiarity with a laser cutter and the software required to operate the equipment, which may be difficult for novices to manage.
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Things You'll Need
- Design software compatible with laser cutter
- Sheet stainless steel
- Metal sandpaper -- sometimes referred to as emery metal sheets
Instructions
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Use the design software to create a shaping tool. You'll want it to have a handle that is easy to grasp and a blunt end, as well as an end that comes to a sharp tip or tips.
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Insert the stainless steel into the laser cutter according to manufacturer's instructions, and upload your design.
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Set your cutter to a high rate of pulses per inch, or PPI, upwards of 800 PPI is ideal, but you may need to experiment to find a good PPI setting. You will also want to adjust your focus and the speed of your pass, these all will vary depending on your laser cutter, so consult your manufacturer's instructions.
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Make several passes with your cutter, until your tool can be removed from the sheet metal.
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Sand the edges of your tool with your metal sandpaper, so that there are no burrs to catch your hand. You can use this to sharpen the tip as well.
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Tips & Warnings
Sandwich pieces of smooth wood on either side of the grip for a better handle. You can glue them on using an epoxy, and sand the handle smooth with sandpaper.
Always wear safety goggles and read all safety warnings in the manufacturer's instructions for your laser cutting machine.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
