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  Announcing The Maker’s Chest and LensDigital Partnership   We are thrilled to share some exciting news with our maker community! The Maker’s Chest has officially partnered with LensDigital—makers of the renowned PiBurn Laser Rotary. This collaboration marks a significant step toward our shared vision of empowering makers, hobbyists, and professionals to push the boundaries of what’s possible in laser engraving and cutting.   About The Maker's Chest:   The Maker's Chest is your trusted partner in the world of laser engraving. They specialize in offering top-tier laser cutters, engravers, and accessories designed to empower hobbyists, small businesses, and professionals alike. Whether you're exploring a creative passion or building a thriving business, they are here to provide the tools, knowledge, and support to help you succeed.   Their mission is to inspire makers with high-quality products, expert guidance, and unparalleled customer service. From cutting-edge laser technology to essential accessories, The Maker's Chest is your destination for everything laser engraving.   Let’s create something extraordinary together!   Explore their products here: https://themakerschest.com/   Why This Partnership Matters   Both The Maker’s Chest and LensDigital are inspired by the belief in creativity and cutting-edge engineering. By joining forces, we’re combining our expertise to bring you a curated lineup of best-in-class laser engravers and rotary tools. From hobby enthusiasts exploring new techniques to seasoned professionals looking to enhance productivity, our partnership aims to deliver reliable and precision-engineered solutions that help elevate your work to the next level.   What You Can Expect   Our alliance with Makers Chest means their customers will gain access to:   Top-Tier Rotary Attachments: Transform the way you work with laser engravers by adding new capabilities and unlocking more intricate, complex designs. Precision-Engineered Accessories: Every product we bring to market is thoroughly tested for compatibility, accuracy, durability, and ease of use, ensuring that you can count on them for long-term performance. Increased Creative Flexibility: From cylindrical objects to irregularly shaped materials, our combined product lineup empowers makers to take on a wider variety of projects with confidence.   About LensDigital   LensDigital has earned its reputation as a trusted name in the maker world. Known for their PiBurn series of laser rotary tools, we've consistently delivered on their promise of quality, reliability, community, and innovation. Our commitment to customer satisfaction aligns perfectly with our core values, helping makers succeed.        

Ever had a tough time getting that perfect design on your tumbler? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with it — but there’s an easier way: use a high-quality roller rotary. High-quality roller rotary systems help you get perfect designs. They spin the tumbler while the laser engraves, ensuring every part of the surface is evenly marked. In this post, we’ll show you how to set up and use a roller rotary for tumblers and tackle common problems. Ready to learn? Key Takeaways Roller rotary engraving creates even designs by rotating the tumbler during engraving. Adjust roller diameter and steps per rotation so your tumbler fits snugly and engraves accurately. Use the right laser power and speed. Test with painter’s tape at low power to fine-tune your settings. Position your tumbler evenly before starting, and always frame your engraving area. Different tumbler sizes affect design proportions — adjust rollers and steps accordingly. Preparing Your Tumbler for Engraving First, you’ll need to prep your tumbler. That means adjusting the roller and setting the correct steps per rotation — easier than it sounds! Adjusting the Roller Diameter Adjusting the roller diameter ensures your tumbler sits snugly on the engraver. Measure the circumference of your tumbler first and use that number to set the correct roller spacing. This helps prevent wobbles and keeps your engraving sharp and consistent. Never underestimate a good fit! A stable tumbler means crisp, clean designs every time. Remember, not all tumblers are the same width or shape. Adjust each one as needed — less guesswork, more precision! Setting Steps per Rotation Getting your steps per rotation right is critical. Measure your tumbler’s circumference, note your roller diameter (PiBurn wheels are 63 mm), then run the 100 mm test to fine-tune your steps. For an easy calibration, try the PiCAT alignment tumbler. Refer to the support manual for recommended starting values. Once dialed in, set these values in your laser software. Each machine differs slightly, so consult your manual. Nailing this step prevents most common engraving errors! Selecting the Right Laser for Tumbler Engraving Choosing the right laser power and speed is key to getting the best results. Power and Speed Considerations Different tumblers require different settings. Higher laser power cuts deeper but risks damage — find a balance between clarity and safety. Speed matters too. Slower speeds allow deeper engraving but can cause overheating. Test on simple tumblers first and use painter’s tape at low power (around 10%) to find your sweet spot. Too much power can ruin your design — the right speed brings it to life. Step-by-Step Guide to Engraving a Tumbler Let’s walk through positioning your tumbler and running your first engraving — step by step! Positioning the Tumbler Place your tumbler on the roller rotary. Align it evenly and check for wobble. Use clamps if needed to keep it steady, and make sure it’s centered along its circumference. Adjust the rollers snugly against the tumbler, then run the laser at low speed to confirm stability before engraving. Running the Engraving Process With everything in position, start engraving. Verify that your laser settings match the tumbler material, and always test first. Click “Start” in your software and monitor progress. The rotary will spin the tumbler while the laser etches your design all around. Troubleshooting Common Issues Even pros run into hiccups. Here’s how to fix the most common problems. Proportion Issues with Different Tumbler Sizes The tumbler’s circumference affects how designs wrap. Larger tumblers may stretch patterns — adjust roller diameter and steps per rotation to correct distortion. Smaller tumblers can squish text or shapes. Always test on a blank before engraving your final piece. Conclusion That’s how you engrave a tumbler using a roller rotary! Once you get your setup right, it’s smooth sailing. Follow the steps, test often, and if something looks off, troubleshoot. Happy engraving! FAQs 1. What does it mean to engrave a tumbler with a roller rotary? It means using a machine that rotates the tumbler during engraving, ensuring even and precise designs around the entire surface. 2. How do I measure the circumference of my tumbler? Use a flexible tape measure and wrap it around the tumbler’s widest point. This measurement helps you calibrate roller diameter and steps per rotation. 3. Can any tumbler be engraved using this method? Most can — as long as they fit your roller rotary and have an even surface along their circumference. 4. Is it hard to learn how to use a roller rotary? Not at all! With a bit of practice, you’ll master it quickly. Follow tutorials, test frequently, and you’ll be engraving professional-quality tumblers in no time.

Why You Should Never Laser Cut or Engrave PVC (and Safer Alternatives) When it comes to laser engraving, the choice of materials is crucial—not only for getting the best results but also for ensuring your safety. One of the most dangerous materials to avoid is PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). Here’s why you should never use PVC, which other materials to watch out for, and what safer alternatives to use for your next laser project. Why PVC is Dangerous for Laser Cutting Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a popular plastic found in pipes, vinyl flooring, and signage. But it’s extremely unsafe for laser work. When heated by a laser, PVC releases chlorine gas—a toxic and corrosive substance that’s harmful to both you and your equipment. Toxicity: The chlorine gas released during engraving can cause severe respiratory issues and long-term health problems. Corrosion: Chlorine gas corrodes metal parts, mirrors, and lenses inside your laser. We’re not kidding—this can completely destroy your machine! Environmental Damage: These gases are harmful to the environment and difficult to contain without specialized filtration systems. Other Materials to Avoid PVC isn’t the only risky material. Below are other materials that can emit toxic fumes, damage your equipment, or simply produce poor engraving results: ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) Found in toys and household goods, ABS emits cyanide gas when lasered and melts into a sticky mess—definitely not worth it. Polycarbonate Common in windows and electronics, polycarbonate doesn’t cut cleanly and produces charred, uneven edges. It’s also prone to catching fire. Fiberglass Made of plastic reinforced with glass fibers, fiberglass releases toxic fumes and is unsafe for laser engraving. Coated Carbon Fiber Raw carbon fiber is fine, but once coated with epoxy or resin, it can release hazardous gases and ruin your optics. Safer Alternatives Want to stay safe and get great engraving results? Stick to materials that are laser-friendly: Wood: A classic engraving material. Avoid pressure-treated wood, which contains chemicals. Acrylic: Cuts cleanly, engraves beautifully, and doesn’t produce toxic fumes. Vegetable-Tanned Leather: Engraves well and smells great—just avoid synthetic leathers, as they often contain PVC. Glass: Can’t be cut with a CO₂ laser but engraves beautifully for awards, gifts, and décor. Coated Tumblers: Stainless steel tumblers with powder coating are safe to engrave—your laser simply removes the coating to reveal the steel underneath. Perfect for use with a PiBurn Rotary—just spin and engrave! Conclusion Lasers are powerful, precise tools—but not every material is laser-safe. PVC tops the “do not cut” list because of the dangerous chlorine gas it emits, which can harm your health, your environment, and your machine. Always verify what your material is made of before engraving. Safer choices like wood, acrylic, and untreated leather will give you stunning results without putting you—or your laser—at risk. Stay safe, and happy lasering!

  We are extremely proud to announce our official partnership with OneLaser!   LensDigital and OneLaser will work together to bring innovative products to the maker community.   Both companies share a common dedication to innovation and customer service. We are thrilled to serve the maker community together.    As partners, we are committed to make the laser journey more enjoyable, productive, and efficient for the maker.     About OneLaser   We are committed to building a genuine, successful, and technologically advanced US laser company that serves American craftspeople and helps develop American businesses   Visit their newly launched site: https://www.1laser.com/   Read more about the company here: https://www.1laser.com/pages/about-us    

There are so many things you can do with a laser engraving machine! But engraving a ring with a Fiber laser is tricky. In this video, Gord from The Laser Nug shows us how to use the PiBurn Grip to engrave a ring. The video includes handy information on Settings, setup, and engraving options.

Best Laser Rotary Attachments in the WORLD PiBurn V A laser rotary should not be a pain to use. It should be a breeze... Meet PiBurn V Your browser does not support this video. PiBurn Grip 2 Anything goes. “Hey, you can’t engrave that!” “Bring it” — PiBurn Grip 2 1. Top Build Quality Our Laser Rotaries are built and packed in Old Bridge, New Jersey, USA. We proudly hand-build each order for your machine. There are no cheap plastic parts to wear or break. Every component is precision cut and polished to serve one purpose—deliver consistent profits for years. PiBurn is built to last and includes a one-year warranty on all parts and the motor. 2. User Friendly Built with you in mind. PiBurn rotaries work seamlessly with your laser engraver and are a pleasure to use. The adjustable height is intuitive—it becomes second nature to set up tapered or odd-shaped objects. Adjust for length or width in seconds. 3. Good Looking Form is function. Admit it—PiBurn is one sexy rotary. A big part of the user experience is the look and feel. Customers love the minimal, functional, and beautiful design—and they love to show it off in their videos. 4. So Versatile Engrave anything. ANYTHING! Have a wild idea? Bring it. From pens to dog bowls, PiBurn handles it. Don’t let odd shapes stump you—get it dialed and go. 5. Fully Compatible Our rotaries with your laser engraver. We build for almost any laser engraver. Plug-and-play with Boss, Aeon, Thunder, OMTech, OneLaser, Laguna, Stealth, Monport, and many others. 6. Great Support We don’t leave anyone hanging. Beyond a full, high-quality manual and setup guides, you get dozens of videos and tutorials to master rotary engraving. Our Facebook support community is there to answer your burning questions. We help you Succeed! Great Community PiBurners Dawn Sign Parties 101 Heather LoBo Designs BreAnn The Burn Shack Stephanie Country Porch Swing Crystal Keychain Thingies, Riley Black Christine CestCreative Trusted by the BEST. We partner with the largest laser brands—they carry PiBurn. What Customers Say “I bought the PiBurn 4.0 for my OMTech. It was shipped to the UK. So easy to set up—I was doing multiple glasses and tumblers an hour after delivery. Amazing product and well worth the investment!” — Jim Morrice “Absolutely amazing! New to laser engraving and did a ton of research before pulling the trigger. So easy to use. Highly recommend!” — Luke N “Best rotary on the market—worth the money. It paid for itself within months. I can do any size tumbler from 10 oz to 1-gallon Yetis.” — Fernando Arteaga

Empowering Creativity and Success with Sign Parties 101 Dawn Marie, the creative entrepreneur behind Sign Parties 101, embodies the spirit of determination and innovation. Living near Boise, Idaho, she has built a thriving business while raising her family of nine. Dawn started her entrepreneurial journey when she had seven small children under the age of 11 and her husband worked on the road. She often tells people, “If I can do it, anyone can!” This testament to her resilient spirit invites others to explore their creative potential, no matter their circumstances. When she’s not busy running her business, Dawn is a passionate thrifter who loves hunting for great deals. She tries to get in at least 15,000 steps a day, an achievement that also doubles as a great way to energize herself for her work. Dawn’s passion for creativity shines through in everything she does, and you can often find her in her shop, working diligently on exciting projects for her students. Dawn's journey into the world of crafting began with making wooden stencil signs from pallets her husband would bring home. Before long, she found herself selling custom signs to eager customers. However, realizing that she needed a way to increase her profit margin without spending an excessive amount of time on each piece, she pivoted to hosting classes. By teaching others how to create their own signs, she quickly scaled her business to an impressive 5 to 9 parties a week during her first year. In late 2019, Dawn discovered the possibilities presented by laser technology, which would enable her to introduce 3D options to her signs. Excited by this potential, she purchased her first laser that November. By January 2020, she had decided it was time to transition away from physical parties to teaching others to replicate her success. It was during this transformative phase that her true passion for mentoring and guiding others to grow their own creative businesses was ignited. Today, Dawn has the joy of helping her members and students flourish in their creative ventures. Each month, she provides significant value by offering not only design files but also mentorship, graphics, tutorials, projects, and community support. She is excited to announce the launch of a new wholesale branch of her business, focusing on laser and UV printed finished products. This approach gives her members the opportunity to test the market and begin earning money before investing in their own equipment. Her goal is simple—she wants her members to become profitable enough to eventually soar on their own. Dawn has reached a diverse audience, attracting customers who are passionate about creativity and want to spread joy through DIY parties, kits, and personalized products. She proudly serves students from over 13 countries, all 50 U.S. states, and every province in Canada. Dawn completely loves hearing their success stories and being a part of their journeys. When asked about her experience with PiBurn, Dawn reflects on her initial fears regarding tackling a tumbler using a rotary. "To be honest, I was terrified—I didn’t think I’d be able to figure out the technology! But I stumbled upon PiBurn and LensDigital through a Facebook group, and I'm so glad I did!" After purchasing the PiBurn 4.0, she discovered just how simple the process could be. “It made engraving tumblers a breeze! You just plug it in, clip in your tumbler, and you’re good to go! LensDigital did all the hard work to make it user-friendly, and I’m so thankful for that.” Dawn draws inspiration from many sources, but she is particularly driven by the desire to improve each day. “I strive to be better than I was yesterday. Learning and tackling challenges continuously propels me forward,” she shares. Dawn's down-to-earth advice for those just starting out is to embrace the things that scare you. “Step out of your comfort zone and treat each experience as a positive lesson. Remember, don’t compare your chapter 1 to someone else’s chapter 20. Stay authentic, appreciate each day as a gift, and share your passions with the world—it needs more of you!” With such a vibrant personality and genuine warmth, it’s no wonder that Dawn Marie embraces her creations so wholeheartedly. “I really can’t choose favorites; every new project is my favorite! Whether it's a sign, a tumbler, or a pair of printed acrylic earrings, each piece holds a special place in my heart!” Whether she’s teaching a class, crafting a new project, or supporting her community of creatives, Dawn Marie is truly making her mark in the world of DIY and entrepreneurship. As she continues to empower others, there’s no limit to the creativity and joy she inspires in everyone around her! Want to connect with Dawn on social media? Check out her links and don’t forget to visit her website! Instagram: @sign.parties.101 TikTok: @signparties_101 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/signparties101

Before getting creative with your laser engraver, you need to learn the lingo! This glossary was made for you to quickly learn the most important and commonly used terms when using your laser engraver with your laser rotary attachment. Not only will this glossary help you get familiar and master your equipment, it will also allow you to short-circuit the learning curve and jump into a sea of profits faster! Let's get right into it. Glossary of Laser Engraving Terms Steps Per Rotation (a.k.a. Pulses per Rotation): This setting determines how many steps or pulses the motor needs to rotate the object 360 degrees. It’s crucial for ensuring that your engravings are not squished or stretched. The exact value depends on your laser machine's setup and can be found by checking your stepper driver’s DIP switch settings. To dial in the settings even further, you will need to perform the 100mm Test. Getting these settings right will enable you to engrave precisely what you see in your design software and will also help you master full wraps. Object Diameter: The actual diameter of the cylindrical object you are engraving. This is different from the roller diameter used in other rotary types and is essential for calculating the correct movement during engraving. You will need to measure the diameter of your object when working with a chuck rotary such as the PiBurn Grip. We recommend a good caliper! Roller Diameter: The diameter of the rollers on the rotary device that hold and rotate the object. This is usually fixed and used in software settings to calculate the object’s rotation. If you are using the PiBurn roller rotaries the diameter is 66mm. Y-Axis: In laser engraving, the Y-axis refers to the movement of the laser head along the depth axis of the machine (towards and away from you). When using a rotary attachment, the Y-axis is typically replaced by the rotation of the object. Z-Axis: This is the vertical axis in a laser machine and moves the laser head up and down. On smaller machines this can be a limiting factor to the range of items you can engrave on a rotary. Check your machine’s documentation and get a lower profile rotary such as the PiBurn Grip2 for smaller machines. Gantry: A laser gantry refers to the metal structure in a laser machine that moves the laser head across the work area. It is typically composed of a framework with rails or beams, along which the laser head travels, allowing it to position itself precisely above the material to be cut or engraved. The movement of the gantry, usually in the X and Y directions, is controlled by motors, enabling the laser to reach different parts of the workpiece as the laser fires at exactly the right time. In the context of using a rotary attachment, the laser gantry is important because it must be positioned and aligned correctly over the rotary device to ensure accurate engraving on cylindrical objects. When setting up the PiBurn, you may need to move the rotary manually and run the red laser beam between the alignment indicators on the rotary until they are aligned. Rotary Attachment: A device that replaces the Y-axis movement with rotation, allowing for engraving on cylindrical objects like mugs, bottles, and tumblers. The PiBurn is an example of a high-end rotary attachment. There are many other rotaries and they all have different features to suit varying needs and budgets. They mostly fall into two buckets: Roller and Chuck rotaries. Roller Rotary: A roller is a rotary attachment for your laser engraver that uses either rollers (sometimes called hot-dog rollers) or a system of wheels to turn your object. PiBurn V is a roller style rotary. They are simple to use and quick to swap items. However they rely on friction and are not as precise as chuck rotaries for full wraps. A full comparison can be found here. Chuck-Style Rotary: A type of rotary attachment, like the PiBurn Grip, that uses jaws to hold the object securely in place while it rotates. This is different from roller-style rotaries, which rely on friction to rotate the object. A full comparison can be found here. Focal Distance: The distance from the laser lens to the surface of the material being engraved. Proper focal distance ensures that the laser beam is at its most focused and powerful point, resulting in a clean, precise engraving. Defocusing: The practice of slightly altering the focal distance from the ideal focus point to achieve specific effects, such as softer engravings or broader lines. In some cases, defocusing is used intentionally to create a desired visual effect, especially on curved surfaces where perfect focus might produce a more jagged look on the tumbler. Full Wrap: A full wrap is a popular style of engraving on a tumbler where the design wraps around the whole circumference of the tumbler. This could be a repeating pattern or not. They can be tricky to get perfect or "seamless" but are highly desired by customers. A high-end rotary is recommended for full wraps where you cannot see the seam. Here is a step by step video tutorial. Acceleration and Speed Settings: These settings control how fast the laser head moves between engraving points and how quickly it accelerates. Lowering these settings when using a rotary attachment prevents the object from slipping or flying off during rotation. Homing: The process by which the laser engraver establishes its starting position. When using a rotary attachment, you may need to manually home the Y-axis since it is disabled or replaced by the rotary. DIP Switches: Small switches on the stepper motor driver that set the motor's operation parameters, including the number of steps per rotation. These need to be checked to determine the correct steps per rotation for your machine. You may still need to dial in your steps using the 100mm test. V-Slot Rail: A structural component on which parts of the rotary attachment, like the PiBurn, slide to adjust the position and alignment of the object being engraved. Linear Guide Rail: Some rotaries use a linear guide rail in addition to the V-Slot rail to ensure even more precise movement and reduce the need for alignment. PiBurn V and Grip 2 are high-end rotaries that use this dual-rail system. Back Wheels/Rollers: Components at the rear of the rotary attachment that support and help in leveling the object. Proper alignment of the back wheels is crucial for consistent rotation and engraving accuracy. Clamp: A mechanism used to hold objects securely on the rotary attachment, especially for objects with handles or those that are not perfectly cylindrical. The clamp is used on roller rotaries but is not needed on chuck rotaries. Laser Head: The part of the laser engraver that emits the laser beam used for cutting or engraving materials. Proper alignment and focusing of the laser head are crucial for achieving the desired engraving quality. Slipping/Jumping Off: A situation where the object being engraved moves out of position during rotation, often due to inadequate weight or improper clamping. Adding weight or adjusting the clamp can prevent this. Slowing down your frame speeds helps. Chuck rotaries can also help avoid jumping. Y-Slop Error: This error occurs when the Y-axis of the laser machine reaches its maximum or minimum coordinate limit, causing the machine to stop and display an error. This error can have different names on different machines and is common when using a rotary attachment, as the machine doesn’t account for the infinite rotation of the object and tries to move beyond the physical limits of the laser bed. It is also called SLOP error, limit error, and simply SLOP. To fix it, move the Y-axis to a position closer to 0mm using the control panel’s arrow keys. Reset the starting position by pressing the "Origin" button. Here is our video explaining how to do this in LightBurn. Walking: "Walking" refers to the unwanted movement of an object (like a tumbler) back and forth during engraving due to insufficient clamping, irregularities on the object or poor alignment. This typically happens when engraving cylindrical objects with uneven weight distribution or objects that are not properly secured on the rotary attachment. To avoid this, you can use the front and back end-stops on the rotary to prevent the object from moving forward or backward. Does not happen on chuck rotaries. The Bottle Effect: This occurs when you place a bottle with a narrow neck and wide body onto the rotary. If you position the narrow neck on the roller wheels, the engraving on the wider body may come out stretched. This happens because the laser doesn’t account for the difference in the distance traveled by the narrow and wide parts. There are several ways to fix this and it does not happen with chuck rotaries. Beam Alignment: The process of aligning the laser beam with the center of the rotary attachment to ensure even engraving across the entire surface of the object. Framing: A function in the laser software that allows you to trace the outline of your design on the object before actually engraving, helping to ensure proper positioning. 100mm test: The 100 millimeter test is a process to determine the right steps per rotation for your machine. You must perform this test once, when you first dial in your rotary. The process is simple and takes only a few minutes but it is very important to get this right! It involves drawing a 100mm line on masking tape, wrapping it around a cylindrical object, and then running a test engraving of a 100mm line on the object. If the engraved line matches the length of the drawn line, the settings are correct. If not, adjustments to the steps per rotation or object diameter need to be made. Here is a step by step video. LightBurn: This is a popular design software that communicates with your laser and lets you engrave different designs. We hope you find this glossary helpful and if there are any other terms you want us to add just type them in the comments!

Welcome to our collection of useful video tutorials for laser engraving using a laser rotary attachment. One of the first things you will need to do is to set up your steps per rotation. This setting determines how many steps or pulses the motor needs to rotate the object 360 degrees. It’s crucial for ensuring that your engravings are not squished or stretched. The exact value depends on your laser machine’s setup and can be found by checking your stepper driver’s DIP switch settings. To dial in the settings even further, you will need to perform the 100mm Test. Getting these settings right will enable you to engrave precisely what you see in your design software and will also help you master full wraps. Here is a step by step guide: Next, you will want to understand user origin and avoid the dreaded Y-SLOP Over error that plagues so many rotary engravers. This error occurs when the Y-axis of the laser machine reaches its maximum or minimum coordinate limit, causing the machine to stop and display an error. This error can have different names on different machines and is common when using a rotary attachment, as the machine doesn’t account for the infinite rotation of the object and tries to move beyond the physical limits of the laser bed. It is also called SLOP error, limit error, and simply SLOP. To fix it, move the Y-axis to a position closer to 0mm using the control panel’s arrow keys. Reset the starting position by pressing the “Origin” button. Here is our video explaining how to do this in LightBurn. Next, you will want to achieve mastery and tackle your first full wrap design. A Full wrap is a popular style of engraving on a tumbler where the design wraps around the whole circumference of the tumbler. This could be a repeating pattern or not. They can be tricky to get perfect or “seamless” but are highly desired by customers. A high-end rotary is recommended for full wraps where you cannot see the seam. Here is a step by step video: We hope you found these video tutorials useful on your laser engraving journey! Reach out to us with any questions using the help button on this page.