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  When it comes to laser engraving, the choice of materials is crucial not only for achieving the best results but also for ensuring your safety! One of the most dangerous materials to avoid in laser cutting and engraving is PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). Here's why you should never use PVC, along with other materials to be cautious of, and some safer alternatives for your laser projects.   Why PVC is Dangerous for Laser Cutting   Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a popular plastic found in many everyday items such as pipes, vinyl flooring, and signage. However, it's a material you must avoid when working with lasers. When PVC is exposed to the heat of a laser, it releases chlorine gas. Chlorine is not only extremely harmful to your health if inhaled but also highly corrosive. This corrosive gas can severely damage your laser machine, particularly its metal components and optics, leading to costly repairs or replacements.   Here are some of the main reasons to avoid using PVC:   Toxicity: The release of chlorine gas can cause severe respiratory issues and long-term health effects if inhaled. Corrosion: Chlorine gas will corrode your machine’s parts, especially the lens and mirror components, reducing their lifespan. We are not kidding this can completely destroy your machine! Environmental Damage: The gases released during the process are harmful to the environment and can be difficult to contain without specialized equipment.   Other Materials to Avoid   PVC isn’t the only material you need to be cautious about. Here are a few other materials you should avoid when laser engraving or cutting:   ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)ABS is another plastic commonly found in toys and household items. When laser-engraved or cut, it emits cyanide gas, which is highly toxic and can irritate the skin and lungs. It also tends to melt, producing messy results. PolycarbonatePolycarbonate sheets are often used for windows and electronic cases. While it doesn’t release highly toxic fumes, polycarbonate doesn’t cut well with lasers and typically produces charred, uneven edges. It's also prone to catching fire. FiberglassFiberglass consists of a plastic matrix reinforced with glass fibers, making it problematic for laser cutting. The material can emit toxic fumes, and is not recommended for laser engraving. Coated Carbon FiberRaw carbon fiber (without a coating) can be safely engraved, but when it’s coated with epoxy or other resins, it becomes a problem. These coatings can release hazardous fumes and damage the equipment.   Safer Alternatives   To keep your laser projects safe and effective, stick to materials that are known to work well with laser engravers:   Wood: Most types of wood are safe and popular for laser engraving, though you should avoid pressure-treated wood due to the chemicals used in its production. Acrylic: Acrylic is a versatile material that cuts cleanly and produces great results without emitting harmful gases. Leather (Vegetable Tanned): Natural leather can be laser-engraved, but avoid synthetic leathers, as they often contain PVC. Glass: While it cannot be cut with a laser, glass can be engraved with stunning results. Coated Tumblers: Stainless Steel Tumblers are coated with paint that is safe to etch away as your CO2 laser burns the paint off off revealing the stainless steel underneath. So grab a PiBurn and get spinning!   Conclusion   While lasers offer amazing precision and flexibility in creating designs, not all materials are laser-friendly. PVC is a standout example of a material to avoid due to the harmful chlorine gas it releases. For the sake of your health, the environment, and your laser machine, always double-check the composition of the material you're working with and steer clear of anything containing PVC or other hazardous substances. By opting for safer alternatives like wood, acrylic, or untreated leather, you’ll get better results without the risks.   Stay safe, and happy lasering!    

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.

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

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! Email: signparties101@gmail.com 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, if will also allow 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 machines 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:[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-1OfaigDsg&t=0s[/embed]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.[embed]https://youtu.be/spi-B7qGKMw?si=yl5-UCUMzNTu7HPT[/embed]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:[embed]https://youtu.be/unJztHc7ohU?si=Kivtx946mgW0E9a0[/embed]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.

Image credit: 307 Cups Tumblers are HOT right now! This is why you should look into getting a laser rotary for your laser engraver, if you haven't already. Laser rotary engraving opens up a world of possibilities for customizing cylindrical objects like tumblers, bottles, and glassware. We have a great blog series on how makers just like you make a niche for themselves, while making a living from selling tumblers on Etsy and the like. While it may seem daunting at first, with the right tools and a bit of practice, you can achieve exceptional results and sell professional looking drinkware into all sorts of new markets. This guide will walk you through the basics of laser rotary engraving, provide tips and tricks, and include a step-by-step tutorial on getting started with LightBurn (a great laser software), focusing on engraving a tumbler. Getting Started with Laser Rotary Engraving Tools You Need: Laser Engraving Machine: You need a laser! Ensure your laser engraving machine is compatible with rotary attachments, ask the sales rep or their support if in doubt. Here are some of our partners - check out their machines, they are all compatible with the PiBurn rotary. OneLaser, Boss, Aeon, OMtech, Thunder Laser Canada, Laguna Tools. PRO TIP. Get a CO2 machine to be able to engrave on the vast majority of tumblers. This is by far the most versatile laser variety for your rotary laser engraivng. It works by lasering the powder coating right off! Get a Fiber machine for stainless steel tumblers and a UV marking machine for glass. Laser Rotary Attachment: PiBurn Grip or Roller are excellent choices for holding cylindrical objects securely and rotating them while your laser engraves. Find out which one is right for you. Software: LightBurn is highly recommended for its user-friendly interface and powerful features. It is compatible with all the machines listed above. Beware of machines that are not compatible with LightBurn! Usually not a great sign. Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Laser Rotary Attachment 1. Initial Assembly and Unboxing of the PiBurn Laser Rotary Your PiBurn comes with a nifty "Thank you" card that has a link to the manual. Read it! The Manual is your friend. PiBurn Grip: Unbox the Grip and mount the Grip head on the bracket (see the included instructions card). This is EASY and takes less than one minute. Make sure not to lose any of the jaws and tools included in the box. PiBurn V4: No assembly is required. If your machine has a dedicated rotary port, plug it in. If not, disconnect the Y-axis motor and connect the rotary attachment in its place. 2. Things to keep in mind for setup Object Diameter: For the Grip: You will need to measure the diameter of your engraving object (e.g., tumbler). For PiBurn V4 - use 62mm for the diameter of the wheels. Remember for chuck rotaries like the Grip, the diameter of the object needs to be entered each time. Steps Per Rotation: You will have to determine the steps per rotation for your specific machine. Common values are listed in the PiBurn manual. For unlisted machines, check the stepper driver settings. 3. Configuring LightBurn Software for Your Laser Rotary Attachment Open LightBurn and start a new project. Go to Rotary Setup (Ctrl+Shift+R). Change Rotary Type to “Chuck” for the Grip or “Roller” for the PiBurn V4. Enable the rotary attachment. You will come back to these settings later after we dial in the rotary and get the diameter of the object. Engraving a Tumbler: A Quick Tutorial 1. Prepare Your Tumbler Measure and note the diameter of the tumbler if you ae using the Grip. Clean the tumbler surface to prep for engraving. Be sure that your tumbler has a powder coat, stainless steel tumblers should not be engraved on a CO2 laser, but rather on a Fiber laser. 2. Set Up Your PiBurn Rotary Attachment Place the PiBurn on the laser bed. If using magnetic feet, ensure they are secure. Grip: Insert the tumbler into the grip jaws. Make sure its snug and not slipping. You might want to use the included lever tools for leverage. Adjust the height and tilt for even alignment. PiBurn: Secure the tumbler with the clamp, ensuring it is centered and level. Use the back stopper to prevent any walking during the engrave. Make sure your rotary is aligned to the gantry of the laser, otherwise your images will look skewed. 3. Finish Configuring your LightBurn file for Laser Rotary Engraving In rotary settings, insert the diameter of your object that you noted earlier. Draw a 100mm line (or 4 inches) in LightBurn. This will be used for the 100mm test. Set the power to a low setting (1-10%) and speed to 20mm/s to avoid burning the test line. Position the laser head over the starting point on the tumbler. 4. Perform the 100mm Test (Video) Use LightBurn’s Frame function to check the alignment. The laser should trace the 100mm line without firing. Adjust the object diameter or steps per rotation if the laser doesn’t match the line length. You can also purchase an alignment tumbler to make your life easier. Tips and Tricks for Beginners in Laser Rotary Engraving Safety First: Always wear protective eyewear and never leave the laser unattended while operating. Rotate Slow: Ensure the rotary attachment moves slowly when framing, especially for the PiBurn, to prevent the object from slipping or flying off. Center Alignment: Align your rotary to the gantry of your laser engraver. Use the markings on the PiBurn of get a PiCAT calibration tumbler. Use the included FREE bubble level to ensure your object is perfectly horizontal. Be careful! Misalignment can lead to distorted engravings. Adjust Idle Speed: Lower the idle and acceleration speed in LightBurn to prevent sudden movements that can dislodge the object. Use Test Runs: Always perform test runs on similar, less valuable objects to fine-tune your settings before engraving the final piece. PRO TIP: Use painters tape and fire a test run at 10% power over the tape! Regular Maintenance: Keep your PiBurn clean, especially the O-rings, to maintain good traction and accurate engravings. The Grip might need some lubrication around the shaft after several months of heavy use. The PiBurn might need aligning to the wheels and tightening the belt. See this video on PiBurn maintenance. (NOT NEEDED ON PIBURN 5!) Image coming out stretched? Read this to solve the issue. Mastering the art of laser rotary engraving requires patience and practice. By following this guide and using the PiBurn rotary attachment with LightBurn software, you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning customized cylindrical objects and selling them on Etsy or in your local markets. Remember, the key is in the details – from precise measurements to careful alignment, and lots of patience, every step contributes to your ultimate success. If you get stuck, lean on our community to get help right away. Stick with it and happy engraving!

Browsing through PiBurn Labs one day, I saw this beauty of a cup: I know, it's gorgeous. For the Stanley aficionados, this is one of those rare Stanley cups that was available in 2022 and is no longer available. This beauty is called the OG Cream & Copper Magnolia The older discontinued models are referred to as "OG", and the value of this cup, driven by scarcity and demand, is now nearly $400. Not a typo. For an expensive cup like that, only the best laser engraving equipment will do, as many engravers would be too nervous to touch this one-of-a-kind cup for the fear of messing it up and losing a lot of value for them and their customer. How did BreAnn work up the confidence to take on jobs like that? For now, let's back up a bit. BreAnn and Albert Dutra kicked off their laser adventure in 2020 with a pretty nice machine, an Omtech 60 watt laser. Albert's the guy who makes sure everything is running smoothly tech-wise, and BreAnn's got the eye for design. They took this laser journey from a side gig into BreAnn's main job in 2023, after she had to leave her 15-year career in a salon. They got their two teens chipping in here and there, hoping they'll dig lasering as much as they do. What really got them excited was making those awesome designs on Tumblers, but they wanted to up their game. That's when they found the rotary called PiBurn Omni, a game-changer that let them do even cooler stuff with amazing precision - and confidence! Recently, they've gone even bigger and got themselves a CO2 galvo laser, mainly for working on tumblers, and it's been a huge boost. (Yes, the PiBurn is compatible). It's clear these guys are all about getting better and making sure they can deliver top-notch work that their customers love. Make sure to check out their shop: https://theburnshack.com/ and give them a follow on Facebook. The Dutras were not afraid to take risks, to invest in themselves and their equipment and now they are crushing it in the laser engraving world, turning a passion into a thriving family business. Just take a look at some of their awesome work: [gallery ids="https://lensdigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20231125_1123522-scaled-1.jpg|,https://lensdigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20231129_0956203-scaled-1.jpg|,https://lensdigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20231219_2228582-scaled-1.jpg|,https://lensdigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240113_2302272-scaled-1.jpg|,https://lensdigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240128_1800033-scaled-1.jpg|,https://lensdigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20230616_1554422-scaled-1.jpg|"] Now, back to that epic Stanley cup. This particular cup was a send-in. That's when a customer sends in their cup in for an engraving. The customer paid $300 for the cup alone! BreAnn charged $75 for the engraving. This cup took one hour to engrave and she did have to take off the handle and then attach it back again after engraving. What is her advice to other engravers? So one thing I will say is, if you aren't sure, absolutely do not take a customers cup. This particular cup cost my customer $300 alone (that was before she sent it to me) and I charged her $75 to engrave it. The only way to ensure you don't go too deep is to test on other cups and make sure you have your settings down. Most of these cups all use the same settings (for me anyway) there are a few exceptions, where they might need a bit more power. But that knowledge or instinct comes with experience. As far as pricing goes, everyone is so different. You kind of have to determine how much you want to make, and go from there. Hopefully that makes sense Words of wisdom! We're so happy to feature BreAnn and Albert in our PiBurn Gigs series! A huge thanks from the whole community for sharing your work, experience, and advice. That's what makes this makers' community so amazing! Make sure to check out their shop https://theburnshack.com/ and give them a follow on Facebook. Don't forget Insta and TikTok! Want more tips and strategies? Check out the rest of the PiBurn Gigs series here, and don't forget to grab a PiBurn Omni for your laser. Happy PiBurning from Heather, Len and Stan at LensDigital.      

Today we wanted to share a comprehensive review and comparison of the PiBurn Grip from Brandt Workman of BeardedBuilds.   Brandt Workman is an affiliate of LensDigital and also runs Bearded Builds: https://beardedbuildsco.com/ as well as a YouTube channel with over 15k subscribers. He recorded a comprehensive review of the PiBurn Laser rotary contrasting it with other laser rotaries.   Here is a brief breakdown of the contest and the actual video itself. Enjoy it!   Introduction to Rotary Comparisons (0:00 - 14:00) Brandt introduces the topic of comparing different rotary tools, focusing on the PiBurn Grip. Comparing Three Rotary Types (14:00 - 106:00) Mansfield Rotary: A four-wheel rotary, simple but lacks precision adjustments. Chuck Rotary: Used primarily for fiber, has slots for a threaded table, but lacks flexibility and adjustment for angle. Piburn Grip: Combines features of the first two with additional versatility and precision. Toolless chuck head for easy cup changes. Demonstrating Adjustments and Versatility (106:00 - 300:00) Brandt demonstrates various adjustments on the Piburn Grip, highlighting its precision and user-friendliness. Illustrates how different cup sizes can be easily accommodated and adjusted for level and stability. Testing with Various Objects (300:00 - 1066:00) The Piburn Grip's flexibility is tested with different items like a shot glass, wine tumbler, Stanley cup, and a dog bowl. Brandt shows how extensions and adjustments on the Piburn Grip make it suitable for a wide range of objects. Conclusion and Recommendation (1066:00 - 1292:00) Brandt concludes that the Piburn Grip is superior in versatility, user-friendliness, and flexibility compared to other rotaries. Recommends the Piburn Grip for its ability to handle a wide range of items and mentions an affiliate discount code at the end of the video https://youtu.be/W7mEjb2JP5M?si=nnvzbNOtmsBHCYQu Thank you for watching this comprehensive review and comparison of the PiBurn Grip from Brandt Workman of BeardedBuilds.