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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 V: 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 V - 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:     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.

Meet Stephanie Murphy, owner of The Country Porch Swing and admin of two laser and UV-printing Facebook groups!   Stephanie is a remarkable woman who has seamlessly transitioned from a successful career in the dental field to becoming a thriving entrepreneur, wife, and mother of two. With over 18 years of experience in the dental industry, including nine years as a skilled dental hygienist, Stephanie's journey is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and passion for helping others. Stephanie's professional journey began in the dental field, where she honed her expertise for nearly two decades. Her dedication and commitment as a dental hygienist for nine years not only showcased her technical proficiency but also revealed her innate ability to connect with people on a personal level. Driven by her love for creating things, Stephanie decided to channel her passion into a new venture. Venturing into the entrepreneurial world, she started her own business, combining her craftiness with her invaluable experience in the dental field. This leap of faith not only highlighted her entrepreneurial spirit but also underscored her determination to explore new horizons. Stephanie's versatility extends beyond her creative pursuits. Known for her handy and resourceful nature, she has always been the go-to person for friends and family seeking advice on a variety of topics. Whether it's a DIY project or a business-related query, Stephanie is always ready to share her knowledge and lend a helping hand. In her role as a wife and mother, Stephanie effortlessly balances her family responsibilities with the demands of entrepreneurship. Her ability to navigate the challenges of both worlds speaks volumes about her organizational skills and resilience. Stephanie's story is an inspiration to those looking to embark on new chapters in their lives. Through her journey, she exemplifies the power of pursuing one's passion, adapting to change, and supporting others along the way. As she continues to make waves in her business and personal life, Stephanie remains a beacon of motivation for aspiring entrepreneurs and individuals seeking to turn their hobbies into successful ventures. I asked Stephanie to tell me a bit more about her personal life! I was born in raised in Southwest Kansas, but currently live near Kansas City. I Have two children, my son is 16 and a sophomore in highschool and my daughter is 20 and is attending college. When I am not busy running my laser business you can find me fishing with my husband, reading, or just enjoying the great outdoors. When asked how Stephanie's laser adventure began, I got to hear so much more about her background and how she got started! It all started with a vinyl cutter. Isn't that how all laser journey's begin? I think deep down I have always been a maker, even before I knew it. My grandfather was a wood worker and I tell this story a lot but I used to sit down with him from the age of 2 and he would let me hammer nails or clamp things with the wood clamps. My mom is a maker of just about everything. She has crafted, sewn, done woodworking, and pretty much dabbled in just about every craft you can imagine. My dad was the handiest person imaginable, he could fix anything and everything. I have no idea how he learned to do everything he could do because he taught himself before youtube or the internet was ever even a thing. I never really got to into woodworking or making until I was in my early 30's. I started with hand painted signs as just a hobby, graduated to a vinyl cutter, people started to ask me to make them things and encouraged me to start an Etsy, and then somehow it turned into a laser business. Stephanie currently runs her laser business full time. She is lucky enough to have a large unfinished basement that is her shop. Her equipment? She has an Aeon Mira 9 90 watt laser and just added a Mimaki 6042 UV Printer to pair with her laser! I sell my products mostly online and occasionally do a craft fair locally, but I really don't enjoy doing shows so I stick to online sales mostly.I have my own website, an Etsy shop, Tiktok Shop, and sell locally by word of mouth.I love online sales because I never have to leave my home and with the power of social media you can put your products in front of the whole world.The downside is, is there is a lot of competition online.So you have to really work hard to get noticed.I have dabbled with the idea of having a brick and mortar shop one day, or a warehouse but I also like the convenience of being able to work at my leisure. Stephanie's laser business exists because of her love to create all things and help others. I work hard to create numerous types of products and despite what the "experts" will tell you, I really have no intention of finding a niche. I can't see myself ever limiting myself because at that point I would be bored. What's the point of doing this if I am not doing what I enjoy? What I enjoy is learning new techniques, making a variety of things, being creative, and then showing other people what they can do too! So, how did Stephanie make the decision to join the PiBurn family and eventually become one of our amazing LensDigital Innovators? The PiBurn has been an essential tool in my business for engraving tumblers. I can't remember where I originally heard about it because I am in so many laser groups and communities on social media, but I know it was there somewhere. It's so highly regarded as the top rotary in it's class that I can't imagine anyone not having heard of it.When I graduated from my Glowforge and was able to finally do tumblers I received a standard rotary with my laser.It worked ok for simple things like skinny tumblers but after using it one time on a tapered project and making a video about how I felt like I needed to upgrade but also felt like I should learn the standard rotary before investing in a PiBurn, everyone encouraged me to just get the PiBurn. So basically peer pressure pushed me to do it and it was the best decision I could have made.I can't imagine running tumblers without it now. What inspires Stephanie to keep going through all of the hectic things that business owners have to handle, while also finding a happy work/life balance? My true inspiration in life and everything I do comes from my dad. He didn't fear any challenge and if he did, he never showed it. I always thought of him as the guy who could do anything. When I struggle and I feel like I can't do something I think about what he would tell me. He did things without giving a thought to what people thought of him and it was never a matter of "what if I fail" it was always "what's next". The rest of my inspiration comes from everyone around me. Some of my drive comes from the negativity and my "I'll show them" attitude, and the rest of it comes from seeing so many other inspirational people doing amazing things and wanting to be a part of that. The majority of Stephanie's business is personalized gifts, but she doesn't currently offer a lot of tumblers because she's been SO busy with other projects and planning that she hasn't had enough hours in the day! It's a real bummer though because I really love doing full wraps and engraving on all types of tumblers. Eventually I want to invest in a laser dedicated specifically to tumblers so that I don't have to disconnect and reconnect my PiBurn. I also hope to get a PiBurn Grip in the future when I start increasing the number of tumblers I am doing. So many pieces of equipment on the wishlist, so many things I want to do, and so little time! When I asked Stephanie what her biggest piece of advice is for makers who are just starting out on their business-owner journey and what they can expect, she had wonderful advice! Learn everything you can and be patient. Hone your craft and your skill. This is not a business or hobby that you are going to come into knowing everything while also making a lot of money. It's very hard to find the right products and do everything you need to do to make it successful but you can get there if you take the time and put the work in. I see a lot of new laser owners buying lasers and thinking it's going to be a quick money maker, but not really understanding all of the blood, sweat, and tears that they are going to have to endure to get there. I also see them comparing themselves to people who have been in the business a long time and getting discouraged because they're not at the same level. We are all on different paths and our situations are different. Take each challenge as a learning experience and don't let failure stop you from pushing forward. Also, know that you WILL fail at something along the way and it's ok. Lastly, just do the thing.It sounds cliche but over analyzing and waiting for the perfect situation can slow down progress so get moving. Getting to learn more about our PiBurners and what led them to find LensDigital and trust in our products is one of my favorite parts of my role on the LensDigital team! It was fantastic getting to learn more about you, Stephanie! Want to check out more of Stephanie's products and connect with her on social media? Check out the links below for all of her contact info and don't forget to give her a follow! The Country Porch Swing Website: https://www.thecountryporchswing.com The Country Porch Swing TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecountryporchswing The Country Porch Swing Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecountryporchswing The Country Porch Swing Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thecountryporchswing The Country Porch Swing Facebook Laser Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2774069676058497/?mibextid=uJjRxr Fire & Ink - UV Printing and Laser Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/348143927672171

Meet Crystal Aguila, owner of Riley Black Designs, Keychain Thingies, The Riley Black Project laser podcast, and Silhouette for Lasers course instructor. I asked Crystal to tell us more about her life as a business owner! I recently moved to Sebastian, Florida (10 minutes from my laser bestie, Heather Lynn!) with my husband John, and two young boys - JR (6), and Jaxson (2). We love spending time as a family - coloring, playing Uno, being silly and having fun! Crystal has loved crafts and crafting her whole life. Art was always her favorite class in school and she jumped at any opportunity to be crafty. However, she never thought of it as a business - always only thought of crafting as just a hobby. I loved doing it but I never thought I could make it a REAL job, not just a side hustle, but one that actually paid the bills! Fast forward to when she was pregnant with her first son, Crystal knew she wanted to make him funny onesies, but didn’t want to pay the price tag that came with them! So, she bought a Silhouette Cameo and, before she knew it, she was making shirts for all of her friends and family! She soon realized that making shirts, while fun, was not her passion... something was missing... because she started to dread getting orders. My husband and I were planning on a big move across the country to be closer to his family and I was leaving my job of 12 years in Oil and Gas accounting. I had just graduated with a degree in Finance, yet had ZERO desire to make that my profession. I WANTED TO MAKE SH*T! Haha. This was my chance. Once we got settled, I purchased a Glowforge and worked my butt off! We went from a dual income household to solely living off my husband’s income, which was below the state’s median income numbers, in expensive South Florida. We were broke. After four years and many sleepless nights, failed projects, tears, second-guessing, and tons of self-doubt, Crystal can proudly say her business is as real as it can be... and profitable! Crystal has a successful Etsy store, website, online design course, and a laser podcast with her husband, John, called "The Riley Black Project" (which just passed 35k audio downloads last month)! With Crystal's expanding business, her Glowforge just wasn't keeping up, so she decided to upgrade to an Aeon Laser USA MIRA9 in 2020. I upgraded to a MIRA9 three years ago and have more work/ideas than I can keep up with. My favorite thing to hear is “you made that?!” Huge thanks to my husband and AMAZING laser homies who knew I could do it, even when my brain told me I couldn’t. I literally would not be here without them! Crystal's customers are a mix of other laser owners, her friends & family, and word of mouth. Crystal and John's podcast, Keychain Thingies® , and her online design course, Silhouette for Lasers, takes up most of her time, but when she's not serving the laser community, she absolutely LOVE making tumblers, cake toppers, over-the-top baby milestone props, and keychains (of course)! How did Crystal come across the LensDigital brand and decide to become a PiBurn user? I found the PiBurn after hearing all of my close lasers friend RAVE about it! Tumblers were intimidating to me, especially on the cheaper roller style rotaries, but all I kept hearing was how easy the PiBurn was to use - and how FAST they were making money while doing it! I'm pretty sure Heather Lynn bullied me into finally taking the jump, and the rest is history. For future LensDigital purchases, I do have my eye on that Vortex Table - it's so damn cool! Crystal's one piece of advice is to stay true to yourself. Yes, she loves to make signs and designs, but she also really loves to be extra, over-the-top, and make people laugh! She believes that if you love doing what you do, it will show in your work. As soon as she stopped chasing what she thought would sell and started to make the items she wanted to make, she found success. My unlimited freedom to create and showing my boys they can do whatever they put their mind to is my biggest motivation. We all have the same 24 hours in a day, why not spend it doing something you love, for the ones you love. Looking for products and/or designs that are "Made with Love & a Little Sass"? Check out the Keychain Thingies® website, subscribe to her social channels, and tune in to The Riley Black Project weekly, wherever you listen to your podcasts! Riley Black Designs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rileyblackdesigns Riley Black Designs TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rileyblack41 Silhouette for Lasers FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/silhouetteforlasers Silhouette for Lasers Online Course: https://www.silhouetteforlasers.com The Riley Black Project Community FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/therileyblackproject The Riley Black Project Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therileyblackproject The Riley Black Project YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RileyBlackDesigns

Meet Christine Estellon, the owner of, CestCreative LLC - a personalization company specializing in apparel, decor, and drinkware! Christine started her career in a chemical plant, moving from the lab, into production, and eventually supply chain where she has spent a majority of her career. The CestCreative business name was created as a play on words - "c'est creative" means "that is creative" in French and "c'est" is also a combination of Christine’s first initial and the first three letters of her last name. As a creative person working in a not-so-creative day job, she turned her life long passion for arts and crafts into a small business opportunity that has grown from t-shirts and vinyl, to resin art, and eventually to include laser engraving. From the moment she first yelled, "FIRE THE LASER" in January 2021, to now having a "family" of machines, she turned her love of art and technology into a second income. As the owner of this amazing business, Christine loves to bring ideas to life! Whether its a printed graphic t-shirt, laser-engraved memorabilia, or resin art that resembles ocean waves, CestCreative has you covered! They have partnered with local schools and organizations to bring fresh and exciting options to fundraising as well as offering B2B wholesale options to help others on their own creative journey. Christine also has a passion for community and education, so not only do they create products, they also offer training for various programs and equipment, in the form of online and in-person classes! I asked Christine to tell us a bit more about herself! "Trish and I live just outside Pittsburgh, PA in a town called Oakdale. It's about 25 minutes from the city, which provides access to a tremendous amount of culture and inspiration. I have two daughters from my first marriage and share custody/co-parent with their dad. The kids are 12 and 14, and are involved in many activities, which truly has been a huge opportunity for networking and business growth. When we aren't in the workshop churning out tumblers and other laser goods, we are out and about in our community, getting involved in non-profit events, craft shows, or just chilling with the 3 dogs." Christine’s laser journey began back in 1985, believe it or not! "Does watching REAL GENIUS count as the beginning? Math and science are my favorite subjects and from the first kickstarter ad for a Glowforge I HAD TO HAVE ONE! So thanks to their great marketing, I dove head first into a world I had never seen before. I joke when I say this (not really) but I feel like I outgrew the machine before it even arrived because it couldn't do the #1 thing that I wanted to do - make tumblers! Now that is an embarrassing thing to admit, because I am typically a researcher, but this time I was flying blind. Had I really spent the time to understand what that machine could or couldn't do, I would have started with a different machine for sure. Do I regret my decision to buy a Glowforge? No - it was a tool that taught me a lot about the laser world and the user interface was simple. One of my first products took off on Etsy and I made enough in gross sales in 3 months to "pay-off" the machine, and by October 2021, my [Aeon Laser USA] MIRA9 was on her way!" CestCreative LLC started as an apparel and accessories company, so they’re initial tumbler offerings were simply vinyl decals. When they added epoxy resin to their craft, the drinkware side took off! Because of this, they knew they wanted to get into the laser-engraving business - not to get "out" of the other mediums they were working with, but to add another tool to their already-expansive collection! Christine and Trish are still working with resin and other crafts, but their preference is "hands down" the laser! "I am a tinkerer, a tester, ok a bit of a geek if you will (my nickname in our resin group is Billie Jean the Science Queen because I am always getting into the details of HOW/WHY it works or doesn't), so from the first Glowforge (Big Betty) to the Mira 9 (Large Marge who now identifies as Burnt Reynolds), and our dedicated tumbler machine, the Mira 7 (aka The Phoenix), I can honestly say I have found my love and my home in the maker world - and it is the laser community." An interesting side of CestCreative LLC is that they are not all-retail, they also offer wholesale! Christine not only has an Etsy shop, but a website as well, so that they are able to reach a broader audience, but it happened accidentally!   "Need custom acrylics and custom display stands for your market spaces? You'll find them on Etsy for that... want retail, finished goods like t-shirts and engraved tumblers? That’s more on our website and local pages. Why did we do that? Well, it happened a little bit by accident. I started with Facebook and a website in the beginning and have avoided Etsy like the plague, but when we got the first laser, we knew that we needed a broader audience, so we added Etsy. One listing at a time, we grew to over 1000 sales and counting. My goal for 2023 is to add more to my Etsy shop, to reach more people, but at the same time funnel those new customers to my website eventually." Engraved tumblers have been selling really well in the local markets for Christine and Trish. Christine, was already well-known as the "tumbler lady" in her community. She was one of the first in the area to offer resin tumblers, so the progression to laser-engraving further expanded their business. On average, they are creating 15-20 engraved tumblers per week. "So far today, I completed one order for 5 and have a few singles to do, so this week is right on target. As I mentioned earlier, with two kids, we have the opportunity to work with several sports teams and various clubs, so our focus has been a lot of schools and teams. We are getting ready to launch our fundraising packets to send to the local schools and booster organizations, so fall should be very interesting!" I asked Christine what led her and Trish to choosing a PiBurn as their choice of rotary: "The best part of my laser journey has been the friendships that I have built. One of the first people that I really bonded with - and the person who introduced me to the PiBurn, is Liz Rivers from The Laser Outpost. It was because of Liz and her wonderful demonstrations/recommendation that I purchased my PiBurn. Now, there is always a story with me (that and random song lyrics, but I digress...) so my PiBurn journey was not a typical one. You see, there was this really pretty American Pi available - you know, that limited edition, no longer available (Bye, Bye, Miss American Pi.......) red, white, and blue beauty? Yea, that one. So I spotted it for sale, snatched it up, and then lovingly admired it on the shelf for about 3 months. When I went to hook it up - OH NO! - I had purchased an American Pi that was configured for a different laser! I reached out to Stan and we started exploring options. This all was going down around the Grip launch - so the fact that Stan was helping me was beyond amazing. We considered a few options / adapters, etc., but then my Knight of Shining Lasers and fellow PiBurner "JS" swooped in, bought the American Pi from me, and I was able to order the CORRECT PiBurn OMNI for my machine!!!! I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Stan and Len at the AEON Partner event in January of this year, and just the short amount of time that I was able to spend with them was fascinating. I learned a lot about the rotary, the company, and the passion that goes into every device they make. I use my [PiBurn] Omni every day - specifically, my [PiBurn] Grip! It’s a critical tool for my operations. I decided to try the "CatDog" configuration, although I call her Mary Shelley (author of Frankenstein) due to the "pieced together nature" of this assembly. I started with a basic roller-style rotary, so the introduction of the PiBurn opened up a whole new level of opportunity. Then once I added the Grip, not only did my efficiency increase, but also consistency.I can easily take off a tumbler and load the next one and have repeatable results from cup to cup, which I feel is super important especially when dealing with large orders. No one wants that "one cup" the the logo is just a wee bit different than the others. So what's next? Well, I would love to get a Vortex Table as I do a lot of leatherette and thinner materials, so look out for that!" We all have at least one person or story that serves as our "why" and our reason behind doing what we do. Christine’s inspiration? "Perseverance. I have had the privilege to work with amazing and inspiring people over the years. I served on a non-profit board with our local children's hospital and am a member of Three Rivers Business Alliance which is a local affiliate of the NGLCC and focused on expanding the economic interests of LGBTQIA+ owned and allied businesses through advocacy, education, business development and growth. For me - the only thing more inspiring than hearing a success story is being able to contribute to one. I feel through education, philanthropy, and being a strong role model in the business community, we can help so many people reach their potential. While not an educator by trade, I have taught at the local store of a national craft supply chain and provided voluntary classes to local schools. One of the Facebook groups that I created is Steel City Laser Collective, which is intended to be a space for our local laser owners to share resources and experiences. Having had my own little "bump in the road" recently, my tenacity and perseverance was tested. I made a critical user error which lead to my MIRA9 being down for several weeks - but thanks to this amazing laser community, the friendships that I have built, AEON Laser USA, and my own determination, we quickly returned, better than before! The Phoenix rose from the ashes!" Christine is most proud of the products that she personally imagined, prototyped, and developed from scratch - products such as display stands and a pen adapter for tumbler turners; however her FAVORITE projects are her tumblers. She loves to work out the calculations and testing on every cup and actually maintains a journal / log of her testing attempts, settings, and even errors! "When I pull a clean, seamless wrap design off of the GRIP, I still get a great sense of accomplishment." Christine’s piece of advice for anyone just starting out in the laser world is: "There is space for everyone. Some people design everything they create, some purchase files. Some want to learn the shortcuts, others like myself want to get into the nuts and bolts of how things work. This diverse population affords everyone the opportunity to find their place in the community. I would be remiss if I tried to list keys to success because (a) I learn something new everyday, so what works now might change later and (b) I know what works for me - my personality, my skills, my likes/dislikes, so my approach is tailored and might not work for everyone, but it does boil down to a very basic concept. Be a good human. Don't steal other's work and call it your own, help someone who is just starting out, give back more than you take, network and build relationships. If you put the work in, this can be an incredibly positive and rewarding experience." We couldn’t agree with you more, Christine! This laser world of ours is ever-growing and always expanding into realms we never thought possible years ago and there is, in fact, PLENTY of room for everyone! Thank you for sharing your CestCreative story! We are thrilled to see you thriving and wish you the best in continuing you grow and succeed! Check out Christine’s social media pages below, give her a follow – and, if you’re shopping, check out the CestCreative LLC website! CestCreative LLC Instagram: https://instagram.com/cestcreative CestCreative LLC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cestcreative CraftOn Tumblers, Lasers, & More (Facebook Group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/craftontumblerslasers Steel City Laser Collective (Facebook Group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/887188809075809

I was thrilled to learn that Royce from The Hill Country CNC & Woodworking loved the PiBurn so much he even wrote a blog post about it! It's a great read: Why I chose the PiBurn 4.0 over the 4 Wheel Rotating Axis. https://hillcountrycnc.com/why-i-chose-the-piburn-4 Royce has tried other rotaries. But there were a few areas that he felt needed improvement. He decided to invest in an upgrade. And it changed the game for him!   Give him a visit and give his blog a read! It's worth it. He has great content on CNC machining, Calipoers, Hat Patches and even tax deductions for your business. Read The Article https://hillcountrycnc.com/hill-country-blog    

Dear friends, We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Thunder Laser Canada 🤝 We’re coming together to make your laser journey smoother, more enjoyable, and more successful. Our PiBurn Rotary—a leading-edge laser rotary attachment—will now be available directly from the Thunder Laser Canada website. 🛍️🚀 Official announcement: thunderlaser.ca/lens-digital-official-partnership This partnership marks a significant milestone in our commitment to serving you better. We know your laser projects are more than just tasks—they’re your passion, your business, and your craft. We’re here to make it easier, more accessible, and more rewarding than ever. 🛠️🎯 At LensDigital, we strive for excellence and innovation. PiBurn and PiBurn Grip were shaped by deep R&D and customer feedback. Combined with Thunder Laser Canada’s reach and reputation, we can now serve our Canadian customers with new levels of convenience and reliability. 🇨🇦❤️ Buy in Canada with local checkout and support. Save on shipping & customs compared to cross-border orders. 🏆 Smoother ownership from day one—ordering to engraving. ✨ Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being part of our journey. Your support drives us—and the whole laser community—forward. Let’s make laser magic happen! Shop PiBurn at Thunder Laser Canada

LensDigital partners with Laguna Laser We are excited to announce that LensDigital has partnered with Laguna Laser to offer our mutual customers our market-leading rotary attachments for Laguna laser machines: the PiBurn V4 and PiBurn Grip. PiBurn is a rotary attachment that works seamlessly with Laguna Laser’s high-quality machines to deliver a superior engraving experience. The PiBurn V4 is an innovative roller rotary designed to simplify setup and improve accuracy—ideal for tumblers, mugs, wine glasses, and more. The PiBurn Grip is a revolutionary chuck-style rotary designed and manufactured by LensDigital. With Grip, you’ll see faster framing, increased precision, and incredible versatility—it can engrave anything from drumsticks and dog bowls to even baseball bats. PiBurn’s intuitive design makes it easy for users of all skill levels to engrave intricate designs and patterns on a wide range of cylindrical objects. Stan Altshuller (Partner, LensDigital) said: At LensDigital, we are committed to our customers’ success and to providing them with the best accessories for their lasers. We believe that our partnership with Laguna Laser and the introduction of PiBurn to their impressive lineup of laser machines is a significant step toward this goal. Len Karchevsky (Partner, LensDigital) said: Both Laguna Laser and LensDigital are confident that our mutual customers will find this new product to be a valuable addition to their laser arsenal, and we look forward to continuing to offer cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.