TheWoodWorkshop

Report

[Laser cut and engrave] Vinegar vs Borax vs Bare Wood - Engraving Grid Test - How To Get Dark Engravings - P2 P2S P3 S1 M1 D1 - Diode or CO2 — Project made with xTool P2 machine for Laser cut and engrave.

Vinegar vs Borax vs Bare Wood - Engraving Grid Test - How To Get Dark Engravings - P2 P2S P3 S1 M1 D1 - Diode or CO2

Instruction

Borax Vinegar Dark Engrave Grid Test For Wood

.xcs

Application scenario

Laser processing (30min)

Machine & module

xTool P2

55W

Compatibles · 8

Material used

1/8"(3mm) Basswood Plywood

1/8"(3mm) Birch Plywood

1/8"(3mm) Ash Plywood

1/8"(3mm) Aspen Plywood

1/8"(3mm) Bamboo Plywood

1/8"(3mm) Betula Alnoides Plywood

1/8"(3mm) Ebony Plywood

1/8"(3mm) Faux Ebony MDF Board

1/8"(3mm) Faux Maple MDF Board

1/8"(3mm) Faux Marble MDF Board

1/8"(3mm) Faux Rosewood MDF Board

1/8"(3mm) Faux Walnut MDF Board

1/8"(3mm) Grey MDF Board

1/8"(3mm) Hickory Plywood

1/8"(3mm) Maple Plywood

1/8"(3mm) MDF Board

1/8"(3mm) Okoume Plywood

1/8"(3mm) Pine Ponderosa Plywood

1/8"(3mm) Red Oak Plywood

1/8"(3mm) Red Rose Plywood

1/8"(3mm) Sapele Plywood

1/8"(3mm) Technological Plywood

1/8"(3mm) Terminalia Plywood

1/8"(3mm) Walnut Plywood

1/8"(3mm) White Ash Plywood

1/8"(3mm) White Oak Plywood

1/8"(3mm) Zebrawood Plywood

Poplar Plywood

Information

      Test known chemical methods to get dark engravings without the yellowing of the wood that you see with some other methods. 

WARNING: Borax is harmfull if you overspray it onto the wood and sand it as the chemical crystallizes and can become airborne with sanding. It is not harmful when suspended in water. Use with caution.

AFTER ENGRAVING: Do NOT touch the borax engraves. They will smudge everywhere. You have to seal the wood to prevent the black smudging. We recommend using clear spray sealer.

how to get darker engraves

engraving grid test

grid test

Instruction

Step1

Sand your wood if needed using 180 then 220 grit paper

Step2

Add the wood to the laser bed

Step3

Use the camera or pinpoint positioning system to show the software where your material is on the laser bed

Step4

Centre the design on your material in the software

Step5

Check that your exhaust is vented outside

Step6

Hit start on the software, then hit start on the laser

Step7

Stay with the machine, as some materials allow a deeper burn

Step8

Once finished, remove the wood from the machine. DO NOT TOUCH THE BORAX AREAS OR IT WILL SMUDGE.

Step9

Spray the borax board with some sealer to prevent smudging. Do not sand it, as the black will smear all over your wood. You may sand the vinegar and control test if needed.