chrisbeatty
Report

Cutting board with hummingbird epoxy inlay

Instruction
HummingBirdBoard.xcs
HummingBirdBoard
.xcs
Application scenario
Laser processing (90min)
Machine & module
xTool S1
40W
Accessories
xTool S1 Honeycomb Panel
xTool S1 Riser Base
Material used
acacia
epoxy
340
2563
Information
      I wanted to add some color to a nice cutting board I made. My wife likes humming birds so it seemed like a good choice. 
    
Instruction
1
Step1: Make or obtain a cutting board (wood)
2
Step2: Engrave with your Laser Engraver using my template

I made a pass with the engraver then changed the laser focal point to the deepest engraving mark. I repeated this process 3 times to ensure my channels were deep enough to fill with epoxy.  Depending on the wood you may need more or less power/passes.  
I cleaned the board up with some brushes and towels to remove some of the carbon.  

3
Step3: Fill and Sand

Inject colored Epoxy into the engraving marks with your preferred colors.  I used a table top epoxy which takes an extended period to cure and I used mica powder to color the epoxy.  Quick cure epoxy would be suitable for this project.  Dye or mica will work well to color the epoxy.  
If you are not comfortable using epoxy you can use UV resin.  Note that the UV resin may not be as hard so you may need to apply a protective coating to your finished project.  

4
Step4: Sand and Seal

As with any project you need to add those finishing touches.  Sand the wood with several increasing grits of sand paper.  I used 80, 120, 150, 220 grit.  Then I oiled the board.  Use your favorite cutting board oil.  Alternatively, you could also apply a top coat/sealer like urethane.  

Comments
Remixes
xTool Supplies Used in This Template
xTool S1 Honeycomb Panel
xTool S1 Honeycomb Panel
xTool S1 Riser Base
xTool S1 Riser Base
xTool S1
xTool S1