Introduction: Lasered Wood and Leather Sign

This is an easy project if you have an Epilog Laser since it does the bulk of the work. I like this sign as it catches the eye of the beholder, says what it needs to say, and is fun to make.
Lets get started.

Step 1: Step 1

I used a 3.5" by 12" board that was about 1/4" thick for this sign. Place the board in the upper left hand corner of the Epilog laser.

Step 2: Step 2

In the size bar, mark the sizes as 3.5" tall and 12.0" wide.

Step 3: Step 3

On the tool bar, select the text tool. In the font bar, select the desired font style that has outlined letters and a fill of the letters. In the font bar, select the desired font size.

Step 4: Step 4

In the text box, type the words you would like. In this case, we are using "eelskin leather". After you type the word in, strech the lettering to fit the box. I usually leave 1/2" on the top and bottom and 3/4" on the sides of the lettering.

Step 5: Step 5

Select print in the top task bar. Select no to the next prompt. On the Print window that appears, click Properties. Change the sizes of your sign from the default settings. In this case, it will be 3.5" x 12". Next set the Raster speed to 30 and the Raster power to 100. My mini 18 laser is a 25 watt. If you are using a different power, adjust accordingly. Most lasers will have a book that comes with reccomended speed and power settings. Select ok on the properties settings. Then click print on the print window.

Step 6:

Set the machine to the proper height for your sign using the height gauge. Take the gauge off then hit the reset button. Press start on the Epilog machine. The maching will then laser the image onto the board.

Step 7:

Place a piece of leather 3.5" X 12" on top of the sign. Readjust the height. Hit start on the Epilog machine. The letters will be cut out of the leather strip. Set this aside. Now change the font to fill in the letters on the wood and hit start.

Step 8: Step 8

Now take the cut out letters. In this case, those spelling leather, place them into the according places on the wooden sign. Put a heavy weight, such as a brick, on top of the leather and wood for an hour or two. Then your sign is complete.