About Me
Hey there!
I am Allan Anderson, a retired instructor from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, and am currently pursuing laser engraving & cutting as a hobby and a business. I work from home and sell my various products at farmers markets; personal pickup and/or delivery is also an option.
About my Products and Equipment
I use a 20/40W optical output diode laser. The frame’s size allows engravings on a maximum size of 15” x 16”.
Besides the basic frame and laser (for flat surfaces), I have a rotary module which allows engravings on cylindrical objects (the size and shape will need to be tested on the rotary tool before accepting cylindrical objects).
The laser is capable of engraving on wood, plastic, glass, leather, anodized aluminum, ceramics, slate, and coated stainless steel. Additionally, it is capable of cutting wood up to 6mm in thickness.
The best woods for engraving are hardwoods such as maple, oak, cherry, walnut, apple, and olive wood. Softwoods, such as pine and spruce, are only suitable for non-food safe products.
I also have a dual head, 10W diode + 2 W IR, laser with its own rotary attachment. This is a much smaller unit (typically 160mm x 120mm engraving area) which is one I use at most craft markets for quick, on the spot, custom laser engraving. What makes this unit special is the IR laser’s capability to engrave a variety of metals not possible with either diode laser.
Prior to engraving any product, I create a design using software and gain the approval of the client before proceeding further to create the the product (once the engraving starts there is no undo); a deposit up to 100% may be required before I start engraving.