Lasering Linoleum for Printmaking

[Pete Prodoehl]

Jason H. (or other laser experts),

I have some linoleum for printmaking, can I etch it in the laser cutter?

Also, for other jason, what sort of printmaking are you interested in doing?


Pete

[Brent Bublitz]

I have tried laser cutting lino, and it works all right besides being a little melt-y and the smell. The horrible, clinging smell.

We have tried some of the rubber specifically made for use in a laser cutter, and that stuff work fantastically.

I have also cut wood blocks for printmaking and that works really well. Cheaper than lino/rubber if you have a decent press / hammer or rollers to use the wood block. Check it out here: http://www.lovesickrobot.org/?p=874

Brent

[jason gessner]

i'm interested in woodblock printing, but manual woodcuts and laser-cut stuff.

I *really* want to find or build a roller press.  If anyone has a lead on a printmaker's press, please let me know.

The rubber stuff has been working out really well.

-jason

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-jason

[Brent Bublitz]

Jason,

I have a 14" model I can bring in you want to use it at the space. It's just hanging out at my place right now.

[Brent Bublitz]

Like this:

http://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-econo-etch-model-ii-press/

[Pete Prodoehl]

Thanks Brent!

I've got some linoleum to test, but it sounds like wood (as jason wants to use) would also be a good option. Wood should also be cheaper than linoleum (and way cheaper than rubber.)

And +1 for your DIY brayer solution!


Pete

[Brent Bublitz]

If I make it to the meeting tonight, I'll bring the press in.

[jason gessner]

woo! Thanks, Brent!  That's awesome.  Having an example could also help us figure out what we need to make one.  :)  I'd like to be able to do 22x30 prints at some point, but this totally gives us something to start with.  

-jason

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-jason

[Brent Bublitz]

I'll see what I can do for examples I have. I think I recorded my cut times/power settings as well somewhere.

Brent

[Jason Hilleshiem]

Pete, when was the last time you cut wood and how many passes did it take?

On Tue, May 8, 2012 at 1:31 PM, Brent Bublitz <pho...@gmail.com> wrote:

[Brent Bublitz]

I found it's best to use a nice clear wood like birch or very clean pine. Something with very little grain. Plywood is bad as the glue layers cause inconsistent depths in your cuts. Differences in the wood like grain lines and glue can cause weird issues around the transition points where you would get a wobble in the line and such.

On my 40w, I raster the design in at 50% speed, 100% power and I think 3 passes? I have to check my book.

Brent

[Jason Hilleshiem]

We cut through that 1/8 baltic birch with one pass.  there is a book in the drawer that gives the right settings for the 25 watt laser.

[Brent Bublitz]

I was using multiple passes to avoid scorching. If you get any carbon left on the wood, it can transfer like pencil marks on your print.

Brent

[Pete Prodoehl]

Right before gallery night I did those wooden knuckles using 3mm Baltic Birch plywood.

It probably took 4 or 5 passes.


Pete

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[Jason Hilleshiem]

I'll be at the space tonight to mess around with it.

[Pete Prodoehl]

Yeah, I've done it in one (or two) passes, but it always scorches too much.

I'd love to find a way to do it faster!


Pete

[Metal Tech]

The excellent Briar Press site has a great Classified Ads section...lots of equipment for sale.
http://www.briarpress.org/classifieds/browse?t=38
Keep your eye on it for local ads.
nik

[jason gessner]

nice!  Thanks for pointing me to this.  I'll keep an eye on it.

-jason

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-jason

[Pete Prodoehl]

Brent,

I've finally got some artwork I want to create a plate with and try out
on the press. Of course with my schedule it may be weeks before I get it
all done...

Once it's done though, I'd like a lesson in using the press. What is the
maximum width/length the artwork should be?

Also, I was impressed by your brayer made from a printer roller, so
today when talking to our copier rep he said they just toss the old ones
out. I'm going to try to get a bunch of them that we can use for brayers
or whatever else.


Pete

[Brent Bublitz]

I would try to keep it to 8x10 or so. I have to get in and measure the bed a little better to give you a more precise idea. I would be happy to show you how things work when your ready.

[Lucia Bovio]

hello, I was wondering what kind of settings would u have the laser cutter to cut soft lino, I work at a school and one of my teachers has asked me to see if its possible to cut into without it melting/ burning the school down.

thanks

lucia  

[Markus Schneider]

Hi Lucia,

Yes if it is real linoleum it can be laser cut. (Most of the linoleum sold in hardware stores is actually pvc now a days and would be dangerous. Real linoleum from an art supply store is fine though) 

You do want to make sure your laser cutter has either an air scrubber it is vented outside.

The settings will depend on the type. I would recommend starting with settings that you would use for wood.

Cutting through the linoleum all the way can be difficult but you can engrave it very well. (I assume you want to use it to print)

Markus

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