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Q&A

Questions posed to industry pros answered candidly, topically. Plus questions from A&E’s subscribers, answered by industry and business experts.

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Recent Q&A

I am looking to implement a CO2 laser engraver into our Technology Ed program. We have been researching but haven't found any offerings that have open ends. We would like to be able to slide larger pieces of student projects like a plank from a headboard into the cabinet. Any suggestions on companies, etc.?
Richard Korbyl  •  Wednesday, February 15, 2012
I have 100,000 parts to laser engrave with non-sequential numbers. I can do eight at a time. I figure on making a template in Corel X3 and "setting" eight numbers on each layer. I have two questions: is this the best way to do this project, and how many layers can I have in a Corel file without it crashing? Thanks
Richard Korbyl  •  Wednesday, February 8, 2012  •  2 Comment(s)
I’m just starting out with gifts & awards, and I’m wondering, for simple engraving on some wood, crystal, acrylic, and such, what machine would you recommend that isn’t going to cost a fortune, and that will do a good job engraving?
Richard Korbyl  •  Monday, January 9, 2012
What should we charge for sandcarving awards? Should we give quantity discounts, or is that only for laser engraving? We need some guidance as to what is fair for our clients.
Ruth Dobbins  •  Wednesday, December 28, 2011
After we engrave, we want to color fill glass. What is a good color fill material for glass? We have tried several and don't like any.
Ruth Dobbins  •  Wednesday, December 28, 2011
How can I change the starting point, or node, of a curve?
Jim Sadler  •  Thursday, December 22, 2011
We use CorelDraw 10 to make our rubber stamps. We recently switched to a paper film. We need help to show us how to scan a word document or a PDF file into CorelDraw. Thanks, Tony
Jim Sadler  •  Thursday, December 22, 2011  •  1 Comment(s)
When engraving large solid areas (not text or light graphics) on acrylic or glass, my results are banded with a horizontal laser engraving pattern instead of solid and without texture. I have tried de-focusing and multiple runs without success. How can I produce an even engraving on a large open area? I’m using an Epilog 45.
Richard Korbyl  •  Wednesday, November 23, 2011  •  6 Comment(s)
I have a customer that wants a football helmet cut in half, and then he wants to mount both halves on plaques to use as awards. Any ideas as to how to cut the helmet in half, the best tool to use and the techniques for mounting it to the plaques? Thanks!
Richard Korbyl  •  Wednesday, November 23, 2011  •  9 Comment(s)
Hi! We've just got our first laser and Corel X5. We're using Print Merge to do nameplates for 26 trophies: the first two lines of engraving are the same, but the next two are different. I've followed this tutorial http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQY7ojbmp1Y but I end up with each nameplate on its own page. Any advice? Thanks!
Jim Sadler  •  Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Although I've owned and operated a laser engraving shop for nearly two years, I'm basically clueless about vector images. While I know what they are and some of what advantages there are in using them, I'm still ignorant about how to work with them in all ways. Where can I learn? Is there a book or tutorial?
Mike Fruciano  •  Tuesday, November 22, 2011  •  3 Comment(s)
Hi Jim, Thank you for your prompt and informative reply. The examples shown on your website make obvious your experience with the software and equipment used to create them! Jim, I failed to frame my question correctly. I was looking for a possible tutorial to create a “V” shape, routed-in effect for a printed vinyl decal product using CorelDraw or Paint. There are numerous tutorials for creating a “flat bottom” embossed effect. Perhaps I need to stick with Photoshop to produce a v-bottom, “carved” effects for print? Not to worry if I answered my own question; you have been very kind, and I look forward to following your tips & tutorials on A&E to further my education. Thanks again and best regards,
Jim Sadler  •  Friday, October 21, 2011
Jim, I have a car club that wants me to sublimate license plates for the front of their show cars. How do I take the background out of a jpeg photo and leave the car only? I have Corel X4. Thanks for your help.
Jim Sadler  •  Friday, October 21, 2011
In CorelDraw, I've only been able to create one border—graphic or font. I need two. Reason: When I create a thermal print transfer for my Roland Color Cam, I need a cut line as well as the border. I've been "drawing" the cut line manually. What am I missing?
Jim Sadler  •  Friday, October 21, 2011
Hi Jim, Question: Imagine two rectangles. I can align them vertically (C) or horizontally (E), top or bottom etc. (T,B), but is there a keyboard shortcut to butt them together? Right now I use a temporary line segment, align it to right of box #1, then align left of box #2 to the same line. Thanks.
Jim Sadler  •  Friday, October 21, 2011