Laser Carved Custom Name Placement for Mandolin Heads

**thetrophyhouseofmuhl** · Aug-17-2010, 7:45pm

This is a new venture for me and is proving to be very nice. I was asked by Mr. Fred Young to assist him in the task of lasering his name on mandolin heads that he is building. With some careful thought and planning, it's now reality.
This makes a very professional look to your hard work in the building of your instruments. We believe that by this, you will be able to color fill the engraved area with an enamel paint followed by the normal sealing process you normally use.
This will also eliminate the need to buy imported Ivory that can be rather costly. I am in the process of developing a price for this service but feel sure that it will be very inexpensive to have done. I currentlyhave the laser engraver that I use daily in my existing business for awards and glass engraving. It does awesome work.
Let me hear from you and have your thoughts on this. Donnie ~ Greenville Ky

**thistle3585** · Aug-17-2010, 10:25pm

I cut my inlay with a laser as well as the pocket so I don't have to use any filler. I don't like just laser engraving the wood because you can't see it to well in the darker woods that I use for headstock veneer. I tried the enamel paint route too and wasn't happy with it at all. Its a great and versatile tool. You have to be real careful with MOP as it tends to burn very fine points. I found that it works better if you paint the MOP a dark color first. Here is one for a uke that I built for a seeing eye dog foundation. Kind of a scrimshaw effect.

**thetrophyhouseofmuhl** · Aug-18-2010, 10:13am

What type of material did you use for the actual inlayed part, I tried Ivory, but it melted , thinkin of trying a laser whit plastic, thin grade as to not have to route deep

**thistle3585** · Aug-18-2010, 10:39am

The shepherd is Mother of Pearl. Left to right Abalone laminate, MOP laminate and maple veneer.

**thetrophyhouseofmuhl** · Aug-18-2010, 9:23pm

Very nice!! How thin does the MOP need to be to be cut with a 35w laser. What brand laser do you have? Also do you have to make multiple passes with the laser to get the depth needed for the inlay? thetrophyhousellc@yahoo.com