starting a new adventure: 3D

[Richard Rumancik]

Okay, I understand that you weren't actually trying to merge the two different artworks into one product, just testing the concept of combining tem. Line art and 3D might be made to work together visually if the central item was 3D and the "border" was 2D but probably not the other way around.

. . . The bird design took 14 minutes to engrave, one pass. The R&D pays for itself in volume. The whole item will be only 6" x 9" max. and the engravings will actually be smaller and much more simple (like just the character) than the bird in most cases (= less time).

If you can do a 3D image like that in 14 minutes then I think you may have something. We have been talking about 3D laser engraving in another thread of Harry's as well; I'm sure you saw it. Many people have commented on the marketing isssue with 3D (finding willing customers.)

However, if you can add that kind of decoration to a wooden box or other wood item, or just sell it as a plaque, then it looks like it can be viable. Especially since your images are original and not clipart. It's when you get into the 60-minutes-plus kind of thing for a small graphic that the financials just won't work. For 60 minutes of laser time most people want $60 or $90 or maybe more depending on equipment. That usually prices a plaque or box or desk gadget out of reason. I realize that your image is a shallower image than 3D routing, but personally I like the look and would probably not attempt a deeper cut with the laser as I doubt it would result in as good an appearance. It is a bit like sandcarving - trying to create the illusion of depth without actually being very deep.

Somehow I have doubts that I could do that image in 14 minutes on my 30 watt machine - but I haven't experimented with 3D for a while.

Please keep us posted as to the feedback you get from your customers once you get a few products made up.

[Abdul Baseer Hai]

I remember somebody was looking for a 3D image of the famous ship.
I dont remember which thread but here it is.

Abdul

[Dave Johnson29]

I rarely use clipart... and if I do, I change it so it's not the same. These images were my own drawings.

Dee,

Once again you knock me out with your talent. I really envy your skills and imagination.

You have no idea what it is like to be stuck in a world full of straight lines, uniform arcs and neatly joined corners and then see something like that bird.

I realize I have "art" in some of my skills but I really am amazed at people with your skills. My "art" can be easily taught, but yours... <sigh>

Dee-fan #1.

[Scott Shepherd]

Dee,

Once again you knock me out with your talent. I really envy your skills and imagination.

You have no idea what it is like to be stuck in a world full of straight lines, uniform arcs and neatly joined corners and then see something like that bird.

Amen to that Dave! I wish I could figure out how to get paid for staring at a blank screen all day trying to come up with something from scratch. I'd be rich, I tell ya, rich!

It's always amazing to watch a true artist work. I wish I saw things like that too, but I don't.

Keep up the beautiful work Dee!

[Belinda Barfield]

Dee,

Once again you knock me out with your talent. I really envy your skills and imagination.

You have no idea what it is like to be stuck in a world full of straight lines, uniform arcs and neatly joined corners and then see something like that bird.

I realize I have "art" in some of my skills but I really am amazed at people with your skills. My "art" can be easily taught, but yours... <sigh>

Dee-fan #1.

What Dave said! Dee-fan #2!

[Dave Johnson29]

What Dave said! Dee-fan #2!

Hey Belinda,

You and Margaret T, are right up there on my fan list for creative art too, you know.

[Bill Cunningham]

What stamp mode does is engrave "shoulders"
IE instead of this || it engraves like this /\
I have never found 3d work profitable and hardly ever use it as the results are so variable its hard to predict what you gonna get.

Yup thats what it does. But to do it, it has to vary the power outside a line width to create those shoulders. The stamp mode engraving of a gray scale was recommended to me by Mike Clarke, and it seems to work. The minor shoulder slope that it gives to some portions of the gray scale 'do' simulate 3D much better than a normal 90 deg. burn. Although, I do have to agree, I can't imagine using this to make any serious money, but it is nice to know I can do somewhat of a 3D image, even if I don't have 'the' 3D driver on my older TT

[Rodne Gold]

Actually , the biggest value in what Dee is doing is the fact that she is experimenting all the time with her laser ... I have seen this in other threads she posts. This is the way to go , to stretch your tool to its limits and see what works for you and what markets develop out of it ... something is bound to hit that home run.

[Frank Corker]

Whole heartedly agree with what Rodney says. If you don't try, you will never know, there are a lot of people posting who haven't even tried before asking for the best settings.