Aztec Calendar wood and settings

**Robert Santiago** · 05-29-2008, 1:53 PM

Can anyone tell me what kind of wood, the laser equipment suppliers use, to make those beautiful Aztec Calendars, that they like to hand over as samples?
I know that the best way to do it is by trial and error, but I'd also appreciate if someone could tell me the appropriate settings to create those on an Epilog - Legend 36EXT (60 Watts).

**Nancy Laird** · 05-29-2008, 2:08 PM

To the best of my knowledge, they are using 1/8" material of some sort - I can't tell from my sample, but it's probably something they are having specially processed for them. Can't help you with the Epilog settings---I have two Universals.

**Pete Simmons** · 05-29-2008, 2:25 PM

I believe it is thin red alder from ColoradoHeirloom

Some will tell you they are done on a special machine. My 35 watt Mini-18 can turn them out all day.

**David Fairfield** · 05-29-2008, 2:35 PM

Hey Robert

Its alder, not a cheap wood. I think its used to make musical instruments like guitars.

If you want to get the exact same settings you can call Epilog's support line. They're very helpful.

Dave

**Joe Pelonio** · 05-29-2008, 2:45 PM

I was given one of those, it did look like 1/8" alder.

**Peck Sidara** · 05-29-2008, 4:15 PM

It's 1/8" alder in 14"X4.5" sheets from Colorad Heirloom. Settings for a 60W EXT should be something like this:

Raster: 90% Speed, 70%Power, 600DPI
Vector: 30% Speed, 47% Power, 500 Frequency

**Robert Santiago** · 05-29-2008, 4:24 PM

Thank you all for the useful information. Much appreciated...

**william kennington** · 05-29-2008, 7:35 PM

Does anyone want to share the Aztec Calendar file?

**Bill Cunningham** · 05-29-2008, 10:00 PM

do a search on Aztec Calendar, you will find at least two vectored versions..

**Gary and Jessica Houghton** · 05-29-2008, 10:44 PM

I made a trip to my local Home Depot at my husbands request. He said go and find 1/8" wood to try for our laser. Okay! Like I knew what to look for. I wound up finding the only 1/8" material in the place. It happened to be laminated hard board or masonite. It had a wood front finish.

I even went the extra step to get it cut into 12" X 24" pieces. (He'd be so proud!) I got back to the shop and what do you know, It's not appropriate for lasering! (So he says). Long story short.... He leaves on a trip, I'm bored and have "junk" wood. I made a 12" X 12" Aztec calendar. I also took the back from one of Buzz's designs and glued the two together and voila! - A finshed product! I am attaching the axtec file we used with a picture of the finshed product. What do girls know anyway?!