just some feedback, i would look at leveling out the audio levels for your intro. Talking was pretty quite, and then the intro damn near blew my speakers
Well done and thank you for the tips. One thought is turn the intro volume down 90%. Blew my ears out with headphones on and would have woke the house if I had you on the speakers. Keep the tips coming, I'll be watching.
Awesome video. I learned the three major errors I did with my first ever leather laser engraving. I won't make these mistakes again. I am one week into using my first inexpensive laser engraver. I learn the hard way. Try on my own, fail, look for answers to why I failed. Your video explained very clearly what I was doing wrong. Thank you, and many blessings. Henry Bronger Louisville KY
I just ran across your video, I have been doing leather work since 1974, Ya I know that a long time. Well, I just recently started laser engraving some of my work especially when time does not allow for traditional leather tooling to be done. I just laser engraved a set of saddle skirts for a memorial this past week. I think you are providing some good information to the new leather crafters out there as well as some of us old guys. Keep up the great work looking forward to watch more of your RU-vid.
I'm just stationg out working with leather and I found this video very helpful and I love the entertaining way you delivered the information. Needless to say, I've subscribed. Thanks Heath 👍👌
You are wrong, setting aside that you talk funny, you are a GREAT instructor: you have great tips and guidance; it is fun to listen to you; and you are not boring. It is so nice to hear advice from someone with good experience and knowledge: you are not making this stuff up. There are too many bullshitters on RU-vid. I'm looking forward to the next lesson, particularly the whips and chains lesson.
I just happened on your RU-vid site and love this video. I've worked with leather, but yet to get a laser machine. Your info is great and you are fun to watch with a great sense of humor. I'll be checking out your others videos.
Bought a laser machine just 2 weeks ago. Was really interested in getting into a niche idea I have for leather, but I was kindly given a link to this very video by a lady in a Facebook Group, so here I am! Have just finished watching this first instructional video by you and I really hope that when I go to your channel I find more! You have a great teaching style by what I saw here. Stressing the important stuff and adding a little humor (always important, for me) into the content. I have subscribed too! 😁
I'm just getting started working with leather on my glowforge pro - this video was amazing!!!! I will for sure wet my leather :) Thank you so much for all the great tips!!!
Finally someone who knows leather and incorporated laser engraving. I am a leather head and I tool 90% of my items and I have recently looked into getting a laser for engraving, names, brands, logos etc…… if you happen to see this I would love a tip on what laser, program and settings someone should start out! Great video man
Lightburn is the defacto standard in Laser software. If the laser you want to purchase can't work with it, move on. As for what brand of laser? Without knowing what your needs are its hard for anyone to recommend a maker. For instance are you a hobbyist? a pro? If so are you creating on small scale or looking to produce like a manufacturer? If you are a hobbyist then a diode laser would be easiest, most affordable and considering you can get them up to 20W these days they are plenty powerful enough to give great results. Hell, they even work well for small businesses or for someone like yourself who does 90% of your items by hand. If you are a pro who wants to use this as a tool for your business or you want to work it non stop in a manufacturing process then you'll want a CO2 laser or two from a big laser company stationed in your country who can provide good support to keep your business moving. The brand matters less than the support services and how well they stand behind their customers and products. Lets face it, in business you need to deal with companies who understand that you need to be up and running to make money and uptime is EVERYTHING. When it comes to settings that's going to be machine and material specific. Check out LAHOBBYGUY's channel (I think I that's his handle, it stands for Louisiana Hobby Guy) for a link to his forums since he tends to give away Lightburn material library setups for many of the systems he reviews and you can download them for free. There is a pretty good chance there is already a material library on the forum for your laser and if there isn't its likely posting in the forums will result in someone who has the machine you do willing to post theirs for you to grab and put into Lightburn. I know I'm not the one you were hoping would answer you but I hope I gave you what you were looking for....even if I'm a bit late. Good luck to you!
Just sounds like my friends back in the West Kentucky hollers. Makes it so much more enjoyable. My wife bought me a small, inexpensive laser. Been doing this for a while, gonna try it this way. TY
Dude... your rocked the first video you made.. FOOO SHOO.😊You answered questions I had and wasn't even aware I had. I can't wait to see what your videos are like now if that was your first.
Thanks for the tips! Just started working on leather patches for White Rooster Brand. Getting ready to launch our first drop. This knowledge will help us take our apparel to the next level!
My Junior High leather shop class instructor (Mr. Petrun), would pat you on the back especially about wetting the leather. Your video brought me down memory lane and leather shop. BTW, I am now 69 years old. So junior high shop class was a few years ago! 😉
I just purchased a Glowforge Pro and I'd like to make earrings, bracelets, etc. I loved your video; it was extremely educational as well as entertaining. I can't wait to see all your videos. Thanks so much!
Great video..... Can't wait for tips on how to dye the leather afterwords.... Mind you, I'm in Denmark, so I might not be able to buy the same products.. so would like to gent hints on what to look for
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 *🎸 Leather Engraving Intro* - Introduction to leather engraving techniques. - Three fundamental tips for creating custom leather swag. - Avoid engraving finished leather. - Wet the leather to achieve optimal engraving results. - Properly edge and burnish the leather for a professional finish. 01:11 *📝 Techniques for Optimal Engraving* - Detailed explanation of wetting leather before engraving. - Wetting leather enhances engraving quality and prevents charring. - Wetting leather until pliable ensures it lays flat on the laser bed. - Wetting mitigates charring, resulting in smooth, crisp engravings. 03:32 *🌊 Importance of Wetting Leather* - Emphasizes the critical role of wetting leather in the engraving process. - Wetting leather neutralizes charring, yielding dark brown, crisp engravings. - Wetting leather prevents undesirable charred appearance during engraving. 06:13 *🔪 Edging Technique Demonstration* - Explanation and demonstration of edging leather for a professional finish. - Proper edging sets apart quality leather products from cheaper alternatives. - Edging enhances the aesthetic appeal and value of leather products. 09:50 *🧼 Cleaning and Preparation* - Guidance on washing and cleaning engraved leather pieces. - Washing leather removes dust and debris, preparing it for dyeing and finishing. - Cleaning leather ensures a pristine surface for dyeing and finishing processes. Made with HARPA AI
Bit late to the game, but just got a laser engraver. Tried the wet leather and it's a game changer! Still smells, but so much cleaner. Thanks for sharing.
Was more than glad to subscribe to this! Love your leatherwork and look forward to more videos. You obviously had fun making this one so just keep doing what you’re doing. Looking forward to seeing your staining.
I’m a retired Correctional Officer out of California. A few of my coworkers did this. I’m in Washington now and want to start a small business. Looks like something I would love to do.
great video! I've heard in a few videos about wetting the leather before putting it under the laser. Just trying it out now. I look forward to seeing your other videos!
Just stumbled upon this video. Love, love, love it! I’m brand spanking new to lasers and not only was this video educational but fun as well. Haven’t watched any of your other videos but am hoping is them you include links to the tools and vendors you mention. In the meantime I’ll be taking good old fashioned written notes. Novel concept, I know? Thanks!
Awesome video! Entertaining and informative! I look forward to many more! I love burning leather as a pyrographer, and now have a laser so I'm just learning for that.. although I have 6 wallets already stained that I can't burn by hand and had hoped i could on the laser so they aren't all a waste😏
Great video, thanks for sharing your professional tips. I won't be competing with you on my tiny 2 watt LED laser from Chyna, but I am going to attempt to see what I can do with it for kicks and grins.
Excellent,EXCELLENT. Very informative. BUT, need more instructional videos please. Followed your instructions and they worked really well for me. Still having a little trouble cleaning the soot. Do you have a recommendation for the tough stuff?
You asked for comments. This one in regard to the RU-vid video itself. You start out the video speaking at a reasonable volume. Then you absolutely blast us with the music to the point that I'm certain some of use had to peel ourselves off the wall. I wasn't using headphones but if had been my ears would have been ringing for 3 days. In my case, I'm somewhat hard of hearing, and people like me might have the volume turned up louder than some others. So again, please turn the volume of your music down. It would be best to try and match the sound level to that of your voice in the remainder of the video. Us old folks with poor hearing and those with headphones will thank you. (EDIT. Just realized this is a 3 year old video.)
Been experimenting with engraving leather and have been having problems keeping the leather from drying out. I wet the leather, engrave, and clean. After adding Fiebings pro dye the leather is super dry after about 4 hours. How do I keep the leather from drying out so much? Should I not let the leather dry completely after the engraving before adding dye?
Bro, you are a natural. Can't wait to see more of your tips. I have a question: One of the big markets here in Southern California is the motorcycle community. Gloves and vests are what we'd like to do but they all come finished and making them from scratch would be a great big rabbit hole we don't have time for. I'm sure we could handle the staining. Do you have any leads on where we could find unfinished products? We're game designers with a small laser looking for a profitable sideline. All suggestions are appreciated.
@@ForjdAmerica New to engraving. Using a 3d printer with a laser attachment. I sure do appreciate you taking the time! Great sense of humor makes a great tutorial, which you have. Keep up the good work man 👏🇺🇸
This is the best video for me so far, just started yesterday made my first item woo hoo! I’m one of the people who thinks they know best and I heard you, I will laser on veg tan only ordering some today looool
Someone who finally says something about wetting the leather! I am just getting started in leather crafting and watching how do engrave, that's the first thing that is talked about!! But you never see it mentioned in depth when laser, or cricut engraving etc... Also, since I've not tried this with a laser yet, does this engrave deep enough like a swivel knife would so you can go thru with more traditional tools and do the beveling / shading / background tools etc etc? Use the laser to do the job of the swivel knife?
My high school friend purchased a glowforge and I do graphic design on the side so we have combined forces to offer products - and we just did some leather hat patches - I wish I would have watched your video before 😬- you bet I shared your video with him - wet that leather!!
Everything was fine until the "intro" music, now my speakers are blown and I can't hear shit!!! Thanks, that was incredible!! The other thing you didn't mention, was how badly the leather will shrink once you wet it! Wetting leather is a bad idea!
I make leather goods. bags, backpacks, belts, bracelets, wallets, purses, etc. I need tips on the actual laser engraving - machine, settings, precautions, do's and don't(s).
So, I took a moment and thought about Tip#1 "Never engrave finished leather". Let's talk about that?? Not totally true, I'll explain. Yes, the shit stinks, especially when burning, VENT!!!!! This is dependent on the leather of course. Mohawk makes a product called Leather/Vinyle Finish #M109-0629. This is the Gloss, they make degrees of sheen. Spray a coat on and seal that stink in. It will change the leather some, so test to see. But, this will allow you to engrave SOME Finished leather. "Never have been a fan of absolute statements"
Where does your research come from on this topic as everything I’ve read/heard in the community is that you should not laser engrave chrometan leather and to always stick to vegtan. I have never heard not to laser pre dyed/finnished vegtan leather. I am not trying to be a jerk here honestly just want to learn and know where this information came from?
@JessieParnell the research comes from my inherent personality. Being solution oriented, I tried and tried. Now that I didn't believe the BS, I have made very successfully, many burns in chromatan and other upholstery type leathers. Vent the machine or you will regret all of this. I use painters tape to pick up the soot left behind by pressing straight down, do not rub. I also use an air nozzle to blow out the engraving. Yep, it will stink. Let it air out for a week or so. I use saddle soap and the Mohawk product by themselves or together. Depends, you have to be willing to try. Do it and be thankful you did.
@Jessieparnell also helps that I work in fine furniture. We have some of the finest leather. Leather touch-up and repair is a skill all to itself. I'm blessed to have access to that department and learn. Mohawk finishes has a whole catalog for this stuff. Think outside the box, sometimes research isn't available, and sometimes people just say you can't because they can't?????
Do you ever encounter any expansion/ shrinkage issues with wet leather? Curious if multiple laser passes are needed, if the shape changes as heat/ moisture changes…
First, THANK YOU, for all your great videos! They are helping tremendously. Next, I'm looking to get some high quality Veg Tan, Natural leather and there's options like, Shoulders, Bellies, Panels, etc. For wallets and bags, what would you recommend for a nice quality that will hold up?
I leave it wet. The wetter it is lighter your engraving will be. I recommend letting it sit flat for about 5-10 minutes after wetting it. That gives me the best results.
@@ForjdAmerica ok…I got so much charring I thought I ruined the patch. Then found your video where you cleaned it with a toothbrush under water. Game changer for me. Your quality and results are killer. I’m trying your techniques this morning. Much appreciated 🤘
