Laser burn, charr removal

[Yuri]

Hello,

Sorry if i'm resurrecting old discussions about how to remove char from wood after laser cut. The only suitable answer I found here in the forum and internet is to use waterless hand cleaner and/or sandpaper. Sanding is fine to me but in the end the square plank 5 x 5mm with burnt two sides becomes 5 x 4.5 mm if not worse. I just tried using "Pumice Hand Cleaner" to remove majority of the char. In your experience, is it going to do anything to the wood overtime, color change, problem waxing, varnishing or painting?

Your thoughts and clever technics on cleaning laser burns, please...

Yuri


ps: here is the product i've used with the 6mm planks cleaned and untouched

 

[Bryian]

There’s no easy way to remove the char. You just need to roll up your sleeves and start sandpapering.

 

[Yuri]

There’s no easy way to remove the char. You just need to roll up your sleeves and start sandpapering.

I totally agree with you Bryian, but I'm trying to find the best way not to loose the thickness of the wood.

 

[dockattner]

I read somewhere that white vinegar can remove some of the charring - but my memory could be faulty (or it simply may not work).

 

[Yuri]

I read somewhere that white vinegar can remove some of the charring - but my memory could be faulty (or it simply may not work).

Vinegar works, but i'm afraid char+vinigar will penetrate wood grains just like any other water based solution would.

 

[dockattner]

Vinegar works, but i'm afraid char+vinigar will penetrate wood grains just like any other water based solution would.

You've got plenty of scrap for a trial...

 

[Dave Stevens (Lumberyard)]

one way i use is to sand blast the char off, set the pressure at just the right PSI and you can remove the char and no wood and you can even carve with sand blasting. Maybe i should do a how to do that.

here is a real deal



i used my store credit from the Dory promo of 45 bucks and got the above a $169.00 air compressor, hose and air brush for under 50 bucks.

 

[Yuri]

I've used "FastOrange" a few times. I like it and it doesn't harm the wood, does the work to certain point.
Then a little sandpaper "labour"...

 

[mgdawson]

one way i use is to sand blast the char off, ..................... Maybe i should do a how to do that.

Now that would be real interesting.

 

[RogerD]

…….. sand blasting. Maybe i should do a how to do that.

That would be very useful and interesting Dave, I for one would definitely like to see a “how to do that”. Thanks.

 

[Yuri]

...Maybe i should do a how to do that...

Yep-yep-aha!

 

[Kurt Konrath]

I've used "FastOrange" a few times. I like it and it doesn't harm the wood, does the work to certain point.
Then a little sandpaper "labour"...

Yuri, maybe you can do a "how I did it" video or photo sequence for the rest of us.

 

[Yuri]

Yuri, maybe you can do a "how I did it" video or photo sequence for the rest of us.

Hi Kurt,

There is no much to explain. Picture on the first post shows before and after cleaning. Nothing else was done to it, like sending or scraping. I left it for a while to see if anything will happen to the wood.

The steps are easy: apply the paste, wait a minute, wipe with the soft dry cloth, repeat couple times.
Wood doesn't get wet as it doesn't absorb the cleaning paste ( paste is not water based, i think ).

Three month after cleaning, wood didn't change color or any other properties.

Best,
Yuri

 

[Dave Stevens (Lumberyard)]

sand blasting laser char works great




it does not round out edges if you maintain pressure around 45 and use 80 grit

 

[Yuri]

sand blasting laser char works great
it does not round out edges if you maintain pressure around 45 and use 80 grit

Thank you! Dave,
I have to highlight this for myself to remember :
sand blast at pressure around 45 using 80 grit

 

[Loracs]

Sandblaster is an intriguing idea. Anything to look for in a compressor/sandblaster? Something small but quality made, something that will last (a brand(s) to look for). In addition, I'm guessing that can be port easily to spray paint with the right nozzle.

 

[maguro]

Sandblaster is an intriguing idea. Anything to look for in a compressor/sandblaster? Something small but quality made, something that will last (a brand(s) to look for). In addition, I'm guessing that can be port easily to spray paint with the right nozzle.

I don't know if you saw this nice link https://shipsofscale.com/sosforums/threads/air-brush.3806/.

 

[maguro]

It's my understanding that lasers cut a v-shaped groove into the wood and that the edges need to be sanded for them to be perpendicular. Is this true for all or some kits?

 

[Loracs]

@maguro , no I did not... thanks for the link.

 

[DARIVS ARCHITECTVS]

sand blasting laser char works great

View attachment 429083
View attachment 429084

it does not round out edges if you maintain pressure around 45 and use 80 grit

View attachment 429082

Where do you find a sand blast like that? I didn't know Badger made those.
-NEVERMIND.. found one for sale using Google. I wonder what else this tool is used for?