Inlay Lettering

[topper]

hi, i wonder if anyone can be so kind as to recommend a place where i can get lettiering cut for inlaying (in the uk)? I have a font that i need to use, and was hoping that i can get it copyed. The font has so many straight lines and is very unorganic, i need a laser cutter or cnc !

Thx.

[Batfink]

Why do you want it CNC'd - are you looking for a large quantity or is it just an accuracy thing ?

Just on a side not i'm pretty sure shell doesn't like laser cutting.

Jem

[topper]

Why do you want it CNC'd - are you looking for a large quantity or is it just an accuracy thing ?

Just on a side not i'm pretty sure shell doesn't like laser cutting.

Jem

Hi Batfink, i can do inlay if it's a picture, but i find that when i try to cut letters by hand my eyes are just not happy with what they see. I have no probs with getting them cut with cnc, i dont now where.

[WezV]

Batfink is right, shell cannot be laser cut , i had an email from chuck erikson about it explaining the scientific reason. All you really need to know is that it disintergrates.

CNC is good if you can find someone to do you a small order

[Prostheta]

Basically, it does the popcorn trick of having the trapped moisture expanding suddenly and blowing out the shell. Not as explosive as popcorn, but enough to not get results.

[Vinny]

Check your local Trophy and Awards shops, almost all have in house laser engravers. They work with inexpensive pcv sheet materials that come in a wide range of colors and designs. They can cut from your file, definitly worth a look. -Vinny out

[topper]

Cheers Vinny, im going to take a look at that. Fingers crossed !

[Prostheta]

Pearloid looks pretty awesome for the price. Vinny, would these cutters/engavers cut out from solid materials or do they just scratch the surface, so to speak?

[Batfink]

Hi Topper,

I know where you're going ref lettering - if it's a square'ish font it can be tricky to get it looking square if you see what i mean.

Top inlay guy i know in the UK is Mike Read at Smallwonder - google smallwonder and there he is. He does work for most of the UK's top flight builders and is a real nice guy to deal with and his work is spot on to boot !

Jem

[cSuttle]

I do small run and one off CNC lettering all the time. Email me. Shipping is only $8 to the UK.

[Vinny]

I was in the engravers shop this week and talked with him about inlays for my headstocks. The thickness of his materials are fairly thin and wont work for cutting out shapes or letters. I described the 1/8'' thick simulated pearloid I had bought with inlays cut in it. He felt the laser could cut it after a few tries to get the setting right. I'll be stopping back with a sample sheet from the plastics supplier for him to cut out my logos. Will keep you updated on how well it goes. -Vinny

Edited October 1, 2006 by Vinny

[guitarzan]

You can find pre-cut lettering at custominlay.com, but the fonts are limited. Still, it's a LOT easier than going blind trying to cut them accurately with a jewler's saw and a "bird mouth" jig.