This week, Jen and Norm put together some fetching laser cut wood boxes that make use of clever techniques to hide their construction. We love the inventiveness of these designs by Etsy seller Vasily39, and try our hand at weathering and distressing the assembled boxes to make them look more handcrafted. Vasily39 laser cut kit […]
Are you wondering how air assist can help improve your laser cutting results? In this video, I will explain the basics of air assist and how it can benefit your laser engraving and laser cutting projects. I did a lot of laser cutting tests on very thick woods and acrylic at different speeds using three […]
Tested contributor Bill Doran (aka Punished Props) is in our shop this week and experiments using our Universal Laser Systems laser cutter to make a quick paint mask for a helmet. This can be done with standard painter’s tape or a large sheet of masking tape, and we learn some lessons about masking complex curves. […]
Laser cutters are a handy tool for a maker. I have a powerful Chinese Co2 laser that would be too big and expensive for most people, so how does this desktop diode laser compare? That depends on what you intend to use it for. If you want to engrave, you’ll be happy. If you want […]
We go hands-on with a new laser cutter and engraver with a unique fold-up design. The Rendyr Optic is a diode laser cutter that can collapse into a compact formfactor ideal for small workshops, complete with built-in smoke filtration. Jen and Norm run the Optic through its paces and discuss the benefits and tradeoffs of […]
Sean and Jeremy use cut and assemble the second piece of Jen Schachter’s maker puzzle! Using the office’s Universal Laser Systems laser cutter, Sean experiments with cutting different materials to remix the puzzle with accents and a metallic finish. Find the files for this puzzle here: Shot by Gunther Kirsch and edited by Norman Chan […]
Check out our in-depth interview about the Glowforge laser cutter here: Earlier this month, we introduced the Glowforge, a new laser cutter that’s designed to be accessible and easy to use in the home or workshop. A lot of you had questions about how it worked, and we wanted to learn more about it as […]
Join Tested’s Jen Schachter as she guides us through the design, prototyping, and fabrication of her latest laser cut diorama project and answers questions about her approach to laser cutter builds. Her haunted house miniature showcases her approach to laser cut joinery and an aesthetic that makes the most out of the materials and process. […]
We test and review Dremel’s Digilab LC40 laser cutter, a 40 watt hobby laser designed for personal workshops and maker spaces. We go over its setup, safety features, and capabilities, including the differences between it and other glass tube lasers in its class. There’s a lot to like here! Find the laser cutter here: Disclaimer: […]
We have a new laser cutter in our office! Sean’s been setting up our digital fabrication shop in the Tested studio, and gives us a look at the 60 watt Univeral Systems laser cutter that we just installed. Join us for our first test cut: making the Tested sign! Subscribe for more videos! Follow us […]
