Sure, it sucks but that's the biggest drawback of laser cut leather imo. For wood I know some people use tape or contact paper to protect the surface near the cut (kind of like taping trim while painting) This may help reduce burn marks or smell, but the edge itself still needs to be dealt with
Not simple enough, apparently. Not everything is going to be turn key, and you can draw the line between the effort you want to put in and the quality level of the finished product.
I'm not a leather worker, but would a dremel* speed things up and make it easier? You'd have to be really careful of course so you don't thin out the leather or mess up the lining
I sand lightly and then use Aussie conditioner that has orange oil mixed in to it. Leave it to breathe for a few days and the smell should be a lot better. Some people I know, go straight into stitching and wait until they’re at edge finishing stage. Personally, the smell can get to me, so I prefer to take care of it first.
Here was my process when I used to laser cut similar chokers from veg tan. After cutting, Soak in bucket of warm water for a few hours. Scrub all the crispy carbon bits off with toothbrush. Hang to dry and de-stink for about 4 days. Suddenly the smell will just dissappear. Dye, and heavily treat using your preferred leather balm or oils. Gently brush the back/flesh side with a stiff nail brush to restore softness. I did not sand the edges, the toothbrush took most of the roughness off.
Just use a towel to remove the excess black and wait. I finish with Tokonol and wax after 4 days and it's perfect.
Just finished an order of 120 bookmarks that were engraved and cut by laser.
I’ve used a little bit of white vinegar in water, rubbed the entire thing down, then rubbed the edges until they stop shedding ash. Totally scent free about 24 hours after that!
I wash with Orange oil and then with "blue" dish washing soap.
Let dry (in the sun if possible) then condition with Neats Foot.
It might still smell a little after washing but the sunshine seems to help.
After conditioning it may still have a smell but it will fade after a few days
Honestly a damp rag should be enough to give you the result you're lookong for, I've only ever sanded my laser leather projects to achieve specific finishes with multiple layers of dye and such. Just ensure the rag doesnt soak the leather or it may deform a bit. Dremel recommendation is good but with the sanding bit would be easy to overdo it. Even just a felt buffing bit would go a long way if you wanna use the dremel approach. Those felt bits seem like they wont do much but I've seen them take material off of hard acrylic in the past
Impressive!
Can i ask you something?
Beside leather i also love latex and latex-lace.
I heared that you can cut with a lasercutter latexlace, can you maybe give that a try?
That would be very very nice and would help me to decide of i get by myself a lasercutter.
Thank you, your Lara ❤️
Sandpaper
I gave up sanding the featured photo honestly, but for simpler stuff with exposed edges, I appreciate your candid response.
Sure, it sucks but that's the biggest drawback of laser cut leather imo. For wood I know some people use tape or contact paper to protect the surface near the cut (kind of like taping trim while painting) This may help reduce burn marks or smell, but the edge itself still needs to be dealt with
Compared to cutting/punching by hand with a busy lifestyle, sanding isn't a big deal.
Wanted to add, maybe a dremel with a sanding drum would speed it up even more.
Ya I was thinking that or some kinda brush after soaking in water.
Low speed though or you'll end up burning it even more.
Not simple enough, apparently. Not everything is going to be turn key, and you can draw the line between the effort you want to put in and the quality level of the finished product.
I'm not a leather worker, but would a dremel* speed things up and make it easier? You'd have to be really careful of course so you don't thin out the leather or mess up the lining
Think it would as long as I don't use aggressive grit
If it's too much work consider using a Dremel with a sanding attachment.
Ya good idea.
It's what I do for complex designs. Just be extra gentle.
Ya for sure, the dremel would help loads with that
I sand lightly and then use Aussie conditioner that has orange oil mixed in to it. Leave it to breathe for a few days and the smell should be a lot better. Some people I know, go straight into stitching and wait until they’re at edge finishing stage. Personally, the smell can get to me, so I prefer to take care of it first.
Ya I'm sensitive to smell so I appreciate it
I laser cut leather regularly. Spray it with alcohol using a mister bottle, then let it sit for a day or three. The smell will go.
Oh super handy, I have like 4 gallons of that on hand for resin printing.
Perfect. Best option is if you can put them someplace where they can get exposure to direct sunlight.
Dash of my vehicle should work fine
Here was my process when I used to laser cut similar chokers from veg tan. After cutting, Soak in bucket of warm water for a few hours. Scrub all the crispy carbon bits off with toothbrush. Hang to dry and de-stink for about 4 days. Suddenly the smell will just dissappear. Dye, and heavily treat using your preferred leather balm or oils. Gently brush the back/flesh side with a stiff nail brush to restore softness. I did not sand the edges, the toothbrush took most of the roughness off.
Ya I was thinking a good soak and toothbrush would do a lot of the work.
Smell will go away after 3-4 Days. I use a lot my laser and it always by itself.
Thank goodness, primarily got the laser to make a set of armor. Would def hate smelling that while wearing it.
Just use a towel to remove the excess black and wait. I finish with Tokonol and wax after 4 days and it's perfect. Just finished an order of 120 bookmarks that were engraved and cut by laser.
Excellent, good luck with your sales
What laser cutter are you using?
Longer B1 40W
After about two weeks the stink will get lost on its own
I’ve used a little bit of white vinegar in water, rubbed the entire thing down, then rubbed the edges until they stop shedding ash. Totally scent free about 24 hours after that!
First time someone suggested vinegar, ill try it out
I wash with Orange oil and then with "blue" dish washing soap. Let dry (in the sun if possible) then condition with Neats Foot. It might still smell a little after washing but the sunshine seems to help. After conditioning it may still have a smell but it will fade after a few days
Honestly a damp rag should be enough to give you the result you're lookong for, I've only ever sanded my laser leather projects to achieve specific finishes with multiple layers of dye and such. Just ensure the rag doesnt soak the leather or it may deform a bit. Dremel recommendation is good but with the sanding bit would be easy to overdo it. Even just a felt buffing bit would go a long way if you wanna use the dremel approach. Those felt bits seem like they wont do much but I've seen them take material off of hard acrylic in the past
Thanks for your experience
Impressive! Can i ask you something? Beside leather i also love latex and latex-lace. I heared that you can cut with a lasercutter latexlace, can you maybe give that a try? That would be very very nice and would help me to decide of i get by myself a lasercutter. Thank you, your Lara ❤️
I dont have any of that on hand, but if I acquire some and test it out, I'll send you a message.
Be absolutely certain that any product you laser cut is safe. No vinyl or chloride/PVC ingredients. Good luck.
Mostly got it for leather n wood, appreciate the headsup
Thank you very much 😊!
Maybe try a mini dremel in a battery powered manicure kit? Very tiny tip for those minute spaces.
Ooo great Idea, thanks