There are so many things you can do with a laser engraving machine! But engraving a ring with a Fiber laser is tricky.
In this video, Gord from The Laser Nug shows us how to use the PiBurn Grip to engrave a ring.
The video includes handy information on Settings, setup, and engraving options.
We are extremely proud to announce our official partnership with OneLaser!
LensDigital and OneLaser will work together to bring innovative products to the maker community.
Both companies share a common dedication to innovation and customer service. We are thrilled to serve the maker community together.
As partners, we are committed to make the laser journey more enjoyable, productive, and efficient for the maker.
About OneLaser
We are committed to building a genuine, successful, and technologically advanced US laser company that serves American craftspeople and helps develop American businesses
Visit their newly launched site: https://www.1laser.com/
Read more about the company here: https://www.1laser.com/pages/about-us
Empowering Creativity and Success with Sign Parties 101
Dawn Marie, the creative entrepreneur behind Sign Parties 101, embodies the spirit of determination and innovation. Living near Boise, Idaho, she has built a thriving business while raising her family of nine. Dawn started her entrepreneurial journey when she had seven small children under the age of 11 and her husband worked on the road. She often tells people, “If I can do it, anyone can!” This testament to her resilient spirit invites others to explore their creative potential, no matter their circumstances.
When she’s not busy running her business, Dawn is a passionate thrifter who loves hunting for great deals. She tries to get in at least 15,000 steps a day, an achievement that also doubles as a great way to energize herself for her work. Dawn’s passion for creativity shines through in everything she does, and you can often find her in her shop, working diligently on exciting projects for her students.
Dawn's journey into the world of crafting began with making wooden stencil signs from pallets her husband would bring home. Before long, she found herself selling custom signs to eager customers. However, realizing that she needed a way to increase her profit margin without spending an excessive amount of time on each piece, she pivoted to hosting classes. By teaching others how to create their own signs, she quickly scaled her business to an impressive 5 to 9 parties a week during her first year.
In late 2019, Dawn discovered the possibilities presented by laser technology, which would enable her to introduce 3D options to her signs. Excited by this potential, she purchased her first laser that November. By January 2020, she had decided it was time to transition away from physical parties to teaching others to replicate her success. It was during this transformative phase that her true passion for mentoring and guiding others to grow their own creative businesses was ignited.
Today, Dawn has the joy of helping her members and students flourish in their creative ventures. Each month, she provides significant value by offering not only design files but also mentorship, graphics, tutorials, projects, and community support. She is excited to announce the launch of a new wholesale branch of her business, focusing on laser and UV printed finished products. This approach gives her members the opportunity to test the market and begin earning money before investing in their own equipment. Her goal is simple—she wants her members to become profitable enough to eventually soar on their own.
Dawn has reached a diverse audience, attracting customers who are passionate about creativity and want to spread joy through DIY parties, kits, and personalized products. She proudly serves students from over 13 countries, all 50 U.S. states, and every province in Canada. Dawn completely loves hearing their success stories and being a part of their journeys.
When asked about her experience with PiBurn, Dawn reflects on her initial fears regarding tackling a tumbler using a rotary. "To be honest, I was terrified—I didn’t think I’d be able to figure out the technology! But I stumbled upon PiBurn and LensDigital through a Facebook group, and I'm so glad I did!" After purchasing the PiBurn 4.0, she discovered just how simple the process could be. “It made engraving tumblers a breeze! You just plug it in, clip in your tumbler, and you’re good to go! LensDigital did all the hard work to make it user-friendly, and I’m so thankful for that.”
Dawn draws inspiration from many sources, but she is particularly driven by the desire to improve each day. “I strive to be better than I was yesterday. Learning and tackling challenges continuously propels me forward,” she shares. Dawn's down-to-earth advice for those just starting out is to embrace the things that scare you. “Step out of your comfort zone and treat each experience as a positive lesson. Remember, don’t compare your chapter 1 to someone else’s chapter 20. Stay authentic, appreciate each day as a gift, and share your passions with the world—it needs more of you!”
With such a vibrant personality and genuine warmth, it’s no wonder that Dawn Marie embraces her creations so wholeheartedly. “I really can’t choose favorites; every new project is my favorite! Whether it's a sign, a tumbler, or a pair of printed acrylic earrings, each piece holds a special place in my heart!”
Whether she’s teaching a class, crafting a new project, or supporting her community of creatives, Dawn Marie is truly making her mark in the world of DIY and entrepreneurship. As she continues to empower others, there’s no limit to the creativity and joy she inspires in everyone around her!
Want to connect with Dawn on social media? Check out her links and don’t forget to visit her website!
Email: signparties101@gmail.com
Instagram: @sign.parties.101
TikTok: @signparties_101
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/signparties101
Before getting creative with your laser engraver, you need to learn the lingo! This glossary was made for you to quickly learn the most important and commonly used terms when using your laser engraver with your laser rotary attachment. Not only will this glossary help you get familiar and master your equipment, if will also allow to short circuit the learning curve and jump into a sea of profits faster! Let's get right into it. Glossary of Laser Engraving Terms Steps Per Rotation (a.k.a. Pulses per Rotation): This setting determines how many steps or pulses the motor needs to rotate the object 360 degrees. It’s crucial for ensuring that your engravings are not squished or stretched. The exact value depends on your laser machine's setup and can be found by checking your stepper driver’s DIP switch settings. To dial in the settings even further, you will need to perform the 100mm Test. Getting these settings right will enable you to engrave precisely what you see in your design software and will also help you master full wraps Object Diameter: The actual diameter of the cylindrical object you are engraving. This is different from the roller diameter used in other rotary types and is essential for calculating the correct movement during engraving. You will need to measure the diameter of your object when working with a chuck rotary such as the PiBurn Grip. We recommend a good caliper! Roller Diameter: The diameter of the rollers on the rotary device that hold and rotate the object. This is usually fixed and used in software settings to calculate the object’s rotation. If you are using the PiBurn roller rotaries the diameter is 66mm Y-Axis: In laser engraving, the Y-axis refers to the movement of the laser head along the depth axis of the machine (towards and away from you). When using a rotary attachment, the Y-axis is typically replaced by the rotation of the object. Z-Axis: This is the vertical axis in a laser machine and moves the laser head up and down. On smaller machines this can be a limiting factor to the range of items you can engrave on a rotary. Check your machines documentation and get a lower profile rotary such as the PiBurn Grip2 for smaller machines.
Gantry: A laser gantry refers to the metal structure in a laser machine that moves the laser head across the work area. It is typically composed of a framework with rails or beams, along which the laser head travels, allowing it to position itself precisely above the material to be cut or engraved. The movement of the gantry, usually in the X and Y directions, is controlled by motors, enabling the laser to reach different parts of the workpiece as the laser fires at exactly the right time. In the context of using a rotary attachment, the laser gantry is important because it must be positioned and aligned correctly over the rotary device to ensure accurate engraving on cylindrical objects. When setting up the PiBurn, you may need to move the rotary manually and run the red laser beam between the alignment indicators on the rotary until they are aligned. Rotary Attachment: A device that replaces the Y-axis movement with rotation, allowing for engraving on cylindrical objects like mugs, bottles, and tumblers. The PiBurn is an example of a high-end rotary attachment. There are many other rotaries and they all have different features to suit varying needs and budgets. They mostly fall into two buckets: Roller and Chuck rotaries.
Roller Rotary: A roller is a rotary attachment for your laser engraver that uses either rollers (sometimes called hot-dog rollers) or a system of wheels to turn your object. PiBurn V is a roller style rotary. They are simple to use and quick to swap items. However they rely on friction and are not as precise as chuck rotaries for full wraps. A full comparison can be found here. Chuck-Style Rotary: A type of rotary attachment, like the PiBurn Grip, that uses jaws to hold the object securely in place while it rotates. This is different from roller-style rotaries, which rely on friction to rotate the object. A full comparison can be found here. Focal Distance: The distance from the laser lens to the surface of the material being engraved. Proper focal distance ensures that the laser beam is at its most focused and powerful point, resulting in a clean, precise engraving.
Defocusing: The practice of slightly altering the focal distance from the ideal focus point to achieve specific effects, such as softer engravings or broader lines. In some cases, defocusing is used intentionally to create a desired visual effect, especially on curved surfaces where perfect focus might produce a more jagged look on the tumbler.
Full Wrap: A Full wrap is a popular style of engraving on a tumbler where the design wraps around the whole circumference of the tumbler. This could be a repeating pattern or not. They can be tricky to get perfect or "seamless" but are highly desired by customers. A high-end rotary is recommended for full wraps where you cannot see the seam. Here is a step by step video tutorial. Acceleration and Speed Settings: These settings control how fast the laser head moves between engraving points and how quickly it accelerates. Lowering these settings when using a rotary attachment prevents the object from slipping or flying off during rotation. Homing: The process by which the laser engraver establishes its starting position. When using a rotary attachment, you may need to manually home the Y-axis since it is disabled or replaced by the rotary. DIP Switches: Small switches on the stepper motor driver that set the motor's operation parameters, including the number of steps per rotation. These need to be checked to determine the correct steps per rotation for your machine. You may still need to dial in your steps using the 100mm test. V-Slot Rail: A structural component on which parts of the rotary attachment, like the PiBurn, slide to adjust the position and alignment of the object being engraved.
Linear Guide Rail: Some rotaries use a linear guide rail in addition to the V-Slot rail to ensure even more precise movement and reduce the need for alignment. PiBurn V and Grip 2 are high-end rotaries that use this dual-rail system. Back Wheels/Rollers: Components at the rear of the rotary attachment that support and help in leveling the object. Proper alignment of the back wheels is crucial for consistent rotation and engraving accuracy. Clamp: A mechanism used to hold objects securely on the rotary attachment, especially for objects with handles or those that are not perfectly cylindrical. The clamp is used on roller rotaries but is not needed on chuck rotaries. Laser Head: The part of the laser engraver that emits the laser beam used for cutting or engraving materials. Proper alignment and focusing of the laser head are crucial for achieving the desired engraving quality. Slipping/Jumping Off: A situation where the object being engraved moves out of position during rotation, often due to inadequate weight or improper clamping. Adding weight or adjusting the clamp can prevent this. Slowing down your frame speeds helps. Chuck rotaries can also help avoid jumping.
Y-Slop Error: This error occurs when the Y-axis of the laser machine reaches its maximum or minimum coordinate limit, causing the machine to stop and display an error. This error can have different names on different machines and is common when using a rotary attachment, as the machine doesn’t account for the infinite rotation of the object and tries to move beyond the physical limits of the laser bed. It is also called SLOP error, limit error, and simply SLOP. To fix it, move the Y-axis to a position closer to 0mm using the control panel’s arrow keys. Reset the starting position by pressing the "Origin" button. Here is our video explaining how to do this in LightBurn.
Walking: "Walking" refers to the unwanted movement of an object (like a tumbler) back and forth during engraving due to insufficient clamping, irregularities on the object or poor alignment. This typically happens when engraving cylindrical objects with uneven weight distribution or objects that are not properly secured on the rotary attachment. To avoid this, you can use the front and back end-stops on the rotary to prevent the object from moving forward or backward. Does not happen on chuck rotaries.
The Bottle Effect: This occurs when you place a bottle with a narrow neck and wide body onto the rotary. If you position the narrow neck on the roller wheels, the engraving on the wider body may come out stretched. This happens because the laser doesn’t account for the difference in the distance traveled by the narrow and wide parts. There are several ways to fix this and it does not happen with chuck rotaries. Beam Alignment: The process of aligning the laser beam with the center of the rotary attachment to ensure even engraving across the entire surface of the object. Framing: A function in the laser software that allows you to trace the outline of your design on the object before actually engraving, helping to ensure proper positioning. 100mm test: The 100 millimeter test is a process to determine the right steps per rotation for your machine. You must perform this test once, when you first dial in your rotary. The process is simple and takes only a few minutes but it is very important to get this right! It involves drawing a 100mm line on masking tape, wrapping it around a cylindrical object, and then running a test engraving of a 100mm line on the object. If the engraved line matches the length of the drawn line, the settings are correct. If not, adjustments to the steps per rotation or object diameter need to be made. Here is a step by step video.
LightBurn: This is a popular design software that communicates with your laser and lets you engrave different designs. We hope you find this glossary helpful and if there are any other terms you want us to add just type them in the comments!
Welcome to our collection of useful video tutorials for laser engraving using a laser rotary attachment.One of the first things you will need to do is to set up your steps per rotation. This setting determines how many steps or pulses the motor needs to rotate the object 360 degrees. It’s crucial for ensuring that your engravings are not squished or stretched. The exact value depends on your laser machine’s setup and can be found by checking your stepper driver’s DIP switch settings. To dial in the settings even further, you will need to perform the 100mm Test. Getting these settings right will enable you to engrave precisely what you see in your design software and will also help you master full wraps. Here is a step by step guide:[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-1OfaigDsg&t=0s[/embed]Next, you will want to understand user origin and avoid the dreaded Y-SLOP Over error that plagues so many rotary engravers. This error occurs when the Y-axis of the laser machine reaches its maximum or minimum coordinate limit, causing the machine to stop and display an error. This error can have different names on different machines and is common when using a rotary attachment, as the machine doesn’t account for the infinite rotation of the object and tries to move beyond the physical limits of the laser bed. It is also called SLOP error, limit error, and simply SLOP. To fix it, move the Y-axis to a position closer to 0mm using the control panel’s arrow keys. Reset the starting position by pressing the “Origin” button. Here is our video explaining how to do this in LightBurn.[embed]https://youtu.be/spi-B7qGKMw?si=yl5-UCUMzNTu7HPT[/embed]Next, you will want to achieve mastery and tackle your first full wrap design. A Full wrap is a popular style of engraving on a tumbler where the design wraps around the whole circumference of the tumbler. This could be a repeating pattern or not. They can be tricky to get perfect or “seamless” but are highly desired by customers. A high-end rotary is recommended for full wraps where you cannot see the seam. Here is a step by step video:[embed]https://youtu.be/unJztHc7ohU?si=Kivtx946mgW0E9a0[/embed]We hope you found these video tutorials useful on your laser engraving journey! Reach out to us with any questions using the help button on this page.
Image credit: 307 Cups
Tumblers are HOT right now! This is why you should look into getting a laser rotary for your laser engraver, if you haven't already. Laser rotary engraving opens up a world of possibilities for customizing cylindrical objects like tumblers, bottles, and glassware. We have a great blog series on how makers just like you make a niche for themselves, while making a living from selling tumblers on Etsy and the like. While it may seem daunting at first, with the right tools and a bit of practice, you can achieve exceptional results and sell professional looking drinkware into all sorts of new markets.
This guide will walk you through the basics of laser rotary engraving, provide tips and tricks, and include a step-by-step tutorial on getting started with LightBurn (a great laser software), focusing on engraving a tumbler.
Getting Started with Laser Rotary Engraving
Tools You Need:
Laser Engraving Machine: You need a laser! Ensure your laser engraving machine is compatible with rotary attachments, ask the sales rep or their support if in doubt. Here are some of our partners - check out their machines, they are all compatible with the PiBurn rotary. Boss, Aeon, OMtech, Thunder Laser Canada, Laguna Tools. PRO TIP. Get a CO2 machine to be able to engrave on the vast majority of tumblers. This is by far the most versatile laser variety for your rotary laser engraivng. It works by lasering the powder coating right off! Get a Fiber machine for stainless steel tumblers and a UV marking machine for glass.
Laser Rotary Attachment: PiBurn Grip or Roller are excellent choices for holding cylindrical objects securely and rotating them while your laser engraves. Find out which one is right for you.
Software: LightBurn is highly recommended for its user-friendly interface and powerful features. It is compatible with all the machines listed above. Beware of machines that are not compatible with LightBurn! Usually not a great sign.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Laser Rotary Attachment
1. Initial Assembly and Unboxing of the PiBurn Laser Rotary
Your PiBurn comes with a nifty "Thank you" card that has a link to the manual. Read it! The Manual is your friend.
PiBurn Grip: Unbox the Grip and mount the Grip head on the bracket (see the included instructions card). This is EASY and takes less than one minute. Make sure not to lose any of the jaws and tools included in the box.
PiBurn V4: No assembly is required. If your machine has a dedicated rotary port, plug it in. If not, disconnect the Y-axis motor and connect the rotary attachment in its place.
2. Things to keep in mind for setup
Object Diameter: For the Grip: You will need to measure the diameter of your engraving object (e.g., tumbler). For PiBurn V4 - use 62mm for the diameter of the wheels. Remember for chuck rotaries like the Grip, the diameter of the object needs to be entered each time.
Steps Per Rotation: You will have to determine the steps per rotation for your specific machine. Common values are listed in the PiBurn manual. For unlisted machines, check the stepper driver settings.
3. Configuring LightBurn Software for Your Laser Rotary Attachment
Open LightBurn and start a new project. Go to Rotary Setup (Ctrl+Shift+R).
Change Rotary Type to “Chuck” for the Grip or “Roller” for the PiBurn V4.
Enable the rotary attachment. You will come back to these settings later after we dial in the rotary and get the diameter of the object.
Engraving a Tumbler: A Quick Tutorial
1. Prepare Your Tumbler
Measure and note the diameter of the tumbler if you ae using the Grip.
Clean the tumbler surface to prep for engraving. Be sure that your tumbler has a powder coat, stainless steel tumblers should not be engraved on a CO2 laser, but rather on a Fiber laser.
2. Set Up Your PiBurn Rotary Attachment
Place the PiBurn on the laser bed. If using magnetic feet, ensure they are secure.
Grip: Insert the tumbler into the grip jaws. Make sure its snug and not slipping. You might want to use the included lever tools for leverage. Adjust the height and tilt for even alignment.
PiBurn: Secure the tumbler with the clamp, ensuring it is centered and level. Use the back stopper to prevent any walking during the engrave.
Make sure your rotary is aligned to the gantry of the laser, otherwise your images will look skewed.
3. Finish Configuring your LightBurn file for Laser Rotary Engraving
In rotary settings, insert the diameter of your object that you noted earlier.
Draw a 100mm line (or 4 inches) in LightBurn. This will be used for the 100mm test.
Set the power to a low setting (1-10%) and speed to 20mm/s to avoid burning the test line.
Position the laser head over the starting point on the tumbler.
4. Perform the 100mm Test (Video)
Use LightBurn’s Frame function to check the alignment. The laser should trace the 100mm line without firing.
Adjust the object diameter or steps per rotation if the laser doesn’t match the line length.
You can also purchase an alignment tumbler to make your life easier.
Tips and Tricks for Beginners in Laser Rotary Engraving
Safety First: Always wear protective eyewear and never leave the laser unattended while operating.
Rotate Slow: Ensure the rotary attachment moves slowly when framing, especially for the PiBurn, to prevent the object from slipping or flying off.
Center Alignment: Align your rotary to the gantry of your laser engraver. Use the markings on the PiBurn of get a PiCAT calibration tumbler. Use the included FREE bubble level to ensure your object is perfectly horizontal. Be careful! Misalignment can lead to distorted engravings.
Adjust Idle Speed: Lower the idle and acceleration speed in LightBurn to prevent sudden movements that can dislodge the object.
Use Test Runs: Always perform test runs on similar, less valuable objects to fine-tune your settings before engraving the final piece. PRO TIP: Use painters tape and fire a test run at 10% power over the tape!
Regular Maintenance: Keep your PiBurn clean, especially the O-rings, to maintain good traction and accurate engravings. The Grip might need some lubrication around the shaft after several months of heavy use. The PiBurn might need aligning to the wheels and tightening the belt. See this video on PiBurn maintenance. (NOT NEEDED ON PIBURN 5!)
Image coming out stretched? Read this to solve the issue.
Mastering the art of laser rotary engraving requires patience and practice. By following this guide and using the PiBurn rotary attachment with LightBurn software, you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning customized cylindrical objects and selling them on Etsy or in your local markets. Remember, the key is in the details – from precise measurements to careful alignment, and lots of patience, every step contributes to your ultimate success. If you get stuck, lean on our community to get help right away.
Stick with it and happy engraving!
Browsing through PiBurn Labs one day, I saw this beauty of a cup:
I know, it's gorgeous. For the Stanley aficionados, this is one of those rare Stanley cups that was available in 2022 and is no longer available.
This beauty is called the OG Cream & Copper Magnolia
The older discontinued models are referred to as "OG", and the value of this cup, driven by scarcity and demand, is now nearly $400. Not a typo.
For an expensive cup like that, only the best laser engraving equipment will do, as many engravers would be too nervous to touch this one-of-a-kind cup for the fear of messing it up and losing a lot of value for them and their customer. How did BreAnn work up the confidence to take on jobs like that?
For now, let's back up a bit.
BreAnn and Albert Dutra kicked off their laser adventure in 2020 with a pretty nice machine, an Omtech 60 watt laser. Albert's the guy who makes sure everything is running smoothly tech-wise, and BreAnn's got the eye for design. They took this laser journey from a side gig into BreAnn's main job in 2023, after she had to leave her 15-year career in a salon.
They got their two teens chipping in here and there, hoping they'll dig lasering as much as they do. What really got them excited was making those awesome designs on Tumblers, but they wanted to up their game.
That's when they found the rotary called PiBurn Omni, a game-changer that let them do even cooler stuff with amazing precision - and confidence!
Recently, they've gone even bigger and got themselves a CO2 galvo laser, mainly for working on tumblers, and it's been a huge boost. (Yes, the PiBurn is compatible). It's clear these guys are all about getting better and making sure they can deliver top-notch work that their customers love.
Make sure to check out their shop: https://theburnshack.com/ and give them a follow on Facebook.
The Dutras were not afraid to take risks, to invest in themselves and their equipment and now they are crushing it in the laser engraving world, turning a passion into a thriving family business. Just take a look at some of their awesome work:
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Now, back to that epic Stanley cup.
This particular cup was a send-in. That's when a customer sends in their cup in for an engraving. The customer paid $300 for the cup alone!
BreAnn charged $75 for the engraving. This cup took one hour to engrave and she did have to take off the handle and then attach it back again after engraving.
What is her advice to other engravers?
So one thing I will say is, if you aren't sure, absolutely do not take a customers cup. This particular cup cost my customer $300 alone (that was before she sent it to me) and I charged her $75 to engrave it. The only way to ensure you don't go too deep is to test on other cups and make sure you have your settings down. Most of these cups all use the same settings (for me anyway) there are a few exceptions, where they might need a bit more power. But that knowledge or instinct comes with experience. As far as pricing goes, everyone is so different. You kind of have to determine how much you want to make, and go from there. Hopefully that makes sense
Words of wisdom!
We're so happy to feature BreAnn and Albert in our PiBurn Gigs series! A huge thanks from the whole community for sharing your work, experience, and advice. That's what makes this makers' community so amazing!
Make sure to check out their shop https://theburnshack.com/ and give them a follow on Facebook.
Don't forget Insta and TikTok!
Want more tips and strategies? Check out the rest of the PiBurn Gigs series here, and don't forget to grab a PiBurn Omni for your laser.
Happy PiBurning from Heather, Len and Stan at LensDigital.
Today we wanted to share a comprehensive review and comparison of the PiBurn Grip from Brandt Workman of BeardedBuilds.
Brandt Workman is an affiliate of LensDigital and also runs Bearded Builds: https://beardedbuildsco.com/ as well as a YouTube channel with over 15k subscribers. He recorded a comprehensive review of the PiBurn Laser rotary contrasting it with other laser rotaries.
Here is a brief breakdown of the contest and the actual video itself. Enjoy it!
Introduction to Rotary Comparisons (0:00 - 14:00)
Brandt introduces the topic of comparing different rotary tools, focusing on the PiBurn Grip.
Comparing Three Rotary Types (14:00 - 106:00)
Mansfield Rotary: A four-wheel rotary, simple but lacks precision adjustments.
Chuck Rotary: Used primarily for fiber, has slots for a threaded table, but lacks flexibility and adjustment for angle.
Piburn Grip: Combines features of the first two with additional versatility and precision. Toolless chuck head for easy cup changes.
Demonstrating Adjustments and Versatility (106:00 - 300:00)
Brandt demonstrates various adjustments on the Piburn Grip, highlighting its precision and user-friendliness.
Illustrates how different cup sizes can be easily accommodated and adjusted for level and stability.
Testing with Various Objects (300:00 - 1066:00)
The Piburn Grip's flexibility is tested with different items like a shot glass, wine tumbler, Stanley cup, and a dog bowl.
Brandt shows how extensions and adjustments on the Piburn Grip make it suitable for a wide range of objects.
Conclusion and Recommendation (1066:00 - 1292:00)
Brandt concludes that the Piburn Grip is superior in versatility, user-friendliness, and flexibility compared to other rotaries.
Recommends the Piburn Grip for its ability to handle a wide range of items and mentions an affiliate discount code at the end of the video
https://youtu.be/W7mEjb2JP5M?si=nnvzbNOtmsBHCYQu
Thank you for watching this comprehensive review and comparison of the PiBurn Grip from Brandt Workman of BeardedBuilds.
Meet Stephanie Murphy, owner of The Country Porch Swing and admin of two laser and UV-printing Facebook groups!
Stephanie is a remarkable woman who has seamlessly transitioned from a successful career in the dental field to becoming a thriving entrepreneur, wife, and mother of two. With over 18 years of experience in the dental industry, including nine years as a skilled dental hygienist, Stephanie's journey is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and passion for helping others. Stephanie's professional journey began in the dental field, where she honed her expertise for nearly two decades. Her dedication and commitment as a dental hygienist for nine years not only showcased her technical proficiency but also revealed her innate ability to connect with people on a personal level.
Driven by her love for creating things, Stephanie decided to channel her passion into a new venture. Venturing into the entrepreneurial world, she started her own business, combining her craftiness with her invaluable experience in the dental field. This leap of faith not only highlighted her entrepreneurial spirit but also underscored her determination to explore new horizons. Stephanie's versatility extends beyond her creative pursuits. Known for her handy and resourceful nature, she has always been the go-to person for friends and family seeking advice on a variety of topics. Whether it's a DIY project or a business-related query, Stephanie is always ready to share her knowledge and lend a helping hand.
In her role as a wife and mother, Stephanie effortlessly balances her family responsibilities with the demands of entrepreneurship. Her ability to navigate the challenges of both worlds speaks volumes about her organizational skills and resilience. Stephanie's story is an inspiration to those looking to embark on new chapters in their lives. Through her journey, she exemplifies the power of pursuing one's passion, adapting to change, and supporting others along the way. As she continues to make waves in her business and personal life, Stephanie remains a beacon of motivation for aspiring entrepreneurs and individuals seeking to turn their hobbies into successful ventures.
I asked Stephanie to tell me a bit more about her personal life!
I was born in raised in Southwest Kansas, but currently live near Kansas City. I Have two children, my son is 16 and a sophomore in highschool and my daughter is 20 and is attending college. When I am not busy running my laser business you can find me fishing with my husband, reading, or just enjoying the great outdoors.
When asked how Stephanie's laser adventure began, I got to hear so much more about her background and how she got started!
It all started with a vinyl cutter. Isn't that how all laser journey's begin? I think deep down I have always been a maker, even before I knew it. My grandfather was a wood worker and I tell this story a lot but I used to sit down with him from the age of 2 and he would let me hammer nails or clamp things with the wood clamps. My mom is a maker of just about everything. She has crafted, sewn, done woodworking, and pretty much dabbled in just about every craft you can imagine. My dad was the handiest person imaginable, he could fix anything and everything. I have no idea how he learned to do everything he could do because he taught himself before youtube or the internet was ever even a thing. I never really got to into woodworking or making until I was in my early 30's. I started with hand painted signs as just a hobby, graduated to a vinyl cutter, people started to ask me to make them things and encouraged me to start an Etsy, and then somehow it turned into a laser business.
Stephanie currently runs her laser business full time. She is lucky enough to have a large unfinished basement that is her shop. Her equipment? She has an Aeon Mira 9 90 watt laser and just added a Mimaki 6042 UV Printer to pair with her laser!
I sell my products mostly online and occasionally do a craft fair locally, but I really don't enjoy doing shows so I stick to online sales mostly.I have my own website, an Etsy shop, Tiktok Shop, and sell locally by word of mouth.I love online sales because I never have to leave my home and with the power of social media you can put your products in front of the whole world.The downside is, is there is a lot of competition online.So you have to really work hard to get noticed.I have dabbled with the idea of having a brick and mortar shop one day, or a warehouse but I also like the convenience of being able to work at my leisure.
Stephanie's laser business exists because of her love to create all things and help others.
I work hard to create numerous types of products and despite what the "experts" will tell you, I really have no intention of finding a niche. I can't see myself ever limiting myself because at that point I would be bored. What's the point of doing this if I am not doing what I enjoy? What I enjoy is learning new techniques, making a variety of things, being creative, and then showing other people what they can do too!
So, how did Stephanie make the decision to join the PiBurn family and eventually become one of our amazing LensDigital Innovators?
The PiBurn has been an essential tool in my business for engraving tumblers. I can't remember where I originally heard about it because I am in so many laser groups and communities on social media, but I know it was there somewhere. It's so highly regarded as the top rotary in it's class that I can't imagine anyone not having heard of it.When I graduated from my Glowforge and was able to finally do tumblers I received a standard rotary with my laser.It worked ok for simple things like skinny tumblers but after using it one time on a tapered project and making a video about how I felt like I needed to upgrade but also felt like I should learn the standard rotary before investing in a PiBurn, everyone encouraged me to just get the PiBurn. So basically peer pressure pushed me to do it and it was the best decision I could have made.I can't imagine running tumblers without it now.
What inspires Stephanie to keep going through all of the hectic things that business owners have to handle, while also finding a happy work/life balance?
My true inspiration in life and everything I do comes from my dad. He didn't fear any challenge and if he did, he never showed it. I always thought of him as the guy who could do anything. When I struggle and I feel like I can't do something I think about what he would tell me. He did things without giving a thought to what people thought of him and it was never a matter of "what if I fail" it was always "what's next". The rest of my inspiration comes from everyone around me. Some of my drive comes from the negativity and my "I'll show them" attitude, and the rest of it comes from seeing so many other inspirational people doing amazing things and wanting to be a part of that.
The majority of Stephanie's business is personalized gifts, but she doesn't currently offer a lot of tumblers because she's been SO busy with other projects and planning that she hasn't had enough hours in the day!
It's a real bummer though because I really love doing full wraps and engraving on all types of tumblers. Eventually I want to invest in a laser dedicated specifically to tumblers so that I don't have to disconnect and reconnect my PiBurn. I also hope to get a PiBurn Grip in the future when I start increasing the number of tumblers I am doing. So many pieces of equipment on the wishlist, so many things I want to do, and so little time!
When I asked Stephanie what her biggest piece of advice is for makers who are just starting out on their business-owner journey and what they can expect, she had wonderful advice!
Learn everything you can and be patient. Hone your craft and your skill. This is not a business or hobby that you are going to come into knowing everything while also making a lot of money. It's very hard to find the right products and do everything you need to do to make it successful but you can get there if you take the time and put the work in. I see a lot of new laser owners buying lasers and thinking it's going to be a quick money maker, but not really understanding all of the blood, sweat, and tears that they are going to have to endure to get there. I also see them comparing themselves to people who have been in the business a long time and getting discouraged because they're not at the same level. We are all on different paths and our situations are different. Take each challenge as a learning experience and don't let failure stop you from pushing forward. Also, know that you WILL fail at something along the way and it's ok. Lastly, just do the thing.It sounds cliche but over analyzing and waiting for the perfect situation can slow down progress so get moving.
Getting to learn more about our PiBurners and what led them to find LensDigital and trust in our products is one of my favorite parts of my role on the LensDigital team! It was fantastic getting to learn more about you, Stephanie!
Want to check out more of Stephanie's products and connect with her on social media? Check out the links below for all of her contact info and don't forget to give her a follow!
The Country Porch Swing Website: https://www.thecountryporchswing.com
The Country Porch Swing TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecountryporchswing
The Country Porch Swing Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecountryporchswing
The Country Porch Swing Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thecountryporchswing
The Country Porch Swing Facebook Laser Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2774069676058497/?mibextid=uJjRxr
Fire & Ink - UV Printing and Laser Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/348143927672171
