Laser-cutting Sail Numbers and Insignia

Today I used the laser cutter at work to cut sail numbers and insignia for my Sun Wind II wooden Vintage Marblehead sailboat. Turned out well! I used adhesive-backed insignia sailcloth. It even melted the edges a bit so they won't fray. My only concern is that the melting may have put a rough look onto the edges.

The settings on the laser cutter were 100% speed and 1% power. I might try using even less power next time. The 1% didn't cut, or even scorch, the waxy paper underneath, but I'll do an experiment to see if .5% would more cleanly melt the edges. It's fun messing around in boats, and also laser cutters!

I'll have to see how they look when I pull them all off. If they don't look good then I'll simply cut new ones by hand with a sharp hobby knife.

Here is how the number 7 looked when I pulled off the surrounding material. The edges look slightly rough when you're right up at it, but when you're any more than just a few inches away, it looks good.

In addition, each number is exactly the same. As of right now, I think I'll use them.

More later when I get my sails.

Peace!

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