Laser-etching shoes

[Don Carlos]

Do some sort of really cool reverse-pointilism design where, from far away, it looks like an ordinary medallion, but up close, it's actually a penis.

 

[MyOtherLife]

Hope you calibrate that laser properly for depth, or you'll end up cutting yourself a new pair of sandals.

 

[kungapa]

Originally Posted by Man Of Lint

Hope you calibrate that laser properly for depth, or you'll end up cutting yourself a new pair of sandals.

It will be more a matter of strength - the laser cutter doesn't adjust in the Z-axis while cutting. Calibration and what not would be a problem to get very specific and accurate pattern. Therefore, my thinking was that I would engrave some form of abstract line-pattern over the entire shoe - it wouldn't be a remake of some sort of traditional brogueing.

I have a pair of old burgundy Johnston & Murphy Aristofroft wingtips that don't get enough wear. Perhaps they will look better with an etched grid onto them, haha.

 

[Kurt N]

^ Done subtly and to the right scale, it would be like windowpane, except leather instead of tweed!

 

[Poindexter]

******* why? Leather is a noble material. A critter gave its all for this material. Why subject it to such indignity?

 

[alexanduh]

do it.

 

[either/or]

 

[MalfordOfLondon]

 

[PeterMetro]

Originally Posted by Wolfador

I think it might look bad but really want to see it.

+1

 

[either/or]

Please document the process. And while you're at it, do some shoeboxes as well...

 

[culverwood]

Would you not have to do this while the leather was still a flat sheet?

 

[patrickBOOTH]

Originally Posted by Poindexter

******* why? Leather is a noble material. A critter gave its all for this material. Why subject it to such indignity?

Quoted for awesomeness.

 

[either/or]

Originally Posted by Poindexter

******* why? Leather is a noble material. A critter gave its all for this material. Why subject it to such indignity?
-you need to get in touch with your buddhistic self.

 

[kungapa]

Originally Posted by Kurt N

^ Done subtly and to the right scale, it would be like windowpane, except leather instead of tweed!

Kind of what I am thinking. But with much more intricate pattern.

Originally Posted by Poindexter

******* why? Leather is a noble material. A critter gave its all for this material. Why subject it to such indignity?

And here you are trampling all over it?!

Originally Posted by culverwood

Would you not have to do this while the leather was still a flat sheet?

Yes, ideally. What will happen is that the pattern gets distorted by the shape of the shoe.