The Art of Wood 

The underlying human urge for artistic expression mirrors our life’ reliance on the trees around us. However, the relationship between wood and art extends beyond this shared affinity.

Art can be displayed on wood…

The Granville Centre for the Arts is a non-profit organisation managed entirely by volunteers that is dedicated to creating a dynamic, accessible, and welcoming atmosphere for artistic expression. In a nutshell, The Granville Centre was founded on kindness and a desire to share art with the community. It’s no surprise that the walls of such a facility are covered in PureBond, a product manufactured by a company dedicated to “sharing the success.”

The original cinderblock walls of the center’s structure were a cold and unappealing backdrop for art when it was donated! To address this issue, founder Ryan McGuire contacted Columbia Forest Products. The walls are now covered in PureBond, a breath of fresh air that complements the art and artists.

The PureBond walls also provide an interesting backdrop for community theatre, book presentations, art workshops, poetry readings, and other events. Columbia Forest Products hopes that our presence may, in some little way, encourage good things to be experienced in this centre and community.

According to The Granville Centre for the Arts:

“From the custom door to the beautiful wall coverings, the contribution of Columbia’s PureBond panels was invaluable in turning the centre into a true work of art.”
“It’s unusual to come across a company that is so moved by the creative endeavours of a volunteer-based arts centre.” However, CFP’s passion and readiness to help our idea is impressive.”

Here are some musicians performing in the new venue.

Click to understand laser wood

Wood can be used as an artistic medium…

Woodblock printing is one of the oldest forms of printmaking, dating back to the second century. Lyell Castonguay is now dedicated to teaching the public about this historic skill. After working at a studio where he became known for his huge prints, Lyell created BIG INK in 2012. He initially encountered PureBond Cherry panels at that studio. “I was looking for something that was consistent, simple to use, and easy to obtain.” “There are very few voids, and the material quality is very consistent,” he remarked.

Lyell continues to use and suggest Cherry PureBond plywood due to its distinct grain pattern and depth of layers. It also links him to the early woodblock printmakers, who employed solid Cherry blocks. Workshop registrants labour on their wood carvings for months before BIG INK arrives with their iconic BIG Tuna printing press to put it all together. They hold 18 workshops every year, and each participant receives tools, online training, and a sample of PureBond to practise on before carving on full-sized sheets.

That’s right: each attendee prints on at least a 24-inch × 46-inch panel, with some going as large as 40 inches x 96 inches. When asked why he used such a large format, Lyell explained, “It’s the physicality of the process.” I’m a big fan of delayed gratification. It truly takes hours and hours to carve.” He went on to say, “The bigger the piece, the bigger the wow factor.”

This is how it’s done.

His words of wisdom for everyone interested in woodblock printing? Take the risk and give it a shot. “It can be a little nerve-racking, but part of the process is accepting that it will always turn out differently than you expect.” It would be a lot less fun if you knew exactly how it was going to end out.” Lyell remarked that most people can do woodblock printing because it simply requires ink, wood, simple carving tools, and paper.

Register for a BIG INK workshop here. Lyell also hopes to launch a totally online programme in July, allowing beginners to learn on smaller pieces of wood and print at home.

Wood has the potential to be ART…

Cory Bonnet never anticipated that 20 years later, he’d be creating art and preserving artefacts related to the steel industry while working in hardwood plywood distribution.

He was initially introduced to PureBond as a painting medium in 2006, and he was able to access it readily due to his status. Cory still employs PureBond in his artwork nearly two decades and an enormous artefact collection afterwards.

Cory acquired a massive amount of foundry designs, moulds, and equipment related to the steel industry from the late 1800s and early 1900s in June 2021. Cory has worked relentlessly since then to show, protect, and utilise this windfall of history. This prompted him to establish Patterns of Meaning, a 10,000-square-foot studio in downtown Pittsburgh devoted to conveying the tales of the people who founded America.

There, he creates works of art that honour these artefacts and the steelworkers’ past, many of which are painted on PureBond panels. “The birch and maple plywood, with their grain and wave, make it such a good surface to work with,” remarked Cory.

The Art of Wood 

In fact, Cory sees the wood as more than just a medium, but as a guide for the piece’s flow. “The paint adheres to the wood, allowing some of the grain to show through.” I let the grain influence a lot of the painting’s direction. “I like it because it adds details that I don’t have to make,” he said. “I’m pulling things out of the panel instead of building up like I would on a fabric canvas.” The paint and pigments are magically drawn out of the substrate. I don’t have to think about it; all I have to do is enjoy seeing it appear.”

Is MDF or plywood wood for laser engraving?

Both MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) and plywood are suitable materials for laser engraving, and each has its advantages and considerations. The choice between MDF and plywood for laser engraving depends on your specific needs and preferences.

MDF for Laser Engraving:

MDF is a popular choice for laser engraving due to its consistent density and smooth surface. Here are some reasons why MDF is often used:

1. Smooth Surface: MDF has a very smooth and uniform surface, making it ideal for achieving clean and precise laser engravings. The lack of grain patterns or voids allows for detailed and sharp engraving results.
2. Consistency: MDF is highly consistent in terms of density and composition throughout the sheet, ensuring even engraving results across the entire surface.
3. Minimal Charring: MDF typically produces minimal charring or discoloration during laser engraving, especially when properly prepared. It can provide a clean and consistent finish.
4. Affordability: MDF is generally more affordable than plywood for laser , making it a cost-effective choice for laser engraving projects.

Plywood for Laser Engraving:

Plywood can also be used for laser engraving, and it offers some distinct advantages:

1. Natural Wood Grain: If you desire a wood grain appearance in your engraving, plywood is a better choice. It has a genuine wood veneer on the surface, which adds a natural aesthetic to the engraving.
2. Strength and Durability: Plywood is stronger and more durable than MDF, which can be advantageous for applications where structural integrity is important, or if the engraved piece will be subjected to more wear and tear.
3. Thicker Options: Plywood is available in thicker sheets than MDF, which can be useful for projects that require a thicker substrate.
4. Custom Appearance: Plywood can be chosen based on the wood species and veneer type, allowing you to achieve a custom appearance by selecting the desired wood grain and color.

In summary, both MDF and plywood can be used for laser engraving, and the choice depends on your specific requirements. If you prioritize a smooth, uniform surface with minimal charring, MDF is an excellent option. On the other hand, if you prefer the look of wood grain and need a stronger or thicker substrate, plywood might be a better fit. Consider the aesthetic, budget, and structural considerations of your project when deciding between these two materials for laser engraving.

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How does laser wood engraving work?

Laser wood engraving is a precise and versatile process that uses a focused laser beam to etch designs, patterns, text, or images onto the surface of wood. This technology allows for highly detailed and intricate engravings with consistent results.

Here’s how laser wood engraving works:

1. Laser Source: Laser engraving machines are equipped with a laser source, typically a CO2 laser or a fiber laser. The choice of laser type depends on the specific application and the type of laser wood being engraved. CO2 lasers are commonly used for engraving wood, as they provide excellent control and precision.
2. Focused Laser Beam: The laser source emits a highly concentrated and focused beam of light. This beam of light is directed through a series of mirrors and lenses to ensure it remains focused on the wood surface.
3. Wood Preparation: Before engraving, the wood surface must be properly prepared. This typically involves sanding the wood to achieve a smooth and even surface. Some wood types may also benefit from the application of a wood finish or masking tape to reduce scorching or discoloration during the engraving process.
4. Setting Parameters: The operator of the laser engraving machine uses software to create or import the design or artwork that will be engraved onto the wood. Within the software, various parameters are set, including the laser power, speed, and resolution. These settings control the depth and intensity of the engraving.
5. Engraving Process: Once the wood is prepared, and the parameters are set, the laser engraving machine is activated. The focused laser beam follows the designated path determined by the digital design. As the laser beam interacts with the wood surface, it vaporizes or burns away a thin layer of material, creating the engraved pattern or text.
6. Resolution and Detail: Laser wood engraving is known for its high resolution and ability to capture fine details. The beam can create intricate patterns, text as small as a few millimeters in height, and intricate designs with smooth curves.
7. Depth Control: The depth of the engraving can be controlled by adjusting the power and the number of passes made by the laser. Deeper engravings require higher power and multiple passes.
8. Scorching and Discoloration: Depending on the type of wood and the laser parameters, there may be some scorching or discoloration on the engraved edges. Proper parameter settings and surface preparation can minimize this effect.
9. Cooling and Ventilation: Laser engraving machines often incorporate cooling systems to prevent the laser source from overheating during prolonged use. Adequate ventilation and exhaust systems are essential to remove fumes and ensure operator safety.
10. Quality Inspection: After the engraving is completed, the wood surface is inspected for quality. Any residual smoke or debris is usually cleaned from the engraved area.

Foresmate’s Laser wood engraving is widely used for various applications, including custom signage, personalized gifts, woodworking projects, decorative panels, and more. Its precision, speed, and ability to replicate intricate designs make it a popular choice for adding detailed and customized elements to wood surfaces. Additionally, laser engraving is a non-contact process, which minimizes the risk of damaging the wood during the engraving process.