CMC Laser & Prototype

01/16/2025

Just to give you an idea how big or maps are. The first one is our Devils Lake Map.
For reference I'm 6'4".

01/14/2025

Did you know we have the ability to mark the items others can't?

You may have come across some of my company's beautiful lake art, or custom engraved photos, but did you know we offer part marking Service as well.

CMC has a MOPA laser that allows us to mark on so many types of materials. Here are just a few examples of how we use our equipment and what we can do for you.
That's right we can take care of putting that part number on 500 pieces.
Or maybe you need custom swag for your business. We've got your bulk orders for that handled also.
Contact me for a quote. Aluminum Biz card is in the last photo has my contact info and these are also available for that wow look if you'd like!!
www.facebook.com/cmclasergifts
Contact us today for a quote!

01/10/2025

Last photo for today. We're going home to wait out the snow. I'm not sure what the big deal is. Any other time Kelly says 3 inches is no big deal. 🤔🤔🤔

01/10/2025

"Check out this stunning 3D layered laser-cut map of Sugarloaf Lake! 🌊✨ Every detail is crafted with precision, showcasing the depth and layout of the lake. Perfect for lake lovers and art enthusiasts alike! 🛶🎨

01/09/2025

01/09/2025

If you are not using or learning ChatGPT to help run your business you're already very far behind. This is a tool that most people find incredibly intimidating but trust me you're thinking to science fiction.

01/09/2025

"🏞️ Explore Michigan Like Never Before! 🏞️

Discover the beauty of the Great Lakes State with this handcrafted, 3D laser-cut layered map of Michigan State Parks! 🌲 Perfect for adventurers, nature lovers, or anyone proud to call Michigan home.

✨ Features:

Detailed, precision laser-cut design.
Beautifully layered to highlight Michigan’s parks and iconic Great Lakes.
Includes 79 state park locations with a compass detail for a unique touch.
Made from premium wood for a stunning, durable finish.
🎁 At only $150, this piece is a perfect gift or addition to your home, office, or cabin decor.

📍 Show off your love for Michigan and its incredible outdoor destinations! Limited quantities available—order now before they’re gone!

📩 DM us to purchase or for more details!"

01/08/2025

Devils Lake is officially done and ready to go home with you!!!!

01/08/2025

The new layered Michigan State Parks map. This is a design Exclusive to CMC Gifts!

The original LED is in the last Pic

This thing is enormous measuring in at 26"x20"x1.5".

Get yours today for $160!!

[email protected]

01/08/2025

Kelly says don't forget, self-care is just as important as caring for your business.
You are one of the main processes and I don't know about you but I'm not letting my processes fall through the cracks anymore!!

01/07/2025

Here's another one ready for paint!!! This one we filled the roads for a more defined look? What do you think of the new changes.

01/07/2025

Blasting these new designs out today with Kelly Brickner

01/06/2025

I've got some work to do tomorrow!!! 3 done and hundreds more to do!!!

01/06/2025

Don't forget we can handle your bulk swag orders also. Wholesale pricing available for bulk qtys!!

01/06/2025

Devils lake is coming together over here.

01/05/2025

Good morning and Happy Sunday!

Today I want to explore the process for prepping a board in order to make one of the flags you see everywhere. This will be a long writeup. I'll shoot a video to add to the series as well.

These blanks were made using Home Depot 1x8x8 clear pine boards cut down to 14". I've been using these because they were an excellent value, engraved really well, and I liked not having the knots. We have since started moving into 1x8x8 Aspen just because I like the look a little more. This is preference and please don't think you have to go this way. Maple and all hard woods are just are just fine if that's what you have but I have found the lighter the better on the wood.

Now that you've cut your blank at 14" we need to prep the blank. I always try to hit the edges and create just a little chamfer all the way around these. It gives it a very clean and well-made/prepped look. As you start doing more of these you might want to invest in a hand router with a 1/8" radius bit set very light. This one came from Harbor Freight and with the bit ran around 30ish dollars.
So now we have a chamfered and unsanded wood blank and it's time to sand.

We want to sand these to a minimum of a 220grit sandpaper. the finer you can get, the better your flag will look. We have found that 320 minimum works best for us. There is actually science behind woodworking that we recommend you start learning about. Sanding to a minimum of 220 "CLOSES" the grain on your project.
Some finishes, usually more stain based, need the grain open in order to cover well and recommend 180 grit max. . Woodworkers accomplish this by "popping" the grain or spritzing it with water to make the grain Stand up/ open back up. We don't want this; we want the opposite. Smooth to at least 220 grit but preferable 320.
Why does this matter to you?
If the grain is open, it will allow the paint to absorb deeper into the wood making it extremely difficult to get a clean/crisp look. I've included a picture of what this looks like with the eagle. Trust me when I say I've scrapped hundreds of these dialing in a process that allows repeatable results. SAND SAND SAND. It's ok, sanders are you friend laser people. I promise they will only help improve the quality of your projects. It needs to be smooth to the point we can't feel the grain anymore.

Blow the dust off of this well. If you don't have at least a small pancake air compressor or air source, you'll want one ASAP!!! Once we clear coat at the very end anything on the surface will rear its ugly little head and just not look good.

Painting these takes a little practice as well. GLOSS paint is tough to use! We use all flat. This doesn't matter for the final finish. We are going to clear coat these when we're done so our clear coat determines our gloss level, not our base coat. Too heavy a spray and you can't get it to clean up, to light and spots show through. So here's a TIP.
Instead of spraying 6-8 inches away extend that distance out. Our goal is to get a very light dry spray for a first spray. Dry spray occurs when the paint has time to partially dry before reaching the surface. We're trying to keep that grain "CLOSED" so a light coat from around 12ish inches will help. Your conditions will vary and so will this distance. Light even side to side spray. It might look light but that's what we want. Let this dry in a dust free environment for around 15 minutes.
Second coat is pretty simple, just another light coat that is just enough to make it look uniform and covered. DO NOT SPRAY A HEAVY COAT!!!!!!! Move back to your drying area and allow it to dry the next 24 hours.

See you when these are ready, and I'll show you how to get perfect alignment every time inside your Laser. HINT: It's the important red line from the last video.

Official Hobbyist of the USMC