Scott let me know about Martin and Bre’s “new year’s project” on Make in which they use a 25W engraving laser to do a “fingernail etching” using a computer controlled plotter-type device with their hand restrained inside it during the procedure which took just a few frightening but painless seconds. Over time, the “calendar” will grow off of their fingernails — “instead of checking off boxes, we clip off our nails”.
Now, maybe like me you’re saying that’s not really body modification (any more than hairstyles or nail painting is)… But really, there’s no reason that this same method couldn’t be used to do a scarification project on skin as well… I’d just want to be very, very certain the machine was tuned to the right power level!!!
Photo by Bre.
Comments
72 responses to “Fingernail Laser Etching”
I like it !
I like it !
BuddyHaggard — Neat, I didn’t know that… it’s always interesting what “primitive” aspects are left in us.
BuddyHaggard — Neat, I didn’t know that… it’s always interesting what “primitive” aspects are left in us.
This is awesome! I think I could benefit from one that says “Stop biting me” over and over on every nail. 🙂
This is awesome! I think I could benefit from one that says “Stop biting me” over and over on every nail. 🙂
thinking of all the ugly and gross toenails I have seen here some people really should get “clean me” or “I need pedicure” on their nails. I guess I would get “I’m in a hurry” because my fingernails grow very fast.
thinking of all the ugly and gross toenails I have seen here some people really should get “clean me” or “I need pedicure” on their nails. I guess I would get “I’m in a hurry” because my fingernails grow very fast.
wow, that’s pretty awesome. i’m sure my nails grow faster than that, though, but i think a pattern or something would be really pretty if done right
wow, that’s pretty awesome. i’m sure my nails grow faster than that, though, but i think a pattern or something would be really pretty if done right
i really love the idea of this.
i really love the idea of this.
Whether this is classed as a modification or not, I think it looks fanatastic.
Whether this is classed as a modification or not, I think it looks fanatastic.
Fabulous! Too bad my weak nails are always breaking.
Fabulous! Too bad my weak nails are always breaking.
Awesome idea, but there are tons of issues with it being used for scarification. You’re limited by focus – the beam can only be focused on a flat surface (within ~1/8″) or a cylindricalish object with the right tools. Try “engraving” on a curved body surface like your arm and chances are you’ll be better off having someone do it the old way.
Awesome idea, but there are tons of issues with it being used for scarification. You’re limited by focus – the beam can only be focused on a flat surface (within ~1/8″) or a cylindricalish object with the right tools. Try “engraving” on a curved body surface like your arm and chances are you’ll be better off having someone do it the old way.
that’s the greatest idea i’ve seen in a long time. from watching the video, i love how he finds holding his thumb in the hand-clamp hurts him more than actually having the laser go across his thumb 🙂
that’s the greatest idea i’ve seen in a long time. from watching the video, i love how he finds holding his thumb in the hand-clamp hurts him more than actually having the laser go across his thumb 🙂
I posted on my IAM 5 months ago about wanting to use a laser for a scarification/branding. Skin takes a bit higher temperature to burn than a fingernail does, so I was aiming for a 250-300mw laser with a specific focusing lens. Of course, without the money to buy or build said laser, I haven’t been able to try it yet. Should be pretty simple to make a physical stencil first to make sure you keep your lines straight and free-hand it.
I posted on my IAM 5 months ago about wanting to use a laser for a scarification/branding. Skin takes a bit higher temperature to burn than a fingernail does, so I was aiming for a 250-300mw laser with a specific focusing lens. Of course, without the money to buy or build said laser, I haven’t been able to try it yet. Should be pretty simple to make a physical stencil first to make sure you keep your lines straight and free-hand it.