Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago
00:00 - Start
00:06 - Intro
03:25 - Tips for holding down the hat brim
05:10 - Making the Jig in LightBurn
09:05 - Making the inner protection part of the jig
12:00 - Lens tip for easy engraving
willieanddollydesigns.com/collections/blank-hats
Creating a Simple Jig for Engraving Wide Brim Hats: Tips and Techniques
Engraving wide brim hats can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to ensuring that the brim remains flat during the engraving process. In this guide, we will explore how to create a simple jig that will help you achieve professional results. We will cover the materials needed, the design process using LightBurn, and effective techniques for securing the hat.
Hello, I’m Robert Kofed from Computer Creations. Today, I want to share my experience with engraving wide brim hats and how I set up a jig to make the process easier and more effective. Although I haven't engraved many hats, the ones I have done turned out well, and I believe that with the right setup, you can achieve great results too.
## Understanding the Jig Setup
The primary challenge when engraving wide brim hats is keeping the brim flat to ensure an even engraving. I used a Thunder Nova 35.100 CO2 laser for my engravings, and while the results were good, I noticed some areas where I needed to adjust the power settings. For my engravings, I used a speed of 600 mm/s at 20% power and 318 lines per inch.
### Measuring the Hat
To create the jig, the first step is to measure the hat. Here’s how I did it:
1. **Measure the Height and Width**: Use a tape measure to get the dimensions of the hat.
2. **Measure the Inside Dimension**: This is crucial for ensuring that the jig fits the hat properly.
Once you have these measurements, you can proceed to design the jig in LightBurn.
## Designing the Jig in LightBurn
### Creating the Jig Shape to
1. **Open LightBurn**: Start by launching the software.
2. **Draw the Oval**: Using the measurements from the hat, create an oval shape that is a quarter inch larger than the hat’s dimensions. This allows for a little extra space around the perimeter.
3. **Adjust for the Crown**: Make sure the jig is about half an inch larger than the measurement where the crown of the hat starts to roll. This ensures that the brim sits flat.
### Material Selection
I made my jig out of 3/8 inch material, which I had on hand. I also added 5-inch legs made from curtain rods to elevate the jig. This setup is straightforward and effective.
## Securing the Hat
One of the biggest challenges is keeping the hat securely in place during engraving. Here’s the method I used:
1. **Masking Tape**: Cover the perimeter of the jig with 3-inch wide masking tape. This will help in securing the hat without leaving residue.
2. **Two-Sided Tape**: Apply thin strips of two-sided tape on top of the masking tape. I recommend using FastCap speed tape, but any thin two-sided tape will work.
3. **Additional Masking Tape**: Place strips of masking tape on the underside of the jig. This creates a barrier between the two-sided tape and the hat, preventing any residue from sticking to the hat.
When you place the hat in the jig, the two-sided tape will grip the masking tape, keeping the brim flat and secure during engraving.
## Cutting the Jig
After designing the jig in LightBurn, you can cut it out using your laser. Here’s a quick overview of the cutting process:
1. **Select the Shapes**: Choose both the interior and exterior ovals you created.
2. **Group and Cut**: Group the shapes and send them to the laser for cutting. You can use either 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch material, depending on your preference.
## Creating an Insert for the Hat
To protect the crown of the hat during engraving, I created an insert:
1. **Measure the Insert**: The insert should measure 8.5 inches tall by 7 inches wide.
2. **Use Aluminum Tape**: Cover the insert with aluminum tape to protect it from soot and to reflect any engraving that might come close to the edges.
## Engraving Techniques
When it comes to engraving, I recommend using a 4-inch lens for better focus and depth. Here’s why:
- **Deeper Focus Area**: A 4-inch lens has a deeper infocus area, which helps in achieving a cleaner engraving.
- **Removing the Extension Tube**: By removing the extension tube, you can avoid smoke contamination on the hat and ensure better clearance for any undulations in the hat’s edge.
## Conclusion
Creating a jig for engraving wide brim hats is a straightforward process that can significantly improve your results. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your hats are engraved evenly and professionally. Remember to adjust your laser settings as needed and always test your setup before proceeding with your final engravings. I hope you found this guide helpful. If you enjoyed this content, please consider liking and subscribing for more tips and tricks in the future.
---
Generated by Galaxy.ai YouTube Summarizer
00:00 - Start
00:06 - Intro
03:25 - Tips for holding down the hat brim
05:10 - Making the Jig in LightBurn
09:05 - Making the inner protection part of the jig
12:00 - Lens tip for easy engraving
willieanddollydesigns.com/collections/blank-hats
Creating a Simple Jig for Engraving Wide Brim Hats: Tips and Techniques
Engraving wide brim hats can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to ensuring that the brim remains flat during the engraving process. In this guide, we will explore how to create a simple jig that will help you achieve professional results. We will cover the materials needed, the design process using LightBurn, and effective techniques for securing the hat.
Hello, I’m Robert Kofed from Computer Creations. Today, I want to share my experience with engraving wide brim hats and how I set up a jig to make the process easier and more effective. Although I haven't engraved many hats, the ones I have done turned out well, and I believe that with the right setup, you can achieve great results too.
## Understanding the Jig Setup
The primary challenge when engraving wide brim hats is keeping the brim flat to ensure an even engraving. I used a Thunder Nova 35.100 CO2 laser for my engravings, and while the results were good, I noticed some areas where I needed to adjust the power settings. For my engravings, I used a speed of 600 mm/s at 20% power and 318 lines per inch.
### Measuring the Hat
To create the jig, the first step is to measure the hat. Here’s how I did it:
1. **Measure the Height and Width**: Use a tape measure to get the dimensions of the hat.
2. **Measure the Inside Dimension**: This is crucial for ensuring that the jig fits the hat properly.
Once you have these measurements, you can proceed to design the jig in LightBurn.
## Designing the Jig in LightBurn
### Creating the Jig Shape to
1. **Open LightBurn**: Start by launching the software.
2. **Draw the Oval**: Using the measurements from the hat, create an oval shape that is a quarter inch larger than the hat’s dimensions. This allows for a little extra space around the perimeter.
3. **Adjust for the Crown**: Make sure the jig is about half an inch larger than the measurement where the crown of the hat starts to roll. This ensures that the brim sits flat.
### Material Selection
I made my jig out of 3/8 inch material, which I had on hand. I also added 5-inch legs made from curtain rods to elevate the jig. This setup is straightforward and effective.
## Securing the Hat
One of the biggest challenges is keeping the hat securely in place during engraving. Here’s the method I used:
1. **Masking Tape**: Cover the perimeter of the jig with 3-inch wide masking tape. This will help in securing the hat without leaving residue.
2. **Two-Sided Tape**: Apply thin strips of two-sided tape on top of the masking tape. I recommend using FastCap speed tape, but any thin two-sided tape will work.
3. **Additional Masking Tape**: Place strips of masking tape on the underside of the jig. This creates a barrier between the two-sided tape and the hat, preventing any residue from sticking to the hat.
When you place the hat in the jig, the two-sided tape will grip the masking tape, keeping the brim flat and secure during engraving.
## Cutting the Jig
After designing the jig in LightBurn, you can cut it out using your laser. Here’s a quick overview of the cutting process:
1. **Select the Shapes**: Choose both the interior and exterior ovals you created.
2. **Group and Cut**: Group the shapes and send them to the laser for cutting. You can use either 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch material, depending on your preference.
## Creating an Insert for the Hat
To protect the crown of the hat during engraving, I created an insert:
1. **Measure the Insert**: The insert should measure 8.5 inches tall by 7 inches wide.
2. **Use Aluminum Tape**: Cover the insert with aluminum tape to protect it from soot and to reflect any engraving that might come close to the edges.
## Engraving Techniques
When it comes to engraving, I recommend using a 4-inch lens for better focus and depth. Here’s why:
- **Deeper Focus Area**: A 4-inch lens has a deeper infocus area, which helps in achieving a cleaner engraving.
- **Removing the Extension Tube**: By removing the extension tube, you can avoid smoke contamination on the hat and ensure better clearance for any undulations in the hat’s edge.
## Conclusion
Creating a jig for engraving wide brim hats is a straightforward process that can significantly improve your results. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your hats are engraved evenly and professionally. Remember to adjust your laser settings as needed and always test your setup before proceeding with your final engravings. I hope you found this guide helpful. If you enjoyed this content, please consider liking and subscribing for more tips and tricks in the future.
---
Generated by Galaxy.ai YouTube Summarizer
