After completing my first commissioned piece for MSgt Brian “WOODY” Norton, I wanted to include something extra.
I made this set of military-themed slate coasters as a gift for Woody, but they also gave me an opportunity to show off some of what I could do with the laser. Slate is a fantastic material for engraving—the dark natural surface creates a striking contrast and can hold an impressive amount of detail when everything is dialed in correctly.
I used the set to experiment with detailed military artwork and different designs while keeping each coaster functional. It was an early opportunity for me to push the engraving beyond simply putting a name or logo on something and see how much detail I could bring out of the material.
Woody didn't order these. They were my gift to him. After everything he has meant to me as a mentor, supervisor, colleague, fellow Airman, and friend, sending a little something extra with his commission just felt right.
They also became a great example of something that has remained important to me with Vinstigator: I like finding out just how much I can make the material and the machine do.