![He didn't get the stone we wanted, but maybe he can get the stone he deserves [1606x1500 - 4MB]](https://pic8.co/sh/2OIACh.png){kind=link}
It is possible to remove the floor on my laser, but the stand it is on makes that useless since there is a floor (shelf) under the laser floor still. It would only gain about 3/4" extra height. Granite and slate will be possible to surface engrave because the laser causes the mineral crystals to explode away, but other stone types might do very little or even nothing.
Sandblasting and acid etching might be the only way to get anything more than a surface engraving. Never tried acid etching stone and the results will definitely vary by each stone's chemistry so who knows how that will go.
A Dremel with a diamond engraving bit could work well with a template to keep the design proper. Would still be a slow process but at least we have options.
I have experience in carving stone
Awesome! Do you have any suggestions for us inexperienced stone carvers? I'm pretty sure my laser idea isn't going to give the results I want after doing some more research on laser engraving natural stone. It can leave a visible surface engraving on dark material, but it will not have much 3D depth to it and may only end up with a roughened texture. Slate seems to give the best results, but I'd like to make it as close to the PhotoShop image I made for this post as possible.
It's pretty much diamond bits, grinder, Dremel, router. Send me the image.
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