Nothing says 'Halloween' like a glowing pumpkin with a creative pattern. Below, we will show you how to create a unique Halloween Jack-O-Lantern using a laser machine.
Preparation
You Will Need:
Carving pumpkin
Pumpkin carving kit (sharp knife and large spoon)
Duct tape
Tooth brush
Candle or LED lights
Trotec Laser Machine:
Speedy 400
80 watts
2" lens
Step by Step
Step 1: Find a perfect pumpkin
First, you will need to buy a carving pumpkin from your local supermarket/green grocer. Try to pick a big one with as little damage as possible. The perfect pumpkin will be smooth and bright orange.
Step 2: Place the pumpkin in the laser
Place the pumpkin inside the laser machine. If it keeps rolling or shifting, stick it down with some duct tape. Now open our template, or get creative and design your own pattern, and send the file to the machine.
Parameters Used:
Engraving: Power: 100% - Speed: 25% - Frequency: AUTO - Air Assist: ON - Passes: 2 For the perfect engraving result, activate the "High Quality" option.
Step 3: Wash it
After laser processing, the pumpkin will need to be washed in lukewarm water. Use a toothbrush to scrub away any marks.
Step 4: Prepare tools
Now you will need to get your sharp knife and large spoon. You may also need two bowls - one for the pumpkin seeds and one for the pulp.
Step 5: Hollowing
Cut the top of the pumpkin (around the stem) and remove the seeds and pumpkin strings. You can use your spoon here - but it's much easier just using your hands!
Then, use a spoon to scrape out the inside walls of the pumpkin. Place the excess pumpkin pulp into one of your bowls.
Step 6: Let it glow
Finally, wipe the inside of the pumpkin with a kitchen sponge to remove as much moisture as possible. Place a candle or LED light inside your pumpkin and place the lid (pumpkin stem that you cut away before) back on top.
Your laser cut Jack-O-Lantern is now ready to sp00k your guests!
Happy Halloween!
Tips and Tricks:
Try sprinkling some cinnamon underneath the lid. It is believed that this may make the pumpkin last even longer.
Be aware that hollowing out the pumpkin can be very hard work at times - an ice-cream scoop might make this part of the job easier.
Don't throw the scraps away! You can make delicious soups with the pumpkin pulp and dry out the seeds to plant and grow new pumpkins for next Halloween!
