Bring your own item
We'll engrave the thing you already love
Heirlooms, gifts, tools, tumblers, cutting boards, awards: bring it to our Cedar Rapids shop and we'll laser engrave names, dates, verses or your logo on it.
How it works
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1
Tell us about it
Send a photo of your item, the wording or logo you want, how many you have and when you need them. Our quote form takes photos and files.
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2
Get your quote and proof
We look over the item and send you an exact price, plus a picture of the layout to approve. Nothing gets engraved until you say yes.
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3
Drop it off
Bring it to us in Cedar Rapids. We'll set a time that works and give you a ready date.
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4
We test, then engrave
If it's a material we haven't worked with before, we test our settings first on a spare piece or a hidden spot, so the real thing comes out right.
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5
Pick it up
We'll let you know the moment it's done.
What we can engrave
Great on
- Wood and bamboo: boards, plaques, boxes, keepsakes
- Powder-coated tumblers, mugs and water bottles
- Bare metal like stainless steel, aluminum and brass, with a bonded black mark that lasts
- Coated or anodized metal: tools, flashlights, business cards
- Leather and leatherette: wallets, patches, journals
- Slate, stone, cork and paper
Not a fit for our laser
- Clear glass and clear acrylic
- Vinyl or PVC (unsafe to laser)
Not sure about yours? Send us a photo and we'll tell you.
What to send us
- A photo of the item, and of the spot you want engraved
- The size of that spot, if you can measure it
- Your wording exactly as you want it, spelling and all
- Your logo or artwork, if you have one
- How many pieces, and the date you need them
- For an unusual material or brand, a spare piece we can test on
What goes into your quote
- Design size. A name takes less time than a full logo.
- Artwork. A clean file is ready to go. A blurry image or sketch takes some redrawing.
- Shape. Flat items are quickest. Round or curved items need extra setup.
- Quantity. The more pieces, the lower the price per piece.
- Timing. Need it fast? Ask about rush.
New material? We test it first.
Every material takes the laser a little differently. Two tumbler brands can have different coatings, and two boards can be different woods. If it's something we've engraved before, we go right to work. If it's new to us, we need to test our settings before engraving your piece, in one of two ways:
We'll show you the test result before engraving the real thing. If it doesn't come out to our standards, we'll tell you and won't engrave your item. If neither option works for your piece, ask us and we'll talk through what we can do.
Customer supplied items are engraved at the owner's risk. Because we can't replace your item, we take every precaution and always test our settings before engraving.
Questions
How much will it cost?
Every item is different, so we quote each one. Send us a photo and your wording and we'll get back to you with an exact price within 1 business day.
How long does it take?
Most single items are ready within a few business days. We'll give you a ready date with your quote. Need it sooner? Ask about rush.
Can I see it before you engrave?
Yes. We email you a proof of the layout to approve before we engrave anything.
Is the engraving permanent?
Yes. On wood, leather, stone and coated metal the laser marks the material itself, so it won't peel or wash off. On bare metal we use a laser marking that bonds a black mark to the surface for a durable, lasting finish.
What should I send for my logo?
A high-resolution PNG, or a vector file (SVG, PDF, AI or EPS) works best. If all you have is a photo or a small image, we can clean it up or redraw it.
Do you do larger business orders?
Absolutely: logos on tools, tags, QR codes, awards and more. The price per piece drops as quantity goes up. Request a quote.