Alberton laser machine teaches kids work skills

When the wood shop at Alberton School is in session, everyone knows it. The roar of saws, and the class’s new engraving machine, resonates throughout the surrounding classrooms and down the halls.

Last summer, the school’s Industrial Technology program acquired the Epilog Helix Laser Engraver for $15,000. The programs teacher, Nate Haflich, said that federal grant and state funds were used to purchase the machine.

The laser is able to engrave on a number of materials including wood, glass, clay, cardboard and acrylics.  

The school purchased the laser because they wanted to advance the program, Haflich said.  It seems to be working because there has been an increase in enrollment.  Industrial Technology is an elective class for grades 7 through 12.  

“It’s sparked an interest with the kids,” said Haflich, “they’re excited about projects and things they can produce.  It allows them to be more creative.”  

The engraver uses graphic illustration programs such as Corel Draw and teaches skills like how to scale a picture. Other things that have to be taken into consideration when engraving on material is its density and photo quality.

“Different type of woods burn differently, it’s a process of trial and error,” explained Haflich.  The density of the wood, effects the speed.  For example, a denser wood take longer to burn.  Also, how a photo is rendered, and whether it’s black and white or colored, effects how the laser will recognize the details of the image.  

Some projects that have emerged from the program are wooden jewelry boxes adorned with engraved pictures copied from a photograph.  As well as fishing nets, and drinking glasses.

The glasses have the schools logo etched into them, and will be used as a school fundraiser.  The program has also contracted with a local restaurant to engrave nacho platters and glasses with their name and logo.

Haflich is hoping to contract with some fly shops in town for the nets.  Funds raised will go back into the program.  

“We would like to get more up-to-date shop equipment and offer more courses,” said Haflich, “this would give the kids the ability to use machines and equipment that’s currently being used in the industry”

Another program development idea is to work with the business marketing class and teach, not only how to make a product, but also how to market and sell products.