Laser Engraving Fingernails

A Calendar Laser Etched Into Fingernails

Martin and I engraved a calendar on our fingernails. As the months pass, we'll cut them off!


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Oldest comments listed first.

Posted by: Jeff on December 23, 2007 at 5:19 PM

Bre, how about a time lapse movie of your nail growing out so we can see the calendar move through the months?


Posted by: Harry on December 23, 2007 at 5:32 PM

Interesting idea, seems kind of a stupid thing to do though. Also I think you would try to fit 3 months or so on the fingernail, unless you have a vitamin deficiency I think your nails will grow faster than you calendar.


Posted by: raphael on December 23, 2007 at 5:54 PM

Wikipedia says they grow at ~3mm/month, so it should work ok!

Crazy goofballs! Danger Danger!


Posted by: PK on December 23, 2007 at 7:17 PM

I'd say this clearly falls into the "don't try this at home" category...

Bet it was painful when the thumb on the right got nailed on the cuticle!


Posted by: Patti on December 23, 2007 at 7:50 PM

I bet it STUNK. :)


Posted by: craig on December 23, 2007 at 9:02 PM

It's not so much a calendar as a list of the months, though, isn't it?


Posted by: Bonnie on December 23, 2007 at 10:02 PM

So what will you etch next on your toenails then?


Posted by: Wolfy on December 24, 2007 at 1:36 AM

the sickly yellow color just makes me remember the smell of burning flesh and the gross orange-yellow color on my finger when i burned it with a soldering iron


Posted by: sweavo on December 24, 2007 at 10:32 AM

I heard the rule was 9 months for a nail to grow completely, so it looks like your calendar may run a little fast.


Posted by: CuriosityKiller on December 24, 2007 at 1:00 PM

That's a brilliant concept, but would the etching really last a full year even before it was grown out?


Posted by: jd on December 25, 2007 at 8:16 PM

i think people get cancer for exposing themself to radation. and your thumbs will be next i think


Posted by: asdf on December 26, 2007 at 5:33 AM

jd is ignorant of the distinction between ionizing and non ionizing radiation.


Posted by: Irregular Shed on December 26, 2007 at 4:52 PM

o_O ?


Posted by: jeffro on December 28, 2007 at 9:22 AM

holy crap. we're losing the war on pimples!


Posted by: GoTags.com on March 26, 2008 at 9:38 AM

I've got some free time at work here and this gives me an idea!! We have Universal 45 watt lasers, what power setting where you using? muuahahahaa! >:)


Posted by: Bill on July 6, 2008 at 8:30 PM

Beside the obvious burn hazards for your skin, anyone trying to attempt this might consider wearing some eye protection rated for the laser you are using. These systems work by using a set of mirrors around the perimeter of the box so the laser isn't coming directly from the moving head like an inkjet printer.


Posted by: Mike on January 20, 2009 at 3:55 PM

Youuch

I remember doing that my mistake several years ago with a YAG (went partially through my nail). I work with safer units like this now at trotec. www.troteclaser.com


Posted by: joebananas on April 24, 2009 at 4:17 AM

There was a lot of light reflecting off that grip. i wonder if that guy can still see ok.


Posted by: carl watson on July 15, 2009 at 10:50 PM

mr

An interesting use for a laser, but absolutely atrocious video camera handling, vast editing and cutting needed, and a rather silly thing to do with ones valuable digits.


Posted by: laser man on October 22, 2009 at 6:50 AM

Must know what kind of laser you are using. we have an epolog 40 watt. also must know what power setting. thank you


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