Tim Kane had been working as the manager at J.L. Hayes & Co. on Minot Avenue in Auburn for 20 years when the owners decided it was time to close the iconic farm/yard/hardware store after almost 150 years.
“I didn’t want to go to work for one of the big box stores, so I thought about what people were asking for and did some research and decided to invest in a laser engraving machine.”
He started working out of his home, but eventually secured a corner of the J.L. Hayes building. And began engraving on just about anything, as Maine Laser Engraving.
“We print on a variety of materials, from wood, plastic, glass, coated metals and more.”
He can scan photos, drawings and accept digital files, and translate those into engravings. “There is a big selection of 3D images available online, but they are pretty expensive.”
Recently he has been doing a lot of business for area bars asking for custom-etched glassware. Weddings, special events and anniversaries are just some of the milestones people come in seeking to commemorate with etching.
The business has been successful, which means Kane is currently looking for a new location. J.L. Hayes will officially close its doors March 31.
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- The laser cuts out a keychain at Maine Laser Engraving in Auburn.
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- Maine Laser Engraving owner Tim Kane peers through a piece of maple plywood that he used to make a snowflake for the Portland Stage Company.
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- The CO2 laser printer at Maine Laser Engraving in Auburn.
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- This welcome sign was created for an upcoming gun show in Lewiston.
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- The top of a wooden jewelery box at Maine Laser Engraving in Auburn.
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- Because engraving can be done on glass, plastic, leather, wood and a variety of other materials, the final product is almost unlimited, says owner Tim Kane.
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- Personalized gunstocks are a popular request at Maine Laser Engraving.
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- Kane uses a specially made ceramic tile for laser etching at Maine Laser Engraving in Auburn.
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- Magnets are a popular item at Maine Laser Engraving in Auburn.
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- Etching glass is a difficult process, but makes up a large portion of the custom engraving business at Maine Laser Engraving in Auburn.
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- Fine detail and three-dimensional imaging is part of what makes laser printing stand out, says Maine Laser Engraving owner Tim Kane.
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