CNC Engraving on a Live Edge Oak Slab
Custom CNC Wood Engraving on Customer-Supplied Timber
We completed this CNC engraving on wood for a client in Shrewsbury using a live edge oak slab they had prepared themselves. However, the timber wasn’t ready for machining. Deep cracks and natural voids meant it first needed stabilising before we could engrave it safely. We reinforced the oak with clear epoxy resin, flattened the surface and carefully positioned the client’s artwork around its natural shape using VCarve software. After engraving, we filled the lettering with black resin, sanded everything flush and finished the piece with Danish oil. Finally, we fitted a concealed hanging rail before carefully packaging it for its journey home.
The Brief
The client wanted a favourite quotation engraved into a live edge oak slab while preserving the natural grain, cracks and irregular edges that gave it so much character. The client had prepared the timber themselves, so it was important that the finished piece still looked authentic rather than overly uniform.
When the slab arrived, it presented a few challenges. Deep cracks and natural voids increased the risk of movement during machining, while the uneven surface and irregular outline meant we couldn’t simply position the artwork on the centre of the board. Before any CNC engraving could begin, we first needed to make the timber stable, flat and safe to machine.
The Approach
We started by inspecting and cleaning the oak before taping the reverse to prevent resin from bleeding through. Next, we filled the cracks and voids with clear epoxy resin. This strengthened the timber while allowing its natural character to remain visible. Once the resin had cured, we flattened the surface to ensure a consistent engraving depth across the whole design.
The client supplied the artwork digitally, which we imported into VCarve. We then adjusted the layout to suit the live edge, carefully positioning the lettering so it worked with the natural shape of the timber. Once everything was approved, we secured the slab to the CNC bed and carried out the engraving. Throughout the process, we monitored the cut carefully to produce crisp lettering with a clean, even depth.
The Finishing Process
Once the engraving was complete, we sanded the surface to remove any minor machining marks before preparing the lettering for its contrasting finish. Next, we filled the engraved text with black epoxy resin. After it had fully cured, we sanded the surface flush to create clean, sharp lettering that stood out against the oak. To complete the project, we applied a Danish oil finish. This enhanced the natural grain, deepened the colour of both the oak and the resin-filled engraving, and provided lasting protection for interior display.
Finally, we fitted a concealed hanging rail to the back of the plaque, together with the matching wall fixing supplied to the client. Measuring approximately 64 cm by 43 cm, the finished piece required a secure hanging system that would support its weight without distracting from the front.
The Finished Result
The finished plaque celebrates the natural beauty of the original live edge oak while giving it a striking new focal point. The black resin lettering contrasts beautifully with the warm timber, while the clear epoxy repairs remain visible as part of the wood’s history rather than something hidden away.
By stabilising and preparing the oak before machining, we achieved crisp, consistent engraving without losing the natural features that made the piece unique. From receiving the customer-supplied timber to carefully packaging it for return delivery, we completed the entire project within two weeks.
What the Client Said
“I had a live-edge oak slab that I’d prepared myself and needed someone skilled enough to handle the engraving without damaging the character of the wood. KMP Carpentry & Joinery have been brilliant from start to finish. Communication has been spotless — clear, friendly, and always keeping me updated.
But the real standout is the craftsmanship.
The engraving is crisp and perfectly aligned, the depth is clean, and they’ve managed to keep the natural grain and features of the oak front and centre. You can tell real care went into setting the piece up, securing it properly, and working with the curves of the live edge rather than against them. The finish they’ve applied brings the grain out beautifully and gives the whole slab a proper, professional feel. It’s rare to find a small business that treats your project like their own, but these guys do.
Highly recommend, and I’ll definitely be using them again.“
Trevor
Custom Live Oak Plaque Client
Considering CNC Engraving on Your Own Timber?
We regularly provide custom CNC wood engraving in the UK for customer-supplied hardwood, live edge slabs and other timber projects.
Before machining begins, we will assess the condition of your timber and discuss the best approach. Where necessary, we can stabilise cracks, flatten uneven surfaces and adapt your artwork to suit the natural shape of the piece.
Explore our CNC Machining Services, read When to Use CNC Machining for Wood Projects, or get in touch with photographs, dimensions and details of the timber you would like us to assess.