Laser-Cut Rose Topsheet for Park Skis – Twin Tips in Progress
Excited to share the first full-length topsheet I’ve created using my new 8-foot laser engraving rig — and it’s a rose-pattern inlay for a new pair of twin-tip park skis.
This build is part aesthetics, part experiment. I’ve been testing how different types of veneer behave when laser cut and how well they hold shape over a full ski length. There were a few surprises, but I’m stoked about the direction it’s going.
The Veneer Inlay Process – Lessons Learned
This laser-cut topsheet is made from several species of natural veneer — with a rose pattern inlayed into a cherry background.
What made this one tricky was the paper-backed veneer I used for the background layer. It turns out that paper-backed veneer has a persistent curl or bow that made it difficult to lay flat under the laser — even with weight applied. As a result, some of the pieces didn’t align perfectly, which led to slightly wider gaps than I’d like between some inlay sections.
Ski Specs and Build Style
This design is going onto a pair of twin-tip freestyle skis, aimed at park laps and all-mountain versatility.
- Top veneer: Mixed-species rose inlay over cherry/maple
- Length: 175 cm
- Shape: directional twin
- Topsheet finish: Planning to use Entropy CLR/CLX epoxy
- Bases: Leaning toward purple sintered, but recently scored some sintered blue from SkiLab — both are tempting!
