As mentioned in other questions I've posted, I'm building a memorial bench for my mother, who recently passed away. I would like to have some poetic stanzas inscribed on the seatback on either side, and "In memory of..." inscribed across the center of the seatback near the top. I feel that laser engraving is the best method for doing this.
I've checked in with every place I can find in my greater metro area, but all are limited to a 24" x 24" area. One offered to slide each side of the slab in to do the engraving on the sides. However, there is no practical way to engrave anything in the middle of the slab.
So I thought a solution may be found in cutting out a rectangular portion of the seat back, having it engraved, and then reattaching it and using wood fill or something similar to mask the cut marks. I've used wood fill before, and feel like even if I get the color right the straight line from the fill will cause a very visible blemish. Are there any other methods of cutting and then reattaching a piece of a slab that create a seamless result?
I will attach an engraved metal plate, or laser engraved slice of wood, if necessary. However, I feel like this works against the creative flow of the piece.