Laser Cutting

Introduction

Life has been challenging for me since acquiring a Spinal Cord Injury in 2009. However, I enjoy learning new skills. My local University of the Third Age invited me to the Port Adelaide Enfield Council’s Makerspace facility. I became interested in laser cutting, and after many months of vaporising materials, making mistakes, and a few artwork and toys, I purchased a laser cutter for my home.

Laser cutting is now one of my favourite hobbies. I still make mistakes, but I’m progressing towards becoming more skilled in laser cutting. Now, I share my experiences and knowledge gained via this site. I’ve included the equipment, materials, and tools I used to produce my favourite laser cutting projects, and tips and tricks to help you craft.

What’s the next step for my laser cutting hobby? I don’t know. I could get involved in producing items sold at markets or online. I live in Adelaide, South Australia, and welcome any suggestions about the future. Please don’t hesitate to contact me here.

Laser cutting equipment

Please visit the laser cutting equipment page for more detailed information about the equipment in my garage. The page includes features, tips, and tricks for where to purchase the equipment.

The Xtool P2 CO2 laser cutter provides 55 Watts of power, a large bed size and two 14-megapixel cameras.
The Xtool smoke purifier provides three stages of filtration, removing 99.7% of small particles and absorbing harmful gases and odours.
The Xtool RA2 tool helps process materials such as cylindrical shapes.
The Xtool riser base allows thicker materials to be used, and in conjuction with the Xtool conveyer feeder, allows the processing of longer materials.
The Xtool conveyer feeder allows materials up to 3 metres in length and 50 centimetres wide.
The Xtool honeycomb panel allows materials to be securely fastened.
The Xtool currently sits on old dining table, with lockable castor wheels. I’ve purchased a CAP furniture hand wound table that is yet to be installed.
The CO2, TVOC, HCHO, Temperature And Relative Humidity Tester ensures I’m not inhaling dangerous substances.
The MacBook air that communicates with the Xtool P2.

Laser cutting materials

A neatly stacked pile of plywood and MDF sheets in various thicknesses is arranged on a wooden workbench. The smooth surfaces and uniform sizes suggest the materials are prepared for laser cutting or woodworking projects. The sheets are organized in a way that reflects a well-maintained, functional workshop environment, ready for creative production.

Please visit the laser cutting materials page for detailed information on each material, including photos, descriptions, and where you can purchase them, or click on the links below.

Materials to cut, score, engrave

Plywood is a multi-layered wood sheet commonly used in construction and furniture making.
Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is an engineered wood product from compressed wood fibres.
Acrylic is a durable, versatile plastic, perfect for laser cutting clear, coloured, or frosted designs.
Bamboo Magnetic Bottle Opener has a magnetic back. It is eco-friendly and stylish for everyday use.
Black slate coasters, laser-cut and engraved, are durable and elegant. They are perfect for protecting surfaces and adding décor.
Wooden key chains are simple, stylish, and perfect for any occasion. They can be customisable for personalised gifts or promotional items.
Wooden key chains with bottle openers are multi-functional and combine practicality, personalisation, and a built-in bottle opener.

Materials to complete the item

Spray paint – A quick-drying paint dispensed in aerosol form, ideal for covering surfaces smoothly and evenly.
Paint – A liquid or semi-liquid mixture coats surfaces, providing colour, protection, and texture.
Wood stain – A pigmented solution applied to wood to enhance its natural grain and add color or protection.
Wood dye – A liquid colourant penetrating wood fibres, providing rich, even colouring without masking the grain.
Clear acrylic gloss spray – A protective clear coat that adds a shiny, durable finish to surfaces while sealing them.
Glue – An adhesive substance used to permanently bond materials like plywood, MDF, and acrylic.
Borax – Applied on metal or glass before engraving, borax helps create darker and sharper engraving results.
Clock mechanisms – Essential parts, like hands and motors, used to assemble and power custom-made clocks.
Tassels – Decorative fringed embellishments attached to bookmarks and other items for added flair.

Laser cutting tools

This image shows a clear plastic container filled with various foam paint brushes. The brushes have black foam heads attached to short, wooden or plastic handles. Some brushes have flat, rectangular foam heads, while others are cylindrical, resembling small rollers. The container also holds a few plastic tools, including a large blue handle. These foam brushes are commonly used for applying paint, stain, or varnish to surfaces, providing smooth, even coverage. They are ideal for arts, crafts, and DIY projects.

The laser cutting tools page has detailed information on each tool including photos, description, and where you can purchase the tools or click on the links below.

Clamps – Tools used to hold materials in place firmly during gluing tasks.
Paint Brushes – Handheld tools with bristles for applying paint to surfaces, available in various shapes and sizes.
Black sponge paint brushes – Foam-tipped brushes ideal for smooth paint application on flat surfaces without streaks or brush marks.
Sandpaper – Abrasive material used to smooth surfaces before painting or finishing, available in different grit levels.
Microfibre cloths – Soft, lint-free cloths ideal for cleaning surfaces and wiping away dust or excess paint.
Respirator – A protective face mask filters out harmful fumes or particles during painting or sanding projects.
4ft Bi-Fold Blow Mould Trestle Table – This sturdy, foldable table is often used for workshops, providing a solid workspace for various DIY projects.

35 Laser Cutting Projects

This image shows four laser-cut wooden panels, each depicting a nature scene with a silhouetted foreground and a vibrant, painted background. The panels feature various landscapes, including savannas, wetlands, forests, and mountain ranges. The sun or moon appears in the background, creating a stunning contrast between light and shadow. Each scene is beautifully layered, with intricate cutouts that bring depth and dimension to the artwork, making it an eye-catching and elegant representation of nature's beauty. laser cutting

Are you looking for your next project? My collection of projects includes toys, wall art, clocks and other items. Each project contains photographs of the completed item, links to the design files, project completion times and a guide.

If choosing projects solely based on a title, short description, and tiny image is too tricky, the options below filter the items and provide longer descriptions and a larger photograph of each completed project.

All of the laser cutting projects
Difficulty level
Suitability as gifts for
- children
- all ages
- adults
Free Laser Cutting Projects

Easy laser cutting projects

A wooden giraffe-shaped height chart, laser-cut from plywood, designed to measure children's growth over time. The giraffe features simple, playful lines, with engraved measurement marks along the length of its tall neck. It’s both decorative and functional, offering parents an engaging way to track their child’s height. The chart is designed to be mounted on a wall, with a cute giraffe head at the top and the foot of the giraffe at the base.

Add a superhero touch to your space with this dynamic artwork featuring Spider-Man's iconic mask and web-shooting hand gesture. This vibrant piece captures the essence of the beloved character. Perfect for the bedroom walls of children, it brings action and excitement to their lives.

Gifts for children
Giraffe Heights: Growing Tall Together This adorable giraffe height chart is perfect for tracking your child’s growth in a fun and stylish way! Laser-cut from plywood, the giraffe design is playful and practical, making it a great addition to any kid's room. Mount it on the wall and mark milestones as your little ones grow. The clean lines and natural wood finish create a timeless look that’s great as a DIY project or a thoughtful gift.
Spiderman's webshot Add a superhero touch to your space with this dynamic artwork featuring Spider-Man's iconic mask and web-shooting hand gesture. This vibrant piece captures the essence of the beloved character. Perfect for the bedroom walls of children, it brings action and excitement to their lives.
Snail's Number Spiral Adventure This delightful snail-shaped puzzle is perfect for helping kids learn their numbers from 1 to 25. Each piece fits snugly into place, creating a fun spiral pattern that engages young minds while enhancing number recognition and fine motor skills. Ideal as a gift or an educational tool, this laser-cut project combines learning with creativity. The intricate puzzle pieces are durable and easy to handle, making it great for toddlers and preschoolers.

Gifts for all ages
Prismatic Prowl Enhance your decor with this striking geometric cat artwork. Crafted with precision, this piece features a black outlined cat in a dynamic walking pose, composed of intricate triangular patterns. Perfect for modern and contemporary spaces, it adds a touch of elegance and whimsy to any room.
Puzzling Safari: A Wild Adventure in Every Piece Unleash your creativity with this charming animal puzzle, perfect for laser cutting enthusiasts! This project features an array of adorable, uniquely designed animals that fit together in a compact, captivating puzzle. Ideal for kids and adults alike, it’s a delightful way to hone your crafting skills while creating a fun, engaging toy or décor piece. The downloadable design files and tips make this project easy to start and even more satisfying to complete.
A Portal to Another Dimension Create this mesmerising artwork featuring a stunning 3D tunnel effect. Perfect for modern and contemporary spaces, this design is intriguing and stylish. Great for those new to laser cutting a captivating and conversation-starting piece for your wall.
Stone Rolled Away Celebrate faith with this beautifully crafted wooden plaque featuring Matthew 28. Engraved with the passages "Jesus Has Risen" and "The Great Commission," it includes a serene landscape with three crosses. Perfect for home or church decor, this piece serves as an inspiring reminder of the resurrection and the mission of discipleship.
tic-tac-toe fun This simple tic-tac-toe set combines craftsmanship with classic fun, making it a perfect gift for kids and adults. This set features sturdy X and O pieces that fit neatly into a board designed to last. Whether crafting it as a gift or keeping it for yourself, this project is a quick and enjoyable way to create something meaningful. Download the design files and follow the provided instructions to start cutting today!
Silent Paws This striking geometric cat artwork features a black outlined cat in a seated pose, composed of intricate triangular patterns. The minimalist yet captivating design makes it a perfect addition to modern and contemporary spaces. Ideal for cat lovers and art enthusiasts alike, this artwork adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room.
Geometric Whirl - the hypnotic spiral Download this intricate geometric design to create a stunning piece of art involving multiple layers of squares. Perfect for your home or as a unique gift. The step-by-step tips ensures an enjoyable crafting experience, resulting in a piece that's both personal and striking.
Spider clock Add a playful touch to your decor with this vibrant spider-themed wall clock, made from acrylic or MDF. Choose colours that complement your room, it's a fun and unique addition to any area. Easy to make, this clock combines functional itemity with whimsical charm.
Birds on branches Discover the perfect laser cutting project with this stunning wall art featuring intricately designed birds on branches. Ideal for both beginners and more experienced people, this design shares precision and natural beauty. Enhance any space with this elegant piece, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating the collection of birds yourself.

A laser-cut artwork featuring the silhouette of a woman seemingly walking through a series of horizontal stripes. The design plays with negative space and perspective, creating an optical illusion where the figure appears partially obscured by the stripes. The artwork is crafted from a glossy black material, giving it a modern and sleek appearance, perfect for adding a touch of contemporary art to any space.

Gifts for adults
Minimalist Woman Silhouette This contemporary acrylic artwork features a minimalist depiction of a woman wearing a skirt. Crafted from a single layer of acrylic, its clean lines and striking silhouette make it a perfect addition to any adult's wall. This unique piece adds a touch of modern sophistication to any room.

Intermediate laser cutting projects

A wooden shape-sorting box with various laser-cut shapes such as stars, circles, hearts, and more. The box has slots for each shape to fit into its corresponding opening. The toy comes with 14 wooden pieces that toddlers can match and insert into the appropriate cutouts, helping develop motor skills and shape recognition. The wood's natural finish adds a rustic charm, making it visually appealing and durable.

Gifts for children
Vintage Bi-plane Soars Take a step back in time with this delightful wooden bi-plane model. This classic design brings the charm of early aviation to your home, making it an excellent project for a gift to a child. Download the design files, follow the easy-to-understand instructions, and in no time, you’ll have a stunning piece ready to display or gift to a loved one.
Shape Shifter's Playground This wooden shape-sorting toy is an ideal educational tool for toddlers. It features various shapes like stars, hearts, and circles and encourages motor skills and shape recognition. Laser-cut precision ensures that each piece fits snugly in its designated spot. This project can be a fun DIY craft, perfect for a gift or as an addition to your child's playroom. Grab the design files and instructions today to get started.
Wizard Time Magical Clock Create your magical clock by cutting the iconic characters from the Harry Potter wizarding movies onto acrylic sheets. Assemble the pieces with a clock mechanism to bring a touch of enchantment to your space. Perfect for young wizards.

A detailed laser-cut artwork depicting a mother giraffe and her calf, intricately layered to show their gentle, loving bond. The design features various shades of brown and beige, mimicking the natural patterns of giraffe fur, with the calf snuggling close to its mother. The piece is elegantly crafted to showcase the giraffes’ distinctive long necks and soft expressions, making it a touching and artistic representation of maternal love.

Gifts for all ages
Giraffe Gentle Giants Adorn your walls with this beautiful multi-layered giraffe wall art featuring a mother and baby giraffe. Make it from acrylic, MDF, or plywood, this 4-layer piece adds a touch of elegance and warmth to any space. Suitable for both children's and adults' rooms, it's a charming and timeless decoration.
A Timeless Nativity: Laser-Cut Elegance This image showcases a beautifully crafted laser-cut Nativity scene triptych, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your holiday décor. Each panel is intricately layered to depict the journey of Mary and Joseph, the birth of Jesus, and the adoration of the shepherds, all framed in a gothic-style arch. Ideal as a meaningful gift or a timeless addition to your own collection, this project is a must-try for laser cutting enthusiasts. Download the design files and instructions to create your own masterpiece.
Catscade This stunning multi-layered mandala cat artwork features vibrant colours and intricate patterns, creating a mesmerising design. Perfect for cat lovers and those who appreciate detailed art, it adds a whimsical and artistic touch to any room, making it truly unique.
Colorful Cats Purrfect Pop Art Brighten your wall with this contemporary 8-layer artwork featuring four colourful cats. Crafted from paper stock, acrylic, MDF, or plywood, this vibrant piece is perfect for both children and adults. Its playful design and bold hues add a touch of whimsy and charm to any room, making it a delightful focal point.
Graceful Crosses - Faithful Creations This design features intricately carved wooden crosses with words such as "grace," "blessed," and "love." Each cross is uniformly crafted, showcasing a rich wood grain texture. The thoughtful engravings add a meaningful touch, making this collection visually appealing and a beautiful and inspirational gift for any occasion.
Psychedelic mandala guitar Create this vibrant, psychedelic guitar wall art. Cut the intricate patterns and shapes from MDF or plywood. Assemble the layers to form a detailed, eye-catching piece. This project is perfect for music lovers and those that love vaporising wood!
Rock On Musical Guitar Create this stunning guitar-shaped artwork with intricate musical notes, dancing figures, and guitar shape from layered wood or acrylic sheets. Assemble the layers to form a dynamic 3D effect. This project is perfect for music lovers and laser cutting enthusiasts seeking a unique decor piece.
Chaotic Time: An Avant-Garde Clock Create this stunning avant-garde clock using a laser cutter by designing the dynamic arrangement of scattered numbers. Cut the pieces from acrylic or wood, assemble them around the central clock mechanism, and mount it on your wall. This project is perfect for adding a modern touch to any space.
Vinyl Beats: Time to Rock Around the Clock Make a stunning wall clock that celebrates the timeless connection between music and time. This unique design features silhouettes of musicians in action, captured around the edges of the record, making it a perfect gift for music lovers and vintage enthusiasts alike. The project is easy to assemble, with downloadable design files and clear instructions. Whether for yourself or as a thoughtful gift, this clock will hit the right note.
Slice of Paris: Eiffel Tower in Four Frames Capture the essence of Paris with this stunning laser-cut Eiffel Tower, presented in a unique four-part frame design. Each segment showcases a section of the iconic tower, surrounded by intricately cut foliage. This project combines simplicity with elegance, perfect for decorating your home or gifting to someone special. Download the design files, follow the instructions, and create your Parisian masterpiece today. Whether for yourself or a loved one, this project will impress!

Using a laser cutter, create a detailed replica of the Last Supper. Design the intricate scene, cut the layers from wood, and assemble them to achieve a 3D effect. This project merges art and craftsmanship, allowing you to produce a stunning piece that honours this iconic moment in history.

Gifts for adults
The Last Supper Using a laser cutter, create a detailed replica of the Last Supper. Design the intricate scene, cut the layers from wood, and assemble them to achieve a 3D effect. This project merges art and craftsmanship, allowing you to produce a stunning piece that honours this iconic moment in history.

Challenging laser cutting projects

This image shows a three-tiered wooden car ramp designed for small toy cars. The ramp features four curved tracks that allow cars to race downward from the top. The structure includes side supports and an open storage area underneath, all crafted from laser-cut wood, offering a smooth, polished finish. The design is both functional and visually appealing, making it a perfect toy for young car enthusiasts.

A laser-cut wooden display shaped like a semi-truck with multiple compartments for holding and displaying miniature cars, such as Hot Wheels. The truck's cab and trailer are intricately designed, with wheels and other details etched into the wood. Three miniature cars are placed within the compartments, showing how the display can be used.

Gifts for children
Speedway in Miniature: The Ultimate Car Ramp Challenge Get ready to ignite your child's imagination with this laser-cut car ramp! Perfect for little race car enthusiasts, this three-level ramp structure is crafted from sturdy wood and features smooth, curvy tracks that make toy cars zoom down with thrilling speed. The ramp's design is simple yet captivating, ensuring hours of fun. Download the design files and follow the easy instructions to create this exciting toy. It's an ideal project for parents looking to craft a unique gift.
Haulin' Hot Wheels This laser-cut truck-shaped car holder is a perfect project for Hot Wheels enthusiasts! Featuring a semi-truck design with storage compartments that neatly hold and display miniature cars, it’s a creative way to organise and showcase a collection. The design files and instructions are available for download, making it easy to assemble this fun and functional piece. It’s an ideal gift for kids and car lovers—fun to build and practical to use!

A vibrant and modern reimagining of Van Gogh's

This image depicts a modern interpretation of Van Gogh's famous

Gifts for all ages
Modern Van Gogh Starry Night Add this contemporary multi-layered rendition of Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night" to your wall space. Comprising eight layers and crafted from acrylic, MDF, or plywood, this vibrant wall art is suitable for both children and adults. Its intricate design and bold colours bring a touch of artistic brilliance to any room.
Van Gogh Sunflowers Experience a modern twist on Van Gogh’s iconic "Sunflowers" with this layered laser-cut artwork. This contemporary design captures the essence of the famous painting while adding a three-dimensional flair through multiple intricately cut layers. Perfect for art lovers and DIY enthusiasts alike, this project brings a piece of classic art into the modern home. Download the design files and read the tips to create your own version of this timeless masterpiece.
Sunset Serenades - Nature's Silhouette Create these stunning nature-themed artworks using a laser cutter. Design each scene with intricate silhouettes and vibrant backgrounds, then cut from plywood sheets. Assemble the layers to achieve a 3D effect. Perfect for adding a serene touch to any room.
Steampunk Marvel Clock This intricate steampunk-inspired laser-cut clock, featuring detailed gears and Roman numerals, will be a talking point. Perfect for both decor and functional item use, this design offers a rewarding challenge for laser cutting enthusiasts. Its vintage aesthetic and mechanical charm make it a standout piece that adds sophistication to any room.
Musical Mosaic Symphony This vibrant laser-cut artwork features a bold and colourful guitar surrounded by microphones and soundwaves in a psychedelic-inspired design. The multi-layered composition, filled with rich orange, yellow, green, and red hues, creates a sense of dynamic movement. This piece captures the energy of live performances and musical expression, perfect for music lovers. It’s an eye-catching decorative piece, ideal for a creative studio, music room, or modern living space.

This is a layered wood art piece inspired by Picasso’s Cubist style, featuring an abstract portrait of a woman with geometric shapes and bold, vibrant colors, capturing the essence of the Cubist movement.

Gifts for adults
Picasso Cubist Dreamscape This laser-cut artwork is a modern interpretation of Cubism, inspired by Picasso's works. Crafted from multiple layers of wood, each section is painted to capture the abstract beauty and fragmented forms characteristic of the Cubist movement. Perfect for art enthusiasts, this piece adds a vibrant and intellectual touch to any space.You can recreate this masterpiece as a unique gift or a conversation starter in your home.

Laser Cutting Tips & Tricks

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