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

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

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

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 and short description is too tricky, the options below filter the items and provide longer descriptions and a photograph of each completed project.

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

Easy laser cutting projects

Gifts for children

Giraffe Heights: Growing Tall Together Fun and easy-to-make giraffe height chart for tracking growth

Spiderman's webshot Vibrant Spiderman wall art, with his mask and a web-slinging hand gesture

Snail's Number Spiral Adventure Fun snail puzzle teaching kids numbers from 1 to 25

Gifts for all ages

Prismatic Prowl Geometric cat artwork, black outlined, modern, dynamic, and elegant

Puzzling Safari: A Wild Adventure in Every Piece Create a playful animal puzzle with laser-cut precision today

A Portal to Another Dimension 3D tunnel illusion artwork - a modern, stylish, and captivating design

Stone Rolled Away Wooden plaque of Matthew 28, featuring three crosses and engaved words

tic-tac-toe fun Wooden tic-tac-toe set, perfect for creative fun and gifting

Silent Paws Black outlined geometric cat artwork

Geometric Whirl - the hypnotic spiral Dynamic geometric art of squares using multiple layers

Big and Bold Clock Modern red wall clock with bold, artistic number design

Spider clock Acrylic or MDF spider wall clock, vibrant, fun, and easy to make

Birds on branches Wall art with intricately carved birds on branches

Gifts for adults

Minimalist Woman Silhouette Minimalist acrylic art of a woman in a striped skirt

Intermediate laser cutting projects

Gifts for children

Vintage Bi-plane Soars Assemble and customize a vintage biplane model with laser-cut precision

Shape Shifter's Playground Wooden shape sorter with laser-cut pieces for educational playtime fun

Gifts for all ages

Giraffe Gentle Giants Mother and baby giraffe in 4 layers

A Timeless Nativity: Laser-Cut Elegance Create three stunning laser-cut Nativity scenes, perfect for gifting

Catscade Colorful mandala cat art, intricate, vibrant, and whimsical design

Colorful Cats Purrfect Pop Art A colorful cat-themed pop art of eight layers

Graceful Crosses - Faithful Creations Inspirational engraved wooden crosses

Psychedelic mandala guitar Psychedelic guitar art, laser-cut layers, colorful and intricate.

Rock On Musical Guitar Guitar-shaped five layer artwork with musical notes and dancers

Chaotic Time: An Avant-Garde Clock Avant-garde clock with scattered numbers, stylish and functional item design

Vinyl Beats: Time to Rock Around the Clock A vinyl record clock with musician silhouettes—a perfect musical keepsake

Gifts for adults

The Last Supper Intricate Last Supper replica, perfect for laser cutting enthusiasts

Challenging laser cutting projects

Gifts for children

Speedway in Miniature: The Ultimate Car Ramp Challenge Exciting car ramp design for kids with endless fun

Haulin' Hot Wheels Laser-cut truck display holds Hot Wheels, perfect for organizing collections

Gifts for all ages

Modern Van Gogh Starry Night Contemporary multi-layered rendition of Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night"

Van Gogh Sunflowers Contemporary layered design inspired by Van Gogh’s "Sunflowers" painting.

Layered Leafscape Five-layered plant artwork with intricate, textured design in wooden frame

Sunset Serenades - Nature's Silhouette Multiple layers of nature-themed silhouettes of animals and landscapes

Steampunk Marvel Clock Intricate steampunk clock with gears, Roman numerals, and vintage charm

Musical Mosaic Symphony Colorful laser-cut guitar and microphones with vibrant soundwaves background

Gifts for adults

Picasso Cubist Dreamscape Cubist-inspired artwork with bold colors, perfect for modern art lovers

Laser Cutting Tips & Tricks

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Need help?

• Looking for other projects? Try DesignBundles.net, Ameede or 3axis.com
• Leave a question

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