Best DIY Laser Cut Craft Projects for Wood Ideas

Crafting with the xTool laser cutter blends precision and creativity. Choose a design, let the xTool work its magic on wood, add vibrant colors, and assemble your unique creation.

Laser cut wood crafts are my absolute favorite craft to make with my high performance xTool M1 and S1. 

I love the natural wood, I like using paint pens to add color like a stain to an intricate design and I love painting the wood with thick acrylic paint too!

Of course many types of items can be crafted from various materials with this favorite creative tool, I'm using the xTool S1, which is a diode laser, so no clear acrylic.

Today, let's focus on wood laser cut products!

Here's the basswood I love! (affiliate links)

• 12X8 Basswood (24 Pack)
• 12X12 Basswood (36 Pack)

Common materials include: basswood, cherry wood, walnut plywood, maple plywood, mahogany and birch plywood.

For the most part, I use 3mm basswood. 

I just got a package of 5mm of different types of plywood, so I'll get to work on some more fun laser wood cut crafts and update this post, so it's always current!

Test all your test cuts on cardboard before using the pricier materials--it's the fastest way to get used to the machine and eliminate waste.

Okay, let's chat about Plywood for a bit:

Plywood, a versatile and widely used building material, has played a pivotal role in construction and woodworking for decades. Composed of layers of wood veneers glued together with adjacent layers having their wood grain rotated up to 90 degrees, plywood possesses unique structural characteristics that set it apart from solid wood.

One of plywood's key advantages lies in its strength and stability. The cross-grain construction distributes stress evenly across the panel, making it resistant to warping, cracking, and splitting. This structural integrity makes plywood a preferred choice in various applications, from sheathing roofs and walls in construction to crafting furniture and cabinetry. Its durability ensures that structures and projects built with plywood withstand the test of time.

Beyond its strength, plywood is celebrated for its cost-effectiveness and efficiency. The manufacturing process allows for the utilization of smaller, less expensive wood species, reducing overall production costs. Plywood's engineered composition also minimizes waste, as the entire log can be utilized to create the veneers. This cost efficiency, coupled with its widespread availability, makes plywood an accessible and practical material for projects of varying scales and budgets.

Plywood's adaptability extends to its use in design and aesthetics. The visible layers or plies provide a distinctive pattern that some designers leverage for decorative purposes. Additionally, plywood can be easily stained, painted, or finished to achieve a desired look, making it a preferred material in both modern and traditional design schemes.

While plywood boasts numerous advantages, it is not without its challenges. The bonding agents and adhesives used in its construction can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and sourcing sustainably harvested wood for plywood remains a concern for environmentally conscious consumers.

Because Plywood is assembled with layers of glue, the cutting and engraving of the material can vary.

Sometimes the cuts won't go all the way through, or the engraving will turn out lighter/darker in different areas.

This is true especially on cutting boards, so be excited for a varied finish and a natural look!

Laser Cut Wood Projects for xTool Laser Cutting Machine:

Exploring the creative realm with the xTool laser cutter brings a delightful mix of precision and artistic freedom for personal use, home laser hobbyists, side hustlers or small businesses.

Begin by selecting lovely designs that resonate with you – whether it's a sophisticated pattern, intricate illustration, or your own designs. 

Position a quality wood piece beneath the xTool, where its laser-cutting prowess comes to life, transforming the chosen design into meticulously cut wooden pieces.

Add paint, glue layers together or leave them natural. 

Make Layered wall art, puzzles, intricate wooden sculptures, personalized signage, or unique home decor items – the potential is limitless.

While the learning curve may present an initial challenge, the xTool becomes a trusted companion, enabling you to progress from novice to adept in the art of laser cutting. 

I love my laser cutting machine and use it a lot!

It connects to my computer wirelessly and makes it so easy to cut materials, engrave and do things that no other machine could do.

It's amazing that laser cutting machines are now a household item!

I love the unique customizations I can do, the last minute gifts and home decor!

xTool Machines: (affiliate links)

CO2 Laser xTool P2 Machine

xTool F1 Portable Laser Cutter

xTool S1 20W or 40W ( I have the 20W--see this post)

xTool M1 10W Deluxe RA2 Pro (this is the one I have--see this post)

BEST TIPS FOR LASER CUT WOOD PROJECTS:

Material Selection:

Choose the right type of wood for your project. Different woods have varying densities and react differently to laser cutting. Consider factors like hardness, thickness, and grain direction when selecting wood for optimal results. 

PRO TIP: Cut everything out of cardboard first before cutting into wood

Focus on Ventilation:

Ensure proper ventilation in the workspace. Wood cutting releases fumes, and adequate ventilation helps in dispersing them. A well-ventilated area, or even a dedicated exhaust system, contributes to a safer and healthier working environment.

Don't cut hazardous materials like PVC Vinyl--they will release toxic fumes while cutting.

PRO TIP: Use the xTool Air Assist to minimize scorching on the edges of laser cut wood. (separate purchase but well worth it)

Calibrate Settings:

Accurate calibration of the laser cutter settings is crucial. Adjust power, speed, and frequency settings based on the type and thickness of the wood. Experiment with scrap pieces to find the optimal configuration before cutting the final project.

Secure Material:

Secure the wood material firmly to the laser cutter bed. This prevents any movement during the cutting process, ensuring precision and preventing potential mishaps. Utilize magnetic clamps or other securing methods to keep the wood in place.

Safety First:

Prioritize safety measures. Wear appropriate protective gear, including safety glasses, and be mindful of the laser cutter's power. Understand emergency procedures, have a fire extinguisher nearby, and never leave the machine unattended during operation.

Here's the Best DIY Wood Laser Cut Craft Projects Ideas--for any skill level!

Happiness Calligraphy Sign

Hand written laser cut outs are my favorite thing!

 
Nothing is quite as awesome as seeing your own artwork, hand lettering, family name or your artistic touch come to life.

Using an iPad is an easy way of saving off artwork in a useable file, like svg files, and sliding it directly into xTool Creative Space (XCS).

Make a layered Snow Globe Scene

Layered laser cut wood is the trending laser cut craft of choice.

Adding multiple layers of delicately lasered basswood makes all those precise designs stand out.

You can take the time to paint the layers or put kits together for a great product for consumers to paint and assemble!

Laser Cut Comic Cake Topper!

A custom cake topper made from wood that fits the theme of the party is a great addition for special occasions.

This simple cake topper with its colorful designs was the crowing piece for this cartoon cake.

Give your wedding cake a special and unique look by making the topper yourself using xTool and basswood!

With the xTool's ultra-fast laser engraving speed, you'll quickly be in mass production status with these best sellers!

Laser Cut Heart Earrings

Earrings, earrings and more earrings!

Earrings are the BEST laser cut craft and fashion accessories to use up all those scraps of basswood from other projects. 

They are the perfect size, but they boast delicate and intricate laser cut designs--so lightweight and gorgeous to wear!

Make dangles, studs, everyday wear and holiday specials! 

If you are running a laser business, earrings are a great item--one of the BEST sale items!

Laser Engraved Bookmarks

Laser engraved bookmarks are an awesome project to start with to learn engraving and outlining.

Laser engravers are a big component of a laser machine, it's awesome to engrave images, detailed images like photographs and more.

The 3mm basswood might be a little heavy duty for a bookmark, but they are beautiful display pieces for a bookshelf, gift tag or just laser cutting practice. 

Miniature Acoustic Guitar Studio!

This miniature guitar is arguably one of my favorite laser cut crafts made with my laser cutter--look at its compact size--it's so cute.

The 3 layers of basswood make it look to scale sitting on a stand by these little clay plants in pots--like a little tiny living space!

I absolutely love it!

The guitar and stand laser cutter projects starts as the engraving machine does all the engraving, then it switches to the cutting beam for the perfect print.

Personalized Wood Tags

These wood tags are easy to make and are a great project for beginners.

These laser cut and engraved wood tags can be used for Stocking tags, luggage tags, Easter Basket name tags, keychains and much more!

Custom projects and special orders are a big ticket item--just make sure your customers know that custom/personalization are non-returnable items!

Guitar Pick Holder

This miniature guitar is a little larger than the one above, but it's a little box.

This cute guitar has 3 layers, revealing a place to store 3 guitar picks inside!

This guitar pick holder is a great gift idea for Father's day, birthdays or holiday gifts.

Hello Spring Sign

Welcome Spring with the perfect sign!

This darling sign is mostly sourced from amazing products bought at the dollar store with a little laser cut hello on the front.

This could be adapted to any word, or even a phrase like "hello Spring" or "welcome baby".

Laser Cut Ornate Frame

This laser cut ornate frame is 6 layers of gorgeous intricate cuts!

This frame was actually cut without air assist--back before I had it.

I love how it turned out--I got this file in a super cheap bundle, and I'm so happy about it. It came with about 10 other designs and I need to make them all.

It even has a display stand that notches in to the back of the layered frame!

I am such a lover of natural wood finish, so no paint is necessary for me. 

What do you think? Would you paint it? It would look stunning in gold!

Disco Ball Plant Pick

This is the perfect little laser cut "I will survive" disco ball plant stake! (my husband thought it was the death star...lol)  

I need to make more plant adornments for all my other plants now too!

It's easy to engrave and cut with the xTool.

The software is smart, it does all the outlining, then engraving and finishes off with the cutting, so the print turns out perfectly every time!

This specific item ends up soaking up the moisture in the planter and does not last forever.
 

Wood Burned Engraved Florals:

First, let's talk about the FolkArt Watercolor Gelz.

They are awesome acrylic paints in more of a gel consistency than other acrylic craft paint--works almost like a wood stain--I love being able to see the wood grains under the colors.

You don't have to water them down, but I like to add water and paint just like watercolors.

They come in a huge array of beautiful and vivid colors--I'm using 14 different colors in the one engraved wood plaque.

They are perfect to use in connection with the xTool M1 Laser Cutting Machine.

This image was a single file I bought on etsy and then repeated over and over to make a stunning bouquet of flowers to be engraved in the plywood.

Sunset Mountain Mandala

This mountain sunset mandala art is the perfect Summer craft!

It's got all the late night/camping/sunset in the mountains vibes--it's layered on a piece of pallet signage and then the delicately laser cut mandala is glued on top. I love the vibrant colors peeking through!

I'm a beach girl in my mind, but my budget and location make me a mountain girl.

Learn How to Make a Mountain Sunset Mandala Wood Pallet!

Hand Lettered Cake Topper

Another fabulous laser cut cake topper made with xTool--customization is going to be your number one best seller!

This cake topper is to celebrate Diwali, but it could be made to celebrate anything!

A little paint and a little glitter make this cake topper the perfect bling for the cake!

3D Butterfly Place Settings

Make 3D butterfly place settings with basswood and xTool.

This cut easily and beautifully--the file is a freebie on Designbundles.net and is made for 3mm wood or acrylic, so it just fits together perfectly after its cut.

Test them out of cardboard first and you will instantly fall in love and want to cut them out of every material--I've done cardboard, basswood and acrylic!

Snowflake Name Ornaments

Make custom name ornaments with an iPad, ProCreate app and xTool Laser Cutting Machine.

I love how these turned out, but they are very fragile...they cut out perfectly from cardboard and are way less delicate.

I love the custom names giving it uniqueness and personalization--names are best sellers!

That's it--all the best laser cut craft projects for wood!

Making laser cut wood crafts is my favorite part of using the xTool M1 and S1.

I have so many more ideas and so little time--I'll update this post regularly as I do more wood laser cut projects!

Hopefully this answers some of your questions and gets you excited about laser cutting!

If you have any other specific questions, leave them in the comments and I'll follow up!

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Check out this post for More xTool Projects!

20 Things to Make with xTool

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STARTING A LASER CUTTING BUSINESS HERE:

How to Start a Laser Cutting Business

Find out all about the xTool S1 here at this post:

Which Laser Cutter Should I Buy?

Beginners Quick Guide to xTool S1 Laser Cutter Setup

Everything you need to know about the xTool S1

Here's 20 things to make with xTool

How to Use the xTool M1

How to make Money Crafting

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