I created this file using Photoshop. I have also uploaded a "Candle Holder Blank.pdf" which can be used if you want to try to create your own files. Remember when cutting, you need to imagine it like carving a Jack-O-Lantern, you can't carve inside of another carve (ie. If you cut a circle, then you try to cut eyes and a mouth INSIDE the circle to make a smiley face, those features will be lost in a big circle.
The little lines of non-cut area (ie. the lack of cut near Charlie Browns ear and top of his head) make it so the eyes and mouth don't disappear.
Step 2
Turn on your machine and setup your material.
I am using 3mm Basswood from xTools on the triangular prisms and the default settings.
Step 3
Setting 1
Process Method
Laser Cut
Process Material
3mm Basswood Plywood
Power(%) or Cut Pressure(g)
100
Speed(mm/s)
5
Pass
1
Upload the PNG image using the "IMAGE" button and place the image onto your material.
A "PNG" file is already set as transparent so you have the black areas that will be the wood and we want to cut around all the black edges.
By pressing the "OUTLINE" Button, the software will add a small border around the image.
We will change the space of the outline to "0.000 in" which will make the line be on the edge of all black areas
Now we will move the outline a little to the side so we can delete the black images since we do NOT want to engrave them. Once you can select the black images instead of the orange outlines, delete the black images.
You will now select the orange outlines and convert them to "CUT" lines which will appear purple. I used the xTools selected reference settings, but depending on your materials, you may need to adjust
Step 4
You will now "Process" your cut. Continue as you would with all other projects to "FRAME" the image to ensure it is set onto your material without any parts of the laser going off the wood and then "START" your cut. Remember, cutting should never be done unattended. Many of these lines are close to each other so please monitor the cut to prevent any flaming.
Once the wood is cut you will remove all the pieces from the machine and remove the inner "scraps." Many of these pieces are very small. You may need to use a needle or toothpick to poke them through the board.
Using wood glue you will assemble the box like a puzzle. Depending on your glue, if its taking a while to dry, you can also use an elastic to hold it together while drying.
Once dry, you can use as is or add stain or plain to add your personal flair! Add a battery powered LED tealight to make it glow!
The little lines of non-cut area (ie. the lack of cut near Charlie Browns ear and top of his head) make it so the eyes and mouth don't disappear.