DIY Laser Engraver Projects: 7 Easy Wood Project Ideas

The Best Laser Engraver Project Ideas

When you have access to a laser engraver, it’s hard to fight the urge to create innovative wood designs. The power to transform digital raster images into brilliant wood laser engraver projects is always tempting. With all the project possibilities out there, it can be hard to narrow down your lumber-laden list to designs that are both affordable and useful. To help you out, we made a list of the best wood laser engraver project ideas you can start without spending more money on third-party alternatives.

Does It Take a Lot of Effort to Laser Engrave a Wood Project?

Although it depends on the type of laser engraver projects, it can take around 5 to 7 minutes to laser engrave a wood item on average. Again, the cost and timeframe boil down to the artwork your laser engraver project idea involves.

When you start planning your laser engraving project around wood, your options are wide open. Mainly, it allows people to get their hands on different timber types to laser engrave beautiful wood projects.

You can always cross-reference endless wood laser engraver designs to get inspiration and personalize your creations. You can continue to improve your skills, understand your machine’s mechanics, and create some special laser engraver projects for yourself or a loved one.

There are many variations you can try with wood laser engraver project ideas that often overwhelm people. But once you get started, you’d be surprised how many ideas you can start from scratch.  

Laser Engraver Projects and Wood Materials

When it comes to DIY laser engraver project ideas, you can use a wide array of wood materials.

• You can use Ash, Mahogany, Maple, Oak, Pine, Cedar, or Veneer to laser engrave different types of wood projects.
• For the most part, you can’t go wrong with MDF or plywood.
• MDF is perfect for cutting or drilling and offers a shiny and smooth look. 
• Plywood, on the other hand, is more expensive and stronger than MDF. Since plywood bends easily, its use is ideal for curved surfaces.
• Despite what type of wood material you use, follow the same process for wood laser engraver projects.

If you still feel overwhelmed by the number of wood-related laser engraving projects – don’t be. We’re about to help narrow it down for you. Start with the following seven suggested laser engraver projects:

1. Fruit Bowl

Not all laser engraver project ideas are created equal. Similarly, not all fruit bowls have the same visual depth and appeal. For instance, you can elevate the visual appeal in a tentacle-based fruit bowl. No matter what you want to engrave, you will have to make sure that the design, solid sides, and even spaces of the fruit bowl are perfect.

Similarly, the fruit bowl base is the center, and it should serve as your focal point. You just need to get creative and create pathways that can make your fruit bowl look more attractive and unique from others.

2. Small Cabinet

Ordinarily, a small-cabinet wood project requires 3mm of medium-density fiberboard (MDF). You’d be surprised how easily you can laser engrave projects on a small two or three-drawer cabinet box.

If you decide to tackle a large-scale project like this, a large pass-through can make a huge difference. But the technique boils down to use individual pieces for laser engraving and fit together as if they were pieces of a puzzle.

However, your objective should be to pay close attention to the small cabinet’s top design, giving it a unique personality. Remember, you can always use your creative ingenuity and add laser engraving changes to capture your attention first. No matter what you choose, exercise full and free creative flow to increase the overall appeal of your small cabinet.

3. Custom Tool Box

Whether you live independently or with a family, the need for a toolbox is essential to store carving tools, etching tools, screwdrivers, and whatever your chosen trade requires. Usually, the thin toolboxes are crafted out of MDF material. You can make custom changes in the size of the toolbox to laser engrave a specific design. If it’s your first-time DIY laser engraver experience on a wooden toolbox, start with a small pen or pencil case, as shown below. This is one of those laser engraver projects that any “toolman” can appreciate.

4. Headphone Stand

Not all laser engraver project ideas offer useful functionality. In fact, many only take up more space! Not this one — it’s actually a space saver! 

For those working in the comfort of their own home during this global pandemic, a headphone stand will improve the entire appeal of your desk. In addition, these stands offer comfort and convenience to put down your headphones in a few seconds. With a headphone stand, you don’t have to worry about tangled cords.

If you want to take a shot at a custom and stylized headphone stand, use a straightforward approach. You will just need a few assembled pieces to make a headphone stand. If you intend to give the item as a gift, the base of a headphone stand would be a perfect spot to engrave a message or name.

5. Stackable Trays

Stackable trays are perfect for elevating the visual appeal of your old home office or bedroom. The design of most stackable trays has a standard paper fit. You can laser engrave multiple stacks to organize files easily and quickly.

With modern laser engraving machines, you can play around with stackable trays’ design and aesthetic elements. For many people, stackable trays have become a new favorite of wood laser engraver projects. And why wouldn’t it be? It offers a chance to transform your boring desk into something modern, unique, and stylish.

6. Customized Toys for Kids

The list of custom wood toys for kids is a long one. For instance, you can make a wooden truck, alphabet blocks, step stool, magic wand, classic racer, and much more.

However, if you want to focus on one custom toy for your kid, you can’t go wrong with the classic toy rocket. At first, a wooden rocket’s design may come across as simple, but a 3D-style wood rocket usually has intricate details. Cylindrical projects such as this will require a rotary attachment alongside your machine.

In any case, these toy rockets are perfect for small children. You can add a coat of paint and let it dry before laser engraving more custom design changes. You can personalize the wooden rocket with a name or message on both sides. Complete customization is what laser engraver projects are all about!

7. Cutting Board

Whether you want to use a cutting board to chop vegetables or as decor for your kitchen, you would want it to look unique. You can laser engrave any kind of pattern, logo, or name on the board. If you have a round-shaped cutting board, you can laser engrave dark circular lines to make it look like a frame. The possibilities are endless with these laser engraver projects!

Final Thoughts on Laser Engraver Project Ideas

Once you learn to master the basics of DIY laser engraver wood creations, you can undertake more complex projects. Nonetheless, begin with something simple that you wouldn’t hesitate to start. Whether it’s a headphone stand for your office or a classic toy for a family member, trial and error is the key to master laser engraver creations.

Despite what project you decide to start, don’t forget to have fun. Remember, there are more than enough laser engraver project ideas out there, and it is normal to struggle in the beginning. The trick is to evolve your current skills and create something that you will treasure in your house for years to come.