For this article, we used the latest and greatest machine from Atomstack - the Atomstack S20 Pro. Its special ability is a powerful laser with a narrow focus that stays in focus over great distances, allowing you to cut thick materials. If you're interested in a technical test of this machine, check out our review here.
There is a level of satisfaction that comes with making something yourself. When you finish something and it looks good, you take pride, or know that you can produce a quality product without paying for it.
1 - Wooden puzzle
The best way to beat the winter blues is to keep your mind sharp with some DIY puzzles. Wooden puzzles are a great way to spark creativity and imagination. This is a fun one, it will keep you on your toes, and it could totally be made with a good laser engraver! The price of laser engravers has dropped dramatically over the past few years, making it more accessible than ever for hobbyists and manufacturers alike. This project is a simple introduction to using a laser engraver and making a wooden jigsaw puzzle.
2 - Acrylic Ornaments
The holidays are coming and we're all busy shopping, but why not take a break and try something new? For your gifting needs this year, consider using a laser engraver to make acrylic ornaments. First, you need to download the image file of the acrylic you want to engrave on. You can find a lot of designs on sites that offer free vector designs. If you don't have a vector vile, but a normal image, use a program like Inkscape to create a vector version of your design, where you'll convert it into an outline drawing called a "path". Finally, upload this path to your laser engraving software and it will cut on the material.
This machine can cut dark acrylic with ease. The easiest to cut is black acrylic, but here I am trying to cut yellow. The machine requires about twice as many passes as the black machine, because yellow reflects more light than dark colors. But it cuts this cool fish nicely. I used some black spray paint to fill in the engraving, then wiped off the excess with an acetone soaked cloth and it turned out great!
3 - Make a Custom Rubber Stamp
I bet you think laser engraving is just for making artwork or cutting materials. Well, I'm here to show you how to make rubber stamps with a laser engraver! The process is so simple that anyone can do it with a few materials from the hardware store. All you need is a laser engraver and a little time.
I used moderate power and speed and used a crosshatch fill. It turned out to be a bit burnt, but cleaned up nicely with a damp paper towel. The engraving is deep with nice edges. It is always recommended to use a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol to clean the lens after engraving rubber or other dusty materials. This ensures that the laser is always operating at maximum power.
4 - Pepakura Paper Art
Papercraft is one of those hobbies that everyone loves but no one seems to find time for. Guess what, we've found a way for you to learn papercraft, all by yourself! It's easy - just plug in, download a free design template or upload your own, and start cutting your own designs right away! As you can definitely see, these were the first paper crafts I made. I still need some glue practice.
This machine cuts thick paper like butter. I try to do some paper crafts based on plans I got from the internet. After reducing the power, you can mark the lines where the bends are, and then the paper bends easily.
Paper crafting is a fun hobby. You can make your own cards and artwork, and even some useful items like coasters or gift boxes.
5 - Engraving on your clothes to make them unique!
Laser engravers are like the new kid on the block. It can be used to engrave designs, words or even logos on clothes, making your clothes unique and personal. If you want your garments to stand out from the crowd, then laser engraving is for you. It provides an easy way to create custom designs on anything from t-shirts to jeans or dresses. It's also relatively inexpensive compared to other costly methods like screen printing!
Laser engraving works by using a laser beam to etch into the fabric without damaging any part of the garment. The result is a crisp design that can withstand multiple wash cycles and even last after multiple wears.
Just dial in just the right amount of power and you're ready to engrave your favorite images on your jeans! It also works on genuine and faux leather. You just have to set the power right or you'll have holes in your pants in no time.
6 - Cut the puzzle piece from the thick wood
Puzzles are a great way to keep your brain active, but what if you run out of puzzles? You can always earn more! But first the materials. These simple shapes will be cut from 10mm thick wood using a laser engraver. This DIY project just requires some good speed settings and patience.
What sets the Atomstack S20 machine apart from others is that this one has a laser beam that has a much longer focus distance than other machines, meaning you can cut thicker materials. It is impossible to cut such thick wood on Atomstack A5 Pro or Atomstack S10 Pro. For optimal cutting of thick materials, focus the cutting head a few millimeters lower than normal. Remove the acrylic shield if necessary. But be sure to wear goggles!
7 - Cut custom event tickets from cardboard
You probably can't afford concert tickets, so why not try making your own? With a laser engraver and some DIY spirit, you can create custom tickets for any occasion. The best part of this process is that anyone can easily do it.
This machine has a very good focus point and it can carve out images with very high detail and contrast. What really convinces you is the ability to punch holes for the tear-away portion of the bill. In Lightburn software, you simply set the layer to "Pierce", adjust the settings and it will automatically punch!
The most amazing thing about the Atomstack S20 machine is that it has a very fine focus. This way it can produce very detailed images, like the image of John Lennon below!
8 - Awesome Tree Clock
If you're looking for a fun and easy project to keep yourself occupied this weekend, making your own clock is perfect. With a laser engraver, you can create your own unique timepiece that stands out from any other timepiece on the market.
9- Make custom boxes of all shapes and sizes in minutes!
I'm going to share an easy method that you can make a laser cut box in under 10 minutes. No custom design required! This is a great project for beginners and hobbyists who want something that doesn't require spending countless hours designing or making from scratch. All it takes is a laser engraver and 10 minutes to spend on this free online box generator.
This laser cut box generator will save you hours of time and add the finishing touch to your projects! When I first started making stuff, I spent a lot of time trying to design a wooden box. It's frustrating because it takes a lot of time for each box shape. That's where that handy little tool comes in: it's an online tool that does all the work of making a box!
10 - Engraved Stainless Steel!
Are you looking for new engravings? Want to engrave your jewelry or dog tags using laser technology instead of traditional methods like stamping or etching? I'll show you how!
It's perfect for giving your handmade jewelry an extra personal touch without all the effort!
This machine is powerful enough to engrave stainless steel! Yes, what you heard is correct. First, the steel needs to be painted black with an inexpensive black spray paint. Engraving at a slow speed. Then wipe off the paint with acetone. The engraving is very durable and not easy to scratch off.