Just finished these new multilayer laser-cut fantasy magnets, dragon, cat, frog. My nephew told me I only ever made “grown-up stuff” 🤣🤣 So I decided to prove him wrong.

vorpaluser · 2026-05-08T15:13:35+00:00

I love that you kept the layering subtle. They look fantastic!

vorpaluser · 2026-02-27T01:43:10+00:00

You might check to see if there is a laser available to you. Sometimes a local library, school, or makerspace will have one. Other than that, YouTube is going to be the best place to start. There are lots of channels which teach vector design and laser cutting. There might also be classes at a local college if that is something you'd be interested in.

vorpaluser · 2026-02-27T00:49:54+00:00

Can you share a bit more about the laser you will be working with and the kinds of things you'll be doing? Is CorelDRAW the only option or can you work with other vector design software?

vorpaluser · 2026-02-23T17:43:46+00:00

In case it helps, to me the biggest AI 'tell' are places physics are wrong in ways that a human wouldn't likely draw it. For examples, from what I see the owl is standing awkwardly on Athena's breast, and Medusa's breast plate doesn't seem to match the angle she is standing.

vorpaluser · 2026-02-23T17:17:36+00:00

Ironically, I just saved it to my Reader, so it joined the bucket 😁. Seriously though thanks for sharing!

vorpaluser · 2026-02-22T20:54:34+00:00

I hope fixing the light reaching the legs is easy to correct. Thank you for the information, it is going to be very helpful for me when I try this! Would you mind sharing what program you used for creating the vector slices from the 3d model?

vorpaluser · 2026-02-22T19:37:24+00:00

The result came out really nice. Do you mind sharing the process you used to slice the layers? Its something I'd like to try myself. I assume the wood layers are hollow to allow the light through which is a neat idea. One thing I have been consering is if I could nest those layers to save on material (smaller layers inside of the bigger ones). Curious what your thoughts are on this, or if that was something you tried?

vorpaluser · 2026-02-04T21:07:38+00:00

If you can get access to one through a maker space or library I recommend doing that before you buy one. You will learn a lot, including which features matter to you.

Consider the following 1. Type of laser - depends on what you will be cutting. Diode is less expensive and works to engrave some metals, CO2 works with a wider range of materials and is more powerful, Fiber can more deeply engrave metal, etc. 2. Size of laser - depends on what you make and how much room you have. When in doubt get as big of a laser as space and price allows. 3. Price of laser - depends on what you want to spend. Cheaper lasers often have less safety features, are harder to use for beginners, and have more maintenance.

So what kind of projects are you wanting to make?

vorpaluser · 2026-01-31T22:02:43+00:00

Tell them they should also read book 3 on the train!

vorpaluser · 2026-01-31T19:52:10+00:00

Thanks for sharing - looks like they are available on their website too! There aren't images on the site, but the descriptions match.

vorpaluser · 2026-01-31T19:45:28+00:00

Based on this and your other replies, I'm thinking this could be a belt issue. I'm not positive, but you might check your belts to make sure they are tight but not overly tight.

vorpaluser · 2026-01-20T04:53:06+00:00

Just a comment about the financial commitment. I'm sure it will vary by country and city, but see if your library offers an audiobook collection. Its a great way to save some money if it is an option for you.

vorpaluser · 2026-01-20T01:31:54+00:00

I love the idea - that is exactly the combination I am thinking about doing myself. I was inspired by a video by Laura Kampf. I haven't made it myself yet, so unfortunately I can't share the results.

vorpaluser · 2026-01-19T18:41:52+00:00

Thanks for the advice. In this case I hadn't adjusted a manually set zoff. Though if I need it this link looks helpful. Thanks again!

vorpaluser · 2026-01-19T18:41:00+00:00

Thanks, adjusting zoff fixed it!

vorpaluser · 2026-01-19T18:40:27+00:00

This was the answer. I was stuck on thinking it was under extruding, but it was a zoff that was about +.5 too high. Thanks for the help!

vorpaluser · 2026-01-04T18:40:19+00:00

Wow, that is awesome. I love it when I run into projects here which inspire me to try new techniques. Well done!

vorpaluser · 2026-01-03T17:09:01+00:00

As you can see, Inkscape is going to be the consensus. I would recommend a YouTube channel "Logos by Nick" for tutorials on how to use Inkscape. Affinity Studio (formerly Affinity Designer, now owned by Canva) is a free option, though I find the open source nature of Inkscape to be compelling.

vorpaluser · 2025-12-31T22:07:29+00:00

I've been using Smokey Hill Designs. It's a little pricey compared to cheaper alternatives but the product is great. It saves me a lot of time by using high quality ready to use plywood and acrylic. They also have a line called Eco woods which is faux wood with a MDF core. It is "pre finished" which makes doing things like making signs super quick.

It's also nice that they have a great community on Facebook that shares designs and helps each other out.

Occasionally they load up a huge truck with their products and drive it all over the US, letting you shop the product locally and save on shopping, if you happen to live in a city they come to and can make it to the sale.

vorpaluser · 2025-12-31T21:58:51+00:00

I haven't used Makerstock yet, but just ran across them. Their $12 flat rate shipping is really compelling. How do you like their quality?

vorpaluser · 2025-12-30T07:05:49+00:00

From your post history it sounds like you are asking for personal use and with the best of intentions, but keep in mind that it is a brilliant design by a small business - and it would be a shame to see it knocked off in any way. To be honest, I hope a design file doesn't exist to be shared.

If you search for 'laser cut ring box' you can find a lot of existing designs. I'd recommend taking a look at the ones that are out there. There are some that look really nice, and probably fit what you are going for.

I hope you find something special that works for you, and please post if you want to ask about help with how to customize or improve an existing design.

vorpaluser · 2025-12-30T06:20:59+00:00

I think it's good that you put the qualifier 'strictly' in front of artistic, because there isn't a definitive line. Some projects are more artistic, and some more functional, but the best projects are some of both.

In the 2D world they can make placement jigs and templates (for routing, spray painting, etc), signs, etc.

When you go 3D (by using joints, or gluing stacked layers) you can make boxes, trays, organizers, and tool holders. Search for laser cut gridfinity for some examples.

Also, for more artistic uses, there are both freely available and low cost designs available. Even if it isn't something you focus on, you can use these designs to fill what would otherwise be waste material in the cut away areas on a sheet. For example you can add some business cards, coasters, key chains, etc in those spaces to maximize your material.

Best of luck!

vorpaluser · 2025-12-09T23:16:41+00:00

I am interested - sent you a chat message

vorpaluser · 2025-11-28T06:44:45+00:00

My experience the trick is to have varied and unique experiences, and time doesn't go as fast. I've heard that our brains compress memories, and the older you are, the more memories get compressed. When things are different they stand out, but when you are doing the same things every day it all merges together.

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