In the world of laser cutting, you have a wealth of creative, beautiful, and entertaining possibilities for projects on your hands, whether you want to work with plywood, acrylic, or other materials.
The way a laser cutter works is that a computer controls a beam of light (the laser) that can slice through various materials, as long as they aren’t too hard. This allows for a “no contact” physical approach to the materials, keeping both your laser cutter and your project in good shape.
There are a lot of fun laser cutting ideas out there, and we’ve found a number of great projects to explore. All of the files for these projects are free to download, plus some of the creators will also do the cutting for you (for a fee)!
Most of the projects on the list are appropriate for all levels of laser cutting expertise, although a few are a bit more advanced in nature, so there’s something for everyone to try. Go forth and get cutting!
Home Decor
Your laser cutter is the perfect tool to spark some joy inside your home, as it allows for ease of assembly and attention to detail. The following projects will add a bit of a pop (in a practical way) to your current decor scheme.
Mandala
The Laser Cut Mandala is a captivating work of art, skillfully crafted from six consecutive layers of thin plywood seamlessly glued together. Its intricate design infuses a sense of mindfulness and tranquility into any space, making it a perfect addition to a balcony or a cozy corner for relaxation.
However, it’s crucial to consider the choice of materials and adhesives during assembly. This delicate masterpiece may not fare well in areas prone to moisture. Depending on the use, one might consider making it in acrylic with a solvent-based adhesive, or use a generous coat of varnish for plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) makings.
Wooden Silhouette Vases
These vases are among the most minimalistic and simple laser cutter projects. At a quick glance, you might think they’re two-dimensional, but a closer look helps show them off in more detail. The maker got the idea for these from wire silhouette vases, but the wooden look of these laser-cut vases gives them a much more subtle and aesthetically pleasing look.
It’s possible to design the vase in different silhouette shapes. For this project, all you’ll need is the wood of your preference, a glass test tube, and a bunch of plants and flowers. We say a bunch because you won’t want to stop at a single vase!
- Who designed it? Maker Design Lab
- How popular is it? This minimal vase is quite popular, with over 26,200 views, 316 likes, and at least 4 makes.
- Where to find it? Instructables
Eclipse Pendulum Clock
Pendulum clocks – while certainly interesting to watch – are nothing new. This design, called Eclipse, differentiates itself from traditional pendulum clocks by using electromagnetic pulses to swing the pendulum instead of relying on gravity. It may not be the best timekeeper, but watching the gears move as the pendulum keeps swinging by is simply a delight to watch – making it a great piece of decor.
The design may look a bit complicated, but it’s mostly cutting out the gears and putting them together. We wouldn’t recommend this as your first laser cutter project, but you should definitely try it if you already have some experience with woodworking and love clocks! Do note that you will need to build the pendulum first, before getting started with the clock itself.
- Who designed it? Sawdust Willy
- How popular is it? This cool model has over 2,000 views and won the First Prize in the Making Time Contest.
- Where to find it? Instructables
Plywood Violin
If you’re into music and art, this laser-cut violin can be the perfect showpiece for your studio.
Assembly may look a bit intimidating with lots of tiny components that need to be put together with glue. However, the creator has done a pretty good job at documenting the process with helpful tips and lots of pictures, so it shouldn’t be that hard. It’s a lengthy build regardless, so we suggest planning to stretch it over a weekend or even two.
The best part is, you can put some strings on it and actually play the violin! It might not sound amazing, but who cares, it’s a hand-built fully functioning violin!
- Who designed it? Lee AnnH
- How popular is it? This project has over 28,000 views and 5 makes have been shared so far.
- Where to find it? Instructables
3D Contour Map
This project is a laser-cut wooden 3D topographic map that displays features like elevation. These maps are quite fascinating to look at and will surely be a great addition to your home’s decor.
To put a map like this together all you’ll need are web tools like Terrain2STL and Kiri:Moto, wood, and a laser cutter. Terrain2STL generates an STL of any selected geographical region on the world map. Kiri:Moto, on the other hand, is an online slicer that will prepare your STL file for laser cutting.
After you’ve finished cutting the wood, all that remains is gluing everything together. Additionally, if your map has water, you can use blue acrylic to make it more vibrant.
- Who designed it? makendo
- How popular is it? This amazing art project has over 33,700 views and more than 320 likes, and 3 makers have shared their versions of it.
- Where to find it? Instructables
Angular Chair
This handy, aesthetic, and ergonomically designed chair is a special laser cutting project that will spruce up any room in the house or possibly even your home workspace.
This project utilizes plywood for the body and 3D printed nGen_FLEX parts for the joins. If you don’t have access to a 3D printer, consider a printing service like Craftcloud.
This particular project is somewhat complex (not necessarily an ideal project for beginners) but yields an excellent result. The creator has provided detailed plans and a tutorial to help you in your endeavors.
There are DXF files for the laser-cut panels and STL files for the 3D printed parts. Some of the measurements can be customized for users who have some experience with CAD software.
Vinyl Record Frames
We all have our favorite albums from our childhoods, don’t we? Sadly, in the age of digital music, album arts keep getting rarer. But this laser cut vinyl record frame can still help you preserve your childhood favorites by letting you put the album’s artwork on the wall!
Not only does it look minimal and aesthetic, the build is also fairly straightforward, requiring you to just glue the parts together after cutting them out. You can even do some post-processing on the wood, such as varnishing to make it look even better!
All in all, this is a really good project if you’re looking for something home decoration-related.
- Who designed it? Jon-A-Tron
- How popular is it? This simple but polished design has over 150,000 views and 4 makes have been shared.
- Where to find it? Instructables
Flexible Double Curvature Surface
Ever wanted the classic wooden texture of plywood but also wanted it to be flexible like a piece of cardboard? That’s exactly what this project is about, a double curvature surface made from regular plywood.
Traditionally, creating such bendable surfaces has been complicated and expensive. But the author came up with a way to keep it simple by partially cutting the plywood into a series of interconnected pieces, allowing it to be flexible.
This project requires no assembly, and is really versatile since you can stick it virtually anywhere you want. Use it as a desk mat, wall decor, or anything else that you think could use a flexible wooden surface. Perfect afternoon project for beginners!
- Who designed it? kofaktorlab
- How popular is it? With over 160,000 views and 13 makes, this project has surely gotten a lot of attention from the community. It also won the First Prize in the Epilog Contest VII.
- Where to find it? Instructables
Home Organizers
What if, in addition to that bit of pop, you could also be organizing your home? Here are some great projects that will help you get organized and save space.
Shape-Conforming Spiral Bowls
Shape-conforming spiral bowls are a unique project that showcases an innovative design that’s perfectly suited for laser cutting. This project is a great example of how creative use of material can lead to beautiful and functional products.
The project includes two different bases that will result in two distinct bowls for you to choose from. The use of 3-mm plywood or MDF adds durability to the design while also providing a sleek and modern look.
Overall, the project is an excellent addition to any home decor, providing both style and practicality.
- Who designed it? gorgonaut
- How popular is it? This bowl has over 900 likes, 9 makes, and 1 remix, and the DXF file has been downloaded more than 34,000 times.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Napkin Holder
This classy napkin holder will impress your guests and is practical for everyday mealtime use, whether it’s to hold paper or artfully folded cloth (though its measurements are designed ideally for 165 x 165 mm-sized paper napkins).
The napkin holder project includes AI, DXF, and SVG file types, so you can pick your format of choice. The intended material is birch wood; the creator used a wood stain to finish. The lovely notches in the design were added using Autodesk Fusion. This is a simple but elegant and highly functional laser cutting project to try out.
- Who designed it? JonathanK1906
- How popular is it? This napkin holder has three makes combined from both sites.
- Where to find it? Cults, Thingiverse
Toolbox
This is a handy and compact toolbox made to house all the essentials needed for repairs. There are many compartments and drawers to house tools like a hammer, clamps, saws, screwdrivers, screws, tapes, and even eye protection glasses (safety must be prioritized!).
You can even customize the toolbox for your own instruments. An interesting part of this project is that the hammer also doubles as the handle for the toolbox. This design is simple to assemble, and while you’ll need some supplies, they should be fairly easy to get your hands on. Once ready, you’ll be able to have a variety of tools nicely stored, ready for your next project.
- Who designed it? fps67
- How popular is it? This handy project has more than 8,400 views and over 100 likes.
- Where to find it? Instructables
Desktop Organizer
Aesthetically pleasing and the perfect tool to help keep your desk space or tabletop cleverly organized, this project is designed to hold pens, markers, or pencils and even has space for a ruler.
The available file formats are AI, DXF, and SVG files, and the design requires 3-mm-thick material to be properly assembled. This desktop organizer would be a great project for a beginner or intermediate-level user of a laser cutter, as it’s fairly straightforward in regards to cutting and assembly.
- Who designed it? JonathanK1906
- How popular is it? This handy desk organizer has over 14,100 views on Cults and more than 2,600 downloads from both sites.
- Where to find it? Cults, Thingiverse
Plywood & Concrete Desk Organizers
If the previous organizer isn’t seeing to your needs, this next one is simple and great for giving your desk a clean look by organizing your stationery and whatnot. The project involves casting concrete – so if you’re bored of regular laser cutter ventures, this one might interest you.
The author has gone through every step in great detail, making this a decent guide to follow along even for beginners. To build this project, you’ll need 3-mm plywood or birch, some glue, concrete mix or plaster, and some finishing oil for the aesthetic outcome.
This makes a great gift for your loved ones as well!
- Who designed it? NirL
- How popular is it? This project was viewed over 4,000 times and received 50,000 likes.
- Where to find it? Instructables
Steam Deck Stand
The Steam Deck Stand is a highly practical accessory for docking your Steam Deck gaming console. What sets it apart is the information provided regarding its design process. The inclusion of instructions, detailing the use of Fusion, with 3D sketches and projection descriptions, is a noteworthy feature. This particular stand not only aids in development, but also equips users with valuable knowledge to create similar stands for other gaming consoles.
The designer’s approach of creating test parts before the final build reflects a thoughtful and thorough design process, ensuring a well-crafted and functional accessory. Although with some issues, the use of kerf is considered. Kerf is the width of a cut made by a saw, or a laser cut in this case. This width is so thin that it’s often neglected, but can be the difference between a snap-in-place join or the need for glue.
- Who designed it? ynchn
- How popular is it? This tutorial has over 700 views.
- Where to find it? Instructables
Toys & Games
Not just for practical prints, your laser cutter is also capable of helping you put together some fun printing projects for downtime, whether it’s for children, friends, or just yourself! Here are some playful ideas to get you started.
Comet Tank
Maker Lucas Fierfort has created a remote control Comet Tank. He based it on a real British tank developed in 1943 that was mainly used during the end of the Second World War. How good is the project? It won the Grand Prize at Instructables’ 2019 CNC Contest – not bad. Not bad at all.
There are many moveable parts, such as the rotating turret, accessible hatches, working suspensions, and more. A NodeMCU is at the heart of the tank, which can be controlled via the Blynk app. You can easily get the design files, required components, and assembly instructions on the project’s site.
- Who designed it? Lucas Fierfort
- How popular is it? This tank rolls in with over 22,400 views on Instructables, and the files have been downloaded more than 4,400 times from Thingiverse, with 3 makes shared combined from both sites.
- Where to find it? Instructables, Thingiverse
Chess Set
How cool would it be to play chess when you’ve created the set yourself? It’s entirely possible with this fun laser-cut chess project, for which the pieces can either be laser cut or 3D printed.
This project includes STL file formats for the six different piece types. The designer has also cut a matching board and a case for the pieces, though files aren’t included for those, so why not design your own?
- Who designed it? JonathanK1906
- How popular is it? This impressive chess set has about 35,200 views on Cults and over 4,600 downloads combined from both sites.
- Where to find it? Cults, Thingiverse
TJBot
Run out of wood? No problems, try making this cool robot by cutting and folding some chipboard or cardboard!
TJBot is an open-source project developed by IBM that aims to make AI fun for everyone.
In this Instructables guide, the author walks readers through the process of making the TJBot step by step. Which, we should warn you, can be pretty lengthy and tricky. For best results, make sure to set aside some time to avoid rushing through the process.
Once the robot has been assembled, you can go ahead and start putting your favorite combinations of electronics inside it (Raspberry Pi, servo motor, and more, depending on what you’re making). Since it doesn’t require any power tools except for the laser cutter for cutting it out initially, this is a great educational project to keep friends busy!
- Who designed it? TJBot
- How popular is it? It has over 46,000 views and more than 100 likes, along with 6 makes posted on Instructables.
- Where to find it? Instructables
USS Enterprise
The USS Enterprise is the ultimate addition to any toy and game collection, perfect for fans of the pop culture classic Star Trek. This intricately designed model is made with a mix of engraving, contouring, and cutting, which results in a highly detailed and realistic replica of the iconic spaceship. Assembling it is guaranteed to provide hours of fun, thanks to its engaging design and the precision of the laser-cut pieces.
This USS Enterprise is designed to be made with 3-mm plywood or MDF, which adds sturdiness and durability to the starship, but 3-mm acrylic is also an option.
Whether you’re a fan of the classic TV show, any of the movies, the spin-offs, or you simply appreciate the unique design of this model, the USS Enterprise is sure to impress. With its attention to detail, fun assembly, and use of high-quality materials, this is a must-have for any collector or enthusiast.
- Who designed it? JoeSnuffie
- How popular is it? The classic starship has 22 makes and 3 remixes, and the different file options have been downloaded over 37,000 times on average.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Bus
This is a classic bus puzzle designed for laser cutting enthusiasts, to be cut from 4-mm plywood. While it can be a challenging project to assemble, it promises a joyful and satisfying experience for those who enjoy puzzles and DIY activities.
One notable advantage of this project is the availability of files in various extensions such as CDR, DXF, AI, EPS, STL, DWG, PDF, and more. This diversity of file formats ensures compatibility with a wide range of laser cutting machines and software, making it accessible to a broader audience.
Pinball Arcade Machine
This one is for all the arcade lovers! Do you miss classic games like pinball? So did the author, hence they decided to make their own!
This tabletop wooden pinball arcade machine is tons of fun to play with, whether you’re by yourself or with friends. The project is well-documented and contains all the files you will need for laser cutting, and building it shouldn’t be difficult. Interestingly enough, the designer also used some 3D printed parts in the project such as the back panel design and the launcher. But if you only have a laser cutter at home, no worries, feel free to try Craftcloud for all your 3D printing needs!
- Who designed it? AjarDesign
- How popular is it? This fun game has over 3,000 views and 30,000 likes on Instructables, and in case you’re wondering how it’s considered by the community, it won the Second Prize in the Arcade Student Design Challenge.
- Where to find it? Instructables
Jenga Pistol
Jenga is a game filled with excitement and anxiety. Finding the perfect brick that will come off easily comes down to strategy and analyzing how the different parts connect. Removing it and placing it on top of the tower takes both skill and luck – and a steady hand. All you have to do is make sure the tower doesn’t fall on your turn.
This project is a pistol designed specifically to shoot down bricks with speed. It’s a remixed version of the Woodgears Jenga pistol, made from laser-cut wood. With this version, you can’t shoot any projectiles, as it uses a plunger designed to hit the bricks. While speed may make the game appear easier, with the pistol you can turn both the pace and challenge up a notch!
Just make sure that there aren’t any Ming vases around and no one’s standing on the opposite side of the tower.
- Who designed it? Jayefuu
- How popular is it? With over 60,000 views and more than 300 likes, this Jenga pistol is extremely fun to use, and 3 makers have shared images of their successful reproductions, with one adding stunning Celtic designs.
- Where to find it? Instructables
Tabletop Industrial Terrain
This is a very cool tabletop terrain for wargaming that you can make yourself out of 3-mm hardboard, or, as the author suggests, MDF for more stability. All the DXF files needed for laser cutting are provided. No need to glue or screw anything, the parts are all snug-fit.
We think the result looks really amazing! If you’re looking for a project that you can build with your kids or friends over the weekend, definitely check this one out. Not to mention, you’re gonna have even more fun using this in your tabletop wargames after it’s built!
- Who designed it? akselmusic
- How popular is it? It has four makes and two remixes posed on Thingiverse.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Da Vinci Glider
Initially designed as an educational workshop project for young teens, this Leonardo da Vinci-inspired glider project came out of da Vinci’s many creative aircraft designs. The design’s creator provides clear step-by-step instructions as well as an entry about the project on his personal blog.
Users who have laser cut this fun flyer are enthusiastic about its creativity and design. The creator used plywood for the wooden parts to be cut. You can even purchase a pre-cut kit and skip straight to the assembly!
- Who designed it? ripper
- How popular is it? Five other makers have shared their beautiful gliders on Thingiverse, and there are four remixes, including one with 3D printed parts.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Extending Digit
This is a personal over-engineered kinetically extending digit (also known as POKED). The designer has appropriately named it for the wooden hand cutout at the end with a pointing finger.
To make this, all you will need is a wooden board, a brass tube, a few tools, and some nuts and bolts. The project page has all the files and assembly instructions, so you can make this in no time.
All in all, it’s just a fun and satisfying toy, which the maker advises should not be used to poke people in the eye.
- Who designed it? ghettobastler
- How popular is it? This mechanism has over 9,100 views and more than 140 likes.
- Where to find it? Instructables
Garden & Outdoors
If you’re looking to enhance your garden or outdoor space, whether it’s a small balcony planter box or a spacious backyard, these laser-cut projects could be worth investigating. Then you can proudly say that you made it yourself!
Flower Swing
This gorgeous flower swing project is perfect for showcasing plants at home, whether it’s for you or meant for a gift (Mother’s Day, perhaps?). The project is constructed from 5-mm solid wood and covering material, and features elegant laser-engraved details, or the item can be painted if you use MDF.
While the model was designed to be used with a Trotec laser cutter, there’s no reason it can’t be achieved on other machines. The files are also adaptable – measurements can be adjusted if you’re using thicker or thinner materials for your print.
Modern Birdhouse
Don’t you think your neighborhood’s friendly birds deserve some appreciation too? Well, you can show them that by making this sleek looking birdhouse!
What we especially liked about this project was how cleanly it was designed and documented, and how versatile it is to make. You could use a laser cutter or a 3D printer, as files are included for all tools. The creator has also thoughtfully included the public Onshape design, in case you need to modify the dimensions.
And if the design’s right for you but you want to add some color to it, you can always paint it for that extra touch!
- Who designed it? neobobkrause
- How popular is it? It currently has one make posted on Thingiverse, while the files have been downloaded around 1,000 times.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Candle Holder Tree & Animals
This candle holder is a beautiful and delicate design that’s sure to add a touch of elegance and whimsy to any home. The nice detailing creates a stunning visual effect, with intricate patterns that are both eye-catching and unique. The design is made with precision, making it easy to assemble and perfect for those who love DIY projects.
This tealight holder is designed for 3-mm wood, ensuring its durability and sturdiness. When a candle is placed inside, the model creates a lovely shading effect, bringing a warm and inviting atmosphere to any space. For added safety, you can also place a glass sheet as a windbreaker.
The intricate design and easy assembly make it a great gift idea for those who love unique and thoughtful home decor. With its combination of beauty and functionality, this candle holder is sure to be a treasured addition to any home. And if you’re looking for more diversity with added animals, a remix includes a deer and a wolf.
- Who designed it? Lifelix
- How popular is it? This candle holder has 17 makes and 7 remixes, and the different formats of the design have been downloaded 83,000 times on average.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Basketball Hoop
This one is such a simple project, but it can spice up your weekend and make it more fun. After all, what’s better than spending a lazy afternoon playing basketball with your friends?
The DXF file is included, so all you need to do is cut the shape out of a piece of wood using the laser cutter. While the wood is getting up, fire up your 3D printer and print the included basketball hoop (if you don’t have a large enough printer, hop over to Craftcloud!). Once the wood, the hoop, and the hoop net are ready, use a little bit of superglue to put everything together. The Instructables tutorial does a good job at detailing the assembly process.
Really, it’s that simple: You’ve got your own basketball hoop made in only three steps!
- Who designed it? JonathanK1906
- How popular is it? With over 22,000 views combined on Instructables and Cults and almost 400 downloads, this model is fairly popular among hobbyists.
- Where to find it? Cults, Instructables
Cabin Hut
The Cabin Hut for Terrarium is a charming addition to any garden. This small cabin, designed to house a bottle terrarium, brings a touch of rustic elegance to outdoor spaces. Crafted from 4-mm plywood, the laser-contoured details such as the roof tiles and door add a delightful finish to the hut’s design.
One notable feature is the opportunity for personalization. The unpainted plywood serves as a canvas for creativity, allowing owners to paint and customize the hut to suit their garden’s aesthetic. Stain or paint are options, but the original creator used dual-tip markers for coloring.
- Who designed it? Artful_Dabbler
- How popular is it? This design has around 900 views.
- Where to find it? Instructables
Garden Light
With this garden light project, you can create your own aesthetic yet practical piece of outdoor decoration. The light diffuser is laser cut from an old office fluorescent light diffuser, while the top is 2-mm acrylic, laser cut into triangles.
There are some additional things needed to make this into a functioning light, including 3D printed parts, a 16-mm aluminum tube to act as the stand, a light bulb, and a few other electrical components.
The project’s creator has a website and YouTube channel with tutorials for various projects. Check them out if you need additional guidance with making this particular project or to try your hand at some of their other creations.
- Who designed it? tinkersprojects
- How popular is it? This simple outdoor light has over 400 downloads and around 20 likes on Thingiverse.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
License: The text of "30 Cool Laser Cutter Projects We Love" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.