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In this blog post, I’ll take you on a fun journey where you’ll discover how to create a stunning laser-cut wood sign that can brighten up your home, make thoughtful gifts, or even start a small business! 

Imagine turning a simple piece of wood into a great quality, personalized masterpiece. 

Plus, it’s nice to have a DIY project you can look forward to making on the weekend! 

Multi layer wood and acrylic sign with laser cut decorations.

What makes this laser-cut wood sign especially cool is that it is multi-layered. (Don’t worry – I show you how to do that in this guide.) 

I also like how this makes all the different colors on the sign stand out. Nothing feels flat about this! 

But as cool as this custom item looks, what’s the functionality of it? How can you use it? 

How To Use Custom Wood Signs

The best gift for someone was thoughtfully made or selected with them in mind. That’s why a custom wood sign is a great option! 

Wooden signs work so well because you can customize them in any way and give them to the people you love.

Custom wood sign with a name using the Glowforge Aura.

One way to do that is by customizing it with a first name and giving it as a gift at a baby shower, a birthday, etc.

Or, if you have a wedding coming up, use their last name instead, and the newly-wed couple can hang their custom sign in their home. 

Adding a custom name to a wood sign makes these an excellent gift idea.

Alternatively, laser-cut wood signs are also great for your home decor.

You could make one with your family’s last name, something seasonal to decorate for the holidays, or even a welcome sign for your porch. 

Finally, you could turn your custom sign-making passion into a business perfect for creative entrepreneurs. (Or, if you already have a small business, you could add this to your inventory!) 

You can sell made-to-order items on the Etsy app, Shopify, or your own website. 

When placing the letters, hold down for a few seconds so they can cure in place.

You might even find local business owners or other small businesses that want to sell your creations because handmade pieces or custom gifts like this sell very well. This means you can avoid dealing with customer service, finding a shipping method, or competing with other Etsy sellers. 

For that reason, laser-cut wood signs make it possible for you to earn some money right from the comfort of your own home. 

The possibilities are endless! 

Can You Cut Wood With a Laser Cutter?

Not only can you cut wood pieces with a laser machine, but you can also do laser engraving with them.

While this isn’t needed for this particular project, I do have others with laser-engraved wood that you might enjoy. 

How does it work? 

Hand touching the Glowforge Aura machine on a white table.

These machines use focused laser beams to cut through various materials, including wood, with incredible precision.

The laser cutter works its magic by melting, burning, or vaporizing the wood in the precise path you design, as long as you use the right materials.

This allows you to create intricate shapes, patterns, and designs that would be nearly impossible to achieve with traditional tools.

One of the fantastic things about laser cutting wood is that it leaves behind smooth, clean edges, giving your project a polished and professional look. Whether you’re making a personalized sign, wooden letters, wooden words, a puzzle, or even delicate jewelry, a laser cutter can help you bring your ideas to life.

Use your laser cutting machine to cut out all of the pieces you need.

But remember, while laser cutters are incredibly versatile and fun to use, safety always comes first. Make sure to follow all safety guidelines and precautions when working with these powerful machines to ensure a crafting experience that’s both enjoyable and secure.

Now that we know you can cut wood with a laser cutter let’s explore the different types of wood that work best for creating beautiful laser-cut wood signs! 

What Is The Best Wood To Use For A Laser Cut Wood Sign?

When crafting your laser-cut wood sign, choosing the right type of wood is essential. Different woods have unique characteristics, and selecting the one that suits your project can make a big difference in the final result.

Here are the highest-quality wood options for laser-cutting:

Plywood

Plywood is a versatile choice for laser cutting. It’s made by layering thin sheets of wood, which makes it sturdy yet lightweight. Plywood comes in various grades and finishes, allowing you to pick the one that fits your design and budget.

MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard)

MDF is another excellent option. It’s smooth, uniform, and easy to work with. MDF is often used for intricate laser-cut designs due to its fine, consistent surface.

Birchwood

Birchwood is known for its attractive grain patterns and light color, making it a popular choice for rustic and natural-looking signs. It’s relatively easy to laser-cut and can give your project a lovely, organic feel.

Maple

Maple is a durable hardwood with a fine grain. It’s an excellent choice if you want your laser-cut wood sign to have a polished and sophisticated appearance.

Cherrywood

Cherrywood boasts a rich, reddish-brown hue that darkens over time, adding character to your sign. It’s an excellent choice for traditional or vintage-style designs.

Walnut

If you prefer a dark, elegant look, walnut is the way to go. It’s hardwood with a deep brown color and distinctive grain patterns that can add a touch of luxury to your project.

Multi layer laser cut wood sign laying down in front of a Glowforge Aura.

The type of wood you choose can influence how your design looks and feels. It’s a good idea to experiment with different wood options to see which complements your design the best.

Also, ensure you check your laser machine’s approved materials guide, as the capabilities of each machine are different. You’ll also need to make sure your wood sheets are not thicker than the maximum for your laser-cutting machine. 

You can get your wood sheets from your local Home Depot store, Glowforge, or even Amazon. 

I also like to look for wood I can spray paint color if I want to unless I can find wood pieces that are already colored, as I did for this project. Some stain options will work as well. 

Tools and Materials Needed For Custom Laser Cut Wood Signs

You’ll need the right tools and craft supplies at your fingertips to get the best results when making your own customer laser-cut wood sign with acrylic. 

Here’s a complete list of what you’ll need. 

Materials:

  1. Laser Safe Acrylic Sheet Colors: Acrylic sheets come in various colors, allowing you to add eye-catching details to your wood sign.
  2. Laser Safe Wood Color: This is your sturdy base, so make sure you choose a wood color that complements your acrylic choices for a stunning contrast.
  3. Stand-Off Screws: These little wonders will help you create a 3D effect by elevating your acrylic layers from the wood surface. 
  4. Super Glue: Super glue will securely bond your acrylic layers and wood, ensuring your sign stands the test of time.
  5. Precision Tip Applicator Bottle: This nifty tool allows you to apply glue with pinpoint accuracy, helping you achieve clean and tidy results.
  6. Honey Syrup Font: Your font choice can genuinely personalize your sign. The “Honey Syrup” font adds a touch of whimsy and sweetness to your design. Feel free to explore other fonts that match your style if you don’t like this one. 

Tools:

  1. Glowforge Aura Craft Laser: The star of the show! Your Glowforge Aura Craft Laser will bring your design to life with precision and finesse. (Check out my complete review of the Glowforge Aura here!) 
Laser cut wood sign with a clear piece of acrylic on a table with a laser cutting machine from Glowforge.

With these powerful tools and materials in hand, you’re all set to make your custom laser-cut wood sign with acrylic. 

Free SVG File For Laser Cut Wood Sign With Acrylic

Of course, you can make your own custom design if you want to. 

But, if you’re too excited to make your laser-cut wood sign or need a jumping-off point, I’ve got free laser-cut files (SVG format) that you can download and use for this project. (Note – these are for personal use only.) 

Learn how to make a multi layer laser cut wood sign with acrylic, which can be customized with any name.

Grab the free SVG!

Go to file #116 in the free resource library.

Where can I send the resource library files?

    Is This A Beginner Project

    I would not consider this a beginner-friendly project due to the complexity of the design. 

    But don’t worry! I’ve got plenty of other laser-cutting projects you can get started with to help you get more practice. 

    When you’re ready, return to this project tutorial to make custom wood signs like a pro. 

    Other Laser Cutting Projects You Might Like

    How To Make Your Laser Cut Wood Sign With Acrylic

    Laser cut wood sign with a clear piece of acrylic on a table with a laser cutting machine from Glowforge.
    Yield: 1

    Laser Cut Wood Signs With Acrylic

    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Active Time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
    Difficulty: Intermediate
    Estimated Cost: $25

    Learn how to make a multi-layer laser-cut wood sign with acrylic, which can be customized with any name and has a pretty design.

    Materials

    • 2 Laser Safe Acrylic Sheet Colors
    • 1 Laser Safe Wood Color
    • Stand Off Screws
    • Super Glue
    • Precision Tip Applicator Bottle
    • Honey Syrup Font

    Tools

    • Glowforge Aura Craft Laser

    Instructions

    1. Upload the file and arrange/adjust the settings. You can decide which materials you use for each piece.
    2. Add a name to fit the circle. Create a rectangle that will cut around the name. If you like the font I used then you can download it from above.
    3. If you are using Glowforge and Proofgrade materials then the machine will pick up the settings for you. Make sure you are adjusting each layer for the material you are using. Use your laser cutting machine to cut out all of the pieces you need.
    4. After you have cut everything, remove any masking. Remove any masking after running your wood through your laser cutting machine.
    5. Glue in the stand-off screws to the bottom layer of your design. To get the multi layers, you need stand off screws which you can glue in.
    6. Now glue the flowers on. Using glue to place the laser cut flowers on the main wood piece.
    7. Add the clear acrylic to the top of your stand-off screws and then screw in the tops. Add the clear acrylic to your sign.
    8. Place the rectangle that your name was cut out of down onto the top of the sign. You can use some clips to hold it down. Add wood cut rectangle into place on your sign in the ideal spot.
    9. Add the name using super glue and hold for a few seconds to secure. Using glue to add the letter to your custom wood cut sign. When placing the letters on your wood sign, hold down for a few seconds.
    10. Allow the glue to cure before removing the rectangle. Give the wood time to cure when making your laser cut wood sign.

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