40 Laser Cutter Projects and the Skills They Teach

[@mukeshkumawat2127]

I did not even know. So many things are done with this machine. Thank you. Mam

[@GreylightMay]

Thank you, Mukesh! And some of my favorite projects were done after I made this video. Someday I need to make a new overview, with at least 50 projects, that's a nicer number than 40!!

[@MeatSim9]

I've been engraving stuff with my Snapmaker 2.0 for about a year now, but just upgraded to their more powerful laser, so I can FINALLY cut through plywood. This is a wonderful collection of ideas to get me going. :D

[@GreylightMay]

Congrats, MeatSim, you are going to have so much fun!!

[@handulldtd]

I'm shocked your videos aren't more popular. Great detail, easy to follow, and a popular theme. Keep up the great work!

[@GreylightMay]

Thank you, I really appreciate this!

[@Solenea112]

This is insanely good! No slack, just 100% content! :)

[@GreylightMay]

What a nice comment, thank you!!

[@Solenea112]

@@GreylightMay It's very refreshing not to have to skip half a video :) (with some youtubers)

[@GreylightMay]

Andreas, I can remember when my son told me he watches lots of videos at 2x speed. I was shocked! I didn't know you could do that. But then I started doing that too, or if it's a long 'making' video, I skip to the end to see if the final product is actually good. That's why in my typical video, I show the result in the first 15 seconds so people can decide if they want to invest the time or not!

[@delaineadkins4764]

Wow! This is awesome. Thanks for taking the time to do this overview then do the supporting playlists. Very cool and inspiring! I'll be ready when the makerspace reopens

[@GreylightMay]

My makerspace is open, but I don't feel safe going there yet. With luck, things may be back to normal in 6 months. Wouldn't that be great? I'm glad you like this video, it was fun to make!

[@nancyeaguiar]

All the designs are amazing! I fell in love with the chess set!

[@GreylightMay]

Thanks, Nancy! The chess set was my favorite until I did my multilayer edge lit acrylic project, and now it is my all time favorite. I tried to add a link to it here, but for some reason it won't work for me: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKOtoZh3iMx6m7M

[@HeatherValentineMsFoodie]

I am SO GLAD I FOUND YOU oxox 💝💝💝🌈🌈🌈 Thank you so much!!

[@GreylightMay]

Heather, I'm so glad you found me too!!

[@leandrok24]

first of your videos i found and im already a fan! great content!

[@GreylightMay]

Ahhh, so this is how you found me! Some of my favorite projects were done after this video. Look for the 6 layer edgelit acrylic with programmable lights, it is my very favorite and greets me every day!

[@emannuel128]

you are so creative! Please, more videos about Laser Cut projects

[@GreylightMay]

Manel, when the pandemic started I lost access to my laser cutter because I can't go to my makerspace. That's why I switched to 3D printing, because I could afford to buy my own. But laser cutting is my great love, and I will be back to it as soon as it is safe for me to do so. Don't give up on me! It will be soon, I hope!!

[@emannuel128]

@@GreylightMay nice.

[@DavidALovingMPF102]

Holy Crap! >60 videos! Great job.

[@GreylightMay]

Thanks, David! I'm taking a bit of a break right now, but yes, I've been at this for 5 years now. A lot of work but very enjoyable!!

[@cybermagestudios8685]

Thank you I just ordered my first engraver/cutter lookin forward to using this with my 3d printer. will be tuning in for more videos :)

[@GreylightMay]

CyberMage, you are going to have so much fun!!

[@patriciakuhn6302]

I have been subscribed to your channel for about a year now. Thank you for breaking your projects down for everyone to understand. I needed that!!!

[@GreylightMay]

Patricia, thank you for being a subscriber! I'm glad this was helpful to you. I keep asking myself why I didn't do this sooner; having the 7 playlists will help me as I add new videos - I can just add them to the appropriate playlists and make it easier for viewers to get to the most useful content... Sometimes you just have to step back from what you are doing and look at things with fresh eyes!

[@p4ppu]

Thank you

[@GreylightMay]

You are most welcome!

[@trollmomjo]

wow, you have some mad skills!!!

[@GreylightMay]

Thank you, Jo!!

[@shakiralubbe3354]

You are an incredible inspiration, thank you for sharing 💖

[@GreylightMay]

Thank you, Shakira, what a nice comment!!

[@mystoller]

Very helpful video, thank you!

[@GreylightMay]

Thanks for letting me know, I appreciate it!

[@benferrara4121]

This is incredible! I can't wait to delve into this:)

[@GreylightMay]

Thanks, Ben, I'm glad you found it! I've also done some of my favorite projects since this video was made. Make sure you checkout the 6 layer acrylic picture with programmable lights. I'd put the link here, but KZbin won't let me. Some bot is eliminating all comments with links...

[@benferrara4121]

@@GreylightMay thank you! I'll check that video out right away. These projects look right up my alley to hone some skills with laser cutters. I was just gifted a small one for my birthday (Aufero Laser 2.0)

[@GreylightMay]

What a nice present! You are going to have so much fun!!

[@terrigowdy6946]

Your work is great. My new go to girl for guidance :)

[@GreylightMay]

Thanks, Terri, I love that!

[@thenerdcave9075]

I think I’m in love

[@vivekkumarchauhan569]

Awesome designs

[@GreylightMay]

Thanks, Vivek!

[@RocketChild]

that's pretty incredible how you designed all these projects

[@GreylightMay]

Rocket Child, and it was a lot of fun, too!

[@shewmonohoto]

Your Chess Set is badass!

[@GreylightMay]

Thank you, Jeff! There don't seem to be a lot of chess players out there any more, but that is one of my favorite projects.

[@fderivia]

Wow you are amazing

[@GreylightMay]

What a nice thing to say, Fernanda, thank you!

[@cartonus]

Great information. Thank you

[@GreylightMay]

Thank you, cartonusCom! Some of my favorite projects were done after I made this video, I will have to update it someday!!

[@sherryleggett1612]

I absolutely love those lamps. I saw a diorama that used several layers of laser cut paper. There was what the designer called “a light belt” but Amazon doesn’t recognize that. I haven’t been able to find a short led strip but it looks like you are using something light that in your lamps. What would you call the lights in the base of your lamps? Your projects are so imaginative I’m sure you will be able to buy your own laser soon. My son and his friends are big into Magic. I would love to give him a box like that.

[@GreylightMay]

Sherry, I'm in the process of remaking this video, and the new one has 60 projects! And yes I moved and bought my own laser cutter, and I made a video about receiving it and setting it up. It is an 80 watt OmTech, and I love it. Those ARE led strips, and you can cut them down to size. Every strip has a line every few inches to show you where it is safe to cut, and where you could also solder wires to another strip. One thing I'm trying to make clear in the new video because I'm not sure it is in this one is that every picture has a complete how-to video available on my channel. The description of the video has a playlist for each category, the trees are in the lighting playlist. If you watch that tutorial you'll learn more about the process. The new 60 project video shows my multilayer edgelit acrylic lighthouse (my favorite) and there is a tutorial about making the base for that, and it will show even more about led strips!

[@Popcornio]

Your Arkham Horror insert video gave me some ideas and pointed out some, not so obvious, nuances when creating my own custom board game inserts.

[@GreylightMay]

Popcornio, thank you for taking the time to let me know it was helpful!

[@Popcornio]

Greylight May No, thank you for the great content!

[@hopelessnerd6677]

I'm in awe.

[@GreylightMay]

What a nice comment, thank you!

[@pedroivocampos7660]

you're the coolest person ever

[@GreylightMay]

Thank you, Pedro. As you can probably tell, I enjoy my 'job'!

[@DylansDIYWorkshop]

So well spoken! I am definitely inspired :) I actually have an opportunity to get a laser, SO long as I can make it pay for itself within a few years. I got here looking for projects to make with a laser, and geez there are a lot shown in this video! I'll make a creator post to share this video, Maybe be able to inspire a few more people! Thank you fro your time and creativity!

[@GreylightMay]

Dylan, so glad you found me and now I have found you! I subscribed to your channel and look forward to learning a lot from you!!

[@hmanohar7634]

very interesting

[@GreylightMay]

Thank you!

[@yidnekachewmesfin4776]

such a great work

[@GreylightMay]

Yidnekachew, thank you very much!

[@scottsimsa]

Wow that was awesome. Keep up the good work!

[@GreylightMay]

Thanks, Scott!

[@Thegoldenspartan]

Getting my laser soon, I’m so glad I found your channel!!

[@GreylightMay]

Ready, I'm so glad you found me! You are going to have so much fun!!

[@FAhmad1782]

Your creations are amazing! Very inspiring

[@GreylightMay]

Thank you, FAhhmad, I hope you subscribed!

[@mirandah2433]

Not to sound dumb but are these the same type of things made with a Glowforge...and those lamps...OMG...those are gorgeous

[@GreylightMay]

Hope, yes, a Glowforge is a laser cutter. It is not as powerful as the ones I use so it takes longer to cut, and its bed is not as big so you are more limited in size, but it could produce most of the projects in this video. I'm glad you liked the lamps! I do an occasional nongame related project because I know not everyone likes games.

[@HipHopRapScene]

very talented

[@GreylightMay]

Thank you very much!!

[@CalebKraftmakes]

what a useful video! I'll share it on the Make Magazine blog.

[@GreylightMay]

Hi Caleb! Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!!

[@LongtowerNyc]

Wow.... Super super creative. My 80 watt laser is in its waay and looking toward to doing some creative stuff.

[@GreylightMay]

Wow, congrats, you are going to have so much fun!!

[@galasimone7364]

the best,,,,thx

[@evanstrong4064]

wow! great comprehensive summary of everything you have done on your channel!

[@edharkins112]

Great work!

[@GreylightMay]

Thank you, Ed!

[@jimcoogan1529]

Great video. Just shared it to a very large laser engraving group on Facebook where I am an admin.

[@GreylightMay]

Jim, you are so nice, thank you!!

[@GreylightMay]

Wow, just got a huge spike in views, are those yours? How large is "very large"?

[@jimcoogan1529]

@@GreylightMay 35K+ members (Laser Engraving and Cutting). And we have several other groups associated with ours. The level experience ranges from thinking about a laser to seasoned pros and laser builders. We share a lot so your link will probably get shared in quite a few places.

[@GreylightMay]

Jim, I just sent a request to join. I may need some advice on how to be helpful without violating the non promotion rules. Is it okay to reply with a tutorial link that I think has some insight to a question?

[@jimcoogan1529]

@@GreylightMay I just added you. Message me on Facebook and I will help you with our group rules.

[@criscodesigns9477]

Great video, I run a fab lab and will be sharing this

[@GreylightMay]

Crisco, thank you so much for helping me get the word out!

[@PaulPredicts]

You are amazing! Thank you!

[@GreylightMay]

Thanks, Paul! I hope my tutorials will be helpful for you.

[@cerberus333dog]

very nice!

[@aonesign8651]

goo ideas help full dear

[@GreylightMay]

Thank you, Aone!

[@JacksonTravel]

thanks

[@GreylightMay]

You're welcome!

[@claudionascimentodesouza3107]

Thanks!

[@GreylightMay]

You're welcome!

[@tS-gh9dj]

How did you laser those tokens in the beginning without having a burnt look on them?

[@GreylightMay]

Ts, I leave the paper on both sides while cutting and then remove it by soaking in Simple green, unless I then paint them, in which case you have to strip the paper by hand. Simple Green would remove the paint too.

[@andyspoo2]

@@GreylightMay I think applying just the right amount of laser power is important, and so is speed which helps with creating polished looking edges.

[@basqhetti6785]

you are freakin awesome!!!

[@GreylightMay]

Thank you, Basqhetti!

[@Muhfynmann]

Where can I find those light bars for the acrylic panels?

[@GreylightMay]

George, my old supplier Delvies plastics no longer makes them. I make my own now, you can see an elaborate example in one of my most recent videos, the three part series on edgelit acrylic. A simple, nonprogrammable remote and receiver are available on Amazon for about $5: RGBZONE(TM) DC 5V-24V 10 Key Mini... www.amazon.com/dp/B0144CINUI?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share and you can cut a simple holder from multiple layers of wood and glue them together. I have searched and cannot find a new supplier of 12" or longer bars.

[@tonystark6263]

Thanks for the video, I enjoyed it so much.

[@GreylightMay]

Thanks, Tony, I enjoy your movies as well! :)

[@msuriya4479]

We are in a same lane

[@sauletto1]

WOW !!!

[@GreylightMay]

Steve, my very favorite project was done after this video was made. Check out the 6 layer edge lit acrylic lighthouse, if you haven't seen it kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKOtoZh3iMx6m7M . Thanks for the comments!!

[@kikyocoto39]

Amazing! I love your work

[@ariovaldodiasdeoliveira2122]

Que belo trabalho! (What a great job!)

[@GreylightMay]

Thank you so much!!

[@hossiny13]

nice

[@GreylightMay]

Thanks!!

[@melissaspainhour2608]

Where did you buy the light bars for the acrylic signs?

[@GreylightMay]

Melissa, I used to buy them from Delves Plastics, but they stopped carrying them. Now I make my own: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIbImJSofdSMhJY

[@canofbeams5528]

I'm just wondering, is there a particular website that you source your wood materials from, or do you buy them locally?

[@GreylightMay]

My favorite plywood is from Woodpeckers on Amazon. The price is good and the quality has been excellent... I buy boxes of Baltic birch.

[@canofbeams5528]

@@GreylightMay Thank you very much! Do you have any tips on what to do with warped plywood?

[@GreylightMay]

Beams, I've done research on this in the past, tried the wetting one side solution but it never stayed flat for me, which is why getting good flat board to begin with is so important...

[@GreylightMay]

Alicia, the only birch I use is birch plywood, usually from Woodpeckers on Amazon, so no veneer - the plywood itself is made from Baltic birch. I have used wood veneers, which I've bought in sample boxes on Amazon also. A sample box has small sheets of all different kinds of veneer, including exotic woods. I use that as inlay in engravings.

[@rsantana2021]

Do you have to pay royalties to the game developer companies? I like your Fortnite, Mass Effect, and Zelda projects...do you have a partnership with them?

[@GreylightMay]

No, Ruchard, because I don't sell anything related to them it is just considered fanart. I have some disclaimer verbiage provided by Epic Games that I put in the Fortnite video descriptions saying we have no affiliation, but that's it. As long as you are not selling stuff and the content is respectful, the game companies like the free advertising they get from fanart.

[@ACLV100]

Do you work with photos?

[@GreylightMay]

I did this project after I made the 40 projects video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKOtoZh3iMx6m7M It is my all time favorite, and it uses photos to drive the engraving. Check it out, and let me know what you think!

[@kelvinkawinglo]

How powerful an engraver needs in order cut through woods? Will 2.5 W good enough to do the work.

[@GreylightMay]

Kelvin, I believe 2.5 W will only engrave wood, not cut through it, at least not in a single pass. To do the kind of projects you find on my channel, I think you would need at least a 25w; the lowest I've ever used is a 40w CO2 laser, so that's all I've had experience with.

I do not own an laser engraver/cutter but I am lately really interested in the topic and read a lot about it. As far as I saw, people recommend at least a 20W laser to easily cut through thin wood. Less might work too but I only saw people using about 20W for actual cutting instead of engraving.

[@brianmi40]

Do you have enough designs since then to do an update?

[@GreylightMay]

B, I've been without a laser cutter since the pandemic started but my favorite project is not included in this, the edgelit acrylic with programmable lights, so someday I will. I'm moving soon and will be buying my own laser cutter for a new workshop. I have a long list of ideas for what to make then!

[@brianmi40]

@@GreylightMay Thanks. I want to try printing an old family photo to backlit film, and using edgelit acrylic to see if I can light it up enough adhered on the surface of the acrylic. I picked up a Cricut on Black Friday, and am just about finished assembling a new Ortur Laser Master 2. I'm looking forward to making Catan board pieces with acrylic inserts as well as trying out some of the finger joint box designs with plywood rounded corners.

[@GreylightMay]

B, sounds like you have lots of fun ahead! I know someone who just got an Ortur laser and they are getting great results. It's a little slower than the powerful ones I used at my local makerspace, but for the price it seems to be a great deal!

[@brianmi40]

@@GreylightMay I've seen a video of someone cutting 1/2" plywood with high pressure air assist with an upgraded laser for it, so only bought the middle of the power line at 15 watts for the laser. (diode) Lasers are destined to get cheaper over time, so the future just requires you have the X-Y gantry size that you would want to support any project. I've also seen the advent of new optics for them that is reducing the need for an accurate focal point, so the future bodes well. We've had self leveling beds for 3D printers for some time (I have one of the original Printrbots that made from wood!), so I knew it would only be a matter of time before they solve it, even if it has to be a stepper motor geared down to adjust the focus point deeper for deep cuts in multiple passes. I also think you could create a registration system by bolting a fence in place below to orient the work against, and then slide it down and use the lower power setting of the laser to line up a 2nd burn accurately. Now I just need to find the time, as I'm not quite 50% on doing my 2nd stealth van bare bones conversion, this time on a 159" ProMaster with 600 watts of solar, 200ah Lithium (building from cells myself) and a unique "shower in a drawer" idea. All to take me, my folding e-bike, and my MIDI music studio 3 months on, and 3 months off around the country! Stay safe.

[@GreylightMay]

B, first of all, you sound like a very interesting person! Second, diode lasers are a real revelation for me, being used to CO2. I think it's time I learned more about them. It seems like there may be a role for both in my new workshop!

[@nancyeaguiar]

I want a laser cutter 😩😩😩😩😩😩

[@GreylightMay]

Nancy, me too! I'm working on 3D printing right now, because I'm in quarantine and lost access to my laser cutter, but I'm going to be buying one in the fall.

[@chandandhar6897]

Very difficult to make laser cutting business

[@GreylightMay]

Chandan, do you mean it is difficult to make a profit, or some other reason?

[@soapinurpeehole]

I don't know who you are, but I am about to find out a whole lot more! You are one bitchin lady! Your projects are incredible. Subscribed!

[@GreylightMay]

Victor, welcome, I'm glad you found me!

[@narendra672]

🎄🎄🎄👏

[@GreylightMay]

Narendra, Christmas 🎄 emojis are good, right? Thank you!!

[@leentjevangils3742]

wow I want to be you ;)

[@GreylightMay]

Thanks, leentje, you are right: I have a very fun 'job'!!