Laser Engraving - Wood Calender

Introduction

There’s something special about holding time in your hands.
With a laser-engraved wooden calendar, every date feels a little more meaningful. The soft scent of wood, the smooth engraved numbers, and the satisfying click as pieces fit together turn this project into more than just a calendar—it’s a keepsake for your desk or home.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to turn a simple wooden board into a functional piece of art. From engraving the dates to cutting and assembling the pieces, we’ll show you how to create a wooden calendar that’s as practical as it is personal.

Machine Used

Thunder Bolt 30W

See more details about this machine→

Material Needed

3mm Birch Ply
5mm Birch Ply

Settings

Engraving

Speed:1000mm/s
Max Power:45%
Min Power:45%
DPI:350

Cutting-1

Speed:15mm/s
Max Power:45%
Min Power:45%

Cutting-2

Speed:10mm/s
Max Power:50%
Min Power:50%

Before your work begins

Step 1: Place Your Birch Ply for Laser Engraving

Place the wooden sheet flat on the laser bed and ensure it’s stable. If your board is slightly warped, use magnets or pins to hold it flat.

Step 2: Open the Calender Design and Check the Settings

Open your laser software, such as LaserMaker or LightBurn, and load the calendar design file. Resize it to match the dimensions of your wooden board and adjust its position so that all elements fall neatly within the engraving area.

Step 3: Focus Your Laser Machine

Proper focusing is essential for achieving crisp engravings and smooth cuts. If your machine supports auto focus, a single click will set the correct distance for flat wooden boards. If you prefer manual focus, use the focus stick to adjust the laser head until it just touches the surface of the wood at a perfect vertical angle. Spending an extra moment on accurate focusing will pay off with professional-looking results.

Step 4: Frame the Design and Start Laser Engraving

When you click “Frame”, the red light will display the laser engraving area. This is a safe process, and the frame will align with the wood material. Once aligned, simply press “Start” to begin the laser engraving with the Thunder Bolt!

Step 5: Monitor the Laser Engraving Process

Stay near the machine while it’s running and watch the cutting and engraving progress. Keep an eye out for excessive smoke, small flame-ups, or any movement of the material that could affect the outcome. Make sure your workspace is well-ventilated, and rely on air assist if available to achieve cleaner edges on the wood.

Step 6: Assemble the Wooden Calendar

Arrange the cut pieces according to the design and fit them together one by one. Make sure the structural parts are firmly seated, and check that the date blocks and any rotating parts move freely. A drop of wood glue can help stabilize the frame, but avoid gluing any parts that need to remain movable.

Step 7: Complete the Laser Task

Your laser-engraved wooden calendar is now complete and ready to display. Place it on your desk, use it as a personalized gift, or enjoy it as a piece of handmade décor. Every time you flip the date, you’ll be reminded of the craftsmanship and creativity that went into making it.

Come and Try!

There’s nothing quite like creating something with your own hands. A laser-cut wooden calendar isn’t just a tool for tracking days—it’s a piece of art that holds a little piece of your time and creativity.

So why just read about it? Fire up your laser machine, grab a wooden board, and bring your own calendar to life. Share it on your desk, gift it to someone special, or let it brighten a cozy corner of your home. Your next favorite handmade project is waiting—come and try it!