Laser Cutting - Tissue Box

Introduction

A tissue box is something we use every day—on a desk, in the living room, or in the workshop. While it’s easy to overlook, a well-designed wooden tissue box can blend naturally into the space and feel more intentional.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to laser cut a wooden tissue box from start to finish. The process covers material setup, cutting, and assembly, making it a straightforward project that’s both practical and satisfying to complete.

Machine Used

Thunder Bolt 30W

See more details about this machine→

Material Needed

3mm Plywood

Settings

Cutting Plywood

Speed:10mm/s
Max Power:25%
Min Power:10%
Number of Passes:1

Before your work begins

Step 1: Place the Material on the Laser Bed

Place the wooden board sheet flat on the laser bed. Make sure the material is clean and properly secured to prevent movement during cutting or engraving.

Tips:

There are three common types of pins: T-shaped, L-shaped, and F-shaped. A special use for F-shaped pins is clamping up the plywood to prevent burn marks. Be mindful of the height of the magnets and pins. If they are too tall, the sensor might hit them and become damaged during processing.

Step 2: Open the File and Check the Settings

Open your laser software(I use LaserMaker) and import the design file into your laser software. Adjust the layout so it fits properly within your material size. Before moving on, double-check your engraving and cutting parameters to match the thickness and type of wood you’re using.

Step 3: Focus Your Laser Machine

Proper focusing ensures neat, polished edges. If your machine has auto focus, use it for quick setup. For manual focusing, lower the laser head with the focus stick until it touches the wood surface at a perfect angle. Always double-check before cutting.

Step 4: Frame the Design and Start Laser Cutting

Then click “Frame” or “Border” to preview your cutting area and make sure the design fits nicely on your board. This confirms your material placement and avoids wasting wood. Adjust as necessary. Once everything is set, start the laser job.

Step 5: Monitor the Laser Cutting Process

Stay close to 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 Tissue Box

Once all pieces are cut, remove them from the laser bed. Align the panels and assemble the tissue box according to the design. Use glue if needed to secure the joints firmly.

Step 7: Complete the Task

Your wooden tissue box is now complete. Check the structure for stability, wipe off any residue, and it’s ready to be used on your desk or table.

Come and Try!

This is a simple project, but one you’ll use every day. Try changing the size, adding engraved patterns, or adjusting the design to match your space. It’s a practical way to turn laser cutting into something useful—and a great starting point for more functional projects.