How to Laser Cut a Wooden Bookmark: Step by Step Tutorial

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Basswood Lantern

2024-08-22

Key Information

Laser Machines
Material Needed
3mm Basswood Board
Glue
Paint And Pens
Project File Download
Settings
Laser Engraving
Speed: 80mm/s
Power: 15%
DPI: 500
Settings
Laser Cutting
Speed: 15mm/s
Power: 45%

Introduction

Lanterns are a staple of the Mid-Autumn Festival, a traditional Chinese holiday.


For this project, we crafted a lantern out of wood, featuring the image of Chang'e, the moon goddess from Chinese mythology. After laser cutting the wood pieces, we painted them to add color and depth to the design.


Then, we carefully assembled the parts to create a beautiful, meaningful lantern.

Before your work begins

Clean the lens and mirrors
Check the laser head and nozzle for dust or buildup
Ensure ventilation and air assist are working properly
Confirm the machine is running smoothly and normally

Operational Process

STEP01

Prepare & Position the Material

Choose a basswood board and place it flat on the laser bed. A stable, even surface helps keep the engraving details clear and the cutting path accurate.


Secure the wood if needed to prevent shifting during engraving and cutting, especially when working with detailed lantern patterns.

put the wood on the laser bed-step1.webp
Pins
STEP02

Import & Adjust the Design File

Import the lantern file into LightBurn, then adjust the size, position, and settings according to your basswood board.


Double-check the engraving and cutting settings before starting. Make sure the decorative pattern, outline, and lantern structure are correctly placed.

laser cutting basswood lantern 1
STEP03

Set the Correct Laser Focus

Accurate focusing is important for achieving clear engraving and clean cutting edges on basswood. 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 the correct angle.

auto-focus-bolt.jpg
manual focus
STEP04

Start Engraving & Cutting

Use the Frame function to outline the laser processing area. Make sure the projected frame matches your basswood board and the lantern design stays within the material boundary.


Once everything is aligned, start the laser job. Stay near the machine while it’s running and monitor the engraving and cutting process carefully.

Frame your design
laser cutting basswood lantern 2
STEP05

Post Processing

When the engraving and cutting are complete, carefully remove the lantern pieces from the laser bed. Paint the wood pieces if you want to add more color and depth to the design.


Apply glue evenly, attach the lantern paper, and assemble the wooden parts. Once secured, your Mid-Autumn Festival lantern is complete.

laser cutting basswood lantern 3
laser cutting basswood lantern 4

Come and Try!

The result is a visually striking lantern that is both decorative and symbolic. The wooden structure gives it a warm, natural feel, while the laser-cut Chang'e details add a touch of traditional Chinese culture.


When lit from within, the lantern casts intricate shadows and creates a magical ambiance, making it perfect for holiday décor or as a thoughtful gift for friends and family.

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