How to Laser Cut a Christmas Countdown Calendar: Step by Step Tutorial

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Christmas Countdown Calendar

2025-12-12

Key Information

Laser Machines
Material Needed
3mm Plywood
Project File Download
Settings
Engraving
Speed: 500mm/s
Max Power: 20%
DPI: 300
Settings
Cutting
Speed: 10mm/s
Max Power: 25%
Min Power: 10%
Number of Passes: 1

Introduction

As Christmas gets closer, every day feels a little more exciting. A Christmas countdown calendar turns that waiting into a small daily ritual—every morning, just watching the holiday slowly arrive.


Instead of buying a ready-made advent calendar, why not create one yourself with a laser cutter? A handmade wooden Christmas countdown calendar feels warmer, lasts for years, and becomes part of your holiday tradition. In this tutorial, I’ll guide you through the full process step by step!

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

Start by laying your wooden board flat on the laser bed. Make sure the surface is clean and sits evenly without warping.


Use pins to prevent any shifting during cutting. Be mindful of the height of magnets and pins. If they are too tall, the sensor might hit them and become damaged during processing.

put the wood on the laser bed
Pins
STEP02

Import & Adjust the Design File

Open your laser software, such as LaserMaker, and import the Christmas calendar design file. 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.

parameters for laser cutting the christmas calendar
STEP03

Set the Correct Laser Focus

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.

auto-focus-bolt.jpg
manual focus
STEP04

Start Engraving & Cutting

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. 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.

Frame your design
laser cutting the christmas countdown calendar
STEP05

Post Processing

Once all parts are cut, carefully remove them from the laser bed. Paint or stain the decorations, using thin brushes or paint markers for precision. Allow the color to dry fully before proceeding.


Align the joints and slots as designed and assemble the calendar piece by piece. Check the finished countdown calendar for stability before using it.

paint the parts with color
stick parts to the calendar

Come and Try!

Your countdown calendar is ready to use. The countdown begins the moment you spin the dial. Make a calendar that’s uniquely yours—painted, engraved, and ready to bring joy every December morning.

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