How to Laser Cut a Golden Maple Perpetual Calendar: Step by Step Tutorial

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Golden Maple Calendar

2026-01-10

Key Information

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

Introduction

Happy New Year!


The start of 2026 is a good moment to slow down, reset routines, and bring something fresh into everyday life. Creating a new calendar is a simple way to mark that transition—not just to track dates, but to begin the year with something made by hand.


In this tutorial, we’ll walk through how to laser cut a maple leaf–shaped calendar. The project focuses on clean cutting, light coloring, and easy assembly. Once finished, it works naturally on a desk or shelf, helping you keep track of days while starting the year with a calm, hands-on project.

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

Position the wood sheet flat on the laser bed. Ensure the material is clean, level, and securely placed to avoid shifting during processing.


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
Pins
STEP02

Import & Adjust the Design File

Open your laser software, such as LaserMaker, and import the maple leaf calendar design 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.

parameters for laser engraving and cutting a golden maple 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 maple leaf shape calendar
STEP05

Post Processing

After cutting, remove the parts and apply paint or stain as desired. This step helps highlight the leaf shape and adds a personal touch to the calendar.


Once the paint is dry, assemble the calendar components according to the design. You can use wood glue to help. Press each piece firmly and allow the glue to set, ensuring the structure is stable before display.

paint the wooden leaf piece
ASSEMBLE THE MAPLE CALENDAR

Come and Try!

Inspect the assembled calendar for alignment and stability. After final adjustments, the maple leaf calendar is ready for display or use. This project is a good opportunity to experiment with shape-based design and surface finishing. Try different color schemes or materials to create a calendar that fits your space or season, and explore how small design changes can give functional objects more character.

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