Laser Cutting - Wooden Glasses Case

Introduction

Everyday essentials deserve a home of their own—and for many of us, that means a safe spot for our glasses. Instead of leaving them on the desk, why not create a custom storage box that’s both protective and stylish? With a laser cutter, you can turn a simple sheet of wood or acrylic into a sleek, well-fitted box designed just for your eyewear.
Ready to roll into your next creative idea with style and precision? Hold on and keep reading!

Machine Used

Thunder Bolt
See more details about this machine→

Material Needed

3mm Basswood
3mm Acrylic

Settings

Engraving-1

Speed:500mm/s
Power:40%
DPI: 300
Number of Passes:1

Cutting-1

Speed:15mm/s
Max Power:75%
Min Power:10%
Number of Passes:1

Cutting-2

Speed:10mm/s
Max Power:75%
Min Power:5%
Number of Passes:1

Before your work begins

Step 1: Prepare and Place the Wood on the Laser Bed

Choose the right material for your box—plywood, MDF, or acrylic are common options. Make sure the sheet is flat and clean, as warps or dust can affect the accuracy of your cuts. Peel off any protective film (if using acrylic) before placing it on the laser bed. Use pins or magnets to hold the sheet securely in place.

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.

3 common types of pins

F-shaped pin usage

Sensor hits a too high pin

Step 2: Import and Adjust Your Design

Open your laser software (I use LaserMaker) and import the box design file. Adjust the dimensions to fit your glasses, ensuring the interior has enough depth and width. Double-check the slot and tab sizes so they match your material thickness.
For the laser cutting layers, pay extra attention to the minimum power setting. If the min power is too low, it will cause the cutting corners will not cut through; if the min power is too high, the laser cutting will be bad at the corners.

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.

Auto focus

Manual focus

Step 4: Frame the Design and Start Laser Cutting

Before cutting, use the “Frame” function (also called “border”) in your laser software. The laser head will trace the outline of your design with a guiding beam, allowing you to double-check the position on your material. This ensures your glasses box pieces will be cut exactly where you expect them to be. If the outline doesn’t line up, adjust the material or the file until everything looks right.

Step 5: Monitor the Laser Cutting Process

Once you’re satisfied with the framing, it’s time to begin cutting. Hit “Start” and let the laser do its work, carefully following the paths of your design. Stay nearby to monitor the process for safety and to ensure the cuts remain clean and accurate. When finished, let the material cool briefly before removing it from the work bed.
When the cut is complete, wait a few seconds before opening the lid to let fumes clear. Carefully remove the pieces from the bed. If there are burn marks or residue, lightly sand the edges (for wood) or wipe with a soft cloth (for acrylic).

Step 5: Assemble the Box

Arrange the cut pieces according to your design. Apply wood glue (for plywood/MDF) or acrylic adhesive (for acrylic) to the joints when necessary. Carefully align and press the pieces together, making sure the corners are square. Hold or clamp the box until the adhesive sets.

Step 6: Complete the Laser Task

Once the glue is fully dry, your glasses box is ready to use. You can leave it minimalistic, or add finishing touches such as varnish, paint, or even personalized laser engravings on the surface for decoration.

Come and Try!

Now it’s your turn to bring this project to life! With just a few cuts and some simple assembly, you can create a custom wooden glasses storage box that’s both practical and stylish.