Laser Cutting -Tea Light Holder

Introduction

A tea light holder is a simple way to add warmth and charm to your home. Even a small candle can create a cozy, inviting glow when placed in a wooden holder. With a laser cutter, you can make a precise, beautifully cut holder without needing advanced woodworking skills.

This step-by-step tutorial is designed for beginners with no prior laser experience, explaining every detail so you can confidently create your own wooden tea light holder.

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

● Use a smooth wooden board suitable for laser cutting (e.g., birch or maple, 3 mm thick).

● Place the wood flat on your laser cutter bed. Ensure the surface is clean and free of dust or oils. Fingerprints can sometimes burn slightly during engraving, leaving dark marks.

Tips: Use pins to prevent any shifting during cutting.

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.

Tip: Make sure the bed size of the holder matches your desired tea light candle. Most standard tea lights are 38 mm in diameter.

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 Tea Light Holder

Once all pieces are cut, carefully remove them from the laser bed. Align the interlocking tabs and slots. The design fits snugly without glue, but for your safety, use glue to secure the joints firmly and avoid any accidents.

Tip: Gently sand any rough edges if necessary to make assembly smoother.

Step 7: Complete the Task

You can apply a light coat of wood oil, wax, or clear varnish for a polished look and extra protection and let it dry completely.

Place your tea light inside the holder and enjoy the warm glow.

Come and Try!

Create a cozy, inviting atmosphere with a handmade tea light holder. Perfect for your living room, bedside table, or as a thoughtful gift. Assemble it with family or friends and enjoy the little moments of creativity and warmth together.