In the world of laser cutting, you have a wealth of creative, beautiful, and entertaining possibilities for projects on your hands, whether you want to work with plywood, acrylic, or other materials.
The way a laser cutter works is that a computer controls a beam of light (the laser) that can slice through various materials, as long as they aren’t too hard. This allows for a “no contact” physical approach to the materials, keeping both your laser cutter and your project in good shape.
There are a lot of fun laser cutting ideas out there, and we’ve found a number of great projects to explore. All of the files for these projects are free to download, plus some of the creators will also do the cutting for you (for a fee)!
Most of the projects on the list are appropriate for all levels of laser cutting expertise, although a few are a bit more advanced in nature, so there’s something for everyone to try. Go forth and get cutting!
Home Storage & Decor
Your laser cutter is the perfect tool to spark some joy inside your home, as it allows for ease of assembly and attention to detail. The following projects will help you get organized and save space, or add a bit of a pop (in a practical way) to your current decor scheme.
Mandala
The Laser Cut Mandala is a captivating work of art, skillfully crafted from six consecutive layers of thin plywood seamlessly glued together. Its intricate design infuses a sense of mindfulness and tranquility into any space, making it a perfect addition to a balcony or a cozy corner for relaxation.
However, it’s crucial to consider the choice of materials and adhesives during assembly. This delicate masterpiece may not fare well in areas prone to moisture. Depending on the use, one might consider making it in acrylic with a solvent-based adhesive, or use a generous coat of varnish for plywood or MDF makings.
Wooden Silhouette Vases
These vases are among the most minimalistic and simple laser cutter projects. At a quick glance, you might think they’re two-dimensional, but a closer look helps show them off in more detail. The maker got the idea for these from wire silhouette vases, but the wooden look of these laser-cut vases gives them a much more subtle and aesthetically pleasing look.
It’s possible to design the vase in different silhouette shapes. For this project, all you’ll need is the wood of your preference, a glass test tube, and a bunch of plants and flowers. We say a bunch because you won’t want to stop at a single vase!
- Who designed it? Maker Design Lab
- How popular is it? This minimal vase is quite popular, with over 24,200 views, 307 likes, and at least 4 makes.
- Where to find it? Instructables
Shape-Conforming Spiral Bowls
Shape-conforming spiral bowls are a unique project that showcases an innovative design that’s perfectly suited for laser cutting. This project is a great example of how creative use of material can lead to beautiful and functional products.
The project includes two different bases that will result in two distinct bowls for you to choose from. The use of 3-mm plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) adds durability to the design while also providing a sleek and modern look.
Overall, the project is an excellent addition to any home decor, providing both style and practicality.
- Who designed it? gorgonaut
- How popular is it? This bowl has over 900 likes, 9 makes, and 1 remix, and the DXF file has been downloaded more than 32,000 times.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Napkin Holder
This classy napkin holder will impress your guests and is practical for everyday mealtime use, whether it’s to hold paper or artfully folded cloth (though its measurements are designed ideally for 165 x 165 mm-sized paper napkins).
The napkin holder project includes AI, DXF, and SVG file types, so you can pick your format of choice. The intended material is birch wood; the creator used a wood stain to finish. The lovely notches in the design were added using Fusion 360. This is a simple but elegant and highly functional laser cutting project to try out.
- Who designed it? JonathanK1906
- How popular is it? This napkin holder has over 13,300 views on Cults, 1 shared make on Thingiverse, and around 5,000 downloads combined from both sites.
- Where to find it? Cults, Thingiverse
Sewing Box
The Laser Cut Sewing Box boasts a cleverly developed design, compatible with the Gridfinity system. Crafted from 6-mm and 3-mm Birch plywood sheets, it strikes a balance between durability and aesthetics. What sets it apart are the 3D printed washers and hinges, showcasing a harmonious blend of two different digital fabrication technologies. If you don’t have access to a 3D printer, you might have to use M5 bolts.
One particularly commendable aspect is the detailed information provided for building the sewing box. The step-by-step instructions are clear and comprehensive, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced DIY enthusiasts. For those who prefer visual guidance, a YouTube video is available, offering a walkthrough of the entire process.
- Who designed it? NirL
- How popular is it? This modular-ready toolbox has around 4,000 views and was a runner-up in Instructables’ 2023 Woodworking Contest.
- Where to find it? Instructables
3D Contour Map
This project is a laser-cut wooden 3D topographic map that displays features like elevation. These maps are quite fascinating to look at and will surely be a great addition to your home’s decor.
To put a map like this together all you’ll need are web tools like Terrain2STL and Kiri:Moto, wood, and a laser cutter. Terrain2STL generates an STL of any selected geographical region on the world map. Kiri:Moto, on the other hand, is an online slicer that will prepare your STL file for laser cutting.
After you’ve finished cutting the wood, all that remains is gluing everything together. Additionally, if your map has water, you can use blue acrylic to make it more vibrant.
- Who designed it? makendo
- How popular is it? This amazing art project has over 28,400 views and over 300 likes, and 3 makers have shared their versions of it.
- Where to find it? Instructables
Toolbox
This is a handy and compact toolbox made to house all the essentials needed for repairs. There are many compartments and drawers to house tools like a hammer, clamps, saws, screwdrivers, screws, tapes, and even eye protection glasses (safety must be prioritized!).
You can even customize the toolbox for your own instruments. An interesting part of this project is that the hammer also doubles as the handle for the toolbox. This design is simple to assemble, and while you’ll need some supplies, they should be fairly easy to get your hands on. Once ready, you’ll be able to have a variety of tools nicely stored, ready for your next project.
- Who designed it? fps67
- How popular is it? This handy project has more than 7,400 views and around 100 likes.
- Where to find it? Instructables
Desktop Organizer
Aesthetically pleasing and the perfect tool to help keep your desk space or tabletop cleverly organized, this project is designed to hold pens, markers, or pencils and even has space for a ruler.
The available file formats are AI, DXF, and SVG files, and the design requires 3-mm-thick material to be properly assembled. This desktop organizer would be a great project for a beginner or intermediate-level user of a laser cutter, as it’s fairly straightforward in regards to cutting and assembly.
- Who designed it? JonathanK1906
- How popular is it? This handy desk organizer has over 11,400 views on Cults and around 2,600 downloads from both sites.
- Where to find it? Cults, Thingiverse
Angular Chair
This handy, aesthetic, and ergonomically designed chair is a special laser cutting project that will spruce up any room in the house or possibly even your home workspace.
This project utilizes plywood for the body and 3D printed nGen_FLEX parts for the joins. If you don’t have access to a 3D printer, consider a printing service like Craftcloud by All3DP.
This particular project is somewhat complex (not necessarily an ideal project for beginners) but yields an excellent result. The creator has provided detailed plans and a tutorial to help you in your endeavors.
There are DXF files for the laser-cut panels and STL files for the 3D printed parts. Some of the measurements can be customized for users who have some experience with CAD software.
Steam Deck Stand
The Steam Deck Stand is a highly practical accessory for docking your Steam Deck gaming console. What sets it apart is the information provided regarding its design process. The inclusion of instructions, detailing the use of Fusion 360, with 3D sketches and projection descriptions, is a noteworthy feature. This particular stand not only aids in development, but also equips users with valuable knowledge to create similar stands for other gaming consoles.
The designer’s approach of creating test parts before the final build reflects a thoughtful and thorough design process, ensuring a well-crafted and functional accessory. Although with some issues, the use of kerf is considered. Kerf is the width of a cut made by a saw, or a laser cut in this case. This width is so thin that it’s often neglected, but can be the difference between a snap-in-place join or the need for glue.
- Who designed it? ynchn
- How popular is it? This tutorial has over 200 views.
- Where to find it? Instructables
Toys & Games
Not just for practical prints, your laser cutter is also capable of helping you put together some fun printing projects for downtime, whether it’s for children, friends, or just yourself! Here are some playful ideas to get you started.
Toy Sailboat
Calling all fans of the open waters! This sweet wooden toy sailboat, based on a Sunfish boat model, is a lovely project for those who like sailing, or perhaps for a child in your life to play with. The bulk of the boat is made with plywood, but it uses a bit of hardwood for the mast.
The creator used some other supplies to assemble it, such as glue and a small hinge. The designer has supplied a CDR file, but it should be easily convertible to other formats if necessary. This would be a great rainy day project to complete at home.
- Who designed it? marcob8890
- How popular is it? This sleek model sailboat has around 3,000 downloads and around 130 likes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Comet Tank
Maker Lucas Fierfort has created a remote control Comet Tank. He based it on a real British tank developed in 1943 that was mainly used during the end of the Second World War. How good is the project? It won the Grand Prize at Instructables’ 20194 CNC Contest – not bad. Not bad at all.
There are many moveable parts, such as the rotating turret, accessible hatches, working suspensions, and more. A NodeMCU is at the heart of the tank, which can be controlled via the Blynk app. You can easily get the design files, required components, and assembly instructions on the project’s site.
- Who designed it? Lucas Fierfort
- How popular is it? This tank rolls in with over 20,400 views on Instructables, and the files have been downloaded more than 4,400 times from Thingiverse, with 3 makes shared combined from both sites.
- Where to find it? Instructables, Thingiverse
Chess Set
How cool would it be to play chess when you’ve created the set yourself? It’s entirely possible with this fun laser-cut chess project, for which the pieces can either be laser cut or 3D printed.
This project includes STL file formats for the six different piece types. The designer has also cut a matching board and a case for the pieces, though files aren’t included for those, so why not design your own?
- Who designed it? JonathanK1906
- How popular is it? This impressive chess set has about 26,900 views on Cults and over 4,100 downloads combined from both sites.
- Where to find it? Cults, Thingiverse
USS Enterprise
The USS Enterprise is the ultimate addition to any toy and game collection, perfect for fans of the pop culture classic Star Trek. This intricately designed model is made with a mix of engraving, contouring, and cutting, which results in a highly detailed and realistic replica of the iconic spaceship. Assembling it is guaranteed to provide hours of fun, thanks to its engaging design and the precision of the laser-cut pieces.
This USS Enterprise is designed to be made with 3-mm plywood or MDF, which adds sturdiness and durability to the starship, but 3-mm acrylic is also an option.
Whether you’re a fan of the classic TV show, any of the movies, the spin-offs, or you simply appreciate the unique design of this model, the USS Enterprise is sure to impress. With its attention to detail, fun assembly, and use of high-quality materials, this is a must-have for any collector or enthusiast.
- Who designed it? JoeSnuffie
- How popular is it? The classic starship has over 1,000 likes, 19 makes, and 2 remixes, and the different file options have been downloaded over 36,000 times on average.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Bus
This is a classic bus puzzle designed for laser cutting enthusiasts, to be cut from 4-mm plywood. While it can be a challenging project to assemble, it promises a joyful and satisfying experience for those who enjoy puzzles and DIY activities.
One notable advantage of this project is the availability of files in various extensions such as CDR, DXF, AI, EPS, STL, DWG, PDF, and more. This diversity of file formats ensures compatibility with a wide range of laser cutting machines and software, making it accessible to a broader audience.
Jenga Pistol
Jenga is a game filled with excitement and anxiety. Finding the perfect brick that will come off easily comes down to strategy and analyzing how the different parts connect. Removing it and placing it on top of the tower takes both skill and luck – and a steady hand. All you have to do is make sure the tower doesn’t fall on your turn.
This project is a pistol designed specifically to shoot down bricks with speed. It’s a remixed version of the Woodgears Jenga pistol, made from laser-cut wood. With this version, you can’t shoot any projectiles, as it uses a plunger designed to hit the bricks. While speed may make the game appear easier, with the pistol you can turn both the pace and challenge up a notch!
Just make sure that there aren’t any Ming vases around and no one’s standing on the opposite side of the tower.
- Who designed it? Jayefuu
- How popular is it? With over 59,000 views and more than 300 likes, this Jenga pistol is extremely fun to use, and 3 makers have shared images of their successful reproductions, with one adding stunning Celtic designs.
- Where to find it? Instructables
Da Vinci Glider
Initially designed as an educational workshop project for young teens, this Leonardo da Vinci-inspired glider project came out of da Vinci’s many creative aircraft designs. The design’s creator provides clear step-by-step instructions as well as an entry about the project on his personal blog.
Users who have laser cut this fun flyer are enthusiastic about its creativity and design. The creator used plywood for the wooden parts to be cut. You can even purchase a pre-cut kit and skip straight to the assembly!
- Who designed it? ripper
- How popular is it? Five other makers have shared their beautiful gliders on Thingiverse, and there are four remixes, including one with 3D printed parts.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Extending Digit
This is a personal over-engineered kinetically extending digit (also known as POKED). The designer has appropriately named it for the wooden hand cutout at the end with a pointing finger.
To make this, all you will need is a wooden board, a brass tube, a few tools, and some nuts and bolts. The project page has all the files and assembly instructions, so you can make this in no time.
All in all, it’s just a fun and satisfying toy, which the maker advises should not be used to poke people in the eye.
- Who designed it? ghettobastler
- How popular is it? This mechanism has over 8,100 views and more than 140 likes.
- Where to find it? Instructables
Garden & Outdoors
If you’re looking to enhance your garden or outdoor space, whether it’s a small balcony planter box or a spacious backyard, these laser-cut projects could be worth investigating. Then you can proudly say that you made it yourself!
Flower Swing
This gorgeous flower swing project is perfect for showcasing plants at home, whether it’s for you or meant for a gift (Mother’s Day, perhaps?). The project is constructed from 5-mm solid wood and covering material, and features elegant laser-engraved details, or the item can be painted if you use MDF.
While the model was designed to be used with a Trotec laser cutter, there’s no reason it can’t be achieved on other machines. The files are also adaptable – measurements can be adjusted if you’re using thicker or thinner materials for your print.
Candle Holder Tree & Animals
This candle holder is a beautiful and delicate design that’s sure to add a touch of elegance and whimsy to any home. The nice detailing creates a stunning visual effect, with intricate patterns that are both eye-catching and unique. The design is made with precision, making it easy to assemble and perfect for those who love DIY projects.
This tealight holder is designed for 3-mm wood, ensuring its durability and sturdiness. When a candle is placed inside, the model creates a lovely shading effect, bringing a warm and inviting atmosphere to any space. For added safety, you can also place a glass sheet as a windbreaker.
The intricate design and easy assembly make it a great gift idea for those who love unique and thoughtful home decor. With its combination of beauty and functionality, this candle holder is sure to be a treasured addition to any home. And if you’re looking for more diversity with added animals, a remix includes a deer and a wolf.
- Who designed it? Lifelix
- How popular is it? This candle holder has over 5,000 likes, 16 makes, and 7 remixes, and the different formats of the design have been downloaded 81,000 times on average.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Cabin Hut
The Cabin Hut for Terrarium is a charming addition to any garden. This small cabin, designed to house a bottle terrarium, brings a touch of rustic elegance to outdoor spaces. Crafted from 4-mm plywood, the laser-contoured details such as the roof tiles and door add a delightful finish to the hut’s design.
One notable feature is the opportunity for personalization. The unpainted plywood serves as a canvas for creativity, allowing owners to paint and customize the hut to suit their garden’s aesthetic. Stain or paint are options, but the original creator used dual-tip markers for coloring.
- Who designed it? Artful_Dabbler
- How popular is it? This design has around 300 views.
- Where to find it? Instructables
Birdhouse
Which came first, the birdhouse or the egg? We couldn’t put together a list of laser-cut projects without including the woodworking staple: the birdhouse.
This cleverly designed birdhouse with customizable measurements will be a welcome spot for all feathered creatures near your balcony or garden. It was designed to be cut from plywood and can be spray painted if you so desire before assembly.
The creator has also uploaded an STL file if 3D printing is your maker tech of choice. You can even add more panels to protect smaller birds against birds of prey or larger predators.
- Who made it? neobobkrause
- How popular is it? This unusually ovoid birdhouse has one make and one remix on Thingiverse, and both came out beautifully!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Garden Light
With this garden light project, you can create your own aesthetic yet practical piece of outdoor decoration. The light diffuser is laser cut from an old office fluorescent light diffuser, while the top is 2-mm acrylic, laser cut into triangles.
There are some additional things needed to make this into a functioning light, including 3D printed parts, a 16-mm aluminum tube to act as the stand, a light bulb, and a few other electrical components.
The project’s creator has a website and YouTube channel with tutorials for various projects. Check them out if you need additional guidance with making this particular project or to try your hand at some of their other creations.
- Who designed it? tinkersprojects
- How popular is it? This simple outdoor light has over 400 downloads and around 20 likes on Thingiverse.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Plant Markers
These multipurpose markers can be used in a variety of ways in the garden or backyard, whether it’s to label plants, flowers, or produce, or to add cute garden-themed mottoes to spruce up your space!
This project includes AI files, so the text is modifiable to whatever you’d like the signs to say. The markers are compact and ideally sized for rows of planted seeds. This is a simple and straightforward project that would be just perfect for laser cutter beginners.
- Who designed it? jasonwelsh
- How popular is it? These beautiful designs have 90 likes and over 1,000 downloads.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Geodesic Dome
You might have a faint memory of seeing these dome structures in a park or playground. They’re more accurately known as geodesic domes, and they’re quite popular to use as shelters and greenhouses. The maker built this dome for a local music festival as a place for people to hang out.
Although the pictured dome is 8 meters in diameter and 5 meters tall, you can design a dome as per your requirements using Domerama. This dome uses cardboard tubes and wooden connectors, so you don’t need to laser cut the whole thing, only the joints.
Putting the pieces together may take some time, but the end result will be quite impressive. When it’s finished, you can put some chairs and make it a sitting area, or you can turn it into a protected garden.
- Who designed it? OOTUS
- How popular is it? This project has over 140 likes and more than 12,100 views.
- Where to find it? Instructables
License: The text of "The 25 Best Laser Cutter Projects of 2023" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.