Experiment No.
LLB018
Mission Title
Strike & Burn Series
Technique
Cut and Engrave Birch Wood
Lead Scientists
Kim & Garrett
For this mission, we’re shifting focus to cutting and engraving 1/8" birch plywood to create a functional and customizable
S’more Caddy designed for campfire nights, summer entertaining, and themed gift bundles. This project combines clean
laser-cut construction with practical product design to create a reusable piece customers can use year after year.
This project gives you hands-on experience working with birch plywood while learning how to create organized divided
storage pieces that pair perfectly with s’more sticks, campfire treat boxes, mini campfires, tumblers, and other campfire-
themed accessories.
• Primary Substrate: 1/8" birch plywood designed for laser cutting and engraving functional divided storage pieces and
personalized campfire-themed products.
• Surface Prep: Wipe the plywood with a dry microfiber cloth or tack cloth to remove dust and debris before cutting or
engraving. Inspect boards for warping or imperfections before use.
• Cutting Behavior: Birch plywood cuts cleanly with proper air assist and focus. Multiple internal dividers and assembly slots
require consistent cut settings for proper fit and alignment.
• Engraving Behavior: Birch engraves with a warm natural contrast that works well for campfire themes, names, monograms,
and simple graphics. Focus on clean readability and smooth engraving rather than excessive depth.
• Cleanup Strategy: Remove smoke residue with LA Awesome, Simple Green, or a lightly dampened Magic Eraser. Light
sanding may be used if needed before staining or assembly.
• Residue Removal: Use a soft cloth or fine sanding sponge to clean edges and engraved areas. Avoid excessive sanding near
engraved details to preserve contrast.
• Assembly Notes:
◦ Dry fit all divider pieces before gluing.
◦ Wood glue works best for permanent assembly.
◦ Clamp or hold pieces square while drying for proper alignment.
◦ Sand edges lightly for a smoother finished feel.
• Focus Calibration:
◦ Keep focus accurate for clean cut edges and sharp engraved detail.
◦ Incorrect focus can create excessive charring or inconsistent cut depth.
◦ Run small test cuts when switching plywood batches, as wood density can vary.
• Pro Tip: Use masking on the top surface if you want cleaner edges and reduced smoke marks during engraving and cutting.
Prep: Wipe the birch plywood with a dry microfiber cloth or tack cloth to remove dust, debris, or loose fibers before cutting
and engraving. Inspect boards for warping or damaged areas before use.
Air Assist Calibration: Use moderate air assist during cutting to help reduce flare-ups and improve edge quality. Lower air
assist may be preferred during engraving to minimize smoke movement across the surface.
Test Pass: Run a small test cut and engraving to dial in speed, power, and cut depth before processing the full project. Wood
density can vary slightly between sheets.
Cutting Pass: Use clean, consistent cut settings to ensure divider slots and assembly pieces fit together properly. Watch closely
for excessive charring or incomplete cuts around tight corners and slot areas.
Engraving Pass: Use settings that create clean contrast without excessive burn depth. Focus on readable text and smooth
graphics rather than deep engraving.
Detail Check: Dry fit the divider pieces before gluing to confirm alignment and slot sizing. Inspect engraved details for clean
readability and smooth edges.
Final Cleanup: Remove smoke residue using LA’s Awesome Cleaner, Simple Green, or a lightly dampened Magic Eraser. Light
sanding may be used if needed before staining or assembly.
📂 Download SVG Blueprint
Overview:
LAB
SKILL
Lab Report LLB-0018
Experience
Materials Guidance:
The Protocol (Steps):
File Downloads
File Downloads
TEST MORE, WASTE LESS. | CREATIVE LAB PROTOCOL LLB018
Back to Briefing
Laser Settings Matrix:
Launch these high-margin multi-depth products:
• Personalized S’more Caddies
• Family Campfire Kits
• Campfire Treat Boxes
• Wedding & Party Favor Sets
• Campfire Movie Night Bundles
• Personalized Mini Campfire Tins
The Profit Lab (Product Ideas):
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NEXT: VIEW LLB-018🡺
XTOol f1 ultra (diode) 20W
XTOol f1 ultra (fiber) 20W
XTOol f2 ultra (diode) 40W
XTOol f2 ultra (fiber) 60W
XTOol 55w co2
XTOol 80w co2
Nova 100w co2
nova 130w co2