Bearden65
Report

This Is Us

Instruction
Bottom - Family - This is us.xcs
Bottom - Family - This is us
.xcs
Application scenario
Laser (360min)
Machine & module
xTool F1
Compatibles · 9
Material used
3mm Basswood Plywood
20
473
Information
      With limited engraving envelope size of the F1, this was a fun challenge! A work friend brought me a photo of what she wanted but wanted their names added as well. At first I told her I would not be able to make it very large and she was okay with that but once I got started creating everything from scratch in xTool Creative Space software,
    
Instruction
1
Step1: Making a project her own
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Preview

She provided me the idea photo along with a sketch of the way she wanted it and the challenge began.

2
Step2: Materials Info
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  1. Repurposed plywood from shipping packaging from work.
  2. Middle Section painted using 2 coats of Rust-Oleum American Accents stone texture finish.
  3. Top and Bottom sections painted with Rust-Oleum Gloss Protective Enamel in Arctic White.
  4. Gorrila Heavy Duty spray adhesive.
  5. I attached two round threaded hanging screws into the slats on the back and used straw rope purchased from the crafts department in walmart.

 

3
Step3: 3 Section Score, Cut out & Paint
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Luckily when I purchased my F1, I chose to go with the bundle and get the R2 rotary tool and the extension table which would broaden my project creations. I'm so glad I did because the extension table was/is needed to complete this project. If you do not have it, you will not be able to complete this project on a F1 unit.

I figured I had the ability to split the project into 3 sections just as it looked in the photo but making it all align was where the challenge was going to get tricky. 

Using every bit of the possible height I could get in the 3 sections, I created and used a 13.5" diameter circle divided into arced sections to use within each project and also served as a score line in which to follow as a cut line with the band saw. Using created squares in each project to perfectly align each arch section corners from one project to the other came in handy in getting everything proportionately scored for alignment purposes. You will see these alignment squares in each project.

  1. First thing is to cut only the arch Score line from each project section onto appropriate sized 4 ½" x 14" plywood (or comparable material) blank.
  2. Once you have the scored arch lines on the blanks, use these lines as guides to cut arcs with band saw for each project section. 
  3. Take cut sections and test fit them to each other, then sand to a nice smooth finish.
  4. Paint each blank the appropriate color and let dry. ( I only painted the front surfaces and exposed edges.)
4
Step4: Burn & Assembly Instructions
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Preview
Preview

Each XCS file attached has appropriate settings split up into Layers. Everything that is not found within the cutting area is simply there for references and is set to Ignore in the Object settings. The 13 ½ " Circle Template as well as a Burn Test Table is in one of the files for use if needed.

Once you have each section scored, cut and painted, open each project and set Radius Template (Black circle Layers) to Ignore and proceed to next steps below. Follow these steps for each Design File.

 

  1. Open Top file, click on names and enter desired names, if needed adjust text font, size and curvature accordingly and re-center. Do the same when you open and start on the Middle file. The Bottom file should not need editing unless you desire to change something.
  2. Place cut and painted piece onto extension burn table and adjust red/blue dots accordingly.
  3. Set left Alignment Square(s) to Output and everything else to Ignore. Click on Framing (set to Outline) and align Top / Bottom of left corners to square corners. - Do likewise to the right alignment squares.
  4. Once you have piece aligned, it's time to set the alignment squares to Ignore and all other items within to Output and then Process.
  5. NOTE: Your machine may behave and burn differently so tweak power and speed settings if needed.
  6. Once all three sections are completed, align the sections face down on a flat surface and secure them together with (2) ¾" x 2" x 12" slats on the back side. I used Gorrila Heavy Duty spray adhesive which worked very well and did not require nails or screws.
  7. HAVE FUN! - Let me know how everything works out and share your improvements if you make any.

 

 

Comments
Remixes
xTool Supplies Used in This Template
xTool F1
xTool F1
3mm Basswood Plywood
3mm Basswood Plywood