How to Fake a Laser Cut

all the awesome people have laser cutters (kiteman, pier 9 and many more!). And with laser cutters come those cool burn marks on the side. So I decided I would try to fake it.

For the Epilog contest: if I had a laser cutter I would redo this project with a real laser cutter. (then I would do the rest of the K-man's i'bles)

Step 1: Acquire .PDF of Your Design

Acquire a .PDF of the design you want.

got the bowtie design from Kiteman's (awesome) instructable.

Step 2: L̶a̶s̶e̶r̶ Cut It!

Print out your .PDF and staple it to your wood. Now break out that reciprocating saw (that has sat forgotten for months) and cut it out. using a bandsaw would probably be better but the saw broke on mine so.......

Step 3: Fake It

now for the magic!

First tape everything but the sides. Then get a blowtorch (parental guidance required) and burn the sides. I noticed that if you hold it in one place everywhere but where you are pointing turns black so the more you move the more the burn marks!

Step 4: Show Off Your Laser Cut Item

now show people (or dogs) your awesome (fake) laser cut :)

and now here is a GIF for your troubles

Step 5:

Comments

[Kiteman]

Haha, that's the first time I've seen hand-made techniques being used to fake the machine-made look, usually it's the other way round!

[bravoechonovember1]

*usually

I thought about not publishing this but "I shalt post" :)

[alames]

Another way to do this without the fire is to use a very dull blade and force it through anyway. That or sand the edges with a power sander and worn out sandpaper.
Great ible.

[bravoechonovember1]

good suggestion but fire is always good :)

thank you! (I would also appreciate a vote)

[SerialNano]

Very nice 'ible! I couldn't help but notice some slight burning on the faces of the wood; could this potentially be remedied by sanding the faces after burning to give it a cleaner look?

[bravoechonovember1]

yes good idea! but I used plywood with a paper front so it would peel away

[Antzy Carmasaic]

Nice technique. You should try kerfing the next time XD
I like the main image of your dog wearing the bow and instructable tee...

[bravoechonovember1]

thank you!

that would be........ hard.... extremely hard

this would be wayyy easier https://www.instructables.com/id/Super-flexible-du... :)

[Antzy Carmasaic]

Oh I agree. Any 5 year with a sharpie could do that... that too within a century.

Why not try this: https://www.instructables.com/id/Making-a-cardboard...

[bravoechonovember1]

childs play

[DEEJAY642]

i like your dog and am gonna vote for him!!!!

[bravoechonovember1]

thanks!

(and its her not him)

[bravoechonovember1]

I've entered this in a few contests and would appreciate some votes so I can do this for real!