Introduction: 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:

Participated in the
Epilog Contest VII

Participated in the
Animal Innovations Contest
13 Comments
7 years ago
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!
Reply 7 years ago
*usually
I thought about not publishing this but "I shalt post" :)
Reply 7 years ago
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.
Reply 7 years ago
good suggestion but fire is always good :)
thank you! (I would also appreciate a vote)
Reply 7 years ago
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?
Reply 7 years ago
yes good idea! but I used plywood with a paper front so it would peel away
7 years ago
Nice technique. You should try kerfing the next time XD
I like the main image of your dog wearing the bow and instructable tee...
Reply 7 years ago
thank you!
that would be........ hard.... extremely hard
this would be wayyy easier https://www.instructables.com/id/Super-flexible-du... :)
Reply 7 years ago
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...
Reply 7 years ago
childs play
7 years ago
i like your dog and am gonna vote for him!!!!
Reply 7 years ago
thanks!
(and its her not him)
7 years ago
I've entered this in a few contests and would appreciate some votes so I can do this for real!