Introduction: Laser-engraved Illuminated Mirror With Homer!

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About: Passionate of DIY of any kind, I am not of the trade (I am developer in computing) but I am self-taught and I like to learn new things. I decided to share my creations with you through photos and videos. I do…

My brother is going to take his motorcycle license for his birthday, he is a fan of the Simpsons, so I gave him a themed gift: a laser-engraved mirror backlit in green.

I also created the wooden frame, as well as an easel type support, laser cut.

Full video: https://youtu.be/7nb0Haf7R2c

Supplies


As I can't upload the LightBurn files, I put you a link to a zip containing the .lbrn2 files of the mirror, the support, as well as the Simpsons font :

Miroir-Moto-Home-Marge-MagicManu.zip

Step 1: File Preparation

I started from an image of The Simpsons found on the Internet and I cropped it to remove the background.

I added the text with the Simpsons font (available in the ZIP) and I mirrored the photo and the text because they will be engraved upside down.

Step 2: Mirror Engraving

The mirror is placed upside down, and the laser will remove the tin layer to reveal the glass.

For engraving I used a Ortur Laser Marster 3 10W with these settings:

  • Speed: 3000mm/min
  • Power: 30%
  • Number of passes: 1
  • Image Mode: Threshold

It took a little over 2 hours to complete the engraving.

Step 3: Frame Construction

To create a custom frame, I used a 27x27 mm section pine cleat.

I used the table saw to create 2 grooves, one for the mirror, and one for the bottom board.

Then I cut the 4 pieces at 45° with a miter saw.

I finished with the cut of the bottom board in a hardboard plate.

Step 4: Frame Assembly

The elements are glued with wood glue, but I'm not gluing the bottom at the moment otherwise I won't be able to add the mirror!

I use a frame press to hold the elements while the glue dries.

I rounded the edges with a router, and drilled the hole for the power cable.

Step 5: Led Strip

I used a self-adhesive green led strip. I make 2 turns so that there is a maximum of light.

I can't glue it on the bottom, otherwise I won't be able to remove it to slide the mirror in, so I added a white plastic profile to be able to glue the leds on it.

Step 6: Wall Fixation

I have provided a mounting hook at the back, so the mirror can be hung on a screw or a nail.

Step 7: Installing the Mirror

The mirror slides into the slots, and I can now glue the bottom element to close the frame permanently.

I also added 2 coats of varnish on the wood so that it lasts a long time.

Step 8: First Try

I have provided a connector for the power supply on the side, and a switch to be able to turn it on and off easily.

Difficult to have a real photo rendering, the green color is more beautiful in real life!

Step 9: Support

I also created an easel type support, so that my brother could install his frame on a table or a desk for example.

I used 3mm plywood that I laser cut (200mm/min and 100% power in 2 passes with air assist).

Step 10: A Surprised and Happy Brother!

My brother appreciated his gift which had a great effect! The mirror looks great, day and night!

To go further, I had also made him a fake "Traffic Laws For Dummies" 😂