Laser-engraved Illuminated Mirror With Homer!
Intro: Laser-engraved Illuminated Mirror With Homer!
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
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" 😂
2 Comments
Alex in NZ 1 year ago
Thanks also for the photographs in step 3 showing the additional brace you're using to stabilise the cutting fence; a very neat solution to the problem of wobbly fences which I shall be copying :-)
MagicManu 1 year ago
Yes, the problem with this budget table saw is that the guide lacks rigidity, so I always use this trick which prevents me from cutting off!