Laser Cut Mini Rulers
These laser cut mini rulers are a perfect little “just because” gift or a great product to sell for Valentine’s Day. They’re small and quick enough to make the cutest classroom Valentine idea!
RELATED READING: xTool M1 Ultra Review – A True Crafter’s Machine
What You'll Find On This Page
Easy Valentine Laser Project Ideas
Here at Ruffles and Rain Boots, I have an obsession with cute classroom Valentines. I have tons of free printable Valentines here on the site, as well as some best-selling classroom Valentines on Etsy.
Now that I have a few lasers, I’ve tasked myself to create a few easy, beginner laser Valentine project ideas for the sweetest of holidays. The tutorial for these mini wooden rulers is below, but some other projects I’ve shared are:
- laser cut Tic-Tac-Toe game with pieces and a game board that doubles as a storage pouch
- laser cut bubble wands in a fun Valentine’s Day theme
- a funny Galentine laser cut ornament
If you like this laser project idea for Valentine’s Day but can’t get started right now, share or save this page. Either way will make it easy to find when you’re ready to begin.
Materials and Tools Needed
Below are the two lasers I used for these mini rulers, as well as some materials I like to have on hand. You can cut this project from acrylic, as well, just make sure to test the engraving on any cast acrylic so that it’s bright enough to be seen (or fill it with paint).
- tested on the xTool M1 Ultra (diode) and the xTool P2 (CO2 laser)
- SafetyPro AP2 Air Purifier
- Smart Air Assist (with the M1 Ultra)
- 3mm Basswood Plywood
- Paper Tape Masking
- Spray Sealant, optional
Note: I’m using the honeycomb on both of my machines, but it is not required.
Laser Cut Mini Rulers Video Tutorial
If you’re a visual learner or are still new to the XCS software, please watch the Valentine’s Day laser cut mini rulers video tutorial. While you’re there, please subscribe – we have a lot of fun!
RELATED READING: How to Make a Phone Stand Using Acrylic (xTool P2)
How to Prepare, Cut, and Seal Mini Wooden Rulers
Below are the step by step instructions for this beginner laser cut ruler project. Keep this page open and follow along or watch the video linked above. For a printable version of this tutorial, scroll down to the bottom.
Download the free XCS software from xTool. If this is your first project, follow the instructions to connect the machine to the software.
Prepare the Design File
- Drag in or import the Valentine’s Day ruler SVG. Ensure the sizing is correct, as some laser software systems can resize (each ruler should be 6 inches).
- Ungroup items and indicate the lettering, numbers, and tick marks are set to engrave. Set the ruler piece to cut.
- Enter settings for your machine (mine are in the how to card at the end of this article or shared in the video). Please note: if using a lower-powered laser, please increase the power from your normal settings to get through two layers of masking on the basswood plywood.
Prepare the Wood or Other Material
- Add paper masking to the front and back of the basswood plywood to ensure an easy clean up.
- Load the wood into the laser, making sure the wood grain is vertical, and secure with clamps to ensure it is level.
Process and Clean the Rulers
- Process the file (note: engraving should come first).
- Exhaust fumes after cutting and clean the edges of the masked wood with a clean cloth.
- Spray the mini wood rulers with a spray sealant and they’re ready for classroom Valentines.
More Easy Laser Project Ideas You Might Like
- Highland Cow Door Sign – Use any laser to create this fun and popular sign idea.
- Christmas Wine Tag SVG and Tutorial – Keep this on hand for the holidays and you’ll never show up without a welcomed, customized gift.
- Easy Laser Cut Sun Catcher – These sell SO well and look beautiful in any light (with my secret material).
Please Save or Share This Valentine Laser Project Idea
Your shares are how this site grows and I am sincerely grateful. Please share this with a laser group on Facebook or save it to a DIY laser crafts pin board.
Mini Laser Cut Ruler for Valentine's Day
If you are looking to make laser projects for Valentine's Day, these mini rulers are a perfect classroom Valentine. Make them for your children or make them to sell with the included commercial use license.
Materials
- 3mm Basswood Plywood
- Paper Masking
- Spray Sealant
Tools
- Laser (CO2 or Diode; tested on xTool M1 Ultra 10 watt and xTool P2)
- Air Assist / Smart Air Assist (between 20-30% power is fine)
- Honeycomb and Pins (or Slats and Clamps)
- Pick or Tape, optional
- Cloth or Rag to Wipe Edges
Instructions
Prepare the Design File
- Drag in or import the Valentine's Day ruler SVG. Ensure the sizing is correct, as some laser software systems can resize (should be 6 inches).
- Indicate the lettering, numbers, and tick marks are set to engrave. Set the ruler piece to cut.
- Enter settings for your machine. Please note: if using a lower-powered laser, please increase the power from your normal settings to get through two layers of masking on the basswood plywood.
Prepare the Wood or Other Material
- Add paper masking to the front and back of the basswood plywood. This will ensure an easy clean up.
- Load the wood into the laser and secure with clamps to ensure it is level.
Process and Clean the Rulers
- Process the file (note: engraving should come first).
- Exhaust fumes after cutting and clean the edges of the masked wood.
- Spray the mini wood rulers with a spray sealant and they're ready for classroom Valentines.
Notes
Settings xTool M1 Ultra (10 Watt):
- Engrave power, speed, pass (though with masking, I would do another)
- Cut power, speed, pass
Settings xTool P2:
- Engrave 35 power, 100 speed, 1 pass
- Cut 85 power, 15 speed, 1pass
Meet the Creator
Hi there, I’m Sarah Nenni-Daher. I’m a crafty gal and always have at least 14 projects going at once. I am a crafter, designer, DIYer, and pattern maker. I share my creations here and in the Ruffles and Rain Boots® Shop.
Here at Ruffles and Rain Boots®, you’ll find DIY gnomes, crafts, gifts, cupcakes, laser crafts, and so much more. I love sharing video tutorials over on YouTube and chatting with other crafters in my Facebook groups. We’d love to have you!