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!

Horizontal close up image of mini wood rulers on a grass background laser cut for Valentines Day.
This beginner friendly laser project is an easy make for Valentine’s Day or just because.

RELATED READING: xTool M1 Ultra Review – A True Crafter’s Machine

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:

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.

Vertical image of mini wood rulers on a grass background laser cut for Valentines Day.

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).

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!

Horizontal YouTube thumbnail image of wooden rulers with text which reads laser diy Valentines day classroom rulers.

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

  1. 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).
  2. Ungroup items and indicate the lettering, numbers, and tick marks are set to engrave. Set the ruler piece to cut.
  3. 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.
Image of xTool software XCS and crafter entering the cut settings for wood using the M1 Ultra.

Prepare the Wood or Other Material

  1. Add paper masking to the front and back of the basswood plywood to ensure an easy clean up.
  2. Load the wood into the laser, making sure the wood grain is vertical, and secure with clamps to ensure it is level.
Image of masked basswood plywood in the M1 Ultra with clamps on the honeycomb.

Process and Clean the Rulers

  1. Process the file (note: engraving should come first).
  2. Exhaust fumes after cutting and clean the edges of the masked wood with a clean cloth.
  3. Spray the mini wood rulers with a spray sealant and they’re ready for classroom Valentines.
Gloved crafter using a clean cloth to wipe edges of the laser cut mini wooden rulers.

More Easy Laser Project Ideas You Might Like

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.

Split image of mini wood rulers on a grass background with text which reads how to cut mini rulers SVG.
Yield: 2 Rulers

Mini Laser Cut Ruler for Valentine's Day

Square close up image of mini wood rulers on a grass background laser cut for Valentines 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.

Active Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Difficulty Easy
Estimated Cost $1

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

  1. 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).
  2. Indicate the lettering, numbers, and tick marks are set to engrave. Set the ruler piece to cut.
  3. 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

  1. Add paper masking to the front and back of the basswood plywood. This will ensure an easy clean up.
  2. Load the wood into the laser and secure with clamps to ensure it is level.

Process and Clean the Rulers

  1. Process the file (note: engraving should come first).
  2. Exhaust fumes after cutting and clean the edges of the masked wood.
  3. 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

Did you make this?

Please leave a comment or share a photo and tag me @rufflesandrain

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