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Big Blue Laser Designs
United States
Приєднався 17 тра 2019
My name is Mark and I've been a web and graphic designer for years - but when I got my first laser (a Glowforge) in 2017, I fell in love with it right away! I've always loved teaching and enjoy teaching technology via video, so I knew early on that I wanted to start a channel to teach other laser owners how to use their Glowforge as well as how to design things for it.
This channel will be mainly for the beginners who just got a laser or who are just venturing into programs like Illustrator. My skill set is always growing, so these videos will be a journey for me as well.
If you're an advanced designer with tools like Illustrator, this probably isn't the channel for you. But if you're just getting started, I look forward to helping you create cool things!
This channel will be mainly for the beginners who just got a laser or who are just venturing into programs like Illustrator. My skill set is always growing, so these videos will be a journey for me as well.
If you're an advanced designer with tools like Illustrator, this probably isn't the channel for you. But if you're just getting started, I look forward to helping you create cool things!
Project Intro: 2025 Grad Photo Frames
This set is ready to cut on your laser and includes two 4x6 photo frames, one single and one double picture holder. It's made for 1/8" material and you can use wood, MDF, acrylic, or a mix of any you prefer.
LISTING:bigbluelaserdesigns.com/products/2025-graduation-photo-frame-1-2-photo-versions-included
** Unbranded marketing photos are included in the download folder.
FILE FORMATS:
• Ai
• SVG
• PDF
• DXF
• EPS
MEASUREMENTS:
• All slots are 0.125"
•Single Photo Version: 8.3"w x 7"h x
•Two Photo Version: 13"w x 7"h x 2"d
MATERIALS I USED:
• I used 1/8" Walnut and Oak Truflat from LaserWoodSupplies.com
AMOUNT OF MATERIAL NEEDED:
• Single Photo Version: 1 sheet of 11" x 19" material
• Two Photo Version: 1.75 sheets of 11" x 19" material
Mark // BigBlueLaserDesigns
My Mission: "To help beginning and busy laser owners create great things faster!"
• Website: bigbluelaserdesigns.com/
• Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/bigbluelaserdesigns
• Become a VIP! bigbluelaserdesigns.com/collections/vip-early-access
LISTING:bigbluelaserdesigns.com/products/2025-graduation-photo-frame-1-2-photo-versions-included
** Unbranded marketing photos are included in the download folder.
FILE FORMATS:
• Ai
• SVG
• DXF
• EPS
MEASUREMENTS:
• All slots are 0.125"
•Single Photo Version: 8.3"w x 7"h x
•Two Photo Version: 13"w x 7"h x 2"d
MATERIALS I USED:
• I used 1/8" Walnut and Oak Truflat from LaserWoodSupplies.com
AMOUNT OF MATERIAL NEEDED:
• Single Photo Version: 1 sheet of 11" x 19" material
• Two Photo Version: 1.75 sheets of 11" x 19" material
Mark // BigBlueLaserDesigns
My Mission: "To help beginning and busy laser owners create great things faster!"
• Website: bigbluelaserdesigns.com/
• Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/bigbluelaserdesigns
• Become a VIP! bigbluelaserdesigns.com/collections/vip-early-access
Переглядів: 150
Відео
Project Intro: 2 Layer Floral Letter Set
Переглядів 15216 годин тому
This set of letters are simple and elegant and look great in all different colors and materials. The files are initially approximately 10.4" tall but can be cut at almost any size (I cut a set at 5.5" tall as well). Learn more and download yours here! bigbluelaserdesigns.com/products/2-layer-floral-letter-set Mark // BigBlueLaserDesigns My Mission: "To help beginning and busy laser owners creat...
Tips on How I Spray Paint Using Layered MDF Letters
Переглядів 1,8 тис.День тому
We LOVE spray painting things over here at BBLD World Headquarters, so here's a walkthrough of how I painted a set of Layered MDF Letters from start to finish. ✅ Prime with Rustoleum Filler Primer ✅ Spray color and blend 2 colors for an ombre effect ✅ Shorten the dry time by using a space heater ✅ Assemble! Check out the video to see all of my steps in detail. Full time from start to finish of ...
A Quick Lesson on Kerf!
Переглядів 480День тому
This video was a LIVE in my Facebook Group to help everyone understand what kerf is and how it works. You can join my group at groups/bigbluelaserdesigns/. Mark // BigBlueLaserDesigns My Mission: "To help beginning and busy laser owners create great things faster!" • Website: bigbluelaserdesigns.com/ • Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/bigbluelaserdesigns • Become a VIP! bigbluelaserdesigns....
Need to Roll Back to an Older Version of WeCreat MakeIt? No Problem!
Переглядів 99Місяць тому
Are you having trouble with something due to the latest update of WeCreat MakeIt and want to roll back to an older version? No problem! Go to WeCreat.com/pages/software and scroll down to the bottom. There you'll see the last 4 versions you can download and install instead of the most recent one. Mark // BigBlueLaserDesigns My Mission: "To help beginning and busy laser owners create great thing...
Combining Shapes to Make Custom Shapes Using WeCreat MakeIt
Переглядів 189Місяць тому
Sometimes you need to make a custom shape to cut with your laser. If you're using WeCreat's MakeIt program, you can make many different things by combining basic shapes like rectangles and circles and using the features under the Merge function at the top of the workspace. Here I am showing a quick way to make a shape that Diana asked about in the WeCreat Facebook Group. Hope it helps more peop...
Project Intro: Layered Cross Set
Переглядів 130Місяць тому
This video introduces our set of 4 Layered Crosses. Be sure to check out the other videos in the listing as well. You can buy the set to cut on your laser here: bigbluelaserdesigns.com/collections/most-popular/products/layered-crosses-set-of-4 Mark // BigBlueLaserDesigns My Mission: "To help beginning and busy laser owners create great things faster!" • Website: bigbluelaserdesigns.com/ • Etsy:...
Project Intro: Decorative Book Box
Переглядів 239Місяць тому
Want a fun and stylish way to store anything from mini-figs to photos to knick-knacks? This Decorative Book Box file design might be just the ticket! The book is 7.6” x 9” x 2” and can either be open inside or have a set of shelves (see more pics in the listing). NOTE: This design is only available for my December VIP Subscribers and will be available for everyone else to purchase starting Janu...
Connecting Letters and Making Text Thicker using MakeIt from WeCreat
Переглядів 380Місяць тому
If you're using MakeIt from WeCreat, one of the things you'll want to know how to do is to connect letters in text that aren't naturally connected and also how to thicken text that's too thin and brittle to cut nicely. Mark // BigBlueLaserDesigns My Mission: "To help beginning and busy laser owners create great things faster!" • Website: bigbluelaserdesigns.com/ • Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/bigblu...
Connecting Unconnected Text Using WeCreat's MakeIt
Переглядів 354Місяць тому
If you have a WeCreat laser, you're familiar with using MakeIt to control your laser and to create various designs. In this short tutorial I will show you how to type out some cursive text and to connect all of the letters so that it cuts out as a single piece. Mark // BigBlueLaserDesigns My Mission: "To help beginning and busy laser owners create great things faster!" • Website: bigbluelaserde...
Live Intro to the DIY Awards Set
Переглядів 4072 місяці тому
This set was initially only available to my VIP Subscribers, but now it's available to everyone! bigbluelaserdesigns.com/collections/all/products/diy-awards-set Mark // BigBlueLaserDesigns My Mission: "To help beginning and busy laser owners create great things faster!" • Website: bigbluelaserdesigns.com/ • Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/bigbluelaserdesigns • Become a VIP! bigbluelaserdesigns.com/coll...
File Overview: Cross Set
Переглядів 1362 місяці тому
This video is a walk-though of the files for my Set of 4 Crosses. It'll be available to purchase starting December 15, 2024. bigbluelaserdesigns.com/collections/all/products/layered-crosses-set-of-4 Mark // BigBlueLaserDesigns My Mission: "To help beginning and busy laser owners create great things faster!" • Website: bigbluelaserdesigns.com/ • Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/bigbluelaserdesigns • Beco...
Quick Assembly: Cross 1
Переглядів 1202 місяці тому
This video shows how to assemble Cross #1 in my Set of 4 Crosses. The set is currently available for my November 2024 VIP Subscribers and will be available for the public to purchase starting December 15, 2024. bigbluelaserdesigns.com/collections/all/products/layered-crosses-set-of-4 Mark // BigBlueLaserDesigns My Mission: "To help beginning and busy laser owners create great things faster!" • ...
Welding Text to a Circle In MakeIt
Переглядів 8772 місяці тому
Mark // BigBlueLaserDesigns My Mission: "To help beginning and busy laser owners create great things faster!" • Website: bigbluelaserdesigns.com/ • Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/bigbluelaserdesigns • Become a VIP! bigbluelaserdesigns.com/collections/vip-early-access
Project Intro: "Puppy Kisses Fix Everything" Laser Cut Sign Set
Переглядів 2603 місяці тому
Any dog lover knows the truth: "Puppy Kisses Fix Everything." This adorable little 2-layer sign set comes with 42 different breed options that are all ready for you to cut on your laser for yourself, family, friends, or customers. The set will be available to the public starting November 22, 2024. bigbluelaserdesigns.com/collections/all/products/puppy-kisses-fix-everything-sign-set-32-dog-breed...
Project Intro: Layered Christmas Tree Ornaments
Переглядів 4923 місяці тому
Project Intro: Layered Christmas Tree Ornaments
Project Intro: Retro Record Player Smart Speaker Holder (Echo Dot, Google Home Mini)
Переглядів 1363 місяці тому
Project Intro: Retro Record Player Smart Speaker Holder (Echo Dot, Google Home Mini)
Quick Assembly: Gentle Giants / Whale Shark / 2 Layer Version
Переглядів 684 місяці тому
Quick Assembly: Gentle Giants / Whale Shark / 2 Layer Version
Quick Assembly: Gentle Giants / Whale Shark / 4 Layer Version
Переглядів 564 місяці тому
Quick Assembly: Gentle Giants / Whale Shark / 4 Layer Version
Determining Slot Size and Adjusting for Kerf Using a Slot Sizer
Переглядів 6184 місяці тому
Determining Slot Size and Adjusting for Kerf Using a Slot Sizer
How to Make Connected Text with an Offset Path Using xTool's XCS
Переглядів 7624 місяці тому
How to Make Connected Text with an Offset Path Using xTool's XCS
How to Make Connected Text with an Offset Path Using Lightburn
Переглядів 2564 місяці тому
How to Make Connected Text with an Offset Path Using Lightburn
How to Make Connected Text with an Offset Path using Adobe Illustrator
Переглядів 1894 місяці тому
How to Make Connected Text with an Offset Path using Adobe Illustrator
Project Intro: Layered Trailer Scenes Set
Переглядів 1485 місяців тому
Project Intro: Layered Trailer Scenes Set
Project Intro: Layered Mushroom Fairy Scene
Переглядів 1245 місяців тому
Project Intro: Layered Mushroom Fairy Scene
Project Intro: Trunk or Treat Awards
Переглядів 1715 місяців тому
Project Intro: Trunk or Treat Awards
Wow excellent video and the tool just what I needed, thank-you.
So glad it helped!
Is there a way to import a sentence into Wecreat? This is for a plaque for someone who has passed but wording is in Greek.
What would the price point be on retailing the single frame. Nice design.
Much would depend on your market, your materials, and any customization if you offer any. But in general I’d be starting at $25-$30.
That is so cool looking!
Where do you get your MDF? I have read that not all MDF is safe to laser, so I haven’t tried it yet and I would like to.
Where do you get your MDF? I have read that not all MDF is safe to laser, so I haven’t tried it yet and I would like to.
He sells it on his website.
I really enjoy your work and love watching your videos! While this one felt more focused on the selling the file, I would have loved to see more of the process behind making the book itself. Your projects are always so inspiring, and I look forward to seeing more of your creative journey!
Thanks! Do you mean how to assemble it, or do you mean the process we went thru to design it? We have another video showing how to assemble it.
@ Both. For me, I enjoy the entire process. Nice job keep up the great work. I know how hard it is to make content and cool stuff.
I use shellac (sealer) and a brush. Easily gets into those nooks and crannies. Then a quick coat on the surfaces with brush. Dries super fast. Super smooth. Shellac seals those MDF edges well. Quick sand with 220. Then spray a small amount of paint into a small cup and do the edges with the brush and then spray paint the surfaces. It is to hard to get into all those nooks and crannies with a spray can. You end up wasting paint, you get uneven surfaces, and usually runs. Thank you for video.
A tip I got from Adam Savage is to use a hair dryer to assist in speeding up drying times
Mine came out smaller than it had to be, not wider
If you’re referring to the size of a slot (rectangular hole) that you cut, the slot will always be larger than the original measurement in the file. If you’re referring to a shape like a square or rectangle that you’re measuring - as in the shape itself, not the hole that was cut - then the shape will always be smaller.
I’m that one person who doesn’t get it😢. So would I move the kerf setting inward or outward. I cut a frame that had tabs and slots and the tabs would not fit in the slot. Thanks for your help.
Not sure exactly what you mean by “kerf setting.” If you have a tab that needs to fit into a slot, the first thing you do is measure your material with calipers. Then if you cut the slot at the size you measured, the tab will fit, but it will be a loose fit due to kerf. If you take that measurement and subtract kerf from it and cut it again, this time a more narrow rectangle slot, then it will fit tightly.
Thanks for responding. There is a setting on the lower right hand side, when I’m licking in my slot, that’s pops up and it says “Kerf offset (mm) and had a toggle switch that you can adjust to negative or positive numbers. Yani’s
Disregard the “Yani’s” don’t know where that came from. Btw, I am using xcs
Ah! You hadn’t given that context before. XTool has articles on that on their website. support.xtool.com/article/1425?from=search&q=Kerf
Wow Super....und in Deutsch....Daaaanke❤
Are there files for the letters?
The set is dropping for everyone on my website next week. I’ll also be posting links in my FB group. Https://facebook.com/groups/bigbluelaserdesigns/
This is so helpful! No sanding between coats? Painting with spray paint is always a disaster for me…maybe because I sand.
No. We don’t sand most of the time. We get a nice finish without it. Talk to me about your experience. Why is painting a disaster and how is sanding related?
c o o l
Beautiful piece.. Great colors.
This short and to the point video was awesome! Thank u!
Glad it helped!
Do you change account for the kerf on the slots both horizontally and vertically?
I don’t. Just the dimension that represents the thickness of the material.
Best way to speed that process up is to select your outer points drag to inner line have keyboard increment set to the size you want and push arrow to set new slot size.
Thank you for this video
Great explanation - Thank you!!!
Great explanation! I saw an interesting question in one of the laser groups the other day. Is the kerf different for different thicknesses of wood… interesting! The laser beam isn’t 100% straight, right? It’s straight at the focal point.
Technically, yes, kerf changes with the changing of power and speed. I address that in practical terms in this video where I talk about different materials and the use of a slot sizer. ua-cam.com/video/LtFly8xBImY/v-deo.htmlsi=EhTYnCwHVtaGnR-Z The laser is shaped like an hour glass with the most narrow part at the focal point.
Thanks Mark!
You're welcome! I hope it helps!
Totally follow.
I’ve got several more on my website and in my group! Happy to help any time! Https://facebook.com/groups/bigbluelaserdesigns/
Omg - you’re a life saver! I’ve been trying to thicken the line for hours! 😅 Hahah. Thank you so much!
You’re welcome!
Hey I have been having problems with my 5w laser to cut 4mm birch plywood. I was always on max power but its euther not focused propertly or the speed is bad. Any suggestions?
Birch is often a pain to cut in general. I’ve not used a 5w before so I can’t share any specific tips, but proper focus definitely affects cutting as does speed. Max power is what I would expect would needed for a 5w to cut 4mm and it make take 2 passes. So I’d start some tests with cutting a small square shape and see what speed and passes get the result you want.
@BigBlueLaserDesigns I have found some test files that vary the speed and power in a grid of squares, to see what cuts. Lets hope that helps. I will update after I test it so others know :D
Thanks again Mark for your great advice. I purchased a K40 several years ago from omtech and tried to upgrade it with the monport controller and now I cannot get it to work. I will go at again but I just felt overwhelmed. I do have a 5 and a 10 watt diode laser but wanted to cut more with the c02 and engrave with the diodes. Happy New Year to you and your family
Oh I hope you have success! Although I don’t have any experience with the K40, I know a few people who do, so perhaps I can help you connect with them.
Thanks so much for your words of wisdom Mark, as a sole proprietor you tend to take on jobs just to pay the bills. I think once you have that financial margin it gives you greater freedom to say no. Happy New Year to you and your family, and may God continue to bless the work of our hands.
My laser has speed, power, and frequency. Does yours have that and if so when do you mess with that? I have only been able to do plastic and medals that have some kind of finish on them (I can get a product to use when it’s bare but it’s pricy and don’t love using that). I have not been able to do things like wood or leather and I really want to learn how to do everything. Any advice on the frequency as well as other items? For leather I have gotten it to do burn patches but never anything substantial. Same with wood.
I don’t have any lasers that use frequency as one of the settings, so I can’t speak to that, unfortunately.
My laser has speed, power, and frequency. Does yours have that and if so when do you mess with that? I have only been able to do plastic and medals that have some kind of finish on them (I can get a product to use when it’s bare but it’s pricy and don’t love using that). I have not been able to do things like wood or leather and I really want to learn how to do everything. Any advice on the frequency as well as other items? For leather I have gotten it to do burn patches but never anything substantial. Same with wood.
I am new to Laser engraving and cutting, I have been watching so many video looking for this information. You explained everything in a simple way that made it easy to understand. Thank you.
You’re welcome! So glad I could help!
Love this! Thank you so much!!!
incredible tutorial!!! Thank you
I purchased the set. Can't wait to cut and build.
Thanks Mark! They’re gorgeous!
It's really useful!
' ... at a shallower depth ... ' :)
Thank you. Great video. I just asked this question in another video I watched
Glad I could help! I teach things related to kerf ALL the time in my Facebook Group and have several more videos there in the Featured Posts. Https://facebook.com/groups/bigbluelaserdesigns/
How do you create a stand if you want to set it on a table. Thanks
A stand for a Christmas Tree ornament? You could make it a simple circle with a slot in it that the tree trunk sits in. That would be quick and easy.
@ no a small rectangle on a piece of wood
@@dejacks6981 sorry. Don’t know what that means. But you could cut a rectangle instead of a circle, of course. Same thing with a different shape.
Great tutorial
Thank you again!
This is fantastic! Well done and thank you for the tutorial!
You’re welcome! I hope it helps!
Thank you for this video and all the others you create. You are a life changer. God bless.
Thanks for your help!!
So, to cut 1/8 plywood, what speed and power? I've tried multiple different ways and it's burning it like crazy 4:48
Hi! I don’t have any data to answer that. What laser? Wattage?
Today is 12-18 and I can't find them to buy them on your site or etsy. Are they VIP only?
Hi! Today is November 18. 🤓
Good morning Mark.. Love your awards!
Good morning from Albuquerque, New Mexico 💜
Goooooood morning!