Laser Cut Caffeine Molecule Necklace with Laser Gold Foil and Basswood

There are two designs for the necklace: the molecule (for cutting; thin) or the molecule with an offset (for foil or a thicker piece with a score). There is also the jewelry card and sentiment in the files. 

Please let me know if you have questions on this! It sounds like a lot of work, but honestly it's not - it goes very quickly.

If using foil, place it onto sanded basswood without bubbles. Place the wood (with or without foil) into the laser and ensure it is very secure and level. Place crosshairs over the area with the foil, select the laser module, and the material (optional).

Auto-measure, mark the area, and position the entire molecule (with score and cut) into the marked area.

Open the file, turn off the output for everything except the score molecule line. Process the foil with the score line only. NOTE: keep the piece exactly where it is (honeycomb can shift, so be aware).

Remove the outer and inner pieces of foil on the molecule. Cover with paper masking, ensuring there are no bubbles. 

Turn off the output for the score, turn on the cut layer, and set parameters for cutting. Process the cut. Note: I recommend using two passes at a reduced power to avoid scorching the wood, even with the masking. 

Remove the wood, clean any soot from the edges, and remove the paper masking. Set aside.

Remove the honeycomb, if using, and replace the laser bed and add the electrostatic mat, if using. Plug in the mat, place black card stock onto it, and turn it on. 

Add the hot foil pen into the housing (I used the regular / medium tip), securing the wire in the holder and plugging it into the electrostatic mat. Turn it on to warm it up. Add the blade into the multi-function carriage and install into the laser. 

Mark the processing area for the text AND the jewelry card.

Place a small piece of gold heat sensitive foil onto the black paper and secure with low-tack tape. Ensure it is as flat as you can get it. 

Select the processing mode (I chose hot foil pen / mat), turn on the layer with the “energy for anywhere,” and enter settings for the pen (fill style). I chose to turn on the score and my settings were 304, 10, 1. Process the hot foil pen's text. 

TURN BACK ON THE MAT'S POWER and then remove the foil and tape from the card stock, taking care not to move anything.

Turn off the text layer, turn on the jewelry card layer, select blade from the processing mode (I put the cutting blade in), and enter settings. My settings were 158 and 10 and I ran it twice. Remove the card stock and set aside.

Open a 6mm jump ring and add the caffeine molecule and a length of chain onto it before closing to secure. Repeat with the other side and a separate length of chain.

Add a jump ring to both ends of the chain. Place a lobster clasp on one before closing. 

Pop out the mini circles and cut portion of the jewelry card, place the caffeine molecule necklace onto the card, and place it in a box for gifting or for sale.