Mayor John
Mayor John
Report

Make A Set Of Titanium Alloy Wearable Nails for Her

Instruction
titanium nail.xcs
titanium nail
.xcs
Application scenario
Laser processing
Machine & module
xTool F2 Ultra
40W, 60W
Material used
1mm thick TA1 titanium plate
7
673

Information

      I am not very good at choosing gifts.
After 25 years of marriage, I know what my wife likes in daily life, but turning that into something meaningful is not easy for me. Buying jewelry always felt too impersonal, and flowers disappear too quickly.

We met on Valentine’s Day, 25 years ago. It was not a dramatic story—just two people, coffee, and a long conversation that felt surprisingly efficient and honest. Since then, Valentine’s Day has quietly become an important date for us, even if we never made a big celebration out of it.

This year, for our 25th anniversary, I wanted to make something myself. Not decorative, but precise. Something durable, like our relationship.

I work with metal and machines, so titanium alloy felt like the right choice. It is light, strong, corrosion-resistant, and unforgiving of mistakes—qualities I respect. The design is simple and symmetrical, probably more technical than fashionable. My wife calls it “very you,” which I take as a compliment.

Each nail was measured carefully to fit, with smooth edges and a clean surface finish so it can be worn comfortably. There are no unnecessary patterns. Just structure, balance, and function.

This set of wearable nails is not meant to be perfect or trendy. It is a practical Valentine’s gift, made with patience, for the person who has shared her life with me since our first Valentine’s Day.

Sometimes, making something by hand is the most direct way I know to say what I feel.
    

Instruction

1

Step1: Precise measurement

Make A Set Of Titanium Alloy Wearable Nails for Her instruction: step 1 - Precise measurement
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Make A Set Of Titanium Alloy Wearable Nails for Her instruction: step 1 - Precise measurement
Preview
Make A Set Of Titanium Alloy Wearable Nails for Her instruction: step 1 - Precise measurement
Preview

First, you need to determine the precise cutting shape.

To make it easier to determine the nail shape, I first made a mold of my wife's finger, then used a plastic sheet to simulate the shape of her nail. By trimming and comparing, I confirmed the path that needed to be cut. Materials for making finger molds can be found on shopping platforms, which are highly integrated and reasonably priced.

2

Step2: Open xTool Studio

Make A Set Of Titanium Alloy Wearable Nails for Her instruction: step 2 - Open xTool Studio
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Make A Set Of Titanium Alloy Wearable Nails for Her instruction: step 2 - Open xTool Studio
Preview
Make A Set Of Titanium Alloy Wearable Nails for Her instruction: step 2 - Open xTool Studio
Preview
Make A Set Of Titanium Alloy Wearable Nails for Her instruction: step 2 - Open xTool Studio
Preview

After the design drawing is completed, we move on to the laser cutting part.

I have tested many sets of parameters, and this set is what I usually use to cut titanium plates.

Generally, the number of processing times is 15-25. After cooling for a period of time, process again, repeating 4-5 times (or more). Take out the titanium plate only after it is completely cut through. The purpose of cooling is to reduce material deformation caused by heat accumulation.

3

Step3: Polish the Edges and Bend to Shape

Make A Set Of Titanium Alloy Wearable Nails for Her instruction: step 3 - Polish the Edges and Bend to Shape
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Make A Set Of Titanium Alloy Wearable Nails for Her instruction: step 3 - Polish the Edges and Bend to Shape
Preview
Make A Set Of Titanium Alloy Wearable Nails for Her instruction: step 3 - Polish the Edges and Bend to Shape
Preview
2 More images

STEP 3 requires time and patience.

After sanding off the rough edges and oxide layer with sandpaper, hammer out a curve on the curved anvil to make it fit the finger model from step 1.

4

Step4: Tips

Make A Set Of Titanium Alloy Wearable Nails for Her instruction: step 4 - Tips
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Make A Set Of Titanium Alloy Wearable Nails for Her instruction: step 4 - Tips
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Make A Set Of Titanium Alloy Wearable Nails for Her instruction: step 4 - Tips
Preview

Sand the surface progressively from low to high grit.

During the initial low-grit stage, use rigid tools such as diamond lapping plates to shape the material. Once the contours are smooth and rounded, switch to flexible sanding pads. Finally, achieve a high-gloss finish using a wool buffing wheel paired with metal polishing compound.

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xTool Supplies Used in This Project

xTool F2 Ultra
xTool F2 Ultra

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