Retro TV Small Pet House

Material thickness assumed:
1/4" plywood (approx. 5.2mm)

 materials:

Wood glue (for layered front details)

Sandpaper (120–220 grit)

Paint or stain (optional)

Small brush for dial details

📐 Finished Dimensions

External size (approximate):

Width: ~500mm

Depth: ~400mm

Height: ~280mm

Interior cavity:

Sized to fit a 19" × 15" bed (482.6mm × 381mm)

Recommended bed:
Soft plush bolster bed with raised sides.

🛠 Tools Required

xTool S1 laser cutter

Calipers (recommended)

Clamps (for layered front pieces)

Wood glue (for bezel and dial layers)

Paint or stain (optional finishing)

🔥 Laser Settings (Starting Point for 6mm Plywood)

These will vary by your machine and plywood quality.

For 6mm plywood on xTool S1:

Power: 90–100%

Speed: 4–8 mm/s

Passes: 1–2 (depending on glue content)

Air assist: On

⚠ Always run a small test cut first.

🧩 Parts Overview

From the XCS file, you will cut:

Main Structure:

Floor panel

Roof panel

Left side panel

Right side panel

Back panel

Front structural panel (with TV screen opening)

Decorative Front Details:

Bezel frame

Control panel face

Dial discs (multiple layers)

Speaker grill section

🏗 Assembly Instructions

Step 1 – Assemble the Main Box

Attach the left and right side panels to the bottom panel using the tab-and-slot joints.

Insert the back panel into the side slots.

Install the front structural panel with the TV opening.

Attach the top panel to complete the box structure.

Ensure all joints are fully seated and square before moving on.

Step 2 – Install the Bed

Place your 19" × 15" plush bed inside the enclosure.

It should sit flat against the bottom panel and fit snugly without excessive compression.

Step 3 – Assemble the TV Face Details

Glue the bezel frame onto the front panel around the screen opening.

Glue the control panel backing plate into position.

Assemble each dial by stacking the circular layers.

Glue dial stacks into place.

Glue the speaker grill panel into its designated area.

Clamp gently while drying to prevent warping.

Allow glue to fully cure before finishing.

🎨 Finishing

You can customize the look in several ways:

Option A – Classic Wood TV

Stain sides walnut or medium brown.

Paint front panel cream or light gray.

Paint bezel black.

Option B – Painted Retro

Use muted 1950s tones (sage, pale yellow, mint, or teal).

Paint dial numbers black for contrast.

Option C – Minimal Modern

Clear coat only.

Sand edges smooth for a furniture feel.

Light sanding before finishing improves the final look significantly.