Custom Christmas Ornament - 2.58" (65mm)

Download the file and open it in XCS if you have not already. I used a jig I printed for mass production, but it is not necessary at all to complete this project. You can use just about anything as long as it prevents the ball from rolling. Before I printed the jig, I used a piece of tape.

Verify the settings for your laser. I used the F1 Ultra for this project, and my setting are in an image above.

Focus is a little bit different. You will want to manually focus the laser so there is about 2mm of space between the blue and red dots.

Ok, I mentioned that you can change the name on the bulb. Here we go. There are 2 layers, a light bule and green layer. The green layer is the split frame, and the light blue is the name. Change the name to whatever you need it to be. You may need to resize the name so it fits as you desire.

That framing button is your friend. The background image is a bit skewed, and the alignment looks off if you just use the background camera. It's a thing.

When it's all lined up, press start. Then the green button on the pad, or that other neat foot pedal or button switch, which I should have purchased for the fun of it.

It took 26 seconds for the job to complete. WOW!

Now, it's time to gently remove the hook holder cap from the top of the bulb. Next, squeeze some acrylic paint into the bulb. I try to aim the the right or left side of the image. Now, I VERY gently tap the bulb on the palm of my hand, which allows the paint to flow over the inside of the bulb and cover the image. Tap GENTLY!

If you wear rings, I would remove them. I would also advise wearing a glove, and safety glasses. Did I mention to tap gently? It is very important to tap gently. These are glass bulbs, and I have shattered 1 or 2. OK, 5, but only 4 were completely my fault. Here are the reasons that I am pretty sure were the causes for the breakage.

1. Bulb hit my ring
2. I beat the bulb rather than tapped it
3. Not enough paint, which is why I beat the bulb
4. Laser too hot/slow, which weakened the integrity of the glass, and yes I was tapping, not beating when this one shattered

Be careful if paint starts to come out of the hole while you are tapping the bulb. It can be messy. I am sure there is a better way, like bending a paintbrush or the like, but as long as you are careful, I think you will be fine.

Carefully put the cap back on the bulb, and then add a hook.

You did it! Hang it up on the tree and enjoy being the envy of all your friends and family because you have one of those bulbs that are all over YouTube!