This guide will show you step by step how to create a multi-coloured name keychain using multiple materials and kerf offset to make them fit together tightly. The file includes the design for the keychain in the picture but by following this guide you can make a similar keychain for any name or word.
The first step is to open xTool Creative Space and type your name, but without the first letter.
Next you need to choose a font, I used one called ‘dancing script’ but any joined up script font should work well. You should also set the font to bold if your font has this option.
After typing your name minus the first letter use the weld function in XCS to connect all letters and make then one piece ready for cutting later.
Next, you need to add the first letter to your name. Remember to use the same font and size.
Then once you have typed the letter in a separate text box, align it to just overlap the second letter as shown in the image above.
Now select both text boxes together and use the unite tool to join them together.
Now you need to select your text and use the outline tool set to about 3 or 4mm.
The final fart of designing is to add the hole for the keychain. You will need to draw 2 circles and place one inside the other. I made the smaller circle 3mm and the larger circle 9mm but the exact sizes don't matter too much.
Once you have drawn the circles place them at the end of your name outline as shown in the image above. Then select the larger circle and the text outline and use the unite tool to join them together.
The above settings were used for cutting 3mm plywood with the xTool D1 Pro 5w laser.
You should cut the complete design first with no kerf offset and then cut out only the text again but this time with a kerf offset of around 0.1mm. This may need to be set slightly higher for more powerful lasers.
You can cut the parts from two different colours of material or paint them later before assemble. Just remember the materials need to be exactly the same thickness if you decide to use different colours.
Now that you have the parts cut insert the second text that was cut using the kerf offset into the outline. They should be a tight fit but you can use a very small amount of glue if needed.
Then all you have to do is add a keychain and your project is complete.