‘I’m Only Here For Recess’ Back-to-School Tumbler

For this Project, You Will Need:

Blank Tumbler: Choose a blank tumbler of your preferred size and material, suitable for laser engraving.

Rotary Attachment: This attachment is recommended for engraving on curved surfaces like tumblers, as it allows for smooth and precise rotation during the engraving process.

Screwdriver: To remove the baseplate (See Step 3).

Masking Tape or Painter’s Tape (Optional - See Step 2): Recommended for marking your engraving area.

xTool Creative Space: Ensure you have the design downloaded and ready to open in xTool Creative Space.

Open the Design: Download the design file you want to engrave onto your tumbler. Open the file in xTool Creative Space. The software allows you to adjust the design’s size, orientation, and positioning to fit your tumbler precisely.

Use masking tape or painter’s tape to mark the area of the tumbler where you plan to engrave. This step is recommended as it helps ensure accuracy and provides a clear visual guide for the engraving process.

Remove the Baseplate: Use screwdrivers to carefully remove the baseplate from your laser engraving machine. This will make room for the rotary attachment and the tumbler.

Rise the Machine: Rise your laser engraving machine using the wooden block risers to fit the rotary attachment and the tumbler underneath it. You can use blocks or another stable platform to lift the machine. Ensure that it remains level and secure to prevent any movement during the engraving process.

Position the Rotary Attachment: Place the rotary attachment on the elevated surface and position it under the laser engraver. Align it with the machine so that it is centered and balanced.
Connect the Rotary Attachment:

Plug the rotary attachment: into the designated port at the back of your laser engraving machine. Ensure the connection is secure and the attachment is powered.
 

Place the Tumbler on the Rotary Attachment: Carefully put the tumbler in place on the rotary attachment. Make sure the tumbler is secured and can rotate smoothly without wobbling.

Use the Leveling Tool: Take the leveling tool provided with your rotary attachment. Position it so that the highest point of the tumbler is directly under the laser. This ensures that the laser will be able to engrave evenly across the surface.

Adjust the Level: Place the leveling gadget at the end of the tumbler. Adjust the position of the tumbler and the rotary attachment until the plane of the tumbler is flat and level from end to end. This will help achieve an even and precise engraving across the entire surface of the tumbler.

1. Set the Mode to “Use Rotary Attachment”:
2. Set the mode to “Use Rotary Attachment.” This will configure the software to accommodate the rotary motion of the tumbler during engraving.
   Set the Starting Point:
3. Use the green line in the software interface to indicate where you want the design to start engraving on the tumbler. This will help ensure that your design begins at the exact location you prefer.
   Check Design Orientation:
4. Double-check the orientation of your design. It should be positioned correctly in relation to your tumbler. You may need to rotate the design 180 degrees to ensure it engraves in the correct direction.
   Auto-Measure the Distance:
5. Utilize the “Auto-Measure” feature in the software to determine the optimal distance between the laser and the tumbler’s surface. This feature helps set the correct focus for the laser, ensuring a clean and precise engraving.
   Frame your project:
6. Before proceeding, use the framing function in xTool Creative Space to visualize how the design will appear on the tumbler. This step confirms the accuracy of the placement of the design.

This was my first time ever doing a tumbler, and I’m so excited! I hope you enjoy this project as much as I did!

If you like my project, please leave me a thumbs up or a comment. Your feedback will make my day! :)

Please note that all settings mentioned are specific to XTool M1, so be sure to check the settings on your machine, as they may differ.