I've been carrying around this water bottle all summer. I absolutely loved the color, but I wanted to give it a transformation—something that will make me smile when I use it.

I'm so happy I've just learned to engrave using the rotary attachment; I can't wait to use it for everything I can!

For this Project, You Will Need:

Stainless Steel Water Bottle (or it can be a tumbler): Choose a blank Stainless Steel Water Bottle of your preferred size and material, suitable for laser engraving.

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

Screwdriver: To remove the baseplate.

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. Open the file in xTool Creative Space. The software allows you to adjust the design’s size, orientation, and positioning to fit your bottle precisely.

I used masking tape to mark the area of the bottle where I plan to engrave. This step is optional, but recommended as it helps ensure accuracy and provides a clear visual guide for the engraving process. I marked the top and the right corner where I wanted my design to start, as the machine will start working from there.

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 water bottle.

I usually have my machine raised, but if you don't, go ahead an raise it:

Raise the Machine: Elevate your laser engraving machine using the wooden block risers to fit the rotary attachment and the water bottle 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 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 Water Bottle on the Rotary Attachment: Carefully put the water bottle in place on the rotary attachment. Make sure the water bottle is secured and can rotate smoothly without wobbling.

Use the Leveling Tool: Take the leveling tool provided with your rotary attachment and position it so that the highest point of the water bottle is directly under the laser. This ensures that the laser can engrave evenly across the surface.

Since my water bottle is the same size from top to bottom (i.e., it’s flat), I didn't need to use the leveling gadget at the end of the water bottle.

Set the Mode to “Use Rotary Attachment”: Switch the machine’s mode to “Use Rotary Attachment.” This adjusts the software to accommodate the rotary movement of the water bottle during the engraving process.

Set the Starting Point: In the software interface, move the green line to mark the starting point of the design on the water bottle. This ensures that the engraving begins exactly where you want it.

Check Design Orientation: Verify that your design is oriented correctly on the water bottle. Depending on the layout, you might need to rotate the design 180 degrees to ensure it engraves in the right direction.

Auto-Measure the Distance: Use the “Auto-Measure” feature in the software to find the optimal distance between the laser and the water bottle’s surface. This setting helps maintain the correct focus for a precise and clean engraving.

First Frame, and then Process Your Project: Before starting the engraving, use the framing function in the xTool Creative Space software. This allows you to preview how the design will appear on the water bottle, ensuring accurate placement and alignment.

Remove the Masking Tape: Gently peel off the masking tape from the water bottle, starting from one corner. Remove any leftover adhesive.

Clean the Bottle: Use wet wipes to clean the area where the tape was, removing any residue. Wipe the entire surface if needed.

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.