1. I laser engraved a cutting board for a client's Christmas gift, which I included in a gift basket. To maintain privacy, I censored the last name. The cutting board was sizable, yet I could easily laser engrave the middle section of the cutting board. For this project, I utilized the F1 slide extension and aligned the cutting board entirely to the left at 0X, 0Y.

2. Using a measuring tape, I measured vertically to locate the exact middle of the board. Drawing a long horizontal line on XCS, I utilized the outline framing feature, aligning the line precisely with the board's upper and lower middle. Once I found the exact middle, I clicked the line then chose the “Ignore” radio button next to “Output” to ensure it doesn't get engraved and that I can measure again horizontally. 

TIP: Once you start getting close to the middle, start using your arrow keys up and down as it will be more accurate than using your mouse.

3. Similarly, using a measuring tape, I measured the board from left to right to pinpoint the exact middle again. Once found, I drew a vertical line on XCS (software) and employed the outline framing feature once more to ensure precise alignment with the board's left and right middle. Once I found the exact middle, I clicked the line then chose the “Ignore” radio button next to “Output” to ensure it doesn't get engraved.

Tip: Once you start getting close to the middle, start using your arrow keys up and down as it will be more accurate than using your mouse.

4. With the alignment secured and the center identified, I crafted a simple message on illustrator: “Chop, Chop, Cheer! Merry Christmas, Client Name.” Once I dragged the file to XCS, I adjusted the size to my liking and I centered it precisely using the two earlier-drawn lines. This ensured the message was perfectly centered on the cutting board.

TIP: Make sure you group the text together if it is a SVG file to ensure when you drag the text around XCS, all texts moves together and doesn't get misaligned.

5. Click on the two lines again and ensure you changed the output for the two lines to “Ignore” to ensure these lines are not engraved onto the cutting board. Click on your grouped text and use the outline framing feature again to ensure the text is exactly how you like it. Then change your material settings to the recommended wood coaster settings in XCS. Then all you have to do is click process and watch the F1 do the magic. After completion, I cleaned the wood with vinegar and water, effectively removing any smoke shadow around the letters.

TIP: Ensure to save your project if you are planning to do multiple batches or ever engrave on the same type of material.

For material settings, I referred to:
[https://www.xtool.com/pages/material-settings](https://www.xtool.com/pages/material-settings)