Choose a font for the letter on the top of the block. I recommend experimenting with different fonts to find the best one for the specific letter you’re working with.

Create a square the size of your working area, then create an inset approximately 0.125” inside the square. Combine the letter with the inset rectangle to form a single object, allowing you to engrave the negative space and leave the letter with a border.

Next, select a font for the remaining text. I used the “Amita” font with sizes ranging from 20 pt. to 30 pt.

Normally, I wouldn’t include a symbol like a pistol cross on a baby’s gift, but in this case, I couldn’t resist. For a more traditional touch, consider using baby footprints with a heart, as shown in the image. I’ll include an SVG file for both options in case you’d like to use them.

Optional: After creating your engraving designs, you can make copy of each and set it for score lines to outline the engraving. This adds a very clean finished look to your engravings. 

You’ll need to run the laser five separate times, so it’s crucial to place the block in the same position each time. The best way to ensure consistent placement is by using a simple jig. I used a piece of scrap plywood with a 90-degree cutout to secure the cube. Place the cube in the jig with the end grain facing up, and establish your working area for each side. For this cube, I had a working area of 1.88”.

Engraving settings: 30% power, 150 mm/sec and 250 mm/sec speed

Scoring settings: 30% power, 50 mm/sec speed

Engrave each side of the cube individually, following the design.