![[Laser cut and engrave] Lucky gold coin earrings](https://image-res.xtool.com/resource/xtool/community/attachment/xtool-community/90170b68-1eaa-4e92-979c-b0fcefd70837?x-oss-process=image/resize,w_1200,h_900,limit_0/interlace,1/format,webp/auto-orient,1)
Lucky gold coin earrings
Instruction
Information
A quick make for bonnie lasses on St Patrick's Day - some Lucky Golden coin earrings
Instruction
Step1: Find a suitable design
For this, I used a free designs on Freepik.
I found this: https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/golden-coins-with-clover_136485057.htm
which is free to use with attribution.
Thankyou to studiogstock on Freepik
Step2: Make a vector from the design
From there, I imported the image into XCS.
I then traced it - firstly lightening the image to just get the black clover and coin edge marks. These were then moved onto the Engrave layer
I then traced the image a second time, inverting it and setting it to maximum contrast. This gave me a vector outline I could use as a basis for the cut. I moved it onto the Cut layer.
I then drew a small circle for the hole that an earring hoop can be put through. I then used XCS to offset the hole and create the loop itself. I then used the combine overlapping command to create one outline from the two overlapping.
I also added the attribution into the file on a separate layer, with ignore set. This is quite helpful for making notes in XCS files without having them engrave.
Step3: Laser settings
Settings:
These are from my own experimentation and should give good black results on the engrave. Both of these are for the Blue Laser
I've found this material does flame up VERY easily! (So much so the material test grid I made melted!)
Start with low power/high speed and work from that point. Don't just go for 100%, slowest speed.
DO NOT LEAVE THE LASER UNATTENDED WHEN USING THIS LAMINATE.
I know - I say this in all my how-tos, but this material is the one I'm most wary of from all the ones I've worked with!
Step4: Do the cut
Self-explanatory. The thin, gold side of the material goes face-up, with the thicker black layer at the bottom. Take off any protective film prior to lasering.
Stay with the laser!
I'd also strongly recommend keeping the design in the center of the workbed, and not cutting too close to the acrylic sides of the F1. Just because of the flames.
Step5: Cleanup and add the earring loops
Once you take the pieces off the F1, there might be some scorch marks from the flames. (see the first picture!)
You can easily clean these off with a cloth and some IPA (rubbing alcohol)
Once they're nice and shiny, just add a earring hook through the hole in the top, and you're ready for St Patrick's Day!
