Acacia Wood Cutting Board Engraved with Monogram and Name

I purchased this monogram file from Etsy. You can use whichever one works for your needs. 

I opened up the SVG file into XCS and adjusted the size as needed. 

Since the file is an SVG, you do not need to worry about quality, as SVG files are meant to be used at any sized. 

Depending on your project and what monogram file you use, you will want to find a typeface for the last name and place the last name accordingly. I used one called “Twinkling Stars Script”.

Please note that if you decide to sell these cutting boards, you need to make sure all the files and typefaces you use are commercial free OR you purchase a license from the creator that allows you to sell products with their files. 

Now, this step was difficult for me. I have never engraved something with this amount of thickness. I believe this particular cutting board is 0.75 inches. If you would like to purchase the cutting board, you can do so here. 

I removed the honeycomb and baseplate, then switched to open plane in XCS. 

I found some scrap basswood and a box to rest the cutting board on top of just below where the base plate would sit. 

This got close enough for the auto measure feature to work. 

If you have trouble with this step, please message me and I will try to help as much as possible. It will be different for everyone. 

You will need to adjust your monogram file to line up where you want it to engrave. 

I did 2 passes on this project, as I was unsure what settings to use and did not have a scrap piece of acacia wood to test. 

1st pass:

• Power: 75
• Speed: 140
• Lines: 120

2nd pass:

• Power: 80
• Speed: 140
• Lines: 120

This gave me a pretty decently dark engraving, but adjust how you see fit. I used these settings on both the monogram and the last name. 

After the engraving was finished, I rinsed off all the soot and applied some cutting board oil to help rehydrate the board. The oil I used is here.

Please note that it is not recommended to cut raw foods, such as meat, on the engraved side. This board is able to be used on the backside as well, which is still food safe.