Try This: Thanksgiving Turkey Napkin Rings

This tutorial demonstrates how to cut and engrave on wood veneer to create a last-minute Thanksgiving-themed decoration for the table.

Required materials:

• Wood veneer
• TroLase Thins with double-sided adhesive tape – thickness: 0.5mm
• TroLase – thickness: 3.2mm

Note: TroLase is used in this example, but you can use an equivalent engraving material from another manufacturer. 

Machine used:

• Speedy 400 120 watt
• 2″ lens
• Vacuum table with honeycomb cutting tabletop or acrylic cutting grid

For this application sample, you can use any laser machine from the Speedy laser engraver series, or an equivalent from another manufacturer. 

Tip: If you are cutting only, we suggest leaving the clear film over the laminate material.

Step One: Import the design file into software

(All images courtesy Trotec)

Create a design of your own, or use the template provided. Send it to the laser with the recommended laser parameters given. Parameters can vary depending on the machine used, available laser power, as well as material thickness. 

Print settings:

Step Two: Cutting and engraving the wood veneer 

Place the wood veneer onto the laser’s honeycomb cutting table and cover the additional work area to produce a stronger vacuum. Remember that the parameters can differ, so adjust accordingly.

Laser parameters:

Step Three: Assembling the napkin ring

Remove the adhesive film off the back of the TroLase Thins and fasten to the wood veneer. Next, arrange the colored laminate pieces into the wood veneer cutouts, and your turkey rings are complete.