Colorado Board Magnet

Simple Colorado flag board magnet made on the laser cutter and stained.

Materials:

1. 3MM Baltic Birch (Minimum 10x7 inch)
2. Stain (white, yellow, blue, red)
3. Paper Towels
4. Wood Glue
5. 2 Small magnets
6. Hot Glue Gun/Hot Glue
7. Sandpaper (220 grit)
8. Masking tape

Tools:

1. Laser Cutter

Create individual parts in Solidworks or other 3D modeling software that fits the proportions of the colorado flag.

Create an assembly in Solidowrks or other 3D modeling software and ensure that each part file fits together like it would in the final model.

For each part, create the appropriate DXF filesand export them onto a USB drive. There should be a file for the base piece, one of the blue stripe pieces, and the C and the Sun, which you can combine into one for ease.

Upload your DXF files into Corel Draw. Orient the parts for minimal material usage based on the board you are planning to cut from. Set the line thickness to hairline and set the color to RGB (255, 0, 0).

Print or click CNTRL P and select the desired laser cutter to open up the laser cutting software. Set the correct settings for the print. Make sure the laser is the correct height from the bed and is starting in the correct spot. Ensure that the board is flat. (use tape to hold it down if necessary).

Run the laser cut and watch (not staring at the laser) to make sure that the cut is working properly and not burning or running in the wrong spot.

Once the print is done, remove each piece, using masking tape to pull it out, as to ensure that the wood was fuly cut through.

Sand each piece using 220 grit sandpaper if using baltic birch. If not, you may have to start with a lower grit and work your way up until it's smooth.

Stain each piece with the corresponding colors:

Top and Bottom Arch: Blue

Back/Base: White

C: Red

Sun: Yellow

Ensure that you are staining the arch pieces on the correct side, use a picture of the colorado flag as reference.

Use water based stain and apply with a paper towel. Cover the desired face and the thin sides with a thin coat of stain.

Let dry.

Apply a clear coat to all stained faces and let dry.

Glue pieces into place ensuring it looks like the Colorado Flag.

Clamp pieces down with something flat and heavy, i.e. a piece of wood.

Finally, glue magnet(s) onto back of board in the desired spot.