Laser Cut Colorado Board

Putting it on your fridge at home or on your metal cubical at your 9-5, this lasercut Colorado flag board is an easy and elequent way to show off your state pride.

The board is 3-5/16" by 5" and magnetic making it perfect to fit in most any place.

If this sounds good to you, you're in luck because this project can be completed in a few easy steps.

EQUIPMENT

1. Laser cutter
2. Clamp or weight to set glue

MATERIALS

1. 12” x 24” sheet of Baltic Birch wood
2. Paint (Red, White, Blue, Yellow) - We used spray paint
3. Wood glue
4. Sandpaper (220 grit)
5. Magnet - Strong enough to support board and thin enough to reduce protrusion

1. *Optional finishing coat (see step 3)*

1. Either recreate the file according to the dimentions of the Colorado state flag

OR

1. Download the attatched DFX file; it's already ready to be configured in the lasercutter.

1. Use a USB drive to transfer the DXF file from your computer to the laser cutter.
2. Put the file into Corel Draw, and set the board up correctly
3. Load the Corel Draw file on the laser cutter, ensure correct placement, and hit “Start”.

1. Ensure that the wood is cut correctly and all pieces present.
2. Sand the wood with the grain using a high grit sandpaper (eg. 220 grit).
3. Paint the wood with the grain on the front and sides using their corresponding colors:

a. The biggest rectangle is white.

b. The two similar small rectangles with an arc cut out are blue.

c. The “C” is red

d. The Dot in the center of the “C” is yellow

1. Paint all of the pieces separately and allow time for paint to dry.

1. *Optionally, you could apply a finishing coat such as clearcoat or a glossy fishish (eg. gloss polyurethane, lacquer, shellac, epoxy resin) in order to maximize durability and flair.*

1. Ensure that all pieces are dry and well-painted.
2. Assemble the pieces in the shape of the Colorado flag and ensure they line up.
3. Use wood glue and the on-container instructions to glue pieces together.
4. Clamp the drying board or apply weight on top, following the instructions on the container.
5. Wipe off excess glue.
6. Allow pressure for an adequate amount of time according to the glue container's instructions and your own judgment.

1. Ensure that the board is dry and finished.
2. Mark centerpoint(s) to place the magnet(s).
3. Use glue to attach magnet(s) and follow directions to ensure it dries correctly.
4. Enjoy your finished Laser Cut Colorado Board.

Now, you have the perfect magnet to show off your state pride and workshop prowess! All that's left is to stick it in a good place where you may admire it on the daily.