Creating a Custom Edge-Lit Sign: Tips and Tricks

►►►► If you want to know how to create an edge-lit sign then you first need to understand how to work with acrylic. Using Acrylic with your laser can sometimes be a challenge, engraving can be too shallow or too deep and destroy your work. But if you want to learn how to laser acrylic the right way to get the best from it, then you need to watch this video. Applying a few tips and tricks while designing and laying out your work on the laser, you will be able to produce amazing effects that allow you to make an edge-lit sign or night lights with readily available LED bases you can buy online for less than $10.

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►►►► Contents of this video
0:00 Lead-in
0:45 Introduction
3:05 Designing the sign
8:55 Layout on the laser bed
12:45 Preparing the acrylic
14:15 Laser engraving
15:25 Assembling the sign
17:15 Final thoughts

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Intro Track:

Background Track:

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[CorbyQ]

ATM i do mostly woodworking stuff. But i have so many ideas to add laser personalizations and words to my projects. I really need a planer also. Landed on disabilty due to diabetic issues so im on aseuper fixed income. Ugh. Like this video riht here for instance i bought my grandson something similar to this for this last christmas when i couldve just made it. I guess i need to start selling some stuff to get the money. Im super new to your channel but i have binged about 5 hours of content already. Love it. Sorry i cant become a member, maybe kne day. Thanks for the videos and make my brain turn.

[XeniaSuaiden]

@7:19, thanks for that, I couldn't figure the exclusion part out! I use Inkscape often, but I'm fairly new at laser acrylic work.

[vickyvieux]

Your laser videos have been extremely helpful to me. Thanks so much !

[orencioperez]

oh and thanks again for all the great videos

[graemebrumfitt]

Hi, Thanks for the soap trick, I use different software and hardware but end result should be the same! TFS, GB :)

[StevenDavisPhoto]

Great video. One tip though. Position your head higher in the shot. Rule of thirds :)

[RicksCents]

I ordered some LED Bases some how during the back & forth looking a different prices I ordered the bases with out the acrylic. So I guess I will be cutting out my own. 😂

[johnpaavola]

Hi! ImagR and Glowforge Pro newbie here. Getting married on Saturday and wanting to put engagement pics on 1/8 proof grade acrylic for a lighted table signs and have a couple of questions.
1) I like the results of the "see on material" views after using the software and reducing the gamma on settings but hat DPI, LPI and glowforge settings should I set for speed, power etc?
2) To mask or not to mask?
Thanks!

[superoriginalbydg]

Thank you Steve, were useful, just one question what speed, power and pass you sett up?

[Ski]

Steve, great video! I'm just getting started and was wondering how you cut the outer shape of the plastic, did you use your laser to cut it? thanks again

[MsSoniaSandhu]

Hi there! Do you think this can be accomplished with a 20w diode laser?

[johnkemas]

Steve, great video. Was this sign cut with a CO2 laser or Blue light laser? I assume a blue light laser would pass right through the acrylic unless it is backed or back painted etc??

[fprstudio]

This video is awesome! I am looking for some advice for a machine I want to purchase. It is a VEVOR 3 Axis CNC 3018, GRBL Control, laser options for 500, 2500 or 5500 mW laser (also has a spindle motor with 10k RPM). I would like to create such signs, so as engraving in ABS plastic (LEGO) and 2-3mm plywood cut and engrave. Am I looking for the right machine, or will I need a stronger wattage for the laser, like 10W, 20W? Also can I use the laser for the ABS or the acrylic or better the spindle? Thank you very much in advance!

[orencioperez]

Your videos are always great, so I tried and it seemed to come out I used a gray primer, , after cleaning it seemed to look right just not frosted I can see through it, but for some reason its looks like its gray, but yet when holding up to the light I can see through it and it looks frosted just not when it laying down on something, hope im make sense,

[Sbregher]

Steve, I just found your channel! And let me say, I love your videos! Concise, very informative and great tips! I really like how your intros explains what the video will be about. Just got my laser (Makeblock, LaserBox Pro) and all this is new for me.
Thanks for taking the time to create all these awesome videos!!

[GrandpaZedTV]

Did I miss the laser you used? I’m interesting in buying something to cut Acrylic. Thanks.

[spastroboy]

Looking at a cnc3018 to do some basic edgelit designs but I heard the laser can't do see through acrylic so I'm glad I found this.
Everyone has said the laser bounces back through the acrylic.
Besides the soap is there anything else you needed to do?

[viktorperalta]

May I know where and under what name buy the light base . 🙏

[crosscutofficial]

Would this technique work for a desktop 3018 pro with a 5.5w diode laser?

[heatherallred]

I'm totally new to all of this, but I'm wondering if you have to design it all on a different software before importing to Re3 or is that just your preference? Could you design it all on Re3?