Make these adorable laser engraved pencils with your laser machine and my free SVG pencil jig download!
We’re gearing up for back to school, and one item I always repurchase is….PENCILS!
While shopping for our pencils this year, I had the idea to engrave them with my laser machine.
Laser engraved pencils would make a great student or teacher gift – you can really personalize the sayings or names.
In fact, if you need extra ideas, I have a full list towards the bottom of this post you can use.
I did this project once with my diode laser years back, but it took a very long time to figure out, so I was interested to see how quick my new laser could pump out this project.
Spoiler alert: it was SHOCKINGLY fast!!!
I can’t imagine going back to a diode now after using this machine, or the Bolt.
In this post, I’ll be sharing with you how I engraved these customized pencils, what settings I used, which laser I’m using, and some funny sayings you can use as well/
I hope you love and enjoy creating this project as much as I did. Be sure to download your file below, and share it with me when you make it (@slayathomemother)!
This post may contain affiliate links, however, all opinions are my own, as always.
What You’ll Need to Engrave Pencils with your Laser
Here is what I used to create these engraved bookmarks:
- #2 pencils (teachers LOVE these ones!)
- laser machine
- pencil jig SVG file (grab my free SVG jig download at the bottom of this post)
- cardboard or MDF (for pencil jig)
- rubbing alcohol and cleaning cloth
Btw, if you’re new to laser world terms, a jig is a type of holder for objects to hold them still for engraving. For pencils, which can roll and move very easily on a honeycomb bed, a jig is necessary to hold the pencil in place for the quick engraving job.
My Laser Machine
In this project, I’m utilizing the Nova Plus 35 60W, which is a workhorse laser machine.
I graduated from the Thunder Bolt, which was an incredible starter desktop laser, to this one so I could expand my crafting library for you (and me!).
This machine has been incredible for crafting nursery signs, ornaments, door signs, tiered tray decor, and so much more!
The honeycomb on this laser bed is perfect for making larger items like nursery signs, door signs, etc.
The laser bed measures approximately 24″ x 36″, which is a generous work space for cutting multiple shapes/designs out of each piece of wood.
You May Also Like: Christmas Tiered Tray Decor + Free SVG
Pencil Engrave Settings
To cut these shapes out cleanly, I used these settings with my laser machine:
Engrave: 300 mms/s, 80% power
FYI: If you have a CO2 laser, the settings will differ for you as well as my settings shown in this post are for my RF laser. It’s recommended that you run a test sheet for scoring/engraving/cutting for your laser so you have some go-to settings for the different materials.
Cleaning the Residue from your Pencils
Once your engraving is done, you may notice what looks like brown smudging around the letters that are freshly engraved.
You can see this in the picture below…
You can easily wipe these down, and should, if you are giving them as gifts.
To clean our pencils, I use a microfiber cloth and rubbing alcohol.
A few quick wipes, and ta-da!
When wiping, I also try to wipe around the pencil as well, not just the engraving.
This is just in case any of the residue from either the jig or the engraving is on the rest of the pencil.
You May Also Like: Valentine’s Day Door Sign + Free SVG
Finished DIY Laser Engraved Pencils
Here are my finished engraved pencils…
Ideas for Funny Engraved Pencil Sayings
If you need ideas for funny pencil sayings to copy and paste, here you go!
- bruh! you got this!
- stay sharp
- idk, try answer (b)
- bears. beets. battlestar galatica.
- you put the *cool* in schoolwork.
- Please return to Ms. Example
- Please return to Mr. Example
- Look, your favorite pencil!
- Is it ticonderoga? Okay, cool. Otherwise, I’m out…
- It’s okay to make mistakes. Erase them, though.
- You found me again!
- See, I wasn’t lost. Totally not lost.
- Doubles as a shank.
Get creative! Like I mentioned earlier in this post, these would make great teacher or student gifts throughout the year.
Free SVG Download: Engraving Pencil Jig
Sign up below to gain instant access to my free SVG file for this project:
Please remember that all free files are for personal use only, and cannot be sold, copied, or distributed.
Thank you!
Leave a Reply