3 mm Plywood
Fill/Speed 1
8500mm
Line 1/Speed 1
280mm
Power
100%
Pass
1
How to Laser Cut a Wooden Leaf Perpetual Calendar in 5 Easy Steps
Creating functional home decor with a laser engraver isn't just rewarding—it’s a modern twist on timeless craftsmanship. One of the coolest projects you can take on is the Wooden Leaf Perpetual Calendar, a mix of practicality, beauty, and handmade charm.
We’ll walk you step-by-step through how to laser cut a wooden leaf perpetual calendar using the AlgoLaser Alpha MK2 20W Laser Engraver. Whether you're a hobbyist, an Etsy seller, or just someone who loves DIY projects, this one's for you.
We’ll cover everything from preparing your plywood and setting up your laser to selecting files, cutting, and assembling the final product. This tutorial is designed with beginners and intermediate users in mind—and it’s guaranteed to leave you with a stunning piece you’ll be proud to display.
· AlgoLaser Alpha MK2 20W Laser Engraver
· 3mm Plywood sheets
· Focus gauge (included with the machine)
· G-code file of the Leaf Perpetual Calendar design
· SD card (with file loaded)
· Wood glue (optional, for reinforcement)
· Sandpaper (optional, for finishing)
· A clean workspace for assembly
Before we dive into the steps, let’s get the settings right. These values are tested and recommended for 3mm plywood on the Alpha MK2 20W:
· Fill Speed: 8500 mm/min
· Line Speed: 280 mm/min
· Power: 100%
· Passes: 1
These ensure clean cuts and detailed engravings while protecting your material from burning or charring.
Start by prepping your engraving workspace. Set your 3mm plywood flat on the machine’s engraving platform. Make sure it’s free of dust, grease, or debris. Align the plywood using the machine’s X and Y axes so the design fits entirely within the material.
💡 Pro Tip: If your plywood isn’t perfectly flat, use small magnets or weights at the edges to hold it steady. Warped material can throw off your cut depth and accuracy.
Secure the corners but avoid placing anything over the area that will be cut or engraved. Once the plywood is in position, it’s time to dial in the laser focus.
Now grab your focal gauge, which comes with the Alpha MK2. This simple but essential tool ensures your laser beam is at the optimal distance from the material. Place the gauge between the laser module and the plywood.
Gently lower the laser module until it just touches the top of the focus gauge. Once it makes contact, lock the height in place. Remove the gauge.
✅ Correct focus = crisp engravings + clean cuts.
Incorrect focusing often leads to blurry marks or burned edges, so don’t skip this step!
Head over to the Alpha MK2’s built-in touchscreen interface. From the home screen:
1. Tap “Projects”
2. Then tap “SD Card”
This brings up the list of design files on your inserted memory card. It’s a good idea to name your files clearly so you can quickly recognize your design.
🧠 Tip: Use a filename like “LeafCalendar.gcode” so you can identify it quickly.
If your file isn’t showing up, double-check that it was saved in G-code format, and placed at the root level of the SD card—not inside a folder.
With your file loaded, select it from the screen. You’ll now see a preview of the design along with key information like engraving time and estimated completion.
Before you tap “Start”, double-check your settings:
· Laser module is focused ✅
· Plywood is secured ✅
· G-code file selected ✅
· Parameters match the material ✅
Now tap “Start” and watch the magic happen.
The Alpha MK2 will begin engraving and cutting out the pieces of the perpetual calendar—including decorative leaves, number wheels, and month tiles.
🔥 Stay close during the cutting process. Though the MK2 is safe and smart, it’s best to keep an eye on things.
This job usually takes around 20–30 minutes depending on your design's complexity.
Once the engraving is done, let the plywood cool for a minute before handling. Gently lift the sheet and push out the cut parts. If needed, use a small pick or knife to ease out tighter pieces.
Sort the pieces by category:
· Main frame
· Date wheels
· Month and day tiles
· Leaf accents and decorative panels
Now comes the fun part—assembly. Use the original design image as your guide. Most parts should slot together easily thanks to precision laser cutting.
✋ If joints feel loose, a dab of wood glue helps. For tight joints, gently sand the edges or press together with a clamp.
Assemble in this order:
1. Slot the frame panels together.
2. Insert the number wheels.
3. Add the tiles for months and days.
4. Decorate with the laser-cut leaf accents.
And just like that—you’ve built your own wooden leaf perpetual calendar!
1. Can I use thicker plywood for this project?
You can, but you'll need to adjust the cutting parameters—slower speed and potentially more passes. For best results, stick to 3mm plywood as specified.
2. What if the pieces don’t fit together perfectly?
A slight variation in wood thickness or focus adjustment may cause fitment issues. Light sanding or gentle pressure usually solves this. Using consistent materials and precise focus helps prevent this.
3. Can I personalize the design?
Absolutely! If you're using LightBurn or similar software, you can edit the G-code file or original SVG to add initials, dates, or logos before exporting to the SD card.
4. How long does the full process take?
From setup to final assembly, expect the entire project to take about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your experience and finishing choices.
5. Is this project safe for beginners?
Yes! The AlgoLaser Alpha MK2 is beginner-friendly, with a user interface that’s intuitive and smart safeguards in place. Just follow the steps carefully.
6. Do I need to use an air pump or exhaust fan?
For optimal cutting and safety, using an air assist pump and exhaust system is recommended. This reduces smoke, improves cut quality, and extends your laser’s lifespan.
There’s something special about crafting a beautiful, functional object from raw wood using modern laser technology. The Wooden Leaf Perpetual Calendar isn’t just a project—it’s a statement piece, a conversation starter, and a practical tool all rolled into one.
And with the AlgoLaser Alpha MK2, the process is accessible, smooth, and enjoyable—even for first-timers.
So grab your plywood, load up your G-code, and let your creativity shine. We can’t wait to see what you make next.
Free SVG & Gcode Files for Laser Engraving & Cutting can be found here, wich you can import into our laser cutters directly.
Engraving & Cutting Operation Guide Steps
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