The inspiration came from premium light signs selling at around €100. I wanted to craft something personal, learn how acrylic behaves under a CNC spindle, and build a presentation-worthy base that hides electronics while showcasing the engraving.
Dialling in the Engraving
Acrylic loves to melt. I ran multiple test coupons to balance spindle speed, feed rate, and depth of cut until chips cleared cleanly. Shallow 0.3 mm passes, lower RPM, and frequent brush-downs kept the cutter cool and prevented the molten plastic from welding back to the surface.
Designing the Wooden Base
The base needed to both diffuse light and hide wiring. I routed a channel for the LED strip, added a slot for the panel, and incorporated an on/off switch at the rear. Sanding, Danish oil, and a felt underside gave the piece a gift-ready finish.
Electronics & Diffusion
A warm-white LED strip, simple resistor, and USB power bank keep the circuit safe. Diffusion film and a frosted insert scattered the light so the engraving glows evenly rather than producing hotspots along the edges.
What I Learned
- Plastics machining: chip evacuation and temperature control matter more than aggressive feeds.
- Product finishing: a simple wood base can feel premium with thoughtful finishing and cable management.
- Lighting design: diffusion layers dramatically improve perceived quality.
The gift was well received and the fixture design is reusable for future engraved panels. Most importantly, the project gave me confidence with acrylic tooling and combining electronics with woodworking.
← Back to article summaries