Welcome to Can You Etch It, the web’s first laser engraving series that specializes in laser engraving strange, unique, and even common items. Today I’ll create a couple of nesting boxes.
Close your eyes and imagine that you are about to give a very special gift to very special someone. It could be a proposal, it could be a Thank You gift, doesn’t matter. Picture in your mind the look on the recipients face when you present your gift. Let your thoughts move to the box, right before it is opened. Now, pause the scene. What do you see?
As the old saying goes, good things come in small packages. Let’s add something to that: Good things come in nice, small packages. You would not want to present an engagement ring in a paper bag or a nice set of cuff links in a plastic bag. The presentation matters. If you don’t think so, imagine how much value you would give to a piece of costume jewelry that is packaged in a very nice box from a jewelry store. Trust me, the packaging matters.
If the packaging matters so much, how can you make an impact in a world of blah boxes and uninspiring stuff?
One great way is nesting boxes. We have all seen or heard of people that are given a big box that, when opened, contained a smaller box. When that box is opened, it contains a smaller box. This goes on for a while until the smallest box with the good stuff is found. That gives us a good mental picture of a nesting box.
Now, combine that with laser engraving and a little creativity and you get today’s project.
Why laser cut nesting boxes?
As stated before, packaging is important. If you are buying a ring, chances are it comes in a box. And that box looks pretty much like every other ring box out there. By adding in a little creativity, you can leave a lasting impression not only for your attention to detail (how many people think about something as minor as a box) but for the super cool laser cut box.
After the recipient goes wild at the box and they open it, they see another box, just slightly smaller, nested nicely in the larger box. This is where laser engraving comes in: One-of-a-kind items are easy to make by hand but making multiple items that are not the same size but slightly smaller can be a challenge. In this instance, once the design is created digitally, it can be duplicated and re-sized, resulting in a set of nesting boxes.
In our example today, the original box design was created then duplicated at 90% the original size. The two designs were sent to the laser and cut, resulting in two boxes that are duplicates except for the size. With a few test runs, you could figure out the exact percent reduction needed to have the boxes nest just right and create a whole set. Wouldn’t that be better than a ring box that everyone else gets?
Here is the video showing the boxes being cut. The outside shape of the boxes are cut first then the fold lines are engraved. By engraving the fold lines, putting the box together is simple; just fold along the lines, add a dot of glue, and a little time. At the end of the video you can see boxes after they are cut out, a little of the folding process, and the final result. For more pictures, check out the end of the post.
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Can You Etch It Roundup
For those of you who are keeping score, here’s the list so far: nesting boxes, woodworking templates, manhole cover coaster, armadillo notepad, wooden postcard, a mat board picture frame, a mat board ruler, a hammer award, mini clip boards, an anodized aluminum ruler, hair bow, a couple of American Flags, a gift card holder, plastic labels, South Dakota frig magnet, a few failed light switch plates, a taco shell, Mount Rushmore coasters, house numbers, a cutting board, 6 social media icons, a mirror, a hand-drawn robot design, a CD jewel case, a pair of drum sticks, a luggage tag, a fishing reel, a couple of impact sockets, a drinking glass, a little industrial labeling, a baseball, a Frappuccino bottle, a tennis ball, 12 Scrabble tiles, a custom ink stamp, Thank You cards, M&M’s, a slice of bread, a clothes pin, a cinnamon stick, a sweet potato, a walnut, and a toothpick.
Let me know if you have any suggestions for future installments. Have a great weekend.
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Thanks for reading Can You Etch It – Laser Cut Nesting Boxes. I would like to know what you think and get your feedback on this post, so please leave a comment. If you like the post, be a hero and share it with your Facebook friends. If you would like to stay up-to-date with new blog posts, subscribe to the RSS feed. Have a great day.The post Can You Etch It – Laser Cut Nesting Boxes appeared first on Book Worm Laser & Design.
Have you read these posts?
- Can You Etch It – Laser Engraved and Cut Mat Board Picture Frame
- Can You Etch It – Laser Engraved Mat Board Ruler
- Can You Etch It – Laser Engraved Wooden Postcard