Interlocking Acrylic Trees with xTool S1

Interlocking Acrylic Trees with xTool S1 and FREE Files!

Let me show you how easy it is to make these adorable interlocking trees using the xTool laser cutting family.

If you have the CO2 laser, the xTool P2, you can cut all the colors, shades and finished of acrylic.

If you have a diode laser, the S1, M1 or other variants, you can still cut quite a few shades of acrylic.

I cut the dark green chubby tree with my xTool M1 and the bright green, green, and black tall trees with the xTool S1.

I've designed this simple triangle tree file and I'm adding the FREE download link at the end of this post.

I love tall skinny trees.

I have a pencil tree as my Christmas tree set up, so it just made sense to make these tall skinny trees that interlock for the perfect holiday decor.

Cut them out of wood, cardboard or acrylic.

Paint or decorate them.

Cut a whole bunch and fill the mantle with these cute trees!

Let's get started.

The xTool S1 just got a much needed/wanted software update so that's been exciting for all S1 users.

The biggest upgrade is the ability to mark different shapes on the software to import your designs into.

For this project though, the upgrade isn't necessary, since we just need a rectangle shape to work with anyway.

Supplies Needed for Interlocking Acrylic Trees:

• xTool S1 (or other laser cutting machine)
• Acrylic Sheets (I'm using xTool brand: Bright green, Black and Translucent Green)
• Tree Files (FREE at the end of this post)

Step 1: Software Image Upload

First, upload the tree design into XCS.

Then select the outline button and set it to 0.

Then remove the original uploaded design and just leave the blue outline that remains.

Then select the type of material, auto measure the distance and get the marked area selected on the S1.

Then size the tree design to fit.

If you alter the size/shape of the file, the center space for interlocking will also change size and may not fit properly.

Select the material, in this case, acrylic.

I did do a test run on cardboard before putting my expensive acrylic sheet in to cut.

Then I select the xTool preset and click go.

Remember to be by the machine at all times while it is cutting, in case it needs to be stopped.

Step 2: Sanding

After the cutting is done, it will likely take more than one pass, remove the acrylic and slide the 2 pieces together.

The black acrylic cut so perfectly--smoothly and cut in one pass.

The bright green acrylic cut well and needed 2 passes to cut through.

The translucent green acrylic needed 4 passes to cut and needed to be sanded on the edges.

I cut the black acrylic with the cover sheet still on the acrylic.

If the acrylic has a paper cover, I keep it on for cutting.

If the acrylic has a plastic cover, I remove it for cutting.

Sometimes the multiple passes leads to some rough edges, the translucent green had a lot of melting and spattering, during the laser passes.

I just use a nail file to smooth them out.

Step 3: Interlock Acrylic Trees

The file is made so that the 3mm acrylic slides into the grooves perfectly.

I used the same cut file for 3.5mm corrugated paper (cardboard) and the 3mm basswood.

This file is perfect for a variety of materials.

The grooves are deep enough to slide together and meet up at the top perfectly.

Repeat in all the colors of acrylic that your machine can cut.

Make a row on the mantle, use them as a table centerpiece, or add them to your Christmas snow village!

That's it!

They are darling and easy to make.

If you cut them out of 3mm wood or corrugated cardboard, you can paint them and decorate them!

Makes a fun craft for kids, parties and school crafts too!

Everyone needs a laser cutter!

Hope you love this interlocking acrylic tree craft!

If you do end up making some, take pictures--email them to me (maildoodlecraft @gmail.com), post them on social media and tag @doodlecraft so I can cheer you on!

I can't wait to see how you use these interlocking trees!

Interlocking Tree Display!

Make interlocking acrylic trees with the xTool S1 Laser Cutting Machine!

These cute trees can be cut from cardboard, basswood or acrylic.

Paint and decorate them or leave them modern and chic.

Like, Pin and Save!

Here's the files:

I made a png of a 4x8 tree and a 3x8 tree (the tall skinny ones I did).

There is also an xTool XCS file of the 3x8 tree and the 4x8 tree.

Enjoy!

CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE INTERLOCKING TREE FILES

Here's some more helpful posts on xTool Laser Cutters, which one to buy, what are the difference and how to start a Laser Cutting Business!

Which Laser Cutter Should I Buy?

Find out all about the xTool S1 here at this post:

And learn all about starting a laser cutting business here!