How to Make a Laser Cut Keychain: Step-by-Step DIY Guide

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A laser cut keychain is one of the simplest yet most rewarding laser projects you can make. Compact, affordable, and endlessly customizable, keychains are perfect for personal use, gifts, or even small business products. With the right tools and materials, you can create laser cut keychains that showcase detailed designs, names, maps, or logos.

1. Why Make a Laser Cut Keychain?

Before we dive into the process, let’s look at why laser cut keychains are so popular among makers and small businesses:

• Affordable materials – A small sheet of 3mm plywood can yield dozens of keychains.
• Personalization options – Add names, maps, initials, or logos to make each piece unique.
• High demand – Keychains are inexpensive gifts and popular on platforms like Etsy, craft fairs, and souvenir shops.
• Beginner-friendly project – Even if you’re new to laser engraving, this project is easy to start.

Whether you’re making them for fun, gifts, or resale, laser cut keychains are a must-try project.

2. Tools and Materials You’ll Need

To create your first laser cut keychain, prepare the following:

1. 3mm plywood sheets – Durable, lightweight, and easy to engrave.
2. Laser cut keychain template – For example, a Los Angeles map design.
3. LightBurn software – To set up and edit your design.
4. OneLaser Hydra 9 – A CO₂ Large engraver and cutter for precision.
5. Glue and paint – To assemble and add finishing touches.
6. Keychain rings and hardware – To complete your design as a usable keychain.

3. How to Make a Laser Cut Keychain

Let’s walk through the process from start to finish.

Step 1: Place the Plywood Sheet in the Hydra 9

Start by placing your 3mm plywood sheet onto the Hydra 9’s workbed. Make sure the sheet is flat and secure to avoid shifting during engraving and cutting.

Step 2: Add the Design File in LightBurn

Open LightBurn software and import your laser cut keychain template—in this case, a Los Angeles map file.

Here, you can:

• Resize the design to standard keychain dimensions (typically 1.5–2 inches).
• Add custom text like initials or logos.
• Position multiple designs on one sheet to maximize material use.

For business owners, batching multiple keychains per sheet boosts efficiency and lowers production costs.

Step 3: Apply Engraving and Cutting Settings

Next, adjust your laser settings for 3mm plywood:

Engraving Settings:

• Speed: 600
• Max Power: 20
• Min Power: 2

Cutting Settings:

• Speed: 15
• Max Power: 70
• Min Power: 70

These settings ensure sharp engravings (perfect for map details or text) and smooth cuts for clean keychain edges.

Step 4: Use Auto Focus on the Hydra 9

On the Hydra 9 TouchScreen, activate the Auto Focus feature. This ensures your laser beam is perfectly aligned with the wood surface for:

• Crisp, high-contrast engraving.
• Clean cuts without excessive burning.
• Consistency across multiple keychains.

Once set, you’re ready to start engraving and cutting.

Step 5: Assemble, Glue, and Paint

After engraving and cutting:

1. Remove the cut pieces from the workbed.
2. Assemble the layers (if your design is multi-layered).
3. Apply wood glue to hold pieces together.
4. Paint or stain your keychains to add character—blue for backgrounds, natural wood for streets, or gold for initials.
5. Attach hardware such as split rings, hooks, or chains.

Your laser cut wooden keychain is now ready to use or sell!

4. Creative Ideas for Laser Cut Keychains

One of the best parts about making laser cut keychains is the endless creativity you can bring into the designs. Here are some fun ideas:

• City Map Keychains – Showcasing places like Los Angeles, New York, or your hometown.
• Name Keychains – Personalized with initials, nicknames, or quotes.
• Logo Keychains – Perfect for branding giveaways or small business merchandise.
• 3D Layered Keychains – Add multiple layers for depth, similar to 3D laser cut maps.
• Cute Shapes – Couple, Hearts, animals, geometric patterns, or seasonal designs.

5. Why Use the OneLaser Hydra 9 for Keychains?

The Hydra 9 is an excellent choice for keychain projects thanks to its:

• Dual-laser precision – Sharp engravings for tiny details and smooth cuts for clean edges.
• Large work area – Engrave dozens of keychains in one batch.
• Auto focus – Saves time and ensures accuracy across multiple projects.
• High speed – Boosts productivity, making it ideal for small businesses selling keychains.

If you’re making laser cut wood keychains to sell, the Hydra 9 ensures professional-quality results every time.

Buy the OneLaser Hydra 9

6. Tips for Perfect Laser Cut Wooden Keychains

1. Choose smooth plywood for cleaner engravings.
2. Mask the surface with painter’s tape to reduce burn marks.
3. Test small samples before starting bulk production.
4. Experiment with finishes like paint, wood stain, or clear sealant for durability.
5. Batch production – Design multiple keychains per sheet to save time and materials.

7. Selling Laser Cut Keychains

If you’re considering turning this project into a side business, laser cut keychains are a smart choice. Here’s why:

• Low cost, high margin – Plywood sheets are inexpensive, while custom keychains can sell for $8–$20 each.
• Scalable production – With machines like the Hydra 9, you can produce dozens in one run.
• Popular markets – Keychains sell well on Etsy, eBay, craft fairs, and even as corporate swag.

Add options like personalized names, locations, or custom logos to increase value.

Conclusion

Making a laser cut keychain is a beginner-friendly project that delivers professional results with the right tools. By using 3mm plywood, a laser cut keychain template, and the OneLaser Hydra 9, you can create custom keychains that are perfect for gifts, personal use, or small business sales.

Whether you design laser cut wooden keychains with maps, initials, or cute shapes, the possibilities are endless. And with efficient batching, painting, and finishing, you can easily turn keychains into a profitable laser engraving project.

So, gather your materials, fire up your Hydra 9, and start creating keychains that people will carry everywhere!