We’ve been asked multiple times to engrave on wooden spoons. Some people are wanting a customized engraved saying for a friend or family member and some want engravings as more formal gifts, like bridal parties and family reunions. Engraving wooden spoons allows you to add names, designs or customized quotes that create a unique piece that becomes a family keepsake. We’ve created a guide to help you get started on engraving your own wooden spoons. If you want to see our engraved spoons, visit our website at www.ShakeABerry.com.
Below are the materials and equipment that we use in our shop. We have added a link to the products we personally use, but feel free to choose whatever product works best for you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. However, we will never recommend a product that we wouldn’t personally use.
- Wooden spoons: //amzn.to/3XziuM7
- XTool D1 Pro 20W Laser: https://amzn.to/4cDoBU9
- XTool Air Assist: https://amzn.to/4crpe3a
- Drill: https://amzn.to/3VX1Yof
- Sander: https://amzn.to/3RGwWOW
- Sandpaper: https://amzn.to/4cA4IND
- Food Safe Mineral Oil: https://amzn.to/3RI0v2u
- Food safe Wax: https: //amzn.to/3Litbvv
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Choose Your Design: Pick a design that is meaningful to the person you are giving the engraved wooden spoon to. In our opinion, up to 4 words work the best for size on the mouth of the wooden spoon. This allows for a small graphic to be included. The image will need to be saved as an .SVG file in order for the laser engraver to properly use it.
- Prepare the Spoon: Do this by thoroughly sanding your wooden spoon. You want the spoon to be smooth to the touch without any gritty feeling. We use a fine 220 grit sandpaper and a cordless sander. We also add an added feature of drilling a hole at the stem of the wooden spoon to allow for the spoon to be hung. To do this, you'll need a drill and a bit that is smaller than the diameter of the spoon handle.
- Prepare for Engraving: Connect your laptop or computer to your laser engraver. We use the XTOOL D1 Pro 20W laser, but other lasers will also work well. We also use the free xTool Creative Space software. Transfer the SVG file to the software and size it to fit to the size of the mouth of the spoon you are engraving. Make sure you verify that the image is properly in the location you want engraved by using with the software’s ‘Framing’ feature.
- Engraving Settings: The settings that work best for us may not be the perfect selection for you. Each laser engraver and product material may cause variation requirements in settings. Be sure to test out your settings before beginning your final product. This is what we use:
- Material: Wood Coaster
- Processing Type: Engrave
- Power: 80%
- Speed: 80%
- Begin Engraving: Once your framing and engraving settings are in place, you are ready to engrave! Select the ‘power’ button on your laser. Never leave the laser unattended and ALWAYS wear protective eyewear!
- Final Touch: Once the engraving is complete, sand off any laser scorching that may have occurred. We apply a food grade oil and wax to each one to protect the wood. Watch it transform to a beautiful rich color!
Engraving, like anything, takes time and practice. We hope this guide has helped inspire you to get started with laser engraving! It is a fun and rewarding pastime that can leave lasting memories for you and you’re your loved ones. Feel free to reach out to us with questions and please share your experiences with us as well! We'd love to hear about your progress.
Happy Engraving!
ShakeABerry Keepsakes