As the Christmas season approaches and Christmas gift ideas are foremost on many minds, machinists and woodworkers are turning to CNC projects to solve their gift-giving dilemmas.
We’ve compiled a list of some simple but meaningful CNC Christmas projects. At-home machinists and hobbyists are taking on metal and wood projects on CNC machines like desktop CNCs, CNC plasma cutters, CNC laser cutters, and CNC routers. Christmas projects brought to life on a home CNC machine are unique and personal and make Christmas special for your loved ones.
What is a CNC Machine?
By now, most people have heard of CNC machines, but not everyone knows what they do. CNC refers to “computer numerical control” machine tools such as milling machines, lathes, routers, and plasma cutters. Many diverse industries use CNC machining, and the process is primarily about producing complex parts by programming a machine to move cutting tools and remove material from a workpiece.
Once the programming is completed, a CNC machine operates independently with minimal interaction with human workers.
What Types of Projects and Materials are Used for Christmas Crafts and Gifts?
The list of projects for CNC machines is seemingly endless: everything from Christmas tree decorations to a Christmas wreath to hang on your front door. And you can make them from various materials, including wood, metal, plastics, acrylics, and glass.
Here are ten ideas for Christmas projects on your CNC machine to help you make it a Merry Christmas!
Five DIY Christmas Projects for Your CNC Machine
Here are five woodworking projects, all with Christmas themes, designed for a CNC router. Each project has a file (.SVG, JPG, PNG, or DXF file) that you can download and a YouTube video with helpful instructions, including which router bits work best.
The first project is a Reindeer Welcome Sign machined from 1/2” MDF 22” long x 20” wide. Note: If you intend to hang this sign where the rain can hit it, switch the material from MDF to pine.
The next project is a Santa Christmas Eve Cookie Tray made from 3/4” thick cherry wood with an outside dimension of 16” square.
A clever Nutcracker Tray is third on the list. Using one-inch cherry wood 18” long x 6 1/2” wide, this relatively simple project would not even be possible without one of today’s CNC machines fitting comfortably into a corner of a home workshop.
A small personalized Snowflake Ornament is machined from a 6” square of 1/4” walnut.
Finally, a 12” square Gnome Decoration of 1/2” MDF rounds out the first five CNC Christmas CNC plans. See how they are made and how you can get files here.
Four Christmas Ornaments from a Single Piece of Wood Using VCarve Pro Files
Check out the Christmas Tree, Santa Claus, Snowman, and Snowflake Ornament created using VCarve software from Vectric Ltd. The YouTube video takes you from programming to painting with numerous tips and tricks to help you along. You can watch the comprehensive instructional video at
One More Take on the Snowflake Ornament Theme
This Snowflake Christmas Tree ornament is one of the easiest on the list, and if you intend to sell these, the run time for each snowflake is only about five minutes. Yet, you’ll be decorating your Christmas tree for many years, whether you make it from wood or the more durable acrylic.
Another excellent instructional video, this one at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcAVYloGFvU&t=162s Take notice how they used clip-art for the heart-shaped middle.
A Wooden Christmas Tree Offering More of a Challenge but Adding to the Xmas Home Decor
Etsy.com offers a digital file for a CNC router to make a 6-part plywood Christmas tree. The finished tree is over four-feet high and almost 3.5 feet wide. The parts are all made from .25” plywood and require no nails or screws. (assembly instructions are included. Files to download: Adobe PDF and AutoCAD Interchange (.dxf file).
You can find the details at https://www.pinterest.com/pin/560135272415332937/
Personalized Name Tags for the Christmas Stockings
This is another easy CNC Christmas project from 1/4” plywood. Turn your CNC machine into an engraving machine, and create these name tags with your children’s or grandchildren’s names engraved into them. Or, if you’re looking to make extra money for Christmas, start taking orders because personalized items are always a hit.
See how easy this one is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxbdHAQu3Kw&t=590s
Star and Snowflake Ornaments from an “Instructable” Video
Instructable videos are typically detailed, and this one is no exception. You get a bill of materials, downloadable DXF templates for each ornament, step-by-step image instructions, and a YouTube video to help you along.
Check out the Instructable here and watch it on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8j4xcgY9jHw
Consider One of Our Desktop CNC Machines for Your Next CNC Christmas Project
The finest CNC milling machines and CNC routers cut any materials used for these Christmas projects, including wood, acrylics, plastics, and metal. Hobbyists and professionals stand by our desktop CNC machines for their versatility, ease of use, and small footprint that fits into the tiniest home workshop.
At CNC Masters, we offer three of the best Desktop CNC Mills, and they are all available online. These CNC machines are built to provide compact power at an affordable price. All you’ll need to start creating Christmas projects is a computer, a bit of time, and a willingness to learn.
CNC Masters offers options in small CNC machines to fit your work and budget. We sell only high-quality, USA-built machine tools with ball screws, a warranty, excellent service, and all at a competitive price!
Please email us directly at sales@cncmasters.com, call us at 626-962-9300, or visit our contact page. We look forward to hearing from you!