Laser-cut Tape Applicator

By Joseph Chan, Idea Lab Library Technician

Of all the equipment at the Lakeshore campus Idea Lab, our Glowforge laser cutter is one of the most user-friendly and accessible. Like most tools, though, a bit of prep work is essential to get the best results.

Because the laser removes material by burning it away, cutting or engraving can leave behind smoke residue or uneven charring on the surface. That’s why we prepare material with paper masking tape. The tape acts as a sacrificial layer to absorb heat and residue while protecting the material’s surface finish.

An example of wood that was partially masked before engraving. The designs that weren't masked with paper tape show scorching and soot around them.

Above: A photo of an engraving where the left half was masked with paper tape. The side that wasn't masked is discoloured along the edges where the laser scorched the wood.

The paper masking tape we use comes in large, 12-inch-wide rolls. The awkward size, sticky adhesive, and delicate paper make it challenging to apply smoothly and evenly across sheets of acrylic or wood without tearing or wrinkling.

We could buy an expensive device to solve this problem, but of course we have the tools and materials to make our own solution at the Idea Lab!

We found a DIY masking tape applicator design on Etsy and gathered the materials to build it.

The parts were lasercut in the Glowforge using standard ¼‑inch plywood, and the large wooden dowel was trimmed to size with basic hand tools.

We assembled the parts with a bit of wood glue and a final coat of beeswax to help everything glide smoothly.

And voilà! The tape applicator works beautifully, making material prep faster and far less frustrating.

Above: A photo of the assembled masking tape dispenser.

Inspired to try a laser cutting project of your own?

We offer an online tutorial and host monthly workshops that introduce you to all of the equipment available in our space. Completing one of these sessions will get you approved to start creating.

Watch for more featured projects here and on our Instagram channel, @humberidealab.

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