Why I built Flataxis

There’s something magical about taking an idea in your head and turning it into a tangible object you can hold in your hands. That’s what I discovered when I first used a laser cutter at my local makerspace. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but as I saw the laser etch intricate patterns onto wood and cut out perfect pieces, I was hooked. The process was mesmerizing — clean, precise, and full of creative potential.

I started experimenting with different materials, learning the nuances of wood, MDF, and other boards. I discovered that MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) is an engineered wood product made by breaking down hardwood and softwood residuals into fibers, which are then combined with wax and resin and pressed into panels. It’s smooth, cheap, and great for cutting but produces a lot of fine dust. Plywood, on the other hand, has a layered structure that can sometimes cause inconsistencies when cutting, but it provides added strength. Then there’s solid wood — beautiful, natural, but prone to burning or uneven cuts depending on the species.

The more I worked with laser cutting, the more I fell in love with the process. I found myself designing more and more, pushing the limits of what could be made, and exploring different projects. But there was always one problem — finding free, high-quality designs for laser cutters was harder than it should be.

Introducing Flataxis: A Free CNC Laser Cutting Design Platform

That’s why I built Flataxis — a completely free website where anyone can find and share laser-cutting designs. Whether you’re a seasoned maker or a beginner looking to create something cool, Flataxis is meant to be a resource for the entire community. I wanted to eliminate the barriers to entry and make it easy for people to access designs that work. No paywalls, no unnecessary restrictions — just a growing library of CNC laser cutter designs that anyone can use.

I designed Flataxis to be as simple and user-friendly as possible. You can browse, download, and contribute your own designs. Whether you’re making intricate jewelry, functional furniture, or fun puzzles, there’s something here for you. I hope that by offering free access to designs, more people will get into laser cutting and experience the same joy I found in it.

Flataxis is a website for finding laser-cutter designs of real-world products. Not engravings, but real, meaningful objects like furniture, shelving, etc.

The idea is we will have pages for various materials, like wood and metal, and also pages for projects like tables and laser cut chairs.

Common Types of CO2 Laser Cutters

Most people who get into laser cutting start with CO2 laser cutters, which are widely used in makerspaces, small businesses, and home workshops. These machines use a high-powered CO2 laser beam to cut and engrave materials like wood, acrylic, leather, and more. Here are some of the most common types:

• K40 Laser Cutter — A budget-friendly, entry-level option with a small cutting area (typically 300mm x 200mm). Great for hobbyists but often requires upgrades for better performance.
• LC6090 (My Laser Cutter!) — A mid-sized laser cutter with a working area of 900mm x 600mm, providing enough space for medium to large projects.
• Bigger Industrial CO2 Machines — High-end laser cutters with cutting areas exceeding 1200mm x 900mm, often found in professional workshops and manufacturing facilities.

One limitation of CO2 laser cutters, especially for home users, is the cutting area. My LC6090, for example, has a maximum cutting width of 900mm (about 2.9 feet), which means that larger designs need to be split into sections. This is something to keep in mind when designing projects, as oversized cuts will need to be assembled from multiple pieces.

The Future of Flataxis

I envision Flataxis as more than just a collection of files. I want it to be a community where makers share knowledge, refine each other’s designs, and help each other create incredible things. The goal is to keep it free, keep it open, and keep it growing. Whether you’re designing a new lamp, a custom sign, or an intricate model, Flataxis is here to support and inspire you.

So if you have a laser cutter, or you’re thinking about getting one, check out Flataxis. Download some designs, contribute your own, and join the growing world of laser cutting. I built it because I love making things — and I hope you will too.