{"id":812,"date":"2026-01-15T18:25:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T23:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lahobbyguy.com\/forum\/?p=812"},"modified":"2026-05-01T17:31:45","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T22:31:45","slug":"prototyping-the-memorial-file-for-the-end-of-the-us-penny","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lahobbyguy.com\/forum\/2026\/01\/15\/prototyping-the-memorial-file-for-the-end-of-the-us-penny\/","title":{"rendered":"Prototyping the Memorial File for the end of the US Penny!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>How I Prototyped a Memorial File to Commemorate the End of the US Penny and How You Can Get Yours<\/em><\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In late 2025, I was commissioned to create a commemorative Christmas ornament marking the end of the US penny era, with the 2025 penny being the last minted. I designed multiple versions, including wooden replicas of historic pennies, and prototyped the final design using a 40-watt diode laser. This article details the design process, laser engraving steps, assembly, and how you can obtain the files at a discount.<br>This project is available for purchase on my website:<br>\ud83d\udd17 <a href=\"https:\/\/engraveandcutfiles.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/engraveandcutfiles.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Prototyping the Memorial File for the end of the US Penny! And how to get yours!\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/FvxlRbfMwpU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In late October 2025, I was contacted to create a commissioned file for a commemorative Christmas ornament marking the end of the era of the US penny. As many know, the 2025 penny is the last one ever made, making it a significant piece of American history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Designing the Commemorative Ornament<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I initially created a file for the ornament, featuring the front and back designs. Inspired, I decided to make my own versions as well. I developed a couple of different versions, including wooden replicas of three different types of pennies. These wooden pennies represent historic mint locations and the final penny, which is extremely rare and valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Wooden Penny Versions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Philadelphia Mint Penny:<\/strong> Includes text such as &#8220;The third Philadelphia Mint opened 1901 Spring Garden Street&#8221;.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Denver Mint Penny:<\/strong> Another historic mint representation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Final Penny:<\/strong> A recreation of the last penny ever made, which is extremely rare with only a dozen made for auction, expected to fetch millions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All these designs are available as SVG files, along with the original image files used to create them, perfect for engraving and cutting out of wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prototyping with a 40-Watt Diode Laser<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I used a 40-watt Alien Cell diode laser to prototype the final design. Although I have a 60-watt module, the 40-watt is more common and suitable for this project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Preparing the Laser Software<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>I used the Alien Cell software to import the SVG file.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deleted previous prototypes and started fresh.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Signed out to demonstrate that no account is needed to use the software.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Imported the final prototype file by dragging it into the workspace.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Setting Up the Project<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Selected the material as basswood or plywood, approximately 3 mm thick.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The software automatically adjusts the focus based on material thickness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ungrouped the design elements to assign engraving and cutting paths.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set all black elements to engrave and red elements to cut.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Adjusting Laser Settings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Engraving speed set to 550 mm\/s with 95% power.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cutting speed adjusted to 13 mm\/s with 100% power to avoid issues with glue pockets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The 40-watt laser is more powerful than advertised, capable of cutting 3 mm plywood efficiently.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Positioning and Live View<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Used the laser&#8217;s live view camera to position the design on the wood piece.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grouped and moved design elements to fit the material.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Engraving and Cutting Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Started the engraving job wirelessly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The laser automatically powered on, focused, and activated air assist and exhaust fans.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The air compressor increased during cutting for a clean finish.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Noise reduction was turned off in the video to capture the sound of fans and compressor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Air Quality and Safety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The air quality indicator remained stable during cutting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The double fan exhaust system effectively removed wood smoke and odors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Assembly of the Commemorative Ornament<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The design consists of multiple wooden layers that fit together with tabs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The base layers are longer to display text clearly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Used super glue to assemble the layers, applying small amounts carefully to avoid excess.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The rim piece fits over the assembled layers, leaving a gap at the bottom to read the text.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The final step was gluing the recreated penny into the center.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Important Notes on Assembly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The slots in the design are sized for 2.8 mm wood; adjustments were needed for 3.25 mm wood.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Resizing the slots before cutting ensures a perfect fit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The super glue used does not stick dramatically to fingers, making handling easier.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts and How to Get Your Own Files<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The final prototype turned out perfectly, showcasing clean cuts and beautiful engraving. I plan to create versions on painted wood for a more polished look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The files for all versions, including the Denver Mint penny, Philadelphia Mint penny, and the final penny, are available in my online store. A coupon code is provided for a deep discount, allowing you to get these files for just pennies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thank you for joining me on this journey to commemorate the end of the US penny. I hope you enjoy creating your own memorial ornament as much as I enjoyed making mine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stay tuned for more projects and updates!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How I Prototyped a Memorial File to Commemorate the End of the US Penny and How You Can Get Yours! <\/p>\n<p><a class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/lahobbyguy.com\/forum\/2026\/01\/15\/prototyping-the-memorial-file-for-the-end-of-the-us-penny\/\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":813,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-812","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lahobbyguy.com\/forum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/812","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lahobbyguy.com\/forum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lahobbyguy.com\/forum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lahobbyguy.com\/forum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lahobbyguy.com\/forum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=812"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lahobbyguy.com\/forum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/812\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":814,"href":"https:\/\/lahobbyguy.com\/forum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/812\/revisions\/814"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lahobbyguy.com\/forum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/813"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lahobbyguy.com\/forum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=812"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lahobbyguy.com\/forum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=812"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lahobbyguy.com\/forum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=812"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}