How I Make Custom Veneer Business Cards on My Glowforge

There’s just something about handing someone a wood veneer business card that makes them pause. It’s got texture, warmth, and weight. Every time I pass one out, I get the same reaction: “Wait… this is wood?” Yup. And I make them myself on my Glowforge Pro using alder veneer sheets from my local wood shop.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how I make them—plus tips that can save you time, material, and a few burned edges.

Why I Use Alder Veneer

I used to say maple, but really it’s 10 mil alder veneer—sourced from my local wood supply shop. It engraves beautifully, has a warm tone without staining or finishing, and the grain gives just enough character without making text hard to read.

I prefer buying local because:

• It’s easier to get consistent material

• I can see the sheets before I buy them

• And… it supports other small businesses

Pro tip: Whatever veneer you choose, make sure to cut with the grain running along the long side of your card. If you cut across the grain, your cards will snap easier in a wallet or even while handling.

Setup: Cutting Long Sheets with the Glowforge Pro

Because I use a Glowforge Pro with the passthrough slot, I can work with full 8 ft sheets by trimming them down to 20 inches wide, then slowly feeding the veneer through bit by bit. If you don’t have the passthrough, you can still use these sheets—just cut them down into smaller panels that fit your Glowforge bed.

Here’s my system:

• Select Thin Maple Veneer in Glowforge’s settings menu

• For cutting, I use the default settings

• For engraving, my go-to is:Speed: 1000Power: 40Passes: 1

• I write these settings on the back of one of my finished cards for quick reference

I also include a long horizontal cut at the bottom of each job—this lets me take the full sheet out and snip the short sides with scissors. Then I can slide in the next section and keep going. Strong magnets are a must to hold veneer flat on the crumb tray—otherwise things can shift or warp, especially during a full-sheet job.

Design Tips That Prevent Fires (Seriously)

Let’s talk design files. A few things I learned the hard way:

1. Engrave with the Grain

Always make sure the long side of the card runs with the grain. Cutting across the grain makes them fragile and snappy.

2. Separate Engrave and Cut Colors

Make your cut lines a different color than your engrave lines so the Glowforge interface separates the steps. It’s a lifesaver during setup.

3. Use Connector Tabs

This one’s huge: don’t let your cards cut completely free inside the machine. Leave tiny tabs on all four edges so each card stays connected to the sheet during the cut.

Why?

• It keeps the cards from flying off as they’re cut

• Reduces the risk of a piece getting stuck or catching fire

• And it lets you remove the whole sheet cleanly and separate the cards later with an X-Acto knife

👉 Excel Blades Fit Grip Craft Knife

Why I Don’t Seal the Cards

I get asked this a lot—do you seal or finish the wood?Nope. I leave them raw. The problem with finishing veneer business cards is that over time, that finish can rub off. If someone tucks your card into a wallet, they might pull it out later with weird residue on their hands or fabric.

The unfinished alder holds up well on its own and feels great in the hand. No sealer needed.

Who I Make Them For

I use these cards for my own business (DraconaMakes), but I also make small batches for local clients. And that’s a sweet spot that big companies can’t always serve well—small batch, personal, and local.

If you’re a small business that only needs 50 or 100 cards at a time, I’ve got you.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve got a laser cutter like the Glowforge and access to some thin veneer sheets, this is such a fun and impactful project. A few small tips—like cutting with the grain, leaving connector tabs, and keeping your engrave settings consistent—go a long way.

And hey, if you ever get stuck or want a custom design, I love helping folks figure this stuff out. Just reach out.

Affiliate Disclosure

DraconaMakes is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases