Better Balance Chopsticks

I know there are a lot of takeout food fans out there! The ease of getting our food delivered to us and getting to enjoy it in the comfort of our own home is the best – but it's such a waste when restaurants give us plastic utensils. We have those at home! Not all utensils though – the worst utensils to get with takeout are chopsticks. The ones that snap because they aren’t durable, give us splinters from the unforgiving food, get thrown out after one use, and are downright ugly! Not to fear, there is an easy way to make your own chopsticks at home – ones that are sustainable, customizable, washable, colorful, and fun! What makes these chopsticks unique is that they do not have the typical chopstick shape – they have a ridge in the upper half so that the chopsticks can be balanced on any bowl, plate, and container that you desire! First, we will dive into what materials are necessary to create these chopsticks. Following that, there are just five simple steps to follow to up your takeout game from boring and wasteful to sustainable and creative! 

1. Laser cutter 
2. Ruler 
3. Acrylic sheet for laser cutting (in color of choice) 
4. Soap & Water 

1. Software The first step is to create a digital design for your chopsticks. Use the software called Glowforge. This program allows you to create precise designs that can be interpreted by the laser cutter. 
2. Dimensions Design the chopsticks, typically about 8 long and 0.6 inches wide. Start with these dimensions, but feel free to adjust them based on your personal preferences or design style. This can be done by selecting shapes on Glowforge (straight line, circle, etc.) and then placing them to create a chopstick shape. To make sure you create two chopsticks that are identical, copy the first figure you create within Glowforge and paste it below the first.  
3. Details Add any decorative elements or engravings you want. This can be done by clicking the letter feature and the Glowforge program will automatically switch the direction from cutting to engraving. Because chopsticks are thin, it could be smart to start with initials or a short word!

1. Choose Material Select a suitable material like bamboo, hardwood, or acrylic. For the sake of these chopsticks, acrylic is the best suited as it is wash friendly, sturdy, and will not give you any splinters! 
2. Material Thickness The thickness of your material should be compatible with the laser cutter's specifications. Generally, materials that are 3 mm to 6 mm thick work well. Check your laser cutter’s manual for the best settings. 
3. Cutting to Size Before placing the material in the laser cutter, make sure it fits within the machine's bed. If your piece is larger than the cutter’s bed, you may need to trim it down to size. Use a saw or another appropriate tool to achieve the correct dimensions.  
4. Placement Helpful tip! When laser cutting, to save material and be able to use the rest of the acrylic sheet for later use, place the chopstick shape you desire in a corner to save room for future use of the sheet! 

1. Machine Settings Each laser cutter has different settings based on the type of material being cut. Refer to the laser cutter’s manual for recommended settings for speed, power, and frequency. These settings can vary widely depending on the make and model of the cutter. 
2. Focus the Lens A clean and properly focused lens is crucial for achieving a precise cut. Before starting, check the lens for any debris and clean it if necessary. Use the appropriate focusing tool provided with your machine to adjust the lens to the correct height for your material’s thickness. 
3. Ventilation System Ensure that the exhaust system is functioning correctly. Laser cutting materials can release fumes and particles that are harmful if inhaled. Make sure your workspace is well-ventilated, and check that the exhaust system is operational to remove smoke and fumes effectively. 
4. Safety Ensure that you are present during the entire laser cutting process to make sure there are no accidents and to monitor the whole process. 

1. Start the Cutting Process Once you’ve verified that everything is in order, start the laser cutting process. Monitor the machine as it works to ensure that everything is functioning properly. Most laser cutters will indicate when the cutting is in progress and when it has finished. 
2. Monitor the Cutting Stay close to the machine during the cutting process. Watch for any issues, such as the material catching fire (especially with wood if that is the material you choose to use) or any misalignment. If something seems off, you may need to pause the machine and assess the situation. 
3. Completion Once the cutting is finished, the machine will typically stop automatically. Allow the material to cool before handling it, as it may be hot from the laser cutting. 

1. Cleanup Carefully remove the cut chopsticks from the machine. Use a soft brush or cloth to clean off any residue or burn marks left from the cutting process. 
2. Peel There will be a paper coating on the acrylic pieces which you can peel off once you have taken the chopsticks out of the larger acrylic piece. 
3. Wash Before Use Make sure to wash the chopsticks with soap and water before using them to ensure that they are safe for putting in your mouth when eating! 

Creating your own chopsticks with a laser cutter is not only a fun project but also a way to customize and personalize your dining experience. This process allows you to explore your creativity and produce a unique set of chopsticks that can serve as both functional utensils and conversation starters. Enjoy using your handmade chopsticks and consider experimenting with different designs and materials for future projects!