The three main tools in automated manufacturing are 3D printers, CNC machines, and laser cutters. Few are lucky enough to have the money and space to have access to all three, and that’s where companies like Snapmaker come in.

The versatile machines are all good for any one of the three intended uses, but they really shine when you need to combine 3D printing, CNC milling, carving, and/or laser cutting and engraving into a single project.

This can lead to some really cool results at a fraction of the effort by using individual machines or relying solely on one. By combining different strengths, Snapmaker machines remove a lot of limitations, and it shows in what’s being done with them.

Here we’ll take a look at some of the coolest Snapmaker projects to get you started, as well as which Snapmaker models and add-ons are ideal for you depending on which projects catch your eye.

Best Sites for Files

Before we get into our top picks for what to create with your Snapmaker, we’re first going to briefly look at some of the best places best places to find both paid and free files for project ideas.

Etsy

Etsy isn’t just a platform for selling homemade creations, a lot of makers and even professionals have taken to uploading files for 3D printing, CNC machining, and laser engraving and cutting too. While you won’t find anything for free, you can get some really awesome files often at a pretty good deal.

Thingiverse

Thingiverse is an excellent place to search for and access free files for all kinds of homemade projects for both additive and subtractive manufacturing. While mainly dedicated to 3D printing, a lot of the files you’ll find on Thingiverse can be further customized and improved with laser engraving too.

Instructables

Instructables is a great resource example for beginners to find awesome things to try their hands at. This is because most files found on this site come with extensive instructions and sometimes even a detailed tutorial so you’ll have full support and stay confident throughout the creation process.

MyMiniFactory

A nice fusion of Etsy and Thingiverse, MyMiniFactory is host to thousands of files from various creators, some free and some paid. It’s a great place to find all-rounder files from various categories that really let you stretch your creative wings by taking on DIY projects of various styles and complexities.

LED Batman Lamp

What is it about the Batman logo that can maintain the same basic shape across all iterations but still be noticeably from one particular incarnation?

This Batman Lamp is inspired by the symbol from the acclaimed animated series, and was as the designer’s first project using a Snapmaker 2.0 CNC router function.

Despite being black, the stretched design of this logo makes it really easy to backlight with simple LEDs to achieve the look seen in the included images, making for a very cool CNC machine-made wall decroation.

Using a 12” x 12” sheet of acrylic, you’ll have enough left for two smaller versions to be cut for smaller lamps, keychains, or even just simple decorations if you’re interested in doing so.

Topographical Maps

Topographical maps are some of the coolest things you can make with a Snapmaker. They can be as simple or as accurate as you like, and depict just about anywhere in the world.

The main bulk of any 3D map model will be made using the CNC module in your Snapmaker, but employing the laser engraver will also let you carve out natural features like rivers and tree lines as well as buildings. For these subtle additions to your projects, though, the laser graver might be the better option.

For a more traditional map model, you can even laser engrave landmark locations and district names if you want to make a map of your hometown, local area, or anywhere else important in your life.

To go one step further, you can use the 3D printer to make models of the actual buildings to make a real top-down model of an area, the files for which you can either make yourself or search for online. And if you prefer to print over using CNC machines, you can check out our guide to 3D printed topographical maps.

3D maps can be as easy or as challenging as you want, and with a 3-in-1 machine like Snapmakers make it all the more convenient to be as creative as you like.

Coasters

One of the easiest things you can make with a CNC router is your own coasters. They’re fun creative exercises, don’t use much material, and even sell well if you’re looking to make some money on the side.

Coasters in whimsical shapes are easily made with the CNC router, but with the laser engraver you can also etch in your own designs without sacrificing stability by cutting too deep.

Popular characters, custom and original artwork, or words and phrases are just a few examples of what you can carve into your coaster without having to switch machines.

If you do plan on selling them, then upgrading to the 10W laser engraver will let you make more stock much faster for your customers, and even let you engrave anodized aluminum in case you’re feeling ambitious.

If the 10W laser engraver sounds good to you, you can check out our full review of it here.

Personalized Keychains and Tags

Much like the coasters, keychains and pet tags are Snapmaker CNC projects that also use the laser engraver.

After choosing whatever shape you’d like for your keychain, you can put the CNC router to work before using the laser engraver to carve in whatever name or image you want. 3D printing keychains alone is fun, but Snapmaker lets you get a lot more creative.

While this is a fine Snapmaker project for any of their models, using the optional rotary module will let you make more rounded and detailed keychains like engraved cylinders or intricately detailed artworks in no time.

Again, the 10W laser engraver will help with these, especially if you’re making them in bulk for friends and family.

Clocks

If you’re happy with your 3-in-1 machine but still want to scratch that engineer’s itch, then you can make a variety of clocks using either the CNC machine or 3D printer along with the laser-engraver for numbers and surface decoration.

Cat clocks of all shapes and sizes are particularly popular for reasons beyond this dog person’s comprehension, but even I can’t deny how creative they can get. From elegant to silly, there are plenty to get you started.

Naturally, these are just examples. If you’re comfortable handling the inner workings of a clock yourself, you can turn just about anything into one, even a 3D map!

The main thing to be careful of when making your clock is to ensure the number placements are the correct distance apart. This distance will change depending on the size of the clock you’re making, but as long as you take care with that then you should be all good to go.

A clock that doesn’t tell the time isn’t much use, after all, and it wouldn’t even be right twice a day.

Toys

3D printing toys is a great use for any 3D printer, but as Snapmaker projects they can be taken to the next level.

With the 3D printer, you can make some detailed action figures or statuettes resembling your favorite people and characters, and you can make awesome 3D puzzles and jigsaws with the CNC module or laser cutter. And you can combine any of them to make some cool new creations

3D puzzles come in a lot of shapes and sizes, like this castle. For some extra inspiration, you can try to make your own version of some of our favorite 3D puzzles here.

If you’re itching to use the laser cutter, you can upgrade to the 10W laser to make some cool toys like this wooden sailboat or the Da Vinci Glider if you’re still hankering for an engineering-focused Snapmaker project.

Chess Pieces

Making new and custom pieces for board games is a cool use for any 3D printer, but with the added help of Snapmaker’s optional rotary module, you can make some insanely detailed chess pieces with either the CNC router or 3D printer.

Snapmaker users have already found success making chess pieces with the rotary module, like this Star Wars set. The rotary module also lets you easily engrave the fronts of the pieces without having to use supports.

Of course, you can 3D print a lot of chess sets without any extra additions, but if you want to use CNC machining to carve your own set out of wood then you are going to need to make use of the module for top-quality results. It gets a bit noisy, but the outcome is worth it.

Snapmaker Add-Ons and Upgrade Tools

With the release of the Snapmaker 2.0 line, the possibilities for easy, multifaceted projects are expanded even further than ever, and made more convenient to boot.

Standard CNC and 3D printing machines will do well for things like coasters and figurines, but you’ll want something a little more substantial if you’re looking to build a go-kart.

You can check out our review of the Snapmaker 2.0 3-in-1 machines here.

As well as coming in different sizes, Snapmaker offers a selection of optional add-ons. We’ve mentioned a few with the files here already, but here’s a more in-depth look at what’s on offer if you have particularly complex creations in mind.

Snapmaker Rotary Module

The Snapmaker rotary module is one of the coolest add-ons they offer. While especially useful for CNC carving, it can be used for 3D printing and laser engraving too.

The added fourth axis allows for more intricate projects as well as carving and engraving on curved surfaces.

Enclosure

Exposure to breezes and dust affects prints more than many would think. The enclosure keeps projects safe while they’re under way, isolating dust and debris to make your workspace safer and your projects better protected.

Yet another addition for the enclosure is the air purifier, making your workspace safer and more comfortable.

10W High Power Laser Module

If you’re big into laser engraving, then the high-power laser module is a must. It’s significantly faster than the standard affair, boasting speeds of up to 6x that of the standard 1.6W module.

As well as strength and speed, the 10W is capable of much finer and more complicated engravings due to the finer detailing and deeper cuts without any rough edges.

Coming Soon: Dual Extruder

At the time of writing this, Snapmaker has announced that they’re cooking up a dual extruder as an upcoming add-on.

Dual extruders are extremely useful if you need to create multi-color and multi-filament projects that both stand out and allow for all kinds of new and interesting project possibilities. Dual extruders are rare on standard 3D printers, so this upcoming upgrade is something to get really excited about.

What Are the Best Materials for Snapmaker Projects?

The Snapmaker and Snapmaker 2.0 machines are compatible with a lot of different materials, ranging from wood, PCB, acrylic, and even jade. Because of the versatile nature of the machine itself, the range of compatible materials means you can create a whole host of things, so if you’ve got an idea, you can just run with it!

Be advised, however, that even the Snapmaker 2.0 won’t be able to cut harder materials like metal. So you’ll need to resort to using a different machine to do the job if you need to cut metal.

What can I make with my Snapmaker?

As a 3-in-1 machine, you can make just about anything with your Snapmaker that you can make with a 3D printer, CNC router, or laser cutter. The key to Snapmaker’s usefulness is its versatility as it can do all three, letting you make more intricate projects like laser engraved CNC projects or 3D printed additions.

Can the Snapmaker cut wood?

The Snapmaker can be used with a variety of materials, including hardwood. The standard laser engraver is strong enough to carve plywood, but will need to be upgraded to etch deeply or cut into harder materials.

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Scott Hamill

I'm Scott, a professional writer for CNCSourced currently living in Edinburgh. As a kid, my dad taught me a lot about woodworking and cutting plastics. As I grew, so did my interest in what I'd later learn was called 'subtractive manufacturing,' which I'm lucky enough to write about extensively. I also enjoy discovering new innovative CNC, laser cut and 3D printed design projects, which I cover on both CNCSourced and 3DSourced.

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