I wanted to make an award plaque that’s quick and simple, something you could knock out in under 30 minutes for a small business or just for yourself. Depending on where you live, plaques like this can also sell pretty well.
I start with a rough board, plane it and cut it to size, then route a decorative edge on the front. After sanding the edges, I engrave it on my Monport 80W CO2 laser and finish it with more sanding and some oil.
It doesn’t take a lot of tools, and you could even start with pre-dimensioned lumber if you don’t have a planer. I used a Milescraft Sandplane along the way, and the xTool S1 shows up too.
For how little time and material goes into it, I think it’s a nice-looking project that’s worth having in your back pocket.