From Flat to Fab: Creating a Custom Whiskey Glass Holder with a Rotary CNC and Laser Combo

When you combine the precision of a rotary CNC axis with the detailing power of a diode laser like the Opt Lasers XT-8, suddenly even simple shop projects turn into heirloom-quality pieces. In this post, we’ll walk through how we created a custom whiskey glass holder—complete with engraved monograms and turned walnut supports—using the Sienci Labs AltMill, VCarve Pro, and the Rotary 4th Axis.

🔧 Project Overview

• Project Name: Monogrammed Whiskey Glass Holder
• Tools Used:
  • Sienci Labs AltMill CNC Router
  • Rotary 4th Axis
  • Opt Lasers XT-8 Diode Laser
  • VCarve Pro + LightBurn
• Material: Black walnut and clear acrylic
• Bits:
  • 1/4” Downcut End Mill
  • 60° V-bit (for VCarving)
  • 1/8” Ball Nose (rotary carving details)
• Laser Power: 65% power @ 3000 mm/min (for engraving on acrylic)

🌀 Setting Up the Rotary Axis

For the leg supports, we used the rotary 4th axis to carve spiral decorative legs out of 2×2 walnut stock. Setting up in VCarve Pro, we used the Wrapped Job Setup with a 2-inch diameter and 6-inch length.

Pro Tip: Always double-check your Y-to-A axis mapping—nothing ruins a beautiful piece like carving a spiral in the wrong direction!

✍️ VCarving the Base Plate

The holder’s base plate features three circular insets for glass placement and a VCarved monogram dead center. We used a 60° V-bit to get crisp edges on the lettering, setting a cut depth of 0.08”. For smoother results on hardwoods, a feed rate of 60 in/min with a plunge of 20 in/min did the trick.

Safety Note: Always use proper dust collection and wear an N95 mask when working with hardwoods like walnut—they can be irritants!

🔥 Engraving the Acrylic Top

The clear acrylic cover features the phrase “Sip Slowly” etched in an elegant script. Using the Opt Lasers XT-8 mounted on the AltMill, we engraved at 65% power and 3000 mm/min. To avoid melting or frosting the edges, we defocused the laser by 1mm to give a soft, clean look.

Laser Safety Tip: Always wear certified laser safety glasses and ensure proper ventilation—acrylic fumes are no joke!

🪚 Assembly & Finishing Touches

• Legs attached with dowel joinery.
• Acrylic top press-fit into a milled rabbet.
• Finished with food-safe Rubio Monocoat for a warm, matte sheen.

🛠️ What You’ll Learn from This Project

• How to integrate rotary carving with flat CNC operations
• Proper laser power settings for clean acrylic engraving
• Tips for VCarving fine details in hardwood
• Practical safety considerations for mixed-material projects

🧠 Final Thoughts

This project is a perfect weekend build that showcases the true versatility of the AltMill with a rotary 4th axis and laser module. Whether you’re selling custom barware on Etsy or just want to impress your next house guest, this is a great way to stretch your CNC skillset while creating something beautiful and functional.

Want the files for this project? Let me know and I’ll put together the full .crv and LightBurn project files for download in the next post!