Veteran-built.
Why a contractor needs a laser and a 3D printer
Two machines on one bench do three jobs for a crew: they mark every tool so it comes back to the company, they print the mounts that keep a shop wall and a trailer organized, and they make jigs that turn small repetitive jobs into a few minutes of work. We run an xTool F2 laser with a rotary attachment and a Bambu Lab X2D printer with an AMS 2. Everything on this page is from our own shop.
Company ID on every tool
Our ME logo goes on every tool, battery, case and hand tool. A permanent mark makes a stolen tool hard to sell and easy to prove as ours, and on a busy site it ends the argument about whose drill it is. We add an asset number and keep a log with the model and serial number.
The full step-by-step, with where to mark and what never to laser, is in engrave your tools against theft.
Custom tags and logos for your crew
We designed a logo for Rick, our electrician, and engraved it on his tools, his batteries and a set of tags. A sub who brings their own tools to your job can mark them the same way, so nothing gets mixed up at the end of the day.
Printed wall mounts for the shop and trailer
Our tool wall is held together by printed mounts: battery racks, meter holders and saw shelves, printed on our Bambu Lab printer and screwed to the wall. Here is the wall, and some of the mounts up close.
Our own designs. We also design our own parts when nothing fits. The DeWalt DCG440B grinder guard hanger went through dozens of versions before it held the guard right, and the 5-inch disc holder keeps sanding and grinding discs sorted on the wall.
Community designs in our print library for the wall and trailer. These are other makers' files from MakerWorld. Each one has its own license, so check it before you print, and print for your own use:
- Milwaukee M18 Router Wall Mount by user_1112228699 (holds the M18 trim router on the wall)
- Milwaukee multi battery storage by Klevers 3D Printing (a rack for spare M18 packs)
- Two Drill Station for Packout Mounting Plate by BigDog805 (two drills on a PACKOUT plate)
- M18 Transfer pump wall mount 2771-20 by rs3875 (hangs the M18 transfer pump)
- DOUBLE DRYWALL SQUARE HANGAR by Alex (two drywall T-squares on one hook)
- Magnetic Safety Glasses Holder (Holds Up to 7) by yashmulgaonkar (safety glasses where the crew grabs them)
- Extension Cord Holder by VC_design (coiled cords off the floor)
- Universal Five Hammer Holder Organizer V2 by antjoh (five hammers in one rack)
- Propane torch gas bottle holder by TC's 3D's (keeps torch bottles upright)
- Wall mount for DeWalt planer by Patrick (hangs the DCP580 planer)
- Makita 18V duo battery holder by 3D Lab (two Makita packs on the wall)
- spray bottle holder by ABO Design (modular spray bottle rack)
- Milwaukee FAN M18AF-0 Packout Adapter by MRV3D (puts the M18 fan on a PACKOUT)
- Insert de chemise suspendue PACKOUT MILWAUKEE by Hydreblaster (a hanging-file insert for a PACKOUT box)
For truck and trailer parts that sit in the sun, print in ASA or PETG with extra walls. Screw mounts into studs or use rated anchors; a printed part is only as strong as what holds it to the wall.
Jigs that save time
A jig holds parts in the same spot every time, so you can engrave a batch without re-aiming. Our six-tag jig holds six dog tags on the xTool F2 bed and engraves them in one pass. We also printed a self-locking centering vise for the laser (a MakerWorld design by Marco) for round and odd-shaped parts.
The can-light speed bracket is our own design for recessed light installs. We went through 39 versions before the plate above.
Safety for both machines
- Keep the laser enclosed and vented outside, wear eye protection rated for your laser, and never leave it running alone.
- Never laser PVC or vinyl.
- Keep a fire extinguisher at the bench. Ours hangs next to the F2.
- Print in a ventilated room, and keep filament dry for strong parts.
The machines we use, and where to buy
xTool F2 laser
xTool F2 at xToolAll xTool machinesAmazon
Bambu Lab X2D printer
X2D specs at Bambu LabBambu Lab storeAmazon
PETG filament for mounts
AmazonHome DepotLowe'sAcmeWalmart
Blank metal tags for engraving
AmazonHome DepotLowe'sAcmeWalmart
Free model sites: MakerWorld and Printables. For news on new machines, read xTool in 2026 and Bambu X2D vs H2C vs P2S.