Category Laser Cutting Tips

Learn how to prepare SVG and DXF files for laser cutting 3mm basswood. Set units, convert text to paths, check for closed paths - $2.08/sheet basswood.

LightBurn sends cut and engrave jobs straight to your laser; Inkscape designs the artwork. Compare both for 3mm basswood - free calculator inside.

Vector vs raster engraving on basswood: vector cuts and scores, raster gives photo-like detail. Laser-grade 3mm sheets at $2.08/sheet.

Compare 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, and 6mm basswood plywood for laser cutting. 3mm cuts in 1-2 passes at 8-25 mm/s. Free settings calculator inside.

Best DPI and settings for photo engraving on basswood plywood. Floyd-Steinberg dithering, 254-300 DPI start point, diode and CO2 speeds included.

Balsa cuts at 25mm/s on CO2 lasers but chars easily and maxes out at 6mm thick. Compare balsa vs basswood for your laser projects.

Compare wholesale laser-cut wood blanks ($0.30-$2.00/pc) vs cutting your own from Crafteker basswood ($0.21/pc). Real cost breakdown: save 72% per piece.

Basswood cuts 20-30mm/s on CO2 lasers; maple needs ~15% more power. Compare density, char risk, and typical settings for both.

Best wood sheets for diode lasers: basswood cuts at 8-12mm/s on xTool, Sculpfun, Atomstack & more. Real tested settings inside.

Should you mask wood before laser engraving? Yes — when cutting light basswood. Here's when it matters, how to apply it, and what happens if you skip it.