Hello everyone, I am new to laser engraving and cutting. I have cut a couple of projects successfully on 3mm thick plywood, but it took 5+ passes on 2.9mm/sec 100% power. The last project I tried over 6 passes and even slower, but it would not cut through and left burn marks on the edges.
Is there any way I can make sure the laser will cut through? I have made sure that the laser is at correct height from the material by using the included spacer, I do not know what else I could do.
Ant tips for cleaning it maybe? TIA
My honest opinion is that a 7 Watt diode laser is not suitable for cutting 3mm plywood. That said, you can make sure that you at least have plywood that is suitable specifically for laser processing, i.e. interior glued plywood. But as I wrote at the beginning, when you have to use so many passes to finally get through, the result is still not pretty.
As an alternative, you can try poplar plywood, but this material also has other properties…, or a stronger diode or co2 laser.
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More passes, but you are already there. As @bernd.dk says, cutting with that power is a difficult task. The only thing you did not mention is using air assist. If you do not have it, get it and you will see better results.
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Thank you for your quick responses. I might look into getting the 12w diode, also I do not have air assist, might need to try that as well.
I have given the laser a careful clean and will test again later, just to see if that improves the performance a bit.
As far as I know there are no 7Watt diodes, I think 5 or 5.5Watt is “standard”, all the others are multi-diode devices.
Use your machine to engrave with or to cut the material that the diode can handle and is intended for, it saves you a lot of time and irritation.
If you want to cut you need to go up to “20” watts or higher and here too it must be laser-suitable plywood - this also applies to my 60Watt CO2 laser, it also cannot cut exterior glued material without it looking like something from hell - burned.
Hi Marcus
This is a limitation of your laser module so until you can upgrade to something stronger to cut thicker material you can focus on what your present 7w will be good at.
You can purchase pre-cut materials like slate coasters or picture size plywood/hardwood etc and use the small laser spot size to achieve good detail. You also have options like engraving pens, cutting boards, wooden spoons and many more material options.
Research and work this tools advantages and save time, the air assist will also be of great benefit.
Knowing the correct materials will help but can cost a bit more so you can use the cheaper such as plywood with exterior glues for practice.
While your laser module can operate to the stated capacity it will last longer if not operated at full capacity all the time and produce less soot and fumes. Also, a greater power laser module will weigh more a speed will have to be monitored to avoid unwanted movement/flexation while operating.
Have fun!
I did a lot of cutting with my 10w diode. My 2nd machine in the 20w mode cuts about 40% faster, mower power but bigger beam.
Blue light diodes are rated for a maximum of 5.5w, per diode. A 7w diode is advertising fluff. A 33w laser has 6 diodes running 5.5w output each. The reputable manufacturers do not usually run above 5w to extend the life of the diodes. Like @bernd.dk says, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 70w lasers all have multiple 5w diodes using mirrors.
And 120W diodes.
Good grief!!! That is enough power to launch the laser. 
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Mikey, I do that too with my 5.5Watt diode, xxx passes… - the result is just not good enough in my eyes. It’s very similar to when I “have to” cut through some 5mm outdoor plywood, it can be done and I’ve done it quite a bit in the beginning (with 40 and 60Watt CO2 laser), but the post-processing and all the black dust from that… - I don’t do it anymore in my workshop anyway.
The pictures are from some of the 5-6mm materials, cut with 60Watt and lots of compressed air and post-processing… it’s not suitable for sale, in my opinion.
Depends on how you are selling it, right? Painted or covered with resin by my customer solved the problem for me. The rest I wipe with a microfiber cloth, and sometimes alcohol, to reduce the carbon residue. What is left is a warranty it was “Laser Made” locally and not imported from China.
Anything is possible, but what I mean is that if it takes more time and effort to post-process laser cut items than it takes to laser them, then it becomes unprofitable.
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We are supposed to be profitable? Totally new concept!
Nothing new here, if I have orders then it should be worth it.
The last two nice orders alone, which were not big but they covered all costs and gave a profit that corresponded (almost) to the purchase price of the machine itself. It is of course a luxury because I do not have to live off the laser. However, I really enjoy maintaining my creative and craft skills, which the darker and colder winter time gives me the opportunity to do, it is also a luxury and priceless.
My winter work season is over now and from Saturday we are on the road through Europe and Scandinavia again in our RV.
My wife is teasing me whether I should take the laser with me in the RV, so that I don’t get bored on the trip… I still have the little 5Watt diode laser, maybe I should… 
No, I will just keep an eye on the LightBurn forum for the time being, that is fine by me.
HaHa! I spend a month at a time in NY with family. My daughter-in-law bought for my birthday the iCube 10w machine because I complained all my toys were in FL.
Take the 5w with you, just in case.
Enjoy your road trip!
You have any roads there like this?
The Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap is a renowned 11-mile stretch of US 129 in North Carolina/Tennessee, boasting 318 curves that make it a premier destination for motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts. Open year-round, this challenging road features no intersections or driveways, a 30 mph speed limit, and stunning Smoky Mountain views.
No, and it’s still missing from my list 
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A few years ago we were lucky enough to be able to drive a nice trip in West America, and enjoyed the trip through 5 US states. Before that we spent a year around Australia and Tasmania also in an RV, it was the best time of my life.
Here in Europe it’s probably the Alps or the fjords and mountains of Norway or the Scottish Highlands, which can give us some similar nature experiences.
We love the mountains but also the flatter countries, but the coasts / water always attract magic, probably because we ourselves come from an island.
That sounds like a really nice daughter-in-law, congratulations to her
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