New be user, just getting started in laser hobbie. Using a Twotree 20W pro device with lightburn on a windows pc. Ive tried various settings but get a lot of charring on the surface around cuts. Using 1/8" basswood for material. What is best to minimize charred edges? Faster speed with higher power? Slower speed with lower power? Some combination with multiple passes. Any advice would be appreciated.
Jeff
Edge charring is usually caused by too much heat—typically excessive power, slow speed, multiple passes, poor focus, or insufficient air assist and exhaust.
Try increasing speed, reducing power, using stronger air assist, checking focus and optics, and improving smoke extraction. Wood type also matters; plywood and MDF can char more because of their glue and resin content.
You can get laser-specific plywood that uses a urea-based glue that does not burn like the formaldehyde-based glues found in exterior/weather hardy materials.
Higher speeds with medium to lower power and more passes. Here is an example: