Kerf Offset not actually adjusting output?

[Markad (Mark Diller)]

Hello, I’m experimenting with the “Kerf offset” function when cutting some 1/8" solid maple. I have a FoxAlien Reizer Mega, running the brand new 40W upgraded laser which, by the way, cuts very well.

I’m first cutting a test shape, in this case a triangle, with no kerf offset. Then, I’m copying and pasting that same triangle and changing the previous one to a tool line so it doesn’t cut. On the new one, I’m updating the same cut layer to increase the kerf offset in hopes that I will find the correct offset so the second or subsequent shape fists tightly in the original opening.

It seems that whatever I adjust the kerf offset to, ex: .01, .02, .03 etc., it doesn’t fit any tighter than the original. I watched this video on YouTube and this person used .01 as the offset for the inner parts, and they fit tightly: HOW TO.. Lightburn Kerf Offset - YouTube . Granted, he was cutting acrylic and I’m cutting wood, but I’m still not seeing a difference in the sizing of the subsequent triangles when I’m increasing the Kerf offset, no matter the amount. Is there something I’m missing? Thanks! -Mark

[jkwilborn (Jack Wilborn)]

There is no ‘triangle’ tool in Lightburn to draw one. How did you draw it?

Is it an ‘open’ shape?

If so, kerf cannot (won’t) be applied.

You can see if it’s open… Click somewhere everything is ‘not selected’…

‘Edit → Select open shapes’ will ‘select’ any open shapes you have.

[Markad (Mark Diller)]

Actually you can draw a triangle, I’ve learned…

1. Click on the hexagon (create regular polygon) icon.
2. Draw your shape
3. Go to the Shape Properties Window.
4. Change the number of sizes from the default of 6 to three, and you have a triangle.

[Markad (Mark Diller)]

I meant “sides” not “sizes”.

[Markad (Mark Diller)]

Jack, you did help me out with the ‘open shapes.’ I was playing around with node editing and I must have opened the shape, because there was one teeny tiny gap. That’s the issue, I’m sure. Thanks Jack! -Mark