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In: Laser Cutters & Engravers

You can ruin an expensive sheet in 30 seconds if you treat all materials the same. I keep a reference card taped inside my laser cabinet because I got tired of remembering which acrylic melts and which one cuts clean. Same with wood. MDF cuts different than plywood, and if you don’t know why, you’ll waste time and money figuring it out the hard way. This is not a complete guide. It’s a quick reference for the materials I use most in my shop. I’m focusing on what actually matters when you’re standing at the machine trying to decide on settings. Wood Reference Plywood (HardwoodKEEP READING →

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In: Laser Cutters & Engravers

If your edges look burned and your lens keeps getting dirty, your air assist is probably garbage… Why Air Assist Actually Matters Air assist does two things. It blows away smoke and debris while you cut, and it cools the material so you get cleaner edges. Most stock air pumps that come with budget CO2 lasers push maybe 0.3 CFM at 5 PSI. That’s not enough to clear smoke on anything thicker than 3mm. The result is brown edges on wood, melted acrylic, and a lens that gets coated in residue every few cuts. You end up stopping to clean optics constantly or running theKEEP READING →

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In: Laser Cutters & Engravers

Let’s Talk About Safety with Your Laser Laser engraving is an incredible process, but it comes with responsibilities. If you want to avoid accidents and keep your workspace hazard-free, follow these essential safety tips—applicable whether you’re using a Monport, Cloudray, OMTech, xTool, or Glowforge. Know Your Ventilation Setup Lasers produce smoke and fumes, especially when cutting materials like acrylic or wood. Good ventilation is a must. Position your exhaust system so it pulls fumes away from you. Monport machines often come with helpful guidelines for exhaust fan placement, and other brands do the same. Proper ventilation can prevent respiratory issues and keep your workspace fresh.KEEP READING →

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In: Laser Cutters & Engravers

Diving into laser engraving can feel like learning a new language. Let’s clear up some common terms you’ll run into, whether you’re rocking a Monport or another popular brand like OMTech, Glowforge, Cloudray, or xTool. 1. CO₂ Laser A type of laser that uses a gas mixture—primarily carbon dioxide—to create the laser beam. Commonly used for cutting and engraving non-metal materials. 2. Fiber Laser A solid-state laser often used for metal marking and cutting. More expensive and powerful than CO₂ lasers, typically found in industrial settings. 3. Laser Tube The part of a CO₂ laser that actually generates the laser beam. Typically water-cooled, with aKEEP READING →