Discover how to Master Basswood Laser Cutting!
Welcome to another episode of “Material Minute”! In this post, we demonstrate how the Monport Onyx laser engraver performs a cutting test on 2mm basswood. With various power and speed settings, we evaluate how this machine achieves clean and efficient cuts. Whether you’re a laser enthusiast or a creator looking to fine-tune your setup, this guide will help you find the ideal settings for your own projects. Scroll down to see the test results and settings in action!
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| Setting | Value |
| Material | 2mm Basswood |
| Power | 20% to 100% |
| Speed | 5 mm/s to 50 mm/s |
| DPI | 254 |
| Line Interval | 0.1 mm |
| Air Assist | 5 PSI |
| Frequency | 20 kHz |
| Passes | 1 |
Final results of cut test on 2mm basswood.
Analysis & Observations on Cutting 2mm Basswood
Cleanest Cuts:
The optimal settings for clean, precise cuts were achieved with power levels between 60% and 80% and speeds ranging from 15–25 mm/s. These combinations delivered crisp edges with minimal charring, making them ideal for high-quality projects.
Overburn & Excess Charring:
Settings with higher power (90%-100%) and slower speeds (5–10 mm/s) resulted in significant overburn. The material showed darkened, heavily charred edges, making these settings less desirable for detailed work.
Shallow Cuts:
At higher speeds (30+ mm/s) and lower power levels (20%-40%), the cuts were too shallow to fully penetrate the 2mm basswood. These settings are unsuitable for cutting but may work for light engraving.
Air Assist Impact:
The 5 PSI air assist significantly reduced charring and helped maintain clean edges by blowing away debris during the cut.
Line Interval and DPI:
The 0.1 mm line interval and 254 DPI setting provide excellent precision for cutting, ensuring clean, consistent results across the grid. These settings showcase the Monport Onyx’s ability to deliver detailed and accurate cuts.
Based on our test, the most effective settings for achieving clean cuts on 2mm basswood are:
- Power: 60%–80%
- Speed: 15–25 mm/s
- DPI: 254
- Line Interval: 0.1 mm
- Air Assist: 5 PSI
- Frequency: 20 kHz
These settings provide a great balance between cutting depth and edge quality, minimizing charring while ensuring the material is fully cut through.
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