Discover how to Master White Oak Laser Engraving!
Welcome to another Material Minute, where we put the Monport Onyx 50W CO2 laser to the test! This time, we’re engraving 3.175 mm White Oak, a dense and durable hardwood prized for its tight grain and natural strength. While White Oak engraves well, its high tannin content and varying grain density require fine-tuned settings to avoid excessive burn and achieve clean, high-contrast details. Watch as we dial in the perfect laser settings to bring out sharp, crisp engravings while preserving the beauty of this classic wood!
By experimenting with various speed and power settings, we aim to find the ideal parameters for achieving sharp details and crisp contrast. Whether you’re fine-tuning your engraving skills or exploring the best techniques for White Oak, this guide will give you the insights you need to improve your results.
Scroll down to check out the test settings, see the engraving results, and level up your laser projects!
Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
| Setting | Value |
| Material | 3.175 mm White Oak |
| Power | 20% to 100% |
| Speed | 50 mm/s to 500 mm/s |
| DPI | 254 |
| Line Interval | 0.1 mm |
| Air Assist | 5 PSI |
| Frequency | 20 kHz |
| Passes | 1 |
Final results of cut test on 3.175 mm White Oak.
Analysis & Observations on Engraving 3.175 mm White Oak with a Monport Onyx 50W CO2 Laser
Optimal Engraving Settings
From our test results, the best engraving performance on 3.175 mm White Oak was achieved using 40% to 70% power at speeds between 250 mm/s and 400 mm/s. These settings delivered sharp details, high contrast, and minimal charring, making them ideal for fine text, intricate patterns, and precision designs.
Performance Insights
- Crisp and Clear Engravings:
The 40%–70% power range combined with 250–400 mm/s speed resulted in well-defined engravings with smooth gradients and reduced burn marks. - Overburn & Charring:
When engraving at higher power levels (80%–100%) and slower speeds (50–150 mm/s), excessive heat caused deep burns, surface roughness, and significant darkening. This led to overburn effects, which may be undesirable for detailed or fine designs. - Light or Faint Engravings:
At lower power levels (20%–30%) and higher speeds (450 mm/s and above), the engravings lacked depth and contrast, often appearing too faint or barely visible. These settings are not ideal for detailed work, but they may work well for subtle markings or engraving on pre-treated wood.
Key Factors Affecting Engraving Quality
- Air Assist Impact:
A 5 PSI air assist helped reduce residue buildup, prevent excess charring, and clear away debris, improving engraving clarity. - Line Interval & DPI:
The 0.1 mm line interval and 254 DPI resolution provided smooth shading and fine details, ensuring consistent and clean engraving results.
Recommended Engraving Settings for 3.175 mm White Oak
- Power: 40% – 70%
- Speed: 250 – 400 mm/s
- DPI: 254
- Line Interval: 0.1 mm
- Air Assist: 5 PSI
- Frequency: 20 kHz
By following these settings, you can achieve high-contrast, detailed engravings on Padauk with minimal burn marks and excellent readability. Whether you’re engraving text, logos, or artistic designs, these optimized settings will ensure professional-quality results.
Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Stay Connected for More Inspiration!
Take Your Laser Engraving Skills to the Next Level with ADT Studios! 🔥🎨
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned maker, our Material Minute series is packed with expert insights, real-world material tests, and pro tips to help you achieve flawless engraving results every time.
🔍 Discover the Best Settings & Techniques → Explore Material Tests
🎨 Get Inspired with Hands-On Projects → Check Out Creative Builds
🛠️ Find the Right Tools for Your Craft → Dive into Reviews & Comparisons on our website!
🔹 Shop the Best Laser Engraving & Crafting Supplies! 🔹
Looking for great deals on top-quality materials and tools? Visit our Walmart Creator Storefront to explore curated collections of laser engraving blanks, crafting essentials, accessories, and more—all handpicked to help you create with confidence! 🛒✨#WalmartPartner
Join the ADT Studios community on YouTube and Facebook for exclusive tutorials, expert Q&As, and next-level engraving techniques. Let’s create something AMAZING together—follow us now! 🚀🔥
