A 130W CO2 laser cutter is a versatile tool for wood projects, but optimizing settings for engraving versus deep cutting requires balancing power, speed, and material properties. Below is a detailed guide to maximize efficiency and quality for both workflows, based on industry insights and technical specifications.

​​1. Engraving Optimization​​
Key Settings for Precision and Detail
• Power: Use 15–50% power (≈20–65W) depending on wood hardness. Softwoods like pine or basswood require lower power (15–30%) to avoid burning, while hardwoods like oak may need up to 50% for deeper etching .

• Speed: Set 400–500 mm/s for detailed engravings. Slower speeds (100–200 mm/s) enhance contrast but increase charring risks .

• Resolution (DPI/Line Interval):

• For high-detail designs: 0.1–0.15 mm line interval .

• For text or basic patterns: 0.2 mm line interval .

• Air Assist: Lower pressure (0.5–1 bar) reduces debris without disturbing fine details .

Best Practices
• Use LightBurn or LaserGRBL to convert images to grayscale and adjust contrast for optimal engraving depth .

• Perform test runs on scrap wood to calibrate settings, especially for mixed-grain materials .

• Clean the lens and mirrors regularly to maintain clarity and prevent power loss .

​​2. Deep Wood Cutting​​
Key Settings for Thick Materials (e.g., 20mm Hardwood)
• Power: Maximize 80–100% power (≈104–130W) to penetrate dense grains. Reduce to 80% for prolonged jobs to extend tube life .

• Speed:

• Hardwood: 10–30 mm/s for clean, full-thickness cuts .

• Plywood: 30–50 mm/s due to its layered structure .

• Passes: 1–2 passes for 20mm hardwood; 2–3 passes for resinous plywood to avoid charring .

• Air Assist: High pressure (1.5–2 bar) blows away debris and minimizes scorching .

Advanced Techniques
• Focus Adjustment: Position the lens 0.5–1.5mm below the surface to concentrate energy for deeper penetration .

• Pulsed Mode: Use 5,000 Hz pulsing to reduce heat buildup and achieve smoother edges .

• Cooling Systems: Ensure water-cooling (for CO2 tubes) or dual-fan systems maintain stable temperatures during extended cuts .

​​3. Material-Specific Considerations​​
• Hardwoods (Oak, Maple):

• Higher resin content requires slower speeds and nitrogen assist to reduce flaming .

• Pre-sand surfaces to remove irregularities that affect focus .

• Plywood/MDF:

• Avoid materials with knots or voids, as they cause inconsistent cuts .

• Use honeycomb workbeds to minimize back reflections and support large panels .

​​4. Workflow Tips​​
• Design Preparation:

• For engraving: Vectorize designs in software like Adobe Illustrator to ensure sharp edges .

• For cutting: Optimize nesting layouts in LightBurn to reduce material waste .

• Safety:

• Ensure ventilation to remove toxic fumes from resins or adhesives in plywood .

• Never leave the machine unattended during high-power cutting .

​​5. Maintenance for Consistency​​
• Daily: Clean lenses and nozzles with isopropyl alcohol .

• Weekly: Calibrate mirrors and check laser alignment to maintain beam accuracy .

• Monthly: Replace cooling water (if water-cooled) and inspect air-assist pumps .

​​Summary​​
• Engraving: Prioritize lower power (15–50%), higher speed (400–500 mm/s), and fine resolution (0.1–0.15 mm) .

• Deep Cutting: Use full power (80–100%), slower speeds (10–50 mm/s), and high air pressure (1.5–2 bar) .

By tailoring settings to your project type and wood characteristics, a 130W laser cutter can deliver professional results for both intricate engravings and industrial-grade cuts. For further guidance, refer to machine manuals or platforms like LightBurn’s community forums .