Knowledge: laser cutting from first cut to first sale
Practical guides with real numbers: settings, materials, file preparation, software and selling. Short answers first, details after.
For beginners14 articlesFile preparation14 articlesMaterials14 articlesLaser cutting14 articlesSoftware14 articlesSelling14 articles
Main guide · 6 min
How to Start Laser Cutting: A Beginner's Guide
To start laser cutting you need a laser (a 10 W+ diode or a 40 W+ CO2 machine), vector software such as LightBurn or the maker's own app, ventilation, a fire plan, and a stack of 3 mm plywood for test cuts. Download a ready-made SVG or DXF, set speed and power from a test grid, and cut a small project first.
Read the guideStart from zero
Five steps from "what laser?" to your first ornament.
- 01How to Start Laser Cutting: A Beginner's Guide6 min
- 02Diode vs CO2 Laser: Which One Should You Buy?6 min
- 03Laser Cutter Safety: Ventilation, Fire and Eye Protection6 min
- 04SVG vs DXF for Laser Cutting: Which File Format to Use7 min
- 05Your First Laser Project: Cut a Christmas Ornament Step by Step6 min
For beginners
All 14 articles →6 min · 14.11Diode vs CO2 Laser: Which One Should You Buy?Buy a diode laser (10 W+) if you mostly cut thin wood, engrave, and want a small, cheap, low-maintenance machine. Buy a CO2 laser (40 W+) if you…6 min · 14.11Your First Laser Project: Cut a Christmas Ornament Step by StepTo cut your first Christmas ornament, download a free 3 mm plywood SVG or DXF, import it into LightBurn or your laser app, confirm its size,…6 min · 14.11How to Start Laser Cutting: A Beginner's GuideTo start laser cutting you need a laser (a 10 W+ diode or a 40 W+ CO2 machine), vector software such as LightBurn or the maker's own app,…
File preparation
All 14 articles →6 min · 14.11How to Turn an Image into a Laser Cut FileTo turn an image into a laser cut file, start with a high-contrast picture, trace it to vector paths (Path > Trace Bitmap in Inkscape or Trace…7 min · 14.11Cut, Engrave and Score Layers ExplainedA cut layer follows a line at low speed and high power to separate the part, a score layer follows a line at low power to leave a shallow mark,…6 min · 14.11How to Fix Open Contours and Double Lines in DXF FilesTo fix open contours in a DXF, select open shapes, join end points with an auto-join tolerance of about 0.05 to 0.2 mm, then delete duplicate…
Materials
All 14 articles →7 min · 14.11Best Wood for Laser Cutting: Plywood, MDF and Hardwood ComparedFor most makers the best wood for laser cutting is 3 mm birch, basswood or poplar plywood: it is flat, cheap, cuts cleanly on a 10 W diode…6 min · 14.11Laser Cutting Acrylic: Cast vs Extruded, Settings and TipsCO2 lasers cut clear acrylic cleanly; typical 3 mm settings are roughly 6-10 mm/s at 70-90% on a 40 W machine, tested on scrap. A 445-455 nm diode…6 min · 14.11Laser Cutting MDF: What to Know Before You StartMDF cuts well on a CO2 laser, typically about 20% slower than the same thickness of plywood (roughly 6-12 mm/s at 70-90% on a 40 W machine for 3…
Laser cutting
All 14 articles →7 min · 14.11How to Focus a Laser Cutter CorrectlyTo focus a laser, set the distance between the lens and the material surface to the lens focal distance, so the beam is at its smallest spot. Use…7 min · 14.11How to Make a Laser Cut Finger Joint BoxTo make a laser cut finger joint box, enter the inside dimensions, material thickness (3, 4, 6, 8 or 10 mm) and your measured kerf into a…7 min · 14.11How to Measure Kerf and Compensate for ItTo measure kerf, cut a square of known size (for example 20 mm), measure it with a caliper and subtract: the kerf is the designed size minus the…
Software
All 14 articles →6 min · 14.11Free Laser Software: What You Can Do Without PayingYou can run a complete laser workflow for free: Inkscape for design, LaserGRBL (Windows only) to drive GRBL lasers, and the free vendor apps for…6 min · 14.11Using SVG Files with Glowforge: Tips and Common ProblemsGlowforge's web app accepts SVG and PDF for cutting and engraving, JPG and PNG for engraving only, and lists DXF for Premium members. SVG is the…6 min · 14.11How to Import SVG and DXF Files into xTool Creative SpacexTool Creative Space (XCS) officially lists SVG, DXF, PNG, JPG and BMP as import formats. Open a canvas, use the Import button or drag the file…
Selling
All 14 articles →6 min · 14.11Christmas Laser Cut Ideas to Sell This SeasonChristmas laser cut ideas that sell include ornaments, personalized family ornaments, gift tags, garlands, advent boxes and tree toppers. Plan…6 min · 14.11Laser Cut Products That Sell: Ideas That Actually Make MoneyLaser cut products that sell best are small, giftable and easy to personalize: ornaments, name signs, coasters, keychains, cake toppers and small…6 min · 14.11Personalized Laser Gift Ideas Customers Pay ForPersonalized laser gift ideas that customers pay for include name ornaments, engraved coasters, keepsake boxes, pet memorials, wedding table signs…