Illustrator… JUUUULES? @Jules
It’s not an easy thing to codify, because different materials react differently to the laser. Generally, the way I see the physics here is that engraves have a “v” shape to them because of the way that heat transfer works. Therefore for super skinny lines they just can’t get to the bottom of the V and will naturally not be as deep. It has to do with a complex amount of factors, and thought I haven’t tested it, I am fairly sure that increasing laser residency time will probably reduce the effect.
As for LPI, the rule of thumb is roughly 1.5x dpi to lpi is plenty to prevent any artifacts (though I am just parroting what people have said)… and with wood, you’re pretty limited in terms of resolution, the wood fibers are larger than 675 lpi. Higher LPI increases darkness and depth, but after about 270 it doesn’t add much to the end result.
Previously:
Try taking the settings way slower. Also since we’re on settings, lets move this to beyond the manual, as that’s where GF makes us talk about non-PG settings.
I’d go with something like 300/60/1pass and 270 lpi. Since it’s (as you say) all vector, dots and vary power settings aren’t a possibility so we can ignore that.
In the end, what it comes down to is “do you like it?” if it looks good to you, then it’s right. 