Hey forge friends and alike. I am a newer pro owner that is having a blast with the sample proof grade bundle that came with my pro. I have been reading as much as I can about what is and is not good for my forge, and I am even aware of what the “blue thing” is does and how to use it.
I have begun collecting non proofgrade leather, acrylic, plywood and hardwoods and I could use a bit of guidance from you, please, on how to safely and successfully develop material settings. .
I am looking for direction on how to best test all the great things we can cut etch and engrave so I can build a database for my UI.
I have found some templates that people use and plan on beginning there. I first wanted to ask if anyone would share your process before I begin?
Start with selecting a similar material and thickness from the Proofgrade options, use those settings as a starting point. (You can see what they are by clicking on the little arrow to the right on the popout.) They likely won’t need much tweaking.
And after a few months or so, you’ll be able to tweak them by “feel”. (Good job on knowing the secret blue thing’s function.)
Another piece of advice: when in doubt start with faster speeds and lower power than you think you’ll need. You can always do a second pass but you can’t put material back on.
One more thing, some materials like multiple passes, you don’t always have to plow thru in one pass. Addams foam board is an example. I use three passes to cut it and get much better results than doing it in one.
Welcome!
As a total newbie to both CNC and lasers - but with a year’s experience, I can tell you materials vary, even with the same manufacturer. I test all the things to ensure the result.
Once you sneak up on the settings, Document them. Some use a spreadsheet, I show my age by using a notebook.
Jules is right though, after a time you will develop that “feel” for the settings you start with.
He he he…