Blog

Laser Cutter Guides & Settings

Practical guides for hobbyist laser users — machine-specific settings, material guides, and tips for getting better results from your diode or CO2 laser.

Machine Guide

xTool D1 Pro Settings Guide — Power, Speed & Materials

Complete settings reference for the xTool D1 Pro 10W and 20W. Wood, acrylic, leather, and more with tested starting points.

May 2026 · 7 min read
Machine Guide

Sculpfun S30 Settings Guide for Cutting and Engraving

Dialed-in settings for the Sculpfun S30 Ultra across common hobbyist materials. Starting points you can trust.

May 2026 · 6 min read
Material Guide

Laser Cutter Settings for Acrylic — Diode & CO2

How to cut and engrave acrylic cleanly without melting, cracking, or flaming. Settings for diode and CO2 machines.

May 2026 · 6 min read
Material Guide

Laser Cutter Settings for Wood — Plywood, MDF & Hardwood

Power and speed settings for cutting and engraving the most common wood types on hobbyist diode and CO2 lasers.

May 2026 · 7 min read
Material Guide

Laser Engraving and Cutting Leather — Settings Guide

Get clean cuts and sharp engravings on genuine and faux leather. Includes settings for diode lasers and CO2 machines.

May 2026 · 5 min read
Concepts

What Is Kerf Offset in Laser Cutting? (And Why It Matters)

Kerf offset explained — what it is, how to measure it, and how to apply it in LightBurn for precise fitting parts.

May 2026 · 5 min read
Software

LightBurn Settings Guide for Beginners

The essential LightBurn settings every new user needs to understand — speed, power, passes, cut vs fill, and more.

May 2026 · 8 min read
Buying Guide

Diode vs CO2 Laser Cutter — Which Should You Buy?

The honest comparison for hobbyists — what each type can cut, what each costs, and which one makes sense for your projects.

May 2026 · 7 min read