Diode Laser Settings -

Material	5W (mm/min @%)	10W (mm/min @%)	20W (mm/min @%)	30W (mm/min @%)	40W (mm/min @%)	Advice
Pine	100 @100%	200 @100%	400 @100%	600 @100%	800 @100%	Use air assist to clear sap and start at 100 mm/min @100% for pine; watch for char.
Cedar	100 @90%	200 @95%	400 @95%	600 @95%	800 @95%	Cedar’s oils slow cuts—150 mm/min @90%, multiple passes gives cleaner edges.
Fir	100 @100%	200 @100%	400 @100%	600 @100%	800 @100%	Fir’s density varies; begin at 100–200 mm/min, adjust power if undercutting.
Spruce	100 @100%	200 @100%	400 @100%	600 @100%	800 @100%	Spruce similar to fir; mild air assist prevents back-burn in the grain.
Basswood	100 @100%	200 @100%	400 @100%	600 @100%	800 @100%	Basswood cuts very cleanly—can run ~20% faster than other woods.
Balsa	120 @80%	240 @80%	480 @80%	720 @80%	960 @80%	Balsa is very soft—up speeds by ~20% (e.g. 240 mm/min @80%) but avoid overburn.
Birch Plywood (3mm)	100 @100%	200 @100%	400 @100%	600 @100%	800 @100%	Birch plywood may have voids—slow to 100 mm/min and use extra passes to ensure cut-through.
Maple	100 @85%	200 @85%	400 @85%	600 @85%	800 @85%	Maple engraves well; for cutting use 200 mm/min @85% to minimize tear-out.
Oak	100 @100%	200 @100%	400 @100%	600 @100%	800 @100%	Oak grain causes uneven burns; stick to 100–200 mm/min ranges with multiple passes.

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