Material Tips: Wood Engraving & Cutting

With wood being a very versatile material, it is difficult to set a standard for engravement. To help find the right power and speed settings to achieve your desired result, it is important to understand the type of wood you are working with. When engraved and burned, lighter colored woods, such as white ash, will have a much greater contrast compared to darker colored woods such as oak, for example. Also significant to the outcome of your project is the density of the wood. Oak, being a harder wood, would not engrave as deeply as a softer wood such as ash, with the same power and speed settings. The best way to perfect your methods is to determine your desired contrast and depth and adjust your power and speed settings accordingly.
It is also recommended to be mindful of the grain direction in the wood with respect to the layout and orientation of your design. Another common problem that users experience is discoloration of the surrounding areas due to burning. One simple solution for this problem is to use masking tape to protect the surface of the wood. After the design is complete and the tape is removed, it is also helpful to clean the surface Hydrogen Peroxide or fine sandpaper.
Also when cutting wood or acrylic, replace the air assist compressor with shop air or an air tool compressor, setting the air pressure at around 20 psi, this will blow the flame down and reduce the burning. For acrylic, adjusting the air pressure can result in a smoother cutting surface.

Wood Engraving & Cutting Tips: