Quote Originally Posted by Doddy View Post
Just to throw a curve-ball here.

Komatias - how do you find cutting wood affects the optics? (I'm thinking resinous smoke deposits on the mirrors) - Not necessarily a game-changer, but I'm thinking that it needs to be considered here. I would agree if you can cut with a laser this must be a good, viable solution, but I have avoided particle/laminate boards up to now with my 40W chinese (not that acrylic is particularly clean).

I'm surprised that 50W will cut 1/4" - but will take your advice on this. Perhaps I need to grow a pair and get some ply in mine - I've plenty of 1/4" knocking about and a project that needs an enclosure (ironically, to contain a laser - but only 1W 450nm... though that nearly set fire to my shed). Maybe a couple of passes will get through.
Doddy,

40W will cut through 3mm ply in one pass but 6mm in two or three depending. You need to have a look at getting an air nozzle on you machine if it is the chinese 40W one.