Skip to content What Is Vector Cutting?
Vector cutting explained: how laser software follows paths and outlines for cutting, scoring and line engraving.
General Info
Laser General Info – Here’s where you will find laser cutting and engraving posts classed as general information. Check out more at LaserUser.com
What Is Raster Engraving?
Raster engraving explained: how a laser scans line by line to reproduce filled artwork, photographs and tonal patterns.
What Is Laser Cutting?
Laser cutting explained: how a focused laser separates material and how wavelength, power, speed, focus and assist gas affect the cut.
What Is a Laser Rotary Attachment?
Laser rotary attachments explained: how roller and chuck rotaries rotate cylindrical objects for engraving and what setup factors affect accuracy.
What Is Laser Engraving?
Laser engraving explained: how a laser changes or removes material to create permanent marks, images, text and surface detail.
Laser Fume Extraction Explained: Airflow, HEPA & Carbon Filters
A practical guide to laser fume extraction: airflow, pressure, HEPA and carbon filters, filter loading, recirculation, compatible filters and UK LEV requirements.
What Is a Laser? How Laser Light Works
A practical explanation of what a laser is, how stimulated emission produces laser light, and why wavelength, focus and beam quality matter in laser cutting and engraving.
What Is Laser Wavelength and Why Does It Matter?
Laser wavelength explained in practical terms: what wavelength means, why CO₂, fibre and diode lasers behave differently, and how wavelength affects materials, optics and safety.
A Video Diary: Learning About Chinese Laser Cutting Machine Technology 02
By Russ Sadler Introduction This technically is a video diary …
A Video Diary: Laser Cutting and Engraving Videos 01
By Russ Sadler Introduction This technically is a video diary …
How to Laser Cut Foam: Safe Materials, Settings & Clean Cuts
A practical guide to laser cutting foam safely, including material identification, real settings for 30mm polyethylene foam, dot/perforation mode, air assist, focal length, kerf compensation and clean accurate cuts.
A Video Diary: Laser Machine Tutorials On How To Use A Laser Cutter 05
By Russ Sadler Introduction This technically is a video diary …
Dark Side of the Laser Lens
A “SHED SCIENCE” REPORT ON THE DUAL PERSONALITY OF LENSES …
A Video Diary: RDWorks Laser Cutter Tutorials Series 03a
By Russ Sadler Introduction These RDWorks laser cutter tutorials are …
What Is the Pre-Ionisation Zone of a CO₂ Laser Tube?
The pre-ionisation zone of a CO₂ laser tube explained: what happens before a stable discharge is established, why low-current behaviour can be erratic, and how it affects laser output.
What Can a Laser Cutter Cut?
I’ve laser cut a wide and varied number of materials …
A Video Diary: How to Use a Laser Cutter Tutorial Series 03
By Russ Sadler Introduction This technically is a video diary …
A Video Diary: How To Use A Laser Cutter Videos 04
By Russ Sadler Introduction This technically is a video diary …
How To Choose The Best Laser Cutting Machine for You.
Laser Cutting machines come in all shapes, sizes and power …
What Is a Laser Power Meter?
Laser power meters explained: how thermal and photodiode sensors measure optical power, why wavelength and power range matter, and how to choose a suitable meter.
How Much Does a Laser Cutter Cost to Run? Electricity & Running Costs
A practical guide to laser cutter running costs using real power measurements from a 50W CO₂ laser, plus comparison data for 40W–150W machines. Includes electricity calculations, ancillary equipment and broader operating costs.
What Causes a Tapered Kerf in Laser Cutting?
If you have ever laser cut a sheet of material …
How To Laser Engrave Slate
While browsing at a local store, I picked up a …
How to Laser Cut Stencils
If you own or have access to a laser cutting …
How To Use A Laser Power Meter
Having just purchased my very own laser power meter for …
Lens Performance Comparison Data – Or What Is The Best Laser Lens To Use
All tests were designed and conducted by Russ Sadler: August …
How Long Does a CO₂ Laser Tube Last?
How long a glass CO₂ laser tube lasts depends on tube quality, operating current, cooling, optical losses and workload. Learn how to judge ageing from current and measured optical power.
Buying a Chinese Laser Engraving and Cutting Machine
50 Watt CO2 Laser with 300 x 500mm Bed Size …
How to Extend CO₂ Laser Tube Life: 9 Practical Tips
Nine practical ways to extend glass CO₂ laser tube life: correct current, effective cooling, clean optics, traceable tube specifications and regular optical power checks.
