NewlyDraw cutting questions on 3020

[miniaturemaniac]

Thanks for the welcome to the forum.
I have been 'playing' with the software and have been (possibly) trying to run before I can walk.
I have imported a dxf file of a detailed frame. I want to engrave and cut. I have worked out how to select the bits I want to engrave (and the different modes) and the bit I want to cut.
Now the thing I want to know is -
is there a way in Newlydraw that I can tell the laser to cut 3 or more times (passes, as I think you call it) ONLY the cuts not the engraving.
Because what I am trying to cut is small and delicate I don't want to 'burn' the edge or have a thick 'cut' and of course if I have the power low it won't cut all the way through - infact it only really 'draws' a line.
I have only tried the power cranked up a tiny bit (possibly 15-20%) and it is just too thick and is ugly or maybe its me that's thick! Is it a speed thing - I had it set to 8? and I am only using 1/8th (not even quite that (thinner) ply) - I just presume the more power the thicker, blacker the cut line will be and that's no good for me!
I am getting lovely engraving but I just can't get the cut thing right.
I want to make engravings and cuts with 1/16th perspex and on fabrics with a pile, but I need to master which settings for cuts on wood first.
I do hope my 'problem' is just because I am new to this and that I need some kind person's guidance.
Regards
Sue

[StarLoc Adhesives]

I searched for a way to do it in the settings on newlydraw and ended up either copying and pasteing 2 or 3 layers, get them in the same place by grouping them and using the same coordinates by typeing it in, or by clicking cut a second time it seems to cut in the same position every time

To reduce burn, have you tried turning power up and cutting much faster?

[miniaturemaniac]

Thanks for reply
Thought that maybe the way to do it - just was hoping I might of missed something in program to make it easier.
How far can I 'crank' up the speed on 3020 - I don't want to damage anything? Manual has 25 as max. on example setting guidelines.
As I understand you - if I go faster speed and higher power this will reduce burn.
This is possibly where I am doing the reverse - idiot that I am.
I wound be grateful if you can tell me max speed though.
Regards
Sue

[Daven]

Hi Sue, welcome Yeah I do the same as Star.

If you can get the balance of engraving speed and cutting speed (both done via the 'Prop' option - top right of first pop-up window) - set scan speed fast and cut speed slow you may be lucky or at least just have two cut passes

Best

Dave

[bobg]

Hi Sue

It sounds as though you are doing really well on your own! I've had my 3020 since February and am still experimenting!

Probably the best advice is to draw a small test piece and experiment with speed and power. A small piece can be moved around in Newlydraw so that on one A4 sheet of material you can make many tests of speed and power. As you have deducted a faster speed and higher power can sometimes be better than very low power and multiple passes - but sometimes not. The 'published' figures given by HPC in their literature are a guide only. You won't hurt the machine by trying different combination of speed power (and when engraving - Gap - the spacing of the lines when engraving - which is on the second setup screen in Newlydraw).

Make sure your air pump is on when cutting as I sometimes forget and that can create burn marks. I switch my light and air pump on and off together now so I don't forget.

Hope that helps a little.

Cheers
Bob

[miniaturemaniac]

Thanks Guys
I will try out your recommendations tomorrow and let you know how I get on
Very grateful for your help and so prompt replies
Cheers

Sue

[Spooky]

A quick thought Sue? what kind of plywood are you using?

best wishes

Dave

[miniaturemaniac]

Hi Dave
Its not laser ply - its just some hobby ply that I have in my stash so I know it won't be burn free but it seems whatever I try and cut on it is leaving burn marks and very thick lines.

The very first test piece I did was engrave and cut on 3 mm ply (not laser ply) - the engrave was spot on and the cut line was excellent - nice and thin - which suits my miniature creations, but of course it no way cut through - tried the same again but increased power for the cut - yuk it was 'orrible and thick and burnt edge (which I suspected would happen) but still didn't cut deep enough so I figured turning the power up even more would make it thicker and blacker!
This is why I thought maybe I have to several passes to keep this fine line I needed.
Regards
Sue

[StarLoc Adhesives]

try unplugging the extractor fan , the machine will fill with smoke.....but you generaly get far less burn on the surface of materials ( but you may need to clean mirrors and lens more often )

[Daven]

I find I can cut 3mm laser ply using around 5 turns on the pot (50%?) at speed of 10 - I went through the same learning curve as you Sue with my 3020, I would suggest cleaning the lens and check which way up it is - I did put some pictures up a while ago showing the steps required to clean the lens. EDIT - here is the post.

I don't turn off the extraction and keep an eye on the temp of the water - it can rise quite quick after engraving which as Dave (spooky) will tell you will not do the tube any good and affects the cut quality.

Another thing I use is 'transfer paper' - used for sign making and available on ebay. It is good for masking the wood when engraving.

Best

Dave