Laser and CNC
Kerf, material settings, AI artwork for engraving and the software around LightBurn, xTool and Vectric, with numbers you can test.
Laser and CNC
Best AI Tools for Laser Engraving in 2026, by Job
The best AI tools for laser engraving and cutting, grouped by job: artwork, text, vectors, photo prep, depth maps and all-in-one apps, with their limits.
September 21, 2026 3 min read
Laser and CNC
Depth Maps for CNC Relief Carving: From Photo to Toolpath
How to prepare a depth map for CNC relief carving: resolution, depth, background, PNG or STL, roughing and finishing tools, stepover and common mistakes.
September 21, 2026 3 min read
Laser and CNC
Laser Kerf Explained: Measure It and Set the Offset in LightBurn
What laser kerf is, why press-fit joints come out loose, how to measure kerf with one test cut, and how to set the kerf offset in LightBurn.
September 21, 2026 2 min read
Laser and CNC
AI Prompts for Laser Engraving, Cutting and CNC That Actually Work
AI prompt formulas for laser engraving and CNC: cut silhouettes, line art, photo engravings, depth map reliefs and lithophanes, for Midjourney and ChatGPT.
September 21, 2026 2 min read
Laser and CNC
Laser Power and Speed Settings by Material: A Starting-Point Guide
Starting power and speed settings for diode, CO2 and fiber lasers on wood, MDF, acrylic, leather, slate and metal, and the test grid that dials them in.
September 21, 2026 2 min read
Laser and CNC
Free Halloween Lantern Laser Cut Files (SVG, EPS, PDF) for 3 mm Wood
Free laser-cut Halloween lantern for 3 mm plywood or MDF: bats, a witch, a black cat and a haunted house in SVG, EPS and PDF, with settings and assembly.
September 21, 2026 2 min read
Laser and CNC
xTool AImake: What It Does for Laser and Craft Files (2026)
xTool AImake review: how it works inside xTool Studio, what it does well, where it falls short, how credits work, and how it compares with other AI tools.
September 21, 2026 2 min read