Ebony

[Jack Martin]

Ebony does not cut very well at all, compared to other woods. Padauk, maple, pine, walnut, camphor burl all cut well, same thickness, speed. Have not tried cobolo yet But ebony is unreal, 8 passes to do what I can with one for the above types... yes the same settings. I would compare it to the difference between acrylic and polyester.

Mostly a curiosity thing at this point, but wonder why.

[Brian Book]

I have the same problem can't even cut 1 mm black acrylic .... have no Idea why ?????

[Jack Martin]

That may be polyester and not acrylic. Melts and glues back to self

[Gene Uselman]

Ebony must be very dense- this is from the website of a local guitar maker:

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Ebony inlay.jpg

Brian- I suspect you have a completely different problem- you might elaborate?

[Jack Martin]

Have done that type of inlay with a small router and can't tell any difference between woods, but the laser really gripes about the ebony. I can cut it for inlay pieces but need to increase the size more that I would with other items I need to take multiple passes at. I think there is an oil or something in the wood. I would like to try a piece of snakewood, ironwood, and a couple others, but so expensive not worth it.

[Brian Book]

I tried cutting Ancient Bog Oak .... still a no go .... my thought is the color black is absorbing the light from the laser

[Jeffrey Aley]

I tried cutting Ancient Bog Oak .... still a no go .... my thought is the color black is absorbing the light from the laser

I don't know why those materials won't cut. But the idea of the color black absorbing light from the laser is a little bit backwards. You WANT the material to absorb the light (energy) from the laser. That's what causes it to heat up and therefore cut. The opposite would be a mirror, which reflects the light from the laser without being affected.

Also, things that absorb (or reflect) visible light don't necessarily absorb (or reflect) the Infra Red light from our lasers.

Regards,

-Jeff