LaserUser.com Forum (formerly RDWorksLab)

Hello all,
New to lasers and already a pro! No, but seriously, I am new to lasers and each day I become more and more confused. This laser bug bit me pretty hard. about a month ago, I bought an Ortur Laser Master 2 Pro (diode) and here it is a month fast forward and I am burning on an OMTech 100w as I type this. Being new and not doing enough research, my purchasing decision was based on this "my diode was a 1.6w (output) and it just took for ever to get anything burnt on it. So... POWER ..... I have come to learn really fast that bigger is not always better. Do I get faster burns? sure!, do I have no idea what the ideal settings are? Couldn't be further from knowing right from wrong yet. I am super intrigued, this thing has my full attention and I intend to learn every aspect of it and how to use it to my benefit.
Today I watched the Russ Sadler video on dot management and I cant wait to download his tests an try to figure my machine out a little better.

Thanks for allowing me to join

Welcome Bobby - be sure to back up your vendor settings.
What material are burning?

Hi Robert,

One of the best things I did when learning at the start was to create a set of cut and engrave templates using a sample provided by a very helpful forum member.

There are 3 cut and 3 engrave templates, I created a set for acrylic and a set for 5mm ply, my preferred materials at the time. I used them as a visual guide when planning a new job and found them invaluable.

I did a search on here but didn't find the originals so I've attached mine, hope they are useful, you may need to tweak/mod to suit.

Cutting all materials that are possible. This is a hobby and I know there are a handful of materials you avoid. Especially ones with chlorine in them

Ian Bell. These files are rdl files. do you know how I can open them? my computer is trying to download programs in order to view them

The RDL files are opened with the native program language for Ruida laser controllers, which most here use. A lot of us have moved on to Lightburn software which has turned into a great alternative but it requires learning a new program. Ian still uses RDworks, I believe. Some use both but I believe slowly swing toward LB as it becomes more familiar. RDworks is a free download from Ruida or perhaps someone who still uses both would convert that format to the LB format.

More info here- viewtopic.php?f=107&t=3485

Yes, I have both and lean toward lightburn, thanks for the info