Any Suggestions on Reducing or Eliminating Soot?

[rebeltaz]

Honeycomb does not help, if you don't have a downdraft or a cross draft built in under the piece. You need direct air flow to carry the smoke and debris away from the cut. Just sitting on top of a honeycomb makes the airflow worse.

I didn't know that. I'll try that. Thanks.

[GeneMpls]

Transfer or Application tape works better than masking tape- sign shops use it to hold vinyl letters etc together before applying them.

[rebeltaz]

Transfer or Application tape works better than masking tape- sign shops use it to hold vinyl letters etc together before applying them.

I'll check that out. thanks!

[saggi]

I use isopropyl alcohol and a cotton towel for the dark edges. This removes the smoke on the plywood after cutting. Whether it helps here, I don't know.

[rebeltaz]

I use isopropyl alcohol and a cotton towel for the dark edges. This removes the smoke on the plywood after cutting. Whether it helps here, I don't know.

That's usually what I do. I was just hoping there was a way to avoid having to do that, but ...

I appreciate it.

[joejones]

I am just curious? Has anyone tried to FREEZE wood before cutting it? I am wondering if this would reduce or eliminate the soot problem. I don't have a freezer for panels of birch plywood, for example, but I am really curious how frozen wood react to lasers.

What about using CO2 as an assist gas? It would prevent the wood closest to the material that is being cut by the laser from igniting, for lack of oxygen. Would THAT help to cut down on, or eliminate soot?

Joe