You can have a compatible laser and graphics, but it’s all for naught if you don’t have the appropriate carving material. For wood projects, I work primarily with the hard maples, cherries, ashes, and basswood. Heavily grained woods do not carve as well. As a rule, if it’s a good wood for carving with traditional tools, it’s good to carve with the laser. Use solid wood only. Thickness is dependent on the design and required depth. I typically work with 1/8-inch thick or better stock. Plywood is not appropriate for relief carving; the face veneers usually are not thick enough and the carving can break through to the core material.
—C00LaserCraft
