3 verified settings · manufacturer data · co2 glass laser · Updated January 2026
| Operation | Speed (mm/s) | Power (%) | Passes | Air Assist | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| engrave | 72 | 16% | 1 | — | Cherry Plywood, 1/4" - Thick Cherry Plywood Settings - HD Photo |
The Glowforge Glowforge Basic/Plus cuts Thick Cherry Plywood cleanly at 72 mm/s with 16% power. Always test on a scrap piece first — every machine is slightly different, and variables like tube age, lens condition, and material batch can shift results.
For Thick Cherry Plywood, the key variables to dial in are speed and power. If the laser isn't cutting through cleanly, slow down or add a pass before pushing power higher — excessive power causes charring and wider kerfs. Air assist is highly recommended for wood and organic materials to clear smoke and protect the lens.
Once you find settings that work, save them in Laser Lab to build your personal settings library. The AI predictor uses your calibrated results to suggest starting points for new materials automatically — so the more you log, the smarter it gets.
For cutting Thick Cherry Plywood on the Glowforge Glowforge Basic/Plus, start at 72 mm/s speed and 16% power. These are manufacturer-verified starting points — always test on scrap first.
Air assist is strongly recommended when cutting Thick Cherry Plywood. It clears smoke from the cut path, reduces charring, and helps protect your laser lens.
The manufacturer recommends 1 pass to cut through Thick Cherry Plywood at 72 mm/s and 16% power. If the cut isn't clean, try reducing speed slightly before adding more passes.
Incomplete cuts are usually caused by incorrect power, speed, or focus distance. If edges are charred, try increasing speed or reducing power. If the laser isn't cutting through, reduce speed or increase power — or add an extra pass. Also verify your focal distance is correct for the material thickness and that your lens is clean.
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