4 verified settings · manufacturer data · co2 glass laser · Updated January 2026
| Operation | Speed (mm/s) | Power (%) | Passes | Air Assist | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| cut | 36 | 100% | 1 | — | Poplar Hardwood, 1/8" - Medium Poplar Hardwood Settings, Pro |
| engrave | 144 | 100% | 1 | — | Poplar Hardwood, 1/8" - Medium Poplar Hardwood Settings, Pro - SD Graphic |
The Glowforge Glowforge Pro cuts Medium Poplar Hardwood cleanly at 36 mm/s with 100% 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 Medium Poplar Hardwood, 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 Medium Poplar Hardwood on the Glowforge Glowforge Pro, start at 36 mm/s speed and 100% power. These are manufacturer-verified starting points — always test on scrap first.
Air assist is strongly recommended when cutting Medium Poplar Hardwood. It clears smoke from the cut path, reduces charring, and helps protect your laser lens.
The manufacturer recommends 1 pass to cut through Medium Poplar Hardwood at 36 mm/s and 100% 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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