Glowforge Basic Settings for Paper

Cutting Settings

Engraving Settings

How to Set Up Paper on the Glowforge Basic

1. 1Secure your paper flat on the work bed using clamps, magnets, or a honeycomb pin set to prevent movement during the job.
2. 2Set your focus distance accurately — use the auto-focus probe if your machine has one, or measure manually with the focus gauge.
3. 3Ensure your water cooling system is running and the coolant temperature is between 15–25°C before starting the laser.
4. 4Keep a fire extinguisher or spray bottle nearby. Paper is flammable — never leave the machine unattended while cutting this material.
5. 5Enable air assist if available. A steady stream of air at the cut point removes debris, reduces charring, and helps prevent flare-ups.
6. 6Enter the speed, power, and pass count from the settings table above into LightBurn. Use the “Cut” or “Engrave” layer settings panel.
7. 7Run a small test cut or engrave on a scrap piece of paper before committing to your final project piece. Adjust power up or down by 5–10% based on results.

What to Expect When Lasering Paper

Paper is extremely delicate and cuts at very low power settings. Expect clean cuts with minimal to no charring when settings are dialed in correctly. Too much power will cause the paper to ignite or disintegrate. Engraving on paper creates a subtle texture change or light browning. Always monitor the cut closely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ✗Running at full power on the first attempt — always start with a test piece at the recommended settings and adjust incrementally. Going straight to maximum power risks burning through the material or causing fire.
• ✗Forgetting to check the water cooling system before starting. CO2 laser tubes can overheat and suffer permanent damage if the coolant is not flowing or is above 25°C.
• ✗Leaving the machine unattended during cutting — paper is the most flammable common laser material and can ignite in seconds if settings are even slightly too high.
• ✗Using too much power, which causes the paper to disintegrate or curl rather than cut cleanly. Paper requires very low power settings.

Tips for Paper on Laser Machines

• ✓Use the lowest power setting that still cuts through cleanly.
• ✓Secure paper with magnets or a honeycomb pin set to keep it flat.
• ✓Disable or reduce air assist to prevent lightweight paper from moving.
• ✓Cardstock (200-300gsm) is easier to work with than standard copy paper.
• ✓Intricate designs work well -- paper handles fine detail better than most materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Materials for Glowforge Basic

Paper Settings for Other Machines