Mia
Whether you’re a hobbyist woodworker in Sydney, a custom signmaker in Melbourne, or just love creating personalised gifts at home, laser technology has opened up exciting possibilities. Wood engraving with a CO2 laser has become one of the most efficient, clean, and creative ways to add intricate designs to timber, plywood, and MDF.
From custom wall art and name plaques to business signage and furniture embellishments, CO2 laser machines let you create sharp, detailed engravings that would be nearly impossible by hand. And with more Australians embracing DIY, laser engraving is fast becoming a must-have skill for the modern maker.
In this guide, we’ll cover how laser wood engraving works, what equipment you need, which woods give the best results, and some great tips for achieving beautiful, consistent outcomes.
What Is Wood Engraving with a CO2 Laser?
At its core, wood engraving involves using a focused beam of light to burn, carve or mark the surface of wood. A CO2 laser emits infrared light that’s highly absorbed by organic materials like timber, making it ideal for this application.
Unlike traditional wood carving, which uses blades or rotary tools, CO2 lasers offer non-contact engraving. This means no splinters, no wear on tools, and precision that’s accurate down to fractions of a millimetre.
Why Use a CO2 Laser for Wood Engraving?
Here’s why CO2 laser engraving is the preferred choice for many Australian woodworkers and design professionals:
- Unmatched Detail: Create crisp text, logos, images, or textures without tearing the wood grain.
- Customisation: Ideal for one-off items or mass production with personalised touches.
- Versatility: Works on softwoods, hardwoods, MDF, plywood, and even bamboo.
- Time-Efficient: Complete detailed projects in minutes, not hours.
- Eco-Friendly: Produces minimal waste compared to traditional cutting methods.
Whether you’re engraving a rustic chopping board or a high-end branded display, a CO2 laser makes it not just possible—but easy.
Choosing the Right Wood for Laser Engraving
Not all wood is created equal when it comes to laser engraving. Here are some popular types used in Australia and how they perform under a CO2 laser:
| Wood Type | Performance | Notes |
| Pine | Good | Soft, engraves easily but may scorch unevenly |
| Plywood (Poplar or Birch) | Excellent | Budget-friendly, consistent surface |
| MDF | Very Good | Smooth and predictable, ideal for signage |
| Jarrah | Fair | Gorgeous look but dense—requires higher power |
| Tasmanian Oak | Good | Engraves well with minimal smoke |
| Bamboo | Excellent | Eco-friendly and modern, popular for kitchenware |
Pro Tip: Avoid woods with high resin or oil content (like cedar or walnut), as these can produce more smoke or cause inconsistent burns.
Essential Equipment for Laser Wood Engraving
If you’re serious about engraving, you’ll want a CO2 laser cutter that balances power, precision, and size. Here’s what to look for:
1. Laser Power
For wood engraving, 40W to 100W CO2 lasers are most common. Lower wattage is fine for engraving thin materials, while higher wattage gives deeper burns and can also cut through wood.
2. Bed Size
If you’re working on larger panels or signs, make sure your laser has a generous engraving area—something around 400x600mm or more is ideal for most home workshops.
3. Software Compatibility
Most machines work with programs like LightBurn or RDWorks, allowing you to import files from Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or Inkscape.
Step-by-Step: How to Engrave Wood with a CO2 Laser
Let’s walk through the engraving process from start to finish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Design
- Create or import your design into laser-compatible software.
- Use vector files (like .AI or .SVG) for line art or raster files (.JPG, .PNG) for photo-like shading.
- Position and size your artwork according to your material and laser bed.
Step 2: Choose Material and Settings
- Place your wood flat on the engraving bed.
- Select settings based on the wood type and desired depth:
- Power: 20–60% (depending on your machine wattage)
- Speed: 200–500 mm/s for light engraving; slower for deeper results
- DPI: 250–500 for most projects
- Always run a test on scrap wood before committing to your final piece.
Step 3: Focus the Laser
- Use the machine’s focus tool or auto-focus feature to align the laser to the correct height.
- Proper focus is key for sharp lines and clean edges.
Step 4: Start Engraving
- Hit “Start” in your software.
- Monitor the first few passes—look for signs of smoke, uneven burning, or unexpected stops.
- Once complete, allow the wood to cool briefly before handling.
Step 5: Clean the Surface
- Use a soft brush or cloth to remove soot or residue.
- For tougher scorch marks, lightly sand or wipe with a damp microfiber cloth.
Pro Tips for Better Engraving Results
- Use masking tape: Apply low-tack tape over the wood to prevent soot from staining surrounding areas.
- Engrave before cutting: If you’re doing both on one piece, engrave first to keep the surface clean.
- Keep your lens clean: Residue buildup reduces performance—check and clean regularly.
- Mind the grain: Wood grain direction affects appearance. For best results, engrave with the grain.
Popular Wood Engraving Projects in Australia
Here are just a few ideas gaining popularity among Australian makers:
- Personalised chopping boards for gifts and weddings
- Custom business signage for local shops and cafés
- Intricate wall maps or family name plaques
- Educational puzzles or toys for kids
- Engraved coasters, keyrings, and ornaments
Whether you’re selling at markets or crafting for friends, laser-engraved wood products never go out of style.
Safety First: Working with CO2 Lasers
While CO2 lasers are generally safe, a few basic precautions go a long way:
- Ventilation is key: Always run your machine with proper exhaust to remove fumes.
- Use protective eyewear if your machine doesn’t have a built-in viewing shield.
- Never leave the laser unattended while running.
- Have a fire extinguisher nearby, especially when engraving dense wood.
Getting Started in Australia: What You’ll Need
Ready to bring wood engraving into your workshop? Here’s what most Aussie users start with:
- A reliable CO2 laser cutter (desktop or mid-range size)
- Basic design software (LightBurn is highly recommended)
- A collection of wood blanks or sheets (MDF, ply, bamboo)
- A safe, well-ventilated workspace
For affordable, high-quality laser machines in Australia, you can explore options from OMTech Laser Australia. They offer a wide range of CO2 laser machines suited for DIYers, small businesses, and professionals alike.
