Laser 101 · Materials
Wood sheets for laser cutting.
Which sheet material to pick, how thick it can be, and whether to bring your own.
Sheet types that cut well
Baltic birch plywood is the standard sheet for laser work: consistent plies and no voids. Basswood and balsa sheets cut fast for models and craft work. Solid hardwood sheets such as walnut, cherry, maple, and oak suit finished pieces.
How thick?
We cut wood up to about 1/4″ thick. Sheets in that range cut cleanly; thicker or denser stock may be possible at slower speeds, so ask first.
Bring your own or have us supply
You can bring your own sheets or have us supply the material. If you bring your own, tell us the exact wood and true thickness — plywood is often slightly under its nominal size, and we set joint tolerances from the real number.
Sheet size
Our beds go up to 46 by 58 inches, so full-size sheets for larger projects are possible. Send your dimensions with your quote request.
Sheets to avoid
We do not run MDF. Construction plywood with voids and knots can leave incomplete cuts.
Common questions
What wood sheets are best for laser cutting?
Baltic birch plywood for general work, basswood or balsa for models, and walnut, cherry, maple, or oak for finished pieces.
What is the maximum sheet thickness?
About 1/4″. Thicker stock may be possible at slower speeds — send details.
Can I send my own sheets?
Yes. Tell us the wood and the true thickness.
What is the largest piece you can cut?
Our beds go up to 46 by 58 inches.
Need wood sheets cut?
Industrial CO₂ lasers, beds up to 46 by 58 inches, in downtown Los Angeles. A real person checks every job.