Bernie, I’ve seen your work on etsy so I know you will master the laser in no time and be able to teach others.
Probably the biggest point to know is that there are many parameters and they interoperate, which can make learning very tedious. Example, 100% power at 100 mm/sec will burn about the same as 50% power at 50mm/sec. - less time over a spot means less burning, more time over a spot burns more. Logically, stick with one setting, vary only the other, to get to know what results you will get. MOPA frequency changes will also change the results so now you are juggling 3 variables that affect one another. Shorter focal length lenses project a tinier and thus hotter beam, so changing lenses will further affect your results, 4 variables. As was said in another post, K.I.S.S.- Keep It Simple.
xTool provides their own software, yes? It might help non-xTool users here to see a screen shot of the main menu, for non-xTool users to be able to help.
Consider downloading Lightburn just to see if it has features you might want that are not in the xTool software. You should be able to import work from other CAD programs into xTool if / when that might be of use.
You may want to cut through a piece, either to make a complete cutout, or to make a perforation cut (similar to CNC tabs). You will need a way to suspend the metal above the xTool platen so you don’t burn into that. Something like this would help:
https://www.amazon.com/INPAITOO-Marking-Machine-Fixture-Adjustable/dp/B0F9F58XKZ?crid=1YUSZWRXQ7GNG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TOE4G_20xUYQVVnf4TCl5X6oXsP00NB_l6RhM-GsUOK_j5Dp1anOMPrORhQmYLctiJPyr1lDyDxyKRu2RFjoF8ywcDgERvywF-ST43JEt9U6WonTGxNwPteTjMgimczMPepPSW5kJ4_mRRyuDgs1F3G2ex0IR6KXP3udzT8FLQGmBLUSRXsFNmEDkcDN0S8h3lC_7QhL9RlYVORQ0BwfO6Rl3EgVBa6nDxtz9WUmgx8.3u515xvcGALorvjlZUuFWQOhJLcARkUXAwcjYEyWl-0&dib_tag=se&keywords=sheet+metal+holder+for+lasers&qid=1753992595&s=hi&sprefix=sheet+metal+holder+for+lasers%2Ctools%2C144&sr=1-5
Prices vary for the exact same item depending on the seller, typical of Amazon.
xTool software likely comes with preconfigured settings for various materials. There is a seller on etsy who sells files of many, many settings, possibly more than xTool provides. I ordered once, no delivery, had to complain to etsy to get the file. Ordered something else later, never got the goods, so if you order from that seller on etsy be prepared to follow up. Here’s a printscreen of my Material Library in Lightburn as an example:
These were all worked out by the seller on etsy and is well worth the cost, if you can get it.
Last thing I will mention is 3D engraving. Technically you can’t do it. Most lasers are 2 axis only (X & Y). To get depth a mill would engrave in the Z axis as well (top down). But there are what are called depth maps, gradations of gray, over say 256 steps.
Following is an example. The depth map is on the lower right half, the engraved engraved results on the upper left. While it might almost look like it, you cannot get undercuts with depth map engraving.
Some software can burn depth map images and will skip over 0-black settings (leaving no burn, no cut) and can vary the burn depending on ‘blackness’ of each pixel, 1-256. If xTool software can burn depth map files you can do ‘coins’ and 3D engraving. if xTool software cannot and you want to, Lightburn can. If your machine is galvo you’d need a galvo license from Lightburn (one time $75 fee, I believe.) Bronze burns / engraves much more easily than silver so you can practice on bronze or brass, but will need to increase the power / decrease the cutting speed for silver, probably quite a bit.
Hope this helps. Have fun, share what you learn and what you make.
