This page describes a laser cutting setting published for Bambou at 3 mm, tested on a OMTech MF1220-80 fitted with a CO2 80W source (10,600 nm CO2, 80 W). It states the exact machine, source, material, thickness and operation of the test; power, speed and number of passes are shown with a Premium pass.
Why those four facts matter: a cutting setting that works on Bambou at 3 mm does not transfer to another thickness, nor to another source. A 10,600 nm CO2 rated 80 W does not deposit the same energy as a stronger module, and the speed has to be adjusted accordingly. Copying a number without checking those four points is the first cause of a ruined part.
Published by LaserSettings (estimation). No other workshop has confirmed it yet: treat it as a starting point, and confirm it from your account if you reproduce it.
No photo comes with this setting yet. If you reproduce it, publish yours from your account: a picture of the result is worth more than a line of numbers.
Recommended routine before running the part: clean the lens, redo the focus, engrave a small test grid on an offcut of the same Bambou, then adjust the speed rather than the power. Work with fume extraction and air assist, wear glasses rated for 10,600 nm CO2, and never leave the machine unattended.
OMTech offers a broad range of enclosed CO2 machines, fibre markers and galvo models, with many options (honeycomb bed, rotary, chiller). On CO2 units, mirror alignment quality on delivery varies: a setting that gives nothing often starts as an alignment problem, not a power one.
Bamboo is the material of cutting boards, coasters and gift objects: very dense, pale, and giving a warm brown engraving contrast that people love. It needs a little more power than ordinary wood.
Bamboo is denser than most woods: expect 20 to 30 % more power than plywood of the same thickness for equivalent contrast.
Almost every shop-bought bamboo object is varnished or oiled. That film completely changes how the laser reacts: you often need less power than expected, and engraving can look grey and dirty. Lightly sanding the area first solves it.
Bamboo boards are glued from strips: cutting crosses glue joints that stall the cut and cause flare-ups. In practice, bamboo is engraved far more than it is cut.
Ordinary wood fumes, plus the glue between strips: extraction required. Bamboo is dense and ignites less easily than balsa or cork, but a slow cut still needs watching.
On a cutting board intended for food use, apply only a food-safe oil (mineral or fractionated coconut) after cleaning: it revives engraving contrast and protects the wood.
Soot comes off easily with an eraser or a soft brush and a little soapy water, as long as the wood has not been oiled yet.