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Even though the video is a year old, great job👍👏. Here is why most laser users need an alternative like tape to prevent charred edges or on the material: they lack sufficient power in their air-assists. Most laser brands provide air-assist lpm (liters per minute) that is too low for the type of laser module that comes with the machine. Most typical air-assists offer no more than 30 lpm, which is not strong enough for a 40-watt laser module. A 20-watt laser module with a 30 lpm air-assist just barely does its job. Many laser companies keep costs down by supplying their lasers with only a 30 lpm air-assist. In fact, most laser companies don’t make their own air-assists; they purchase them through third parties. I’m currently in discussions with xTool regarding their S1 laser, which comes with an underperforming air-assist that is insufficient for cutting any type of material with a 40-watt module. Time will tell if xTool evaluates the low performance of their air-assist. FYI: Air-assist is the most important part of a laser. It is crucial for your laser to prevent fires, avoid charring, and help the laser perform better in both cutting and engraving in time. A low-performance air-assist will cause all the aforementioned issues. The lpm for an air-assist needs to be at least twice the laser module wattage. Anything below will result in underperformance on all projects. Currently, there are only two 3rd party companies that make an air-assist at 50 lpm or 60 lpm that I’m aware of. The 60 lpm model I purchased was junk. I have not done this yet, but I am researching a better solution versus tape: using an air compressor. From my studies, an air compressor provides not just a cleaner cut with no charred but also improves the laser's engraving or cutting time. Most laser users switching to air compressors as an alternative use a small portable pancake-style compressor, and I haven’t found any drawbacks yet. This suggestion may be the route to go since most companies are not supplying their laser machines with more powerful air-assists. And with an air compressor is just a one time cost. Alternatively, using tape isn’t a bad option, but it is expensive and will always have to repurchase. That said, just my thoughts for another alternative vs tape. 😎

Well, I used the brand you like on Basswood and my test piece turned out to be a hot mess with the masked engraving. (I’d already ordered it and it was delivered by the time I finished your video.) I couldn’t even see the details. To be fair, I have an xTool 20W diode laser. I’m wondering if there is some other masking tape that will work with it because the white masking tape doesn’t work. I haven’t had luck with the blue masking tape either. The only masking that has worked for me is the masking tape that comes on the back of acrylic. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Wow! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. This topic was one of the most frustrating to figure out as a newbie and that’s adding laser work to a side hustle. Just a couple of questions: 1) to paint, do you seal the wood, tape it, engrave, seal again and then paint? 2) Could polyurethane work to seal? 3)what tape do you recommend for acrylic if the acrylic doesn’t have masking on it? Thanks in advance!

The links do not work. Can you share the tape you use or the Amazon link please?

We are terrified to make videos. You guys are doing good. You have made it past the hardest part and that is just starting. Keep up the good work.

Thank you for making this video. Never considered using Masking tape.