3 watt laser

[clajpen]

How far should the laser be offset from the material?

[Mikehell]

Cheap Chinese laser rig? You should be able to focus the beam at low power. Just get the smallest dot you can get.

[BArnold]

The instructions for you laser should provide that information.

Example: I recently set up a J-Tech 2.8W unit on my CNC. Its instructions say it should achieve proper focus between 1.25" and 3" from the surface of the material. I currently have mine set at about 1.5" and adjusted the focus to provide the smallest dot. It works great!

[meflick]

How far should the laser be offset from the material?

Did you get the one they have to go with your shark? I have that one (got it free last year when we purchased the machine as I recall.) but haven't tried it yet. I did track down the manual/information for it I believe from the Shark forum/website. Let me have a look and see if I can find it and share a link back for you.

Found it here: http://nextwaveautomation.com/downloads ... _Guide.pdf

[adze_cnc]

How far should the laser be offset from the material?

I wonder if what is being asked is not the focus distance for cutting but rather the amount of allowance for kerf to make sure pieces are the "right size". If the latter that depends on your power and speed settings on a per job basis. You'll need to do a test first then use that knowledge to set the appropriate values as needed.