by j_siegel » Thu Sep 15, 2011 6:52 pm
I wish I could! In all seriousness, it was trial and error. I got lucky in that I think the adhesive didn't fully absorb the wavelength of the laser, making it a bit of a buffer. I also cut on a metal bed (perforated, but more surface contact than honeycomb, so perhaps it acted like a heatsink?).
Regardless, the paper is very inexpensive. I tuned it by turning the knob while sweeping the last head in a straight line. As soon as I could see the cut, it was deep enough and therefore powerful enough. Too deep and I saw reflected light from the metal. I imagine vinyl would be similar.