After we learned Adobe Illustrator, we quickly learned how to apply the software into real action. Epilog laser cutter is really convenient in that it utilizes ai directly without a third party software to bridge the connection between computer and machine (as the older boss cutter might require) .

Before we even start cutting, Will suggested that we should test a few samples to see how different speed and power settings will look on the specific wood we used. The trials before our actual cutting indeed set the foundations for our later success. We also tried to make the test blocks as small as possible to save the cutting time.Here you can see the difference power and speed settings can bring, and the usage of the convenient color mapping tool in the setting menu.We did cut successfully for the most part. But sometimes, there can still be problems, especially if you do not pay enough attention when retrieving the board. Below is a failed example of bad cutting where some parts of the edge are not completely clean. You can still see the stuffed triangular part at the bottom where it should be empty.There are multiple ways to solve this problem: adjusting the power and speed settings or simply cut the edge twice.

Our final products have good contrast and are made exactly from the same wood. We also did a little bit of post-processing by sanding the surface using 220 Grit sandpaper. You can see the before and after contrast in the picture below. 

Overall, this exercise has taught me very well on laser cutting.