You can select a Glowforge material close to what you are cutting, but that may or may not work. Or it may be a slower speed than you really need and so causes unnecessary amount of scorching. So it is best to use our recommended settings. These have worked well with our Glowforge Basic. As part of our Product Details page you will see our test cuts. This is a series of circles or squares all cut at full power and various speeds. We still recommend a small test cut be done in a corner before cutting a large print. If the test cut does not cut, slow the speed by 5 or 10 and recut. Alternatively it may be that you need to clean mirrors or check confirm you Focus Height. If you ever have trouble cutting at these settings, please alert us so we can test it further. We want these to be up to date for all users.
*We have provided an Ideal GF Speed and a GF Speed Range under the 1/4 Single Sided Wood and the Melamine tab. If the ideal speed does not work, try running a few small tests with the range to find the right speed for you.