Cedar / Aromatic Cedar
Overview
Cedar / Aromatic Cedar — a highly resinous softwood with a distinctive scent when engraved. Produces a rustic, organic look but generates heavy smoke. Requires strong ventilation, air assist, and frequent lens cleaning.
Properties
Difficulty
beginner
Flexibility
rigid
Enclosure
no
Dry Storage
no
Pros
- Beautiful aromatic scent
- Natural insect and moisture resistance
- Lightweight
- Attractive grain for engraving
- Easy to cut and engrave
- Popular for decorative items
Cons
- Soft — dents and scratches easily
- Resinous — can produce more soot when laser cut
- Oils can interfere with some finishes
- Not as durable as hardwoods for functional parts
- Strong aroma may not be desired for all projects
Best For
- Closet organizers
- aromatic boxes
- moth repellent items
- decorative panels
- campfire projects
Avoid For
- Very slow passes without monitoring
- fine detail work on resinous sections
Storage
No special storage needed. Aromatic cedar should be kept away from clothes you want scent-free.
Laser Compatibility
Aromatic cedar engraves with pleasant scent and medium contrast. CO2: engrave 400mm/s 35W, cut 3mm 150mm/s 55W. Diode: engrave 500mm/s 80%. Resin content creates smoke — good ventilation required.
Brands
Local cedarAmazon cedar sheets