Determining the optimal laser settings for different types of wood involves a few key factors: wood type, thickness, and desired outcome (engraving or cutting).

1. Material Type: Different woods (hardwoods vs. softwoods) require different settings due to their density and resin content. Hardwoods like oak may need more power and slower speed compared to softwoods like pine.

2. Thickness: Thicker materials generally require a higher power setting and slower speed for effective cutting. For engraving, you may not need as much power as cutting, allowing for faster speeds.

3. Testing: Conduct test runs on scrap pieces of the same material. Start with mid-range settings and adjust based on the results. For cutting, increase power and decrease speed until you achieve a clean cut. For engraving, test various speeds and powers to find the desired depth and detail.

4. Documentation: Keep a record of successful settings for each type of wood, thickness, and project type, which will save time in future projects.

5. Consult Resources: Manufacturer guidelines and community forums can provide valuable insights into optimal settings.