Diode vs Co2 for Cutting Plywood: Which One Should You Buy?
A diode module for the Falcon A1C and basswood plywood packs for P3 CO2 cutters, compared on what each listing states.
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Top picks at a glance
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- 1
xTool F2 Ultra 60W MOPA & 40W Diode Dual Laser Engraver 100+9.6/10View on Amazon - 2
Dofiki 20 Pcs 3mm Basswood Plywood 18x36x1/8 inch Large9.4/10View on Amazon - 3
Creality Falcon A1C 10W Diode Laser Module9.4/10View on Amazon - 4
LASER TREE 20W Diode Laser ModuleView on Amazon - 5
CO2 Laser Lens 18mm Laser Mirror CO2 Laser Focal Lens CO2View on Amazon - 6CO2 Laser Lens 25mm Laser Mirror CO2 Laser Focal Lens CO2View on Amazon
- 7Cloudray CO2 Laser Lens 18mm Laser Mirror CO2 Focal Lens FocusView on Amazon
- 8CO2 Laser Lens 15mm Mirror CO2 Laser Focal Lens CO2 Focus LensView on Amazon
- 9CO2 Laser Lens Dia 20mm FL101.6mm Mirror Focal LensView on Amazon
Cutting plywood for signs, ornaments, decorations and personalized projects starts with a choice of route, not just a choice of machine. This article compares diode vs co2 for cutting plywood through the listings on each side: a diode module that adds cutting capability to an existing platform, and basswood plywood packs sized for a CO2 cutter. The listings describe different kinds of products, so the comparison stays on what each listing states.
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Verdict: Pick the diode route if you already own a Falcon A1C and want to add plywood cutting to that platform. Pick the CO2 route if you already run a P3 CO2 cutter and want basswood sheets sized for it. Neither side wins on a shared spec, because no shared cutting spec is stated.
Machines on the list
Creality Falcon A1C 10W Diode Laser Module
A 10W diode laser module made for the Creality Falcon A1C, with a quick-swap design for cutting and engraving wood, plywood, MDF, acrylic, leather, paper and cardboard.
Pros
- 10W diode output for cutting and engraving plywood, wood, MDF, acrylic, leather, paper and cardboard
- Swaps between compatible modules in about 15 seconds
- Made specifically for the Falcon A1C platform, so no full machine swap is needed
- 1 year warranty stated in the spec table
Cons
- Engineered for the Falcon A1C platform, with no other compatible platform named in the listing
- Workspace is not stated in the listing
- No laser class or safety certification is stated
- Cut depth and speed are not stated in the listing
Dofiki 20 Pcs 3mm Basswood Plywood 18x36x1/8 inch
A 20-sheet pack of 3mm basswood plywood in 18x36 inches, sized for P3 CO2 laser cutters and engravers.
Pros
- 3mm uniform thickness with dense wood texture without impurities
- 18x36 inches (915x458mm) sheets suit large decorations, decorative panels and model parts
- Listing states smooth, burr-free cutting edges and high detail restoration
- 20 sheets in one pack for studio bulk creation and daily hobby use
Cons
- Made for P3 CO2 laser cutters, with no diode compatibility stated
- No warranty term is stated
- Sheets only: no laser machine is included in the listing
- Thickness is fixed at 3mm, so thicker cut parts need a different pack
Dofiki 10 Pcs 6mm Basswood Plywood 18x36x1/4 inch
A 10-sheet pack of 6mm basswood plywood in 18x36 inches, sized for P3 CO2 laser cutters and engravers.
Pros
- 6mm uniform thickness with dense wood texture without impurities
- 18x36 inches (915x458mm) sheets suit large decorations, decorative panels and model parts
- Listing states smooth, burr-free cutting edges and high detail restoration
- 10 sheets in one pack for studio bulk creation and daily hobby use
Cons
- Title lists 6mm thickness while also listing 3mm in its dimension string, so the thickness needs a careful read
- Bullets say 20 sheets in one pack while the title and spec table say 10, so the pack count needs a careful read
- Made for P3 CO2 laser cutters, with no diode compatibility stated
- No warranty term is stated
Other machines to compare
LASER TREE 20W Diode Laser ModuleCheck price on Amazon
CO2 Laser Lens 18mm Laser Mirror CO2 Laser Focal Lens CO2Check price on Amazon- CO2 Laser Lens 25mm Laser Mirror CO2 Laser Focal Lens CO2Check price on Amazon
- Cloudray CO2 Laser Lens 18mm Laser Mirror CO2 Focal Lens FocusCheck price on Amazon
- CO2 Laser Lens 15mm Mirror CO2 Laser Focal Lens CO2 Focus LensCheck price on Amazon
- CO2 Laser Lens Dia 20mm FL101.6mm Mirror Focal LensCheck price on Amazon
Side by side
| Spec | Creality Falcon A1C 10W | Dofiki 3mm Basswood Sheets | Dofiki 6mm Basswood Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| HQ Score | 58 | 56 | 49 |
| Side | diode | co2 for cutting plywood | co2 for cutting plywood |
| Type | 10W diode laser module | 3mm basswood plywood pack | 6mm basswood plywood pack |
| Work area or sheet size | Not stated in the listing | 18×36 inches (915x458mm) | 18×36 inches (915x458mm) |
| Thickness | Not stated in the listing | 3mm | 6mm (title also lists 3mm) |
| Pack | 1 item | 20 sheets | 10 sheets (bullets say 20 sheets) |
| Fit | Creality Falcon A1C | P3 CO2 laser cutters and engravers | P3 CO2 laser cutters and engravers |
| Warranty | 1 year | Not stated in the listing | Not stated in the listing |
| Weight | Not stated in the listing | 30.093098763 Pounds | 30.99919865982 Pounds |
| Swap | About 15 seconds | Not stated in the listing | Not stated in the listing |
Specifications are manufacturer rated, as published on each listing and collected 1 November 2026.
Diode vs Co2 for Cutting Plywood in Practice
The diode side here is a module, not a complete machine. The Creality Falcon A1C 10W module adds a 10W diode to the Falcon A1C platform. The listing states cutting and engraving for wood, plywood, MDF, acrylic, leather, paper and cardboard. The listing states a swap between compatible modules in about 15 seconds.
The CO2 side here is material, not a machine. The Dofiki 3mm pack holds 20 sheets of basswood plywood. Each sheet measures 18×36 inches (915x458mm). The listing states 3mm uniform thickness and dense wood texture without impurities.
The Dofiki 6mm pack holds 10 sheets of basswood plywood, by its title and spec table. Each sheet measures 18×36 inches (915x458mm). The listing states 6mm uniform thickness. The title also lists 915x458x3mm, and the bullets say 20 sheets in one pack.
Power and material
Power is stated only on the diode side. The Creality Falcon A1C 10W module lists 10W diode output. Neither Dofiki pack states a laser power, because neither pack is a laser.
The Creality Falcon A1C 10W module lists plywood among its cutting materials. The Dofiki 3mm pack is basswood plywood throughout. The Dofiki 6mm pack is basswood plywood throughout.
Sheet size and thickness
Sheet size is stated only for the plywood packs. Each Dofiki sheet measures 18×36 inches (915x458mm). Thickness separates the two packs. The Dofiki 3mm pack lists 3mm uniform thickness. The Dofiki 6mm pack lists 6mm uniform thickness in its bullets. The 6mm pack title also lists 3mm in its dimension string. The diode module lists no sheet size, since it is a module rather than a sheet.
Compatibility
The Creality Falcon A1C 10W module is engineered for the Falcon A1C platform. The Dofiki packs are designed for P3 CO2 laser cutters and engravers. No Dofiki listing states diode compatibility. No Falcon listing states a P3 CO2 fit. For a neighboring material comparison, see diode vs CO2 for cutting boards.
Safety and ventilation
Cutting plywood makes smoke, so ventilation matters on either route. No laser class is stated for the diode module. Vent outdoors or use a filter, and stay with the machine while it runs. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Never laser PVC or vinyl. See our fume extractor guide.
Support and warranty
Warranty is stated only for the diode module. The Creality Falcon A1C 10W module spec table lists a 1 year warranty. Neither Dofiki pack states a warranty term.
Choose the Creality Falcon A1C 10W if
- You own a Falcon A1C and want to add diode cutting and engraving to it.
- A swap in about 15 seconds matters for changing between compatible modules.
Choose a Dofiki plywood pack if
- You run a P3 CO2 cutter and want basswood sheets sized for it.
- Large 18×36 inch sheets suit your decorations, panels and model parts.
- You want 6mm sheets and you confirm thickness and pack count before ordering.
Project Match
- Signs, ornaments and personalized projects: listed uses for the Falcon module.
- Large decorations, decorative panels and model parts: the Dofiki sheet size suits these uses.
- Personalized gifts and home décor: listed uses for the Falcon module.
- Studio bulk creation and daily hobby use: stated uses for the Dofiki packs.
- Work areas beyond the stated sheet size: Not stated.
FAQ: lasers and CNC
Can the Falcon A1C module cut plywood?
The listing states cutting and engraving for plywood among wood, MDF, acrylic, leather, paper and cardboard. The module fits the Falcon A1C platform only, by the listing.
What thickness are the Dofiki plywood packs?
The Dofiki 3mm pack lists 3mm uniform thickness. The Dofiki 6mm pack lists 6mm uniform thickness in its bullets, while its title also lists 3mm in a dimension string. Confirm thickness before ordering the thicker pack.
Do the Dofiki sheets fit a diode machine?
The Dofiki listings state compatibility with P3 CO2 laser cutters and engravers. No diode compatibility is stated for either pack.
Which route should a Falcon A1C owner pick?
A Falcon A1C owner fits the diode module by the listing, since the module is engineered for that platform. The Dofiki packs state a fit for P3 CO2 cutters, and no Falcon A1C fit is stated for them.
Do these listings need ventilation?
Cutting plywood makes smoke, so vent outdoors or use a filter. Stay with the machine while it runs, and never laser PVC or vinyl.
Related: how to choose a laser engraver, best laser engraver for beginners, diode vs CO2 laser and birch plywood vs pine plywood for laser cutting.
