Thanks again rustyssjones, I think you nailed it. I’m thinking perhaps there was a manufacturing anomaly with my laser module since the .nc files you shared indicated that I needed to add about 3.5mm of positive z travel before being in-focus. This would have seemingly put it outside the range of the calibration cut that Snapmaker uses to adjust focus given I had to add about 3mm of positive travel with that already.
That said, your files were incredibly helpful and intuitive. After getting it mostly dialed-in, I noted the z-distance above the surface and then used cardstock with the 2.5 test to fine-tune the last 0.2mm. Then I ran the test 4 file and you can see much better etching and cutting on the cardboard.
After that, I ran a file I’ve been having issues with, and you can see it doesn’t quite make it all the way through. However, that was at 100mm/min, more than three times more rapid than what I was using previously, and the cut lines are much, much tighter.
So, overall, I think you’ve set me upon the right path. I’d wish that the Snapmaker files were as robust as the ones you provided, that would have saved me a lot of headache. Finally, though, PROGRESS, with your insight and help.
Thanks again!!