It’s been a while since I’ve updated this.
Another thread on this forum had me messing with my laser some more trying to cut 3mm plywood. The poor little 3.3w laser was just not up to snuff for the thicker material. I did some research and ordered a more powerful laser this morning. Oddly enough, the laser cost almost as much as this entire machine did when I got it on sale.
More details to come as the parts get in and I wire them up.