🛠️ Beginner’s Guide to Buying a Laser Engraver

Whether you’re starting a side hustle or diving into a new creative hobby, choosing the right laser engraver can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks it all down, so you can make a confident, informed decision without getting lost in the tech talk.

🔍 Key Considerations When Buying a Laser Engraver

1. Laser Types: What’s the Difference?

There are three main types of lasers used in engravers. Each has its pros and cons depending on what you want to do:

🔵 Diode Lasers
– Best for: Wood, leather, acrylic (dark), paper, fabric
– Not great for: Transparent acrylic, metal (unless coated or painted)
– Power Range: 5W–20W (optical output)
– Pros: Affordable, compact, energy-efficient
– Cons: Slower cutting speed, limited to surface marking on metal

🔴 CO₂ Lasers
– Best for: Wood, leather, glass, rubber, acrylic (including clear), fabric
– Power Range: 30W–150W+
– Pros: Fast and powerful, versatile material compatibility
– Cons: Bigger, needs water cooling, higher price tag

⚙️ Fiber Lasers
– Best for: Metals (stainless steel, aluminum, brass), plastics
– Power Range: 20W–100W+
– Pros: Incredible detail on metals, fast, long-lasting
– Cons: Very expensive, overkill for general hobby use

✅ Tip: Diode lasers are great for beginners. CO₂ is ideal if you plan to do a lot of cutting or want a business-grade machine. Fiber is best for metal marking and engraving only.

2. Power Levels: How Much Do You Need?

More power means faster cuts and deeper engraves. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

<10W (Diode): Best for engraving and light cutting (thin wood, paper)
10W–20W (Diode): Can cut 3–10mm wood, better for hobby projects
40W–60W (CO₂): Cuts wood, acrylic, leather easily
80W+ (CO₂): Business-grade; handles thicker materials and faster production

3. Bed Size: Match the Machine to Your Projects

Think about the largest size you’ll ever want to engrave.

Small (200x200mm): Keychains, coasters, small signs
Medium (300x400mm to 400x600mm): Signs, boxes, wall art
Large (600x900mm+): Furniture parts, larger signage, production work

🧠 Tip: Many machines offer pass-through slots so you can engrave longer items in sections!

4. Safety Features: Protect Yourself

Laser engravers are powerful tools, and safety matters.

🔒 Enclosed laser housing (especially for CO₂)
🛑 Emergency stop button
👓 Laser goggles (essential for diode lasers)
🔥 Flame detection and auto-shutoff
💨 Fume extraction (either built-in or DIY ventilation)

5. Software Compatibility

You’ll need software to send designs to your engraver. Common options include:

LightBurn – Paid, powerful, supports most diode and CO₂ lasers
LaserGRBL – Free, Windows-only, for GRBL-based diode lasers
RDWorks – For Ruida-based CO₂ lasers (not very user-friendly)

🎨 Tip: Check if your engraver supports LightBurn—it’s worth the money for ease and features.

6. Ease of Use

For beginners, look for:

Easy assembly (or pre-assembled machines)
Clear instructions and online support
Touchscreen interface or Wi-Fi/Bluetooth control
Good community support (forums, Facebook groups, YouTube)

7. Budget Considerations

Diode Lasers:
– Budget: £200–£700
– Mid-range (10W+): £400–£800

CO₂ Lasers:
– Entry-level (40W): £400–£800
– Mid-range (50W–80W): £1,000–£2,500+

Fiber Lasers:
– Expect £2,000–£6,000+

💡 Tip: Factor in the cost of accessories: air assist pumps, exhaust fans, honeycomb beds, spare lenses.

🔄 What’s Best for You? Hobbyist Scenarios

Scenario	Recommended Laser	Why
Beginner learning at home	5W–10W Diode	Affordable, safe, versatile
Making and selling wood crafts	10W+ Diode or 50W CO₂	Faster engraving, deeper cutting
Personalized gifts (metal, tumblers)	Fiber Laser or Diode + Metal Marking Spray	Fiber is ideal for metals; spray is budget-friendly
Small business production	60W+ CO₂ with LightBurn	Efficiency + material flexibility

🙋‍♂️ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I engrave clear acrylic with a diode laser?

No—diode lasers pass through clear acrylic. You’d need to paint the surface or use a CO₂ laser.

Do I need an air assist system?

Yes, especially for cutting. It keeps the laser path clear and reduces charring.

What’s the difference between 10W electrical vs 10W optical power?

Optical power is what matters—it’s the actual output from the laser module. Some brands advertise higher electrical power, which can be misleading.

Can I use LightBurn with any laser?

No. Your laser must use a compatible controller like GRBL, Ruida, or GCode-based systems.

🧠 Pro Tips to Avoid Common Pitfalls

Check laser specs carefully. Marketing can be misleading—look for real optical output and material compatibility.
Avoid the cheapest machines on unknown sites. Stick with reputable brands or sellers with good support.
Learn the basics of vector and raster engraving. Vector = cutting lines. Raster = shading/engraving.
Start simple. Don’t buy a giant industrial machine until you know what you need.

If you’re still not sure what machine suits you, feel free to contact us or check out our beginner tutorials and laser reviews on EngraveThis. We’re here to help you get started safely and creatively!