Introduction
Before 2023, laser engravers for personal use usually had a weaker laser power under 20 W that could not meet the need for cutting materials. As laser technology improved, laser power gradually became stronger, which can meet many crafters and DIY enthusiasts’ creation needs because the desktop laser cutter with a more powerful laser output that can cut wood deeper and engrave more efficiently makes the crafts come to life. So from 2023 on, many desktop laser cutters have popped up in the laser market. Those laser cutters’ power ranges from 20W to 55W, which has remarkable cutting ability.
If you’re one of the guys looking for the best desktop laser cutter to make your crafts wonderful, you are in the right place. In this detailed buying guide, we will provide the 10 best laser cutters for crafts available in 2023, including all of the prices and laser power, and provide an overview of their features, capabilities, and performance. Additionally, these 10 excellent desktop laser cutters recommendations, which are pretty fit for personal and business custom crafts, can help you identify a low-cost desktop laser cutter around you that you don’t know about.
The following price and laser power comparison table for different products can quickly help you find the machine you want. Those laser cutting and engraving machines are almost a new generation of laser machines, more advanced and powerful than the ones before 2022. By the way, you can also find out the 5 best portable laser engravers that emerged in 2023: Top 5 Portable & Handheld Laser Engraver in 2023
Expired on: 11/30/2023
Expired on: 11/30/2023
Expired on: 11/30/2023
Laser Cutter | Laser Power | Engraving Area | Price | Recommendation Rate | Where to Buy |
xTool P2 | 55W | 600mm*308mm | $4599+ | 10.0 | xTool |
xTool S1 | 20W/40W | 498*319mm | $1699+ | 10.0 | xTool |
Gweike Cloud Pro | 55W | 510mm*300mm | $3499 | 9.8 | GweikeCloud |
iKier K1 Pro Max 48W | 48W/24W | 410mm*410mm | $1699 | 10.0 | Amazon Atomstack |
xTool D1 Pro 40W | 40W/10W | 430*348mm | $1799+ | 9.7 | xTool |
Atomstack A40 Pro | 48W | 400mm*400mm | $1379 | 9.8 | Atomstack |
ATEZR L2 36W | 36W | 410mm*410mm | $1249.99 | 9.6 | ATEZR |
SCULPFUN S30 Ultra | 33W | 600mm*600mm | $1199 | 9.6 | SCULPFUN Amazon |
Ortur Laser Master 3 | 20W | 400mm*380mm | $999 | 9.5 | Ortur Amazon |
TwoTrees TTS-20 Pro | 20W | 418mm*418mm | $579 | 9.8 | TwoTrees Amazon |
TwoTrees TS2 20W | 20W | 410mm*410mm | $699+ | 9.6 | TwoTrees |
The Best Desktop Laser Cutter Review
1. xTool P2 CO2 Desktop Laser Cutter 55W

Pros
- 55W Super powerful laser cutting ability.
- Up to 600mm/s engraving speed.
- Dual 16MP cameras provide a high-accuracy live preview.
- Curved surface engraving.
- Automatic passthrough to make large creations;
- Batch operation.
- Larger bed size to work with 26″×14″ (680mm*360mm) materials and 23.6”×12.1”(600*308mm) processing area.
- Support rotary engraving and high object engraving by using a riser base.
- Safe and easy to use.
- 0.01mm engraving precision.
Cons
- Larger and heavier than the desktop diode laser cutter machine
- More expensive than other diode laser cutters, but more professional.
xTool P2 CO2 desktop laser cutter has 55W laser power which is a wonderful professional laser cutter for wood crafters to make money. In fact, xTool P2 is the NO.1 desktop laser cutter in my mind. Compared with Growforge, xTool P2 is more affordable and cost-effective but also a new generation launching in 2023. You can get a basic xTool P2 only for 4599 USD, if you are willing to invest a little more on it, you can get complete accessories that make your crafts making more efficient and easy. Of course, this is a desktop laser cutting machine for wood and acrylic near you and the excellent brand reputation of xTool makes you buy with confidence.
One of the xTool P2’s features I admired is curved surface engraving. xTool P2 can automatically construct 3D models of curved objects and adjust focal length during processing, making the engraving result as perfect as on flat surfaces. This makes our DIY creation not limited to flat objects so that our creativity can be an infinite stretch. Another fantastic feature is the xTool P2 equipped with Dual 16MP cameras which provide the high-accuracy live preview. This is a professional desktop CO2 laser cutter with high-accuracy live preview and auto-focus features, so you can easily drag your drawings to the right place you want(this is also the important point that the xTool P2 can be the number one laser cutter in my mind). In brief, everyone can master xTool P2 in minutes.
If you are a crafter that begins your business, the batch operation of xTool P2 is really convenient and greatly improves your productivity. Regarding the cutting ability, you may be don’t know what the super powerful 55W laser power can do. As a professional desktop laser cutter for personal/business crafts making, the cutting ability must stand the test. As the video shows below, xTool P2 can cut 18mm black walnut and 20mm acrylic in one pass smoothly. It should be every craftsman’s dream to have such a professional desktop CO2 laser cutter, right? It fascinates me both in terms of technology and design aesthetics.
2. Gweike Cloud Pro CO2 Desktop Laser Cutter 55W

Pros
- Up to 600mm/s engraving speed.
- Autofucs.
- Under 70dB noise rating.
- 10000h lifespan.
- 0.025 mm engraving precision.
- Included rotary attachment
- More affordable.
- 5MP camera preview.
- 20.08″ *11.8″ (510mm*300mm) processing area
Cons
- Larger and heavier than the desktop diode laser cutter machine
- More expensive than other diode laser cutters.
- Cannot support high object engraving by using a riser base.
If you are looking for a cheaper CO2 desktop laser cutter or engraver and are willing to give up the cutting-edge features from xTool P2, the Gweike Cloud Pro may be your most cost-effective choice. Gweike Cloud Pro is available on the Gweike Cloud website for $3,499, a savings of about $1,000 compared to the xTool P2. But in my opinion, If you are not short of that thousand dollars, I still strongly recommend you to buy xTool p2. After all, if you invest a little more money, you can enjoy a new generation of the co2 laser engraver and cutting machine, and you don’t have to worry about the machine being too backward in the next few years.
Come back to the GweikeCloud Pro, it is a 55W desktop laser cutter Engraver with Rotary is a versatile and reliable cutting and engraving solution. As you know, before purchasing, it’s important to assess your specific needs and consider the materials you plan to work with, the size and thickness of the materials, and the complexity of your designs. As with the xTool P2, the GweikeCloud Pro is equipped with a powerful 55W CO2 laser tube, providing ample power for a wide range of materials. Whether you are working with wood, acrylic, leather, fabric, or other materials, this machine is capable of delivering precise and high-quality cuts and engravings. It offers exceptional versatility, allowing you to unleash your creativity across various mediums.
One standout feature of the GweikeCloud Pro is the included rotary attachment at a lower price than xTool P2. This attachment enables you to engrave cylindrical objects such as glasses, bottles, and pens. Whether you’re personalizing gifts or adding branding elements to your products, the rotary attachment expands your creative possibilities and adds another dimension to your work.
Precision and speed are vital considerations for any laser cutter, and the GweikeCloud Pro excels in both areas. Up to 600mm/s and 0.025mm engraving precision make it enough to become a professional desktop laser cutter. But in terms of carving precision, xTool P2 can beat it, which is 0.01mm.
Overall, if you have more budget to invest in a professional laser cutter or pursuit new technology, I extremely recommend you buy an xTool P2, which has more advanced features and new-generation technology. However, if you want to purchase a cheaper laser cutter that seems more professional, the GweikeCloud Pro CO2 desktop laser cutter can meet your needs. It is up to you, based on your budget and thoughts.
3. iKier K1 Pro Max 48W Desktop Laser Cutting Machine

Pros
- The auto-sinking cutting function increases the maximum cutting depth by 35%.
- Up to 900mm/s engraving speed.
- Shift to 48W or 24W mode freely with a gear switch.
- Resume engraving can prevent work failures when encountering sudden power off.
- Automatic air assist.
- Infrared cross positioning.
- Multiple security protection.
- Motorized Z-axis and Auto Focus.
- 410 mm*410 mm Engraving size.
- 4.3-inch touch screen.
Cons
- At present, it seems that there are no special shortcomings compared to other diode laser cutters.
ikier K1 series is the excellent laser cutter near you but you may not realize it because it just launched this year. ikier is the high-end brand from Atamstack, which is a new generation of desktop laser cutter engravers. iKier K1 series laser cutting machines are available in 24W, 36W, and 48W laser power at different prices. As far as I’m concerned, the sudden appearance of iKier K1 Pro Max 48W this year has really upside down the diode laser cutter engraver market. With many technology innovations that didn’t appear before, iKier K1 Pro Max 48W is rightly the best desktop diode laser cutter this year.
iKier K1 Pro Max 48W is the world’s first desktop laser cutter/engraver featuring a gear switch laser module. We can switch laser power to the 24W or 48W freely based on what we need. When we need to cut, we can use the 48W gear, and the laser power is fully turned on. when we need to engrave, we can use the 24W laser gear, and the engraving is more precise. Regarding the cutting ability of 48W, you don’t have to question it, it is really comparable to the previous 55W CO2 laser cutting machine.

The auto-sinking cutting function is the most amazing feature that set it apart from other desktop laser cutters. When compared to machines of the same power, automatic sinking cutting technology can increase the iKier K1 Pro Max 48W maximum cutting depth by 35% while also providing better-cutting results.

Combined with other innovative features, such as the automatic air assist system, resume engraving, Infrared cross positioning, and autofocus, making the iKier K1 Pro Max 48W becomes the NO.1 ranked diode desktop laser cutter this year. If you are looking for a laser cutter under a 2000 USD budget, iKier K1 Pro Max 48W is worth buying. No matter whether you are a crafts hobbyist or a professional in custom crafts making for business, this will be your wonderful laser tool to make your creation come to reality.
4. xTool D1 Pro with 40W Laser Module

Pros
- Changeable 40W laser module and 10W laser module.
- 430*348mm (16.93 * 13.7 inches) larger engraving size.
- 400mm/s engraving speed.
- Excellent brand reputation.
- Precise focus adjustment for thicker cutting.
- Safe to use.
Cons
- Manual change of the laser module.
- Manual laser focus.
You may have noticed xTool D1 Pro 40W laser cutting machine, which has always been around you, and its brand reputation let me feel at ease. Not as same as iKier K1 Pro Max 48W can shift to 24W by a gear switch, xTool D1 Pro 40W actually consists of a D1 Pro 10W laser engraver+ 40W laser module. Replace the 40W laser module on xTool D1 pro and make it become a 40W laser cutter that cut thicker depth.
Although the 40W laser power is the strongest among those laser cutters, you will still astonish by its cutting ability. D1 Pro 40W can cut 20mm pine wood,18mm cherry wood, and 15mm basswood plywood in one pass. It is enough power to let you make lots of complicated wooden crafts.

In fact, xTool’s brand reputation and product quality are the best in my opinion, and the relatively expensive price is understandable, because it has been tested by consumers for a long time, and it is indeed an excellent desktop laser cutter. Of course, compared with iKier K1 Pro Max 48W, the price is slightly more expensive, and the technology is not the latest. But this does not deny that it is an excellent desktop laser-cutting machine. So if you are a $2000 budget, you can choose iKier K1 Pro Max 48W to experience the new technology of laser cutter this year, or you can insist to choose xTool D1 Pro 40W which is a more reliable machine that has been tested by the market. It is up to you and based on your thought.
5. Atomstack A40 Pro 48W Laser Machine

Pros
- Working area: stander 400 mm*400 mm, support to extend to 850 mm*858 mm with expansion kits.
- Changeable 48W or 24W with a switch.
- Automatic air assist.
- 500mm/s engraving speed.
- autofocus.
Cons
- The maximum engraving speed seems to be behind other 40W laser machines.
This is another super monster diode desktop laser cutting and engraving machine which is newly launched by Atomstack, called A40 Pro 48W. With the same laser power 48W as the iKier K1 Pro Max, Atomsatck A40 Pro’s technology is almost the same as the iKier. Similarly, the Atomsatck A40 Pro 48W still supports 48W and 24W toggle, features the latest automatic air assist system, and Z-axis autofocus.
However, in order to avoid direct competition with the iKier K1 Pro max 48W, the Atomstack A40 Pro abandoned the promise of higher engraving speed. Compared to the ikier’s 900mm/s maximum engraving speed, the Atomstack A40 Pro conservatively maintained a maximum engraving speed of 500mm/s. Of course, the Atomstack A40 Pro also tries to regain its competitiveness in other areas, such as support for using expansion kits to span large working areas.
In terms of styling, the Atomstack A40 Pro desktop laser cutter uses a drag chain design, which makes it more dynamic and industrial, but the iKier k1 Pro Max is a simple and clean style in its overall design. Absolutely, they have adopted different design styles and can also cater to different consumer tastes, which is really a good idea. For the performance of 48W laser power, I don’t need to say more, if you want thicker cutting ability, such as cutting more than 30mm of wood, and the budget is not so much which only about $1500. Believe me, Atomsatck A40 Pro is also a good choice for you, it will not let you down.
6. ATEZR L2 36W

Pros
- Up to 900mm/s engraving speed.
- 36W laser output power.
- Resume engraving after power loss.
- 410mm x 410mm working area.
- Z-axis automatic sinks.
- Intelligent air assist system.
- Infrared positioning.
- Auto/manual focus mode.
- 0.01mm engraving precision.
- All-around safe protection.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Weaker laser power than previous machines.
If your budget is under $1500, the ATEZR L2 36W desktop laser cutter is one of your great choices. However, you must know that if you purchase a cheaper laser machine mean you need to give up some things, such as the stronger laser power. ATEZR L2 has 36W laser power which is weaker than the previous machines I recommended, but ATEZR claims that L2 can cut 30mm softwood in one pass, it seems ATEZR L2 can meet your deeper cutting needs.
As a new laser machine that emerged this year, ATEZR L2 36W adapted much new technology like ikier K1 series. In terms of technology, ATEZR L2 36W is similar to iKier K1 Pro Max 48W, which can explain the technical development trend of laser cutter engraver, such as the resume engraving after power loss, intelligent air assist system, automatic sinking cutting, auto laser focus, and Infrared positioning. Compared to the iKier K1 Pro Max 48W, the ATEZR L2 36W does not have the ability to shift to a weaker laser power mode, which may be a way for ATEZR to save on product manufacturing costs. Cutting some of the features but not losing the technological frontier, makes the L2 cheaper and more reliable.
As same as iKier K1 Pro Max 48W, ATEZR L2 36W features an automatic sinking function that allows for improving the precision of cutting different materials. This innovation features boasts a 30% increase in sinking depth compared to other brands with the same power. Get ready for increased productivity and consistent engraving quality without the need for manual adjustments. The Atezr L2 automatically adjusts focus to suit the material thickness.
7. SCULPFUN S30 Ultra-33W

Pros
- 600*600mm larger engraving area.
- Industrial-grade cutting precision 0.005mm.
- 33W laser output power.
- Ultra-thin, solid, and durable frame design.
- Automatic air assist.
- Replaceable protective lens.
- Enhanced 11W, 22W, and 33W three laser options.
Cons
- Weaker laser power than previous machines.
This is another excellent affordable desktop laser cutter launching in 2023, called SCULPFUN S30 Ultra 33W, which is pretty fit for your around $1000 budget. This is the most larger engraving area among those machines I recommend. The SCULPFUN S30 Ultra Laser Engraving Machine offers a 600x600mm engraving area, providing ample space for large-scale cutting works while ensuring an extended service life and eliminating the need for structural upgrades.

Sculpfun claims that S30 Ultra 33W uses a single enhanced 6W diode, which makes its actual laser power and cutting ability higher, and provides 11W/22W/33W three through combined design laser options. For example, if you are a DIY craft hobbyist, choose the 11W that is enough to cut 6mm plywood with one pass. And if you pursue the ultimate speed and save the engraving or cutting time, you can choose the 22W and 33W options to cut deeper.

S30 Ultra series laser adopts an innovative replaceable lens, which greatly improves the service life of the laser, which is more than 10 times longer than other general lasers. When the lens is damaged or after long-term use, the lens can be replaced to restore its cutting power. One free lens is included in the package with purchase, lenses are very cheap and can be easily purchased from SCULPFUN.
The S30 Ultra series laser features an innovative replaceable lens that greatly extends the laser’s lifespan, surpassing other general lasers by more than 10 times. If the lens gets damaged or after long-term use, it can be easily replaced to restore its cutting power. When you purchase the S30 Ultra 33W, you’ll receive a free lens, and additional lenses are affordable and readily available from SCULPFUN.
Another point that is ahead of other machines is its industrial-grade cutting accuracy. They claim that S30 Ultra adopts an extremely strong 0.005mm high-precision linear slide rail X-axis to achieve industrial-grade engraving precision. When comparing small engraving details, the S30 Ultra does not have the wavy patterns that appear on ordinary engraving machines.
Overall, If the desktop laser cutter described above is more than your budget or you don’t need too much laser power. this S30 Ultra 33W machine which is cheaper, easy to use, and has strong laser power is perfect for you. As a new desktop laser engraving or cutting machine for crafts hobbyists launched this year, it also uses the latest technology, and buying it is also to follow the technical trend.
8. Ortur Laser Master 3 20W

Pros
- Super good-looking appearance, simple and smooth design.
- 400 mm*380 mm working area.
- Intelligent air assist system.
- 7 safety protection.
- More affordable than previous machines.
Cons
- Weaker laser power than previous machines.
- Manual laser focus.
In order to keep up with market trends, Ortur is also introducing new machines with 20W on top of 10W. The Laser Master 3 20W desktop laser cutter is on the market for $1,199, but thanks to recurring deals, you should get it for $999.In my opinion, the Ortur laser Master 3 20W is the highest level of appearance among the 10 desktop laser engraving machines. Its overall design is really very smooth, and simple, and gives people a really elegant and high-end feeling.
Similarly, the Ortur laser master 3 20W comes with an air pump package that greatly improves cutting or engraving efficiency through an intelligent air assist system, which can turn on strong airflow when you are cutting to improve the cutting effect, and weak airflow when you are carving to maintain the optimal engraving effect.

Engraving capability is not mentioned because the 20W laser power is already perfect for engraving applications. As for cutting capability, the Ortur laser master 3 20W has been tested to cut 15mm pine wood,10mm plywood, and 8mm acrylic in one go. If you want to cut thicker material? You can do that with a few cuts. Therefore, this machine is also very suitable for our amateur or professional artisans to use.

Although this machine is not the most powerful, personally also love it very much because of its high appearance level appearance, when I saw it at first glance will fall in love with it. It really matches the temperament of a DIY creator or an art creator. Most importantly, it is also one of the best options for your budget under $1,000.
9. TwoTrees TTS-20 Pro 20W

Pros
- 98% pre-assemble, out of the box.
- A new generation of 20W laser module, smaller and lighter.
- Super cheaper: You can get a machine + air assist + honeycomb bench table for just less than $580.
- 500mm/s engraving speed.
- 418mm*418mm engraving size.
Cons
- Weaker laser power than previous machines.
- Manual laser focus.
TwoTrees TTS-20 Pro 20W is the best affordable 20W desktop laser cutter or engraver that I have known. If your budget can not buy a machine that is more than 700 USD, this machine is your good choice. The 98% pre-assembling means you get rid of the annoying assembling, almost out of the box, which is super friendly to laser cutter beginners. In the TTS-20 Pro package, you get a pre-assembling frame, a 20W laser module, a honeycomb, a power cable, a power adapter, an air pump, and a master control box, that all, simple and easy to use. This is awesome with this super cheap price!

My overall impression of the TTS-20 Pro 20W desktop laser cutter or engraver is that it is simple and lightweight, and its ease of use is really suitable for home or amateur DIY crafting. The 20W laser module is sufficient for those who do not have the need for higher cutting power because it can also cut softwood 18mm in a single pass. Regarding the 20W laser module, TwoTress claims it adopting the COS chip upgrade which is a new technology for laser modules that makes them smaller, lighter, and faster.
In fact, the TwoTrees TTS series laser engraver has been tested by the market for a long time. The TTS-55 version is very mature both in the market and in technology, and the TTS-20 Pro is a new product launched to meet the needs of consumers for higher laser power. The key point is that it is really cheap, and really suitable for some beginners to buy, of course, the 20W laser power can make the creation richer.
10. TwoTrees TS2 20W

Pros
- Autofocus.
- 20W laser power.
- 410mm *410mm engraving area.
- Unique appearance, industrial style design.
- 0.01mm engraving precision.
- 10000mm/min engraving speed.
- Eye protection.
- Affordable.
- Flame detection.
Cons
- Weaker laser power than previous machines.
This is another TwoTrees desktop laser engraver or cutter, called TwoTrees TS2 20W. TwoTrees products focus on cost performance, really cheap and easy to use. When I just started a laser engraving machine, my first machine is TS2 10W, which is really a very useful desktop laser engraving machine. Now this 20W machine is capable of turning into a desktop laser cutter which really fun to use for wood crafts.
The TwoTrees TS2 series was one of the first laser engraving machines on the market to use autofocus, and the TS2 20W continues in its original style. With autofocus, you can avoid manually fixing the focus, which is easier and more convenient. In addition, the TS2 20W’s exterior design is really unique, and this industrial style appeals to makers interested in mechanical construction.
In terms of its performance, I think there is no need to say more because a lot of laser power powerful machines have been introduced before. Compared to the previous powerful desktop laser engraving and cutting machine, 20W power may be slightly inferior, but I can be sure that it can meet the needs of those of us DIY enthusiasts to make wooden crafts. Overall, If your budget is less than $700, the TS2 20W is also your best choice. TwoTrees’ products are really cheap to use and good value for money.
FQA about Desktop Laser Cutter
The Difference Between Desktop Laser Cutter and Laser Engraver
Only from a functional point of view, the desktop laser cutter is specifically used to cut materials, such as wood, acrylic, paper, and even metal. However, the laser engraving machine is generally used to carve patterns on the surface of the material. As we know, laser cutters typically have a higher wattage laser than laser engravers, which means that laser cutters can cut through thicker materials and faster than laser engravers.
Besides, the desktop laser cutting machine is generally small in size, simple and beautiful in design, convenient in storage, and very suitable for personal use or small gift customization. It actually covers the desktop engraving machine in terms of function because when you want to cut thicker materials, you can increase the laser power, and when you want to carve patterns on the surface of the material, you can reduce the laser power to make it a laser engraving machine.
From the product technology point of view, as the desktop laser technology matures, the laser power will become more and more strong, and the desktop laser cutting machine will completely replace the low laser power laser engraving machine. Therefore, it is now recommended to buy a laser cutting machine rather than a laser engraving machine, with a high laser power machine, you can complete your wooden toys, paper crafts, and even stainless steel crafts at will.
The Difference Between CO2 Laser Cutter and Diode Laser Cutter
In this article, there are two different types of laser cutting machines, namely CO2 laser cutting machines, such as xTool P2 and Gweike Cloud Pro, and the rest are diode laser cutting machines. You might be confused about how they are different, so I want to give you an idea of the difference between these two machines.
CO2 Laser Cutter Produce Laser Principle
CO2 laser is a high-efficiency laser, which is not easy to cause damage to the working medium and emits an invisible laser at 10.6μm wavelength.
The CO2 laser produces laser principle: In the discharge tube, a DC current of several tens or hundreds of mA is usually input. When discharging, the nitrogen molecules within the gas mixture in the discharge tube are excited up due to the impact of electrons. The excited N2 molecules then collide with CO2 molecules, and the N2 molecules transfer their energy to the CO2 molecules, which jump from the low energy level to the high energy level to form a particle number reversal to produce a laser.
Diode Laser Cutter Produce Laser Principle
The diode laser cutter normally emits a 450nm visible blue laser. Compared with the wavelength of 10640nm of the CO2 laser cutting machine, the wavelength of 450nm is shorter, so the precision of engraving is also higher.
The diode laser produces laser principle: It utilizes a semiconductor diode that consists of two layers with opposite charges. When an electric current flows through the diode, electrons move from the negative layer to the positive layer and generate a high-energy area in the positive layer. As these electrons return to their original energy level, they release light particles called photons. These photons can trigger other electrons to emit light with the same wavelength, creating a laser beam. This process repeats, resulting in a continuous beam of laser light.
Comparison Table
Feature | Desktop CO2 Laser Cutter | Desktop diode Laser Cutter |
---|---|---|
Wavelength | 10,640 nm | 450nm |
Materials | Wood, acrylic, paper, fabric, leather, and some plastics, etc. but can not engrave metals | Wood, paper, fabric, metals, some plastics, etc |
Laser Power | More powerful | less powerful |
Cutting speed | Faster | Slower |
Engraving quality | Less fine | Finer |
Cost | More expensive | Less expensive |
Maintenance difficulty | complex | Easy |
Design | Large volume, complex structure | Small size, simple structure |
Therefore, the volume of CO2 desktop cutting machines is larger and the structural design is more complex, but their laser power is often more powerful, which is also the reason why it is more professional. But one thing, you must know, is that the laser wavelength of the CO2 laser cutting machine is 10,640 nm, so it is difficult to be absorbed by the metal, that is, it is difficult to apply in carving or cutting metal, but carving cutting wood, plastic, etc., is definitely a professional level master.
On the contrary, the diode desktop laser engraving machine, volume is lighter, and the structural design is simple, so it is easy to maintain and cheaper than CO2 laser machines. Because its laser wavelength is 450nm, it can be absorbed not only by wood and some plastics but also by some common metals, so it can also be used to carve metal.
Therefore, which type of laser cutting and engraving machine to buy should be decided according to your own crafts project needs and budget.
How Can I Buy a Reliable Desktop Laser Cutter for Crafts
Determine Your Requirements
Consider the specific needs of your crafting projects. Assess factors such as the materials you’ll be working with, the size of the objects you’ll be cutting, and the level of intricacy required. This will help you determine the necessary specifications for the laser cutter.
Set a Budget
Determine your budget range for the purchase. Keep in mind that the cost of a desktop laser cutter can vary based on factors like power, cutting area, and additional features. Establishing a budget will help narrow down your options.
Research Reputable Brands and Models
Look for well-established brands known for producing reliable and high-quality desktop laser cutters. Read reviews, compare specifications, and consider feedback from other users to gauge the performance and reliability of different models. The 10 best desktop laser cutters in this article are your best choice since we have tested them in the market and finally picked up them as the more reliable machines for you.
Seek Recommendations
Ask for recommendations from fellow crafters or professionals who have experience using desktop laser cutters. Their insights can provide valuable guidance and help you make an informed decision.
Consider After-Sales Support
Check if the manufacturer offers good customer support, warranty coverage, and access to spare parts. Having reliable after-sales support can be crucial in case of any technical issues or maintenance requirements.
Evaluate Safety Features
Ensure that the laser cutter you choose incorporates appropriate safety features, such as enclosure systems, emergency stop buttons, and safety interlocks. Safety should be a priority to protect yourself and others while operating the machine.
Check User-Friendly Features
Look for a desktop laser cutter that offers a user-friendly interface and intuitive software. A machine with easy-to-use controls and software will enhance your crafting experience and streamline your workflow.
Seek Demonstrations or Trials
If possible, attend trade shows or visit local suppliers to witness live demonstrations or request trial sessions with the laser cutter models you’re considering. This hands-on experience can give you a better understanding of the machine’s capabilities and ease of use.
Compare Prices and Make the Purchase
Once you have narrowed down your options, compare prices from different vendors or online marketplaces. Consider the total cost, including shipping, taxes, and any additional accessories or software packages you may need. Once you’ve made your decision, proceed with the purchase from a trusted and reputable seller.
By following these steps, you’ll be well-equipped to purchase a reliable desktop laser cutter for your craft projects. Or you can buy a laser cutter or engraver from the 10 best desktop laser cutters we recommended above because those machines were tested by us and finally picked them up among tons of laser machines as the reliable laser machine for wood crafts in the market.
Tips to Avoid the Common Mistakes with Desktop Laser Cutters
Desktop Laser cutters have become increasingly popular tools for precision cutting and engraving. They offer incredible versatility and allow for the creation of intricate designs. However, as with any tool, there are common mistakes that users should be aware of in order to avoid potential issues. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common mistakes made with laser cutters and provide tips on how to avoid them.
1. Not Choosing the Right Material
The type of material you choose for your project is crucial for the success of your laser cutting. Not all materials can withstand the heat generated by the laser cutter without melting, warping, or releasing harmful fumes. Ensure that the material you choose is compatible with your cutter and that the thickness of the material is suitable for the laser’s power.
2. Not Adjusting Power Settings Correctly
Every material requires different laser power settings to achieve optimal results. Failure to adjust the power settings correctly can result in undercuts, overcuts, and even burnt edges. Understanding your materials and the appropriate laser power settings is crucial to achieving clean and accurate cuts.
3. Incorrect Focus Setting
The focus setting on a laser cutter determines the distance at which the laser beam is at its narrowest and most intense point. Using an incorrect focus setting can lead to inconsistent cuts or poor engraving quality. Make sure to adjust the focus setting based on the thickness and type of material you are working with to achieve the desired results.
4. Overlooking Maintenance and Cleaning
Regular maintenance and cleaning are essential for the proper functioning and longevity of a laser cutter. Failing to clean the lenses, mirrors, and ventilation system can result in decreased cutting quality and increased risk of fire. Develop a routine maintenance schedule and regularly inspect and clean all components to ensure optimal performance.
5. Using Incorrectly Sized Text or Graphics
When designing your graphics and text for laser cutting, ensure that they are sized correctly. Using text and graphics that are too small or large can lead to poor-quality cuts, distorted images, or unsightly grainy edges. Make sure that your graphics fit the size of your laser bed and are scaled appropriately.
6. Poor Selection of Image Resolution
To achieve high-quality laser cutting, ensure that the resolution of your image is high enough. Low-resolution images often result in poorly defined or blurry designs, affecting the final product’s quality. Use high-resolution images and vector files for optimal results.
7. Ignoring Safety Precautions
Laser cutters can be dangerous if not used with proper safety precautions. Some common safety mistakes include not wearing appropriate protective gear such as safety goggles, failing to secure the material properly, or leaving the laser cutter unattended during operation. Always follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines and take necessary precautions to prevent accidents is necessary.
Conclusion
In this article, we have screened and tested various desktop laser cutters or engraving machines on the market. Finally, we selected the best 10 desktop laser cutting machines this year and introduced the common questions about laser cutting machines. These 10 desktop laser cutters have their own characteristics, both price and laser power cover the different needs of consumers. If you want super cutting power, you can choose an expensive machine, such as xTool P2, but if you have a limited budget, you can also choose a super cheap machine for about $500, such as TwoTrees TTS-20 Pro.
The difference with other articles is that the laser cutter machines that appear in this article are the latest models of this year, covering different laser power and price levels. Many of the recommended machines on the Internet are still steeped in older machines from previous years, thus failing to inform consumers of the latest technology trends. So, this is the right place for you to learn about and buy the latest desktop laser cutter. The 10 best desktop laser cutters mentioned in this article, you can buy with confidence according to your budget!