Which Laser Engraver or Cutter Should You Buy?

If you’re stepping into the world of laser engraving or cutting—whether you're a seasoned professional, a DIY enthusiast, or launching your own business—choosing the right machine can make or break your success. There’s no shortage of options, and manufacturers often flood their specs with jargon. Let’s cut through the noise.

Below is a straight-shooting breakdown of the main types of laser engravers and cutters, who they’re for, and how to pick the right one. We’ll also link you to essential digital files from our 3dsketchdip store that will help you hit the ground running.

1. Diode Laser Engravers – Entry-Level, Budget-Friendly

• Best for: Hobbyists, small shops, beginners
• Price range: $150 – $1000+
• Examples: Ortur Laser Master, xTool, Atomstack series

What they do well:

• Great for engraving wood, leather, paper, acrylic (painted), and some metals (with marking spray)
• Easy to set up and run
• Compact and open-frame (desktop)

What they don’t:

• Weak cutting power (1–100W), slow on thicker materials
• Not ideal for production work or deep engraving

Start your journey with our Laser Ready Wood Projects Pack to start selling from day one.

2. CO₂ Laser Engravers – Mid to Pro-Level, Versatile

• Best for: Small businesses, professional crafters
• Price range: $1,500 – $6,000+
• Examples: Glowforge, OMTech, Thunder Laser, Boss Laser

What they do well:

• Cut and engrave wood, acrylic, glass, leather, fabric, paper, etc.
• Faster and deeper cuts than diode lasers
• Enclosed for safety and dust control
• Higher power range (40W – 4000W+)

What they don’t:

• Require maintenance (mirrors, lens, exhaust)
• Larger footprint

3. Fiber Laser Engravers – Industrial Grade, Metal Focused

• Best for: Industrial users, jewelers, high-end branding
• Price range: $3,000 – $15,000+
• Examples: JPT, Raycus, MAX Fiber

What they do well:

• Permanently marks metal (steel, aluminum, brass, gold, titanium)
• Fast and highly precise
• Ideal for barcodes, serials, and branding
• Power range (500W – 30000W+)

What they don’t:

• Not compatible with wood, acrylic, or fabric (Not your best choise for this materials)
• Requires specialized software and training

What to Consider Before You Buy

• Material Focus: Choose based on what you'll use most.
• Bed Size: A larger bed = more productivity. Aim for at least 300x500mm on CO₂.
• Software: Look for compatibility with LightBurn or RDWorks.
• Support: Brands like xTool and Glowforge have strong communities.
• Air Assist: Crucial for cleaner cuts and machine longevity.

Still Not Sure? Here’s the Summary:

Type	Budget	Materials	Best Use Case
Diode	$150–$1000+	Wood, leather, painted metals	Entry-level engraving, small crafts
CO₂	$1.5k–$6k+	Wood, acrylic, glass, leather	Pro crafting, signage, production
Fiber	$3k–$15k+	All metals	Industrial engraving, jewelry

Final Thoughts

Don’t overthink it—choose based on what you plan to make and sell in the next 6–12 months. You can always upgrade later. And no matter which machine you buy, our premium laser-ready design files will get you from idea to product fast.

Need help? Contact us—our team is alwayse ready to help you.