Laser Engraver Buying Guide for Beginners
Learn all about lasers before you get one.
xTool Buyer Guide
Learn all about lasers before you get one.
xTool Buyer Guide
xTool Buyer Guide
Learn all about lasers before you get one.
Your first time here? New to laser machines, but want to make it a side hobby or make money out of it? We have prepared this guide page for any laser beginner like you, to walk you through all the necessary knowledge you need before starting your laser engraving/cutting journey with xTool.
This page is for people who belong to one of the groups below:
• You are completely new to the laser machine;
• You are wondering which xTool machine is a perfect choice for you;
• You already own an xTool machine, but need detailed guidance for starting your first laser project;
• You already have an xTool machine, but need a list of laser engraving ideas to practice your skills;
• You already have an xTool machine, but need instructions on the software part to bring out the best of the machine.
4 lasers types: differences explained
Blue laser
The blue diode laser is a popular choice for beginners. It can engrave/cut wood, leather, paper, etch paint, but is less effective on white paint, certain blues, and clear acrylics. It has a 455nm wavelength and is the cheapest of the 4 types.
4 lasers types: differences explained
Blue laser
The blue diode laser is a popular choice for beginners. It can engrave/cut wood, leather, paper, etch paint, but is less effective on white paint, certain blues, and clear acrylics. It has a 455nm wavelength and is the cheapest of the 4 types.
Blue laser
The blue diode laser is a popular choice for beginners. It can engrave/cut wood, leather, paper, etch paint, but is less effective onwhite paint, certainblues, and clear acrylics. It has a 455nm wave length and is the cheapest of the 4 types.
6 considerations:
before buying a laser machine
Budget and price
How much you can afford
Laser engraver prices vary from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Blue lasers are the cheapest, while fiber lasers can cost over $10,000. The xTool D1 Pro 10W, costing $1,000, is recommended for beginners.
Size and weight
Portability and flexibility
Desktop lasers are about 610mm x 610mm (24" x 24") with a working area of 400mm x 400mm (15.75" x 15.75"). They are lightweight (~5kg) and portable. Larger CO2 and fiber lasers may require special equipment or multiple people to move and won't fit through standard door frames.
Extensions and accessories
How versatile the machine can be
Accessories can be crucial for engraving/cutting larger or taller objects. Brands that don't provide extensions/accessories should be avoided. xTool provides solutions for potential pain points.
Laser types and materials
The major materials to work on
Before purchasing a laser, determine the type of operation you intend to perform. CO2 lasers work best with clear acrylics, blue diode lasers are great for wood, while galvo or fiber lasers are needed for engraving metals or faster operations.
Software
The extra cost of time and money
Software is a key consideration when buying a laser. Most lasers don't come with software, so you may need to download third-party software or purchase it separately like LightBurn. Consider the cost and the learning curve, especially if you're new to laser technology. xTool lasers come with free, beginner-friendly software (XCS).
Learning curve
How fast you can get business rolling
Start your laser side hustle journey with a desktop diode laser. These machines are lightweight, easy to use, and have low maintenance. CO2 and fiber lasers are more maintenance-intensive and require specific skill sets. Progression usually goes from desktop laser to CO2 to fiber.
6 considerations: before buying a laser machine
Budget and price
How much you can afford
Laser engraver prices vary from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Blue lasers are the cheapest, while fiberlasers can cost over $10,000. The xTool D1 Pro 10W, costing $1,000, is recommended for beginners.
Size and weight
Portability and flexibility
Desktop lasers are about 610mm x 610mm (24" x 24") with a working area of 400mm x 400mm (15.75" x 15.75"). They are lightweight (-5kg) and portable. Larger CO2 and fiber lasers may require special equipment or multiple people to move and won't fitthrough standard door frames.
Extensions and accessories
How versatile the machine can be
Accessories can be crucial for engraving/cutting larger or taller objects. Brands that don't provide extensions/accessories should be avoided. xTool provides solutions for potential pain points.
Laser types and materials
The major materials to work on
Before purchasing a laser, determine the type of operation you intend to perform. CO2 lasers work best with clear acrylics, blue diode lasers are great for wood, while galvo or fiberlasers are needed for engraving metals or faster operations.
Software
The extra cost of time and money
Software is a key consideration when buying a laser. Most lasers don't come with software, so you may need to download third-party software or purchase it separately like LightBurn. Consider the cost and the learning curve, especially if you're new to laser technology. xTool lasers come with free, beginner-friendly software (XCS).
Learning curve
How fast you can get business rolling
Start your laser side hustle journey with a desktop diode laser. These machines are lightweight, easy to use, and have low maintenance. CO2 and fiber lasers are more maintenance-intensive and require specific skill sets. Progression usually goes from desktop laser to CO2 to fiber.
6 applications: what you can do with it
Home decor
More projects>
Apparels
More projects>
Photo printing
More projects>
6 applications: what you can do with it
3 profitable approaches: turning a hobby into a business
Local engrave-on-demand service
Investing in a quality laser engraving machine can help businesses offer on-demand engraving services such as custom signage and personalized gifts, generating a steady income with effective marketing.
Sell laser projects online
Use laser engraving machines to create personalized items and sell them online on platforms like Etsy and Amazon. With a high-quality machine and innovative designs, you can produce precise and detailed products that appeal to a large audience and generate a steady stream of income.
Promotional items
Laser engraving is a great way for companies to add their logo or branding to items like pens, keychains, and phone cases, which can then be used as promotional giveaways or thank-you gifts. This helps businesses stand out and increase brand recognition.
3 profitable approaches: turning a hobby into a business
Local engrave-on-demand service
Investing in a quality laser engraving machine can help businesses offer on-demand engraving services such as custom signage and personalized gifts, generating a steady income with effective marketing.
Sell laser projects online
Use laser engraving machines to create personalized items and sell them online on platforms like Etsy and Amazon. With a high-quality machine and innovative designs, you can produce precise and detailed products that appeal to a large audience and generate a steady stream of income.
Promotional items
Laser engraving is a great way for companies to add their logo or branding to items like pens, keychains, and phone cases, which can then be used as promotional giveaways or thank-you gifts. This helps businesses stand out and increase brand recognition.
Successful business stories
Beaux Branch
Beaux Branch, a veteran, woodworker and proud xTool D1 user, tells his story of how he started the laser creation and truned it into a a business he keeps on making money from.
Watch more
Scott Mumma
Scott Mumma, as he himself puts it, is at his garage laser creating, if he is not working. This obsession with xTool's machine has been passed on to his family and now keeping his SB Laser Creation and More business growing.
Melissa Stott
xTool M1, to Melissa Stott, is more like a crafting toy she and her boy use to entertain themselves, rather than a machine of productivity to make money. But that doesn't make it any less rewarding and even educational, if you have a crafting boy just like she does.
Introducing xTool laser machine collection
xTool P2: powerful CO2 laser cutter
It's a 55W laser cutter that comes with many innovative feature. It enables users to engrave extra long materials, curved surfaces and high objects. If you are a business owner andwant a machine with higher cutting capacity, this is the one you need.
Learn more >
xTool S1: safety enclosed dioed laser cutter
It's an enclosed, safe and powerful diode laser that offers switchable models. You can choose from different laser head assemblies of 40w, 20w and 10w for engraving according to your needs. Whether you want to choose a machine for your home studio, or workspace, xTool S1 always offers you a variety of solutions with multiple innovations, powerful features and safety care.
Learn more >
xTool F1: portable blue + infrared laser engraver
With a maximum engraving speed of 4000mm/s, xTool F1 is the fastest laser engraver that is portable and user friendly. assembled with both infrared and blue laser, you can use it to engrave on almost all metal materials such as gold, silver, plstinum and even plastic, making itself a perfec choice for gift making and jewelry customization.
Learn more >
xTool M1: perfect for gift making and personalization
xTool M1, featuring in laser engraving and blade cutting, is a perfect machine for you if you need a handy tool to make little personalized gifts and it’s easy to work with.
Learn more >
xTool D1 Pro: all-around with open structure
The diode laser engraver xTool D1 Pro specializes in its open structure that enables it to engrave and cut objects that are higher, wider etc. It offers guaranteed professional performance. If you're looking for a cost-effective choice, you can choose it to enjoy a smooth, professional engraving experience.
Learn more >
Successful business stories
Beaux Branch
Beaux Branch, a veteran, woodworker and proud xTool D1 user, tells his story of how he started the laser creation and truned it into a a business he keeps on making money from.
Scott Mumma
Scott Mumma, as he himself puts it, is at his garage laser creating, if he is not working. This obsession with xTool's machine has been passed on to his family and now keeping his SB Laser Creation and More business growing.
Melissa Stott
xTool M1, to Melissa Stott, is more like a crafting toy she and her boy use to entertain themselves, rather than a machine of productivity to make money. But that doesn't make it any less rewarding and even educational, if you have a crafting boy just like she does.
Introducing our laser machine collection
xTool M1: perfect for gift making and personalization
xTool M1, featuring in laser engraving and blade cutting, is a perfect machine for you if you need a handy tool to make little personalized gifts and it’s easy to work with. Learn more>
xTool F1: Portable Blue + Infrared Laser Engraver
With a maximum engraving speed of 4000mm/s, it is the fastest portable laser engraver that is portable. Learn more>
4 advantages: why choose xTool?
Free software
xTool offers free software XCS and provides numerous project files and step-by-step guides, making it easier for laser beginners to learn quickly and start earning.
One-stop solution
xTool provides laser engraver and cutter machines, project ideas, and tutorials. They also offer high-quality plywood or acrylic sheets, compatible accessories, and extensions to expand machine capacity as your business grows.
Different lasers for all needs
xTool offers free software XCS and provides numerous project files and step-by-step guides, making it easier for laser beginners to learn quickly and start earning.
Helpful community
xTool has active Facebook groups where thousands of real users share ideas, offer assistance, and exclusive deals. Beginners can benefit a lot from this supportive community.
More you may want to know
4 advantages: why choose xTool?
Free software
xTool offers free software XCS and provides numerous project files and step-by-step guides, making it easier for laser beginners to learn quickly and start earning.
One-stop solution
xTool provides laser engraver and cutter machines, project ideas, and tutorials. They also offer high-quality plywood or acrylic sheets, compatible accessories, and extensions to expand machine capacity as your business grows.
Different lasers for all needs
xTool's laser machines come in various sizes and power levels to meet different cutting and engraving needs across materials, from wood and acrylics to metals and plastics.
Helpful community
xTool has active Facebook groups where thousands of real users share ideas, offer assistance, and exclusive deals. Beginners can benefit a lot from this supportive community.
