So you want to buy a laser and be like Luke Skywalker with your wood crafting? Cool! Read on….
Wood laser cutters are becoming more and more popular as ease of use increase, prices drop, product choices increase and more wood crafters realize the benefits of laser technology. They offer a variety of features and functionality to accommodate any need you may have.
Laser cutting machines and engravers can provide clean cuts, high precision, and fast cutting speeds. There is no need to worry about accuracy because laser instruments can be accurate down to the thousandth of an inch! I wish my hand wood carvings were this accurate…sigh.
The best wood laser cutters come in all shapes and sizes. Some are designed for the home hobbyist, while a full-time professional can use others. So many laser woodcutters on the market today. It’s important to know which one is right for your needs and then match that with the features of each machine before you buy one. This article will recommend six of the best wood laser cutters with a buying guide for you.
Note: If you are in the UK, I have written a specific article for The Best Wood Laser Cutter in the UK. Why? Some of the machines available in the UK and USA are different. That said, the general opinion I have shared on selecting a machine in this article may prove to be beneficial. If so, I’m super glad.
Why Should You Trust My Opinion?
Because I know everything about everything, ok? Yeah, that’s a lie. My woody friends and I have learned some useful stuff about using lasers with wood (and glass and metal). I want to share it with you.
I do have a significant experience working with lasers as well as most wood working and wood carving tools. Read more about me here. After failing with a bunch of terrible early laser cutters, through trial and error I came across a few that met my needs in my own small wood workshop.
Like all my articles, I aim to help you benefit from my direct experience. However, I don’t limit myself to purely my own view as like everyone, I don’t know everything. I also lean on the many friends and professional network colleagues I have met through my wood carving and crafting journey over the past decade. We all share our opinions, and those opinions differ. I like to listen, contrast and compare with my own in an effort to learn . You get to benefit from this “networked learning” about the best wood laser cutters.
To supplement this direct and networked opinion, I have been extensively reading and research various buyer’s guides, manufacturer’s specifications, and online reviews. From this work, I have compiled a list of what I think of as the best laser cutter machines you can buy in 2022. So, whether you are a professional laser engraver or just beginning on, this list will help you in making your choice of a great laser cutter for wood.
With that said, I am not the absolute expert on the use of wood laser cutters. So I strongly encourage you to read other online opinions and manufacturer specifications to compare and contrast with what I have shared with you here. I trust with my help, you will be on the right path to spending your money and time wisely in the workshop.
The Best Choice Wood Laser Cutter
Glowforge Plus 3D Laser Printer
Bottom Line
I think the Glowforge Plus 3D Laser Printer is the best wood cutting machine on the market for home consumers. The laser is very powerful with precision on wood and many materials like leather. It’s easy to use thanks to the built-in touchscreen and web-based software.
Pros
It’s the best choice for beginners or professionals, easy to use and powerful. This laser cutting machine has a built-in touchscreen that makes it easy to control the machine. Its powerful laser also cuts on various materials from wood to leather, plastic, and fabrics.
Cons
Although expensive already, it doesn’t have as many features as the other more expensive brands.
My Pick
BobsCNC Evolution 4 CNC Router Kit
Bottom Line:
BobsCNC Evolution 4 CNC Router Kit is an excellent machine for hobbyists or people who want to start their own business. It is very versatile and can be used for a variety of projects.
Pros:
Upgradable saves time and money because it’s not your average laser cutter. Comes with 30 Days return policy.
Cons:
It requires an advanced level of assembly and finesses to operate proficiently. The material’s thickness also limits it.
Best Value For Money
Orion Motor Tech 40W CO2 Laser Cutter Machine
Bottom Line:
The Orion Motor Tech 40W CO2 Laser Cutter Machine is a laser cutter for all people, from beginners to professionals. It’s a great laser cutter for your needs.
Pros:
It has a touch screen and a powerful 40 watt CO2 tube that allows you to cut a wide variety of materials. The touch screen makes it easy for you to control the machine.
Cons:
It doesn’t come with as many features as the more expensive brands.
Low Budget Laser Cutter for Wood
NEJE Master 2S Plus Wood Cutting Machine
Bottom Line:
A great machine for people who are on a budget. It is versatile and suitable for hobbies or professional use.
Pros:
It is easier to use and more power-effective. The procedure is quicker, simpler, and more user-friendly. It is completely compatible with Lightburn and cutting software.
Cons:
It is of designs, and the software can be difficult to use. The machine is also not very durable.
Most Reviews on Amazon
ORTUR Laser Master 2
Bottom Line:
It’s an excellent machine for people who want a reliable laser engraver for professional use. It is very accurate and has a high resolution. Great for creating 3D models.
Pros:
It comes with a warranty, 10 pcs metal business cards, safety glasses, 2 pcs colour paper, and 4 pcs pet lD tags. It also has a large work area of 400 x 400 mm.
Cons:
The software is difficult to use, and replacing parts is not easy to find.
Commercial Wood Laser Machine for Industrial and Business Use
Thunder Laser Nova 35
Bottom Line:
An excellent machine for people who want a powerful laser engraver for professional use. It is very accurate and has a high resolution.
Pros:
It has a high cutting speed and comes with a laser lens cleaner. Its cooling system is highly efficient.
Cons:
It is a costly machine, and the software can be difficult to use. Parts are also not easy to find.
Want My Detailed Opinion on Each Wood Laser Cutter?
GlowforgePlus 3D Laser Printer
[Best Choice]
Why We Love It:
- Fast and automated
- Simple to set up
- Highly accurate
Pros
- Big working area
- Capable of 1300 lines per inch
- Safe for business and home
- Preview mode available
- Can produce designs with great precision.
Cons
❌ Little bit expensive
The Glowforge Plus 3D Laser Printer is the perfect wood laser cutter for your small business or home. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to start wood engraving as a hobby and then graduate into entrepreneurship when they feel ready. It has enough power to cut through even hard materials like wood and granite easily. You can use all of its features even if you are just starting.
If you are looking for a woodcutter but want to save some money, get the Glowforge Plus. It’s cheaper than Dremels’ laser machine, but it still has high quality. Also, It is better than a laser CNC machine.
It will give you results faster and on more surfaces. Here we talk about wood and paper and glass and ceramics. You dream, and Growforge helps you turn these dreams into reality. This machine is the best wood laser cutter because there are so many ways to configure it.
It can work with any type of image, including JPEG, PNG, PDF, and others. You can upload your drawing on paper to your device. You can then change it for the size of the screen and other features.
If you want to use design software, you can use any comfortable program for you. You can also use images from paid or open-source platforms that have already been downloaded.
You can choose a design and what surface you want engraving. You can see the design before you engrave it. If there is a change, make it before you start to carve. Think about how deep or uneven the cutting will be when you make changes.
Design your pattern on the machine. Then choose the surface you want to engrave it on. Preview how it will look before you do. The best laser cutter is suitable for Windows, Mac, and iOS.
It is the best machine for cutting because it can be exact. You can set the laser beam to a thousandth of an inch width, and it is also only as wide as human hair. It means that your cutting will be more precise than any other machine.
BobsCNC Evolution 4 CNC Router Kit
[Editor’s Choice]
Why Do We Like It:
- It’s beginner-friendly
- It’s an excellent value for money
- You can use third party software with it
Pros
- High level of accuracy
- A solid and stable structure
- Excellent built quality
- Provides an ample working space
- Frame made of metal with rigid laser
- Rigid laser cut frame
- Firm grasp of the item
- Kit ready to be built
Cons
❌ Requires assembly
Bob’s CNC Evolution 4 CNC router kit is a good wood laser cutter for beginners. This machine is easy to use and has a large area to move the wood. It also comes with a sturdy build and GT2 belt, which helps keep the items in place when they are being cut.
The kit includes everything a beginner needs to start with laser cutting. There are just a few, if any, accessories that you need to do the job right.
It is a good choice for any new woodworker because it has all the critical features of our other products, like cutting and engraving. It will be an excellent solution to most beginning woodworkers’ needs.
One cool feature of the best cheap laser cutter is that it’s easy to assemble. If you have never used a CNC laser cutting machine, this is a great starter kit! It comes with inserts, so all the parts will fit together quickly. However, there may be problems connecting all the software across the devices.
You’ll need a G-code reader to connect your third-party program to the machine. The manufacturer recommends using the Universal G-code Sender (UGS) to send the data.
There are many choices for designing software. But you have to search well to find the best one. You can choose between free or paid versions, depending on what you want.
The CNC Laser Cutting size can be considered one of its best features. It is pretty significant! You can be confident that this machine will engrave anything you want quick because it has a 16 x 18 inches surface area.
This kit has every part you need to start your project. It includes motors, electronics, routers, and software for the controller.
This machine is suitable for cutting or engraving wood. If you want to do some engraving or cutting, you will need to add a few things to the machine to be more precise.
This best laser cutter can cut wood items that are 18 inches wide. It has an SG20U supported rail system and GT2 belt to help it hold the item. It helps make cutting happen fast.
The customer service is great because people can ask questions and get answers. People do the assembly themselves, ready to answer any questions.
Orion Motor Tech 40W CO2 Laser Cutter Machine
Why Do We Like It:
- The machine is very easy to use
- It has a wide range of applications
- You can use it for both personal and professional projects
Pros
- The machine is very powerful
- Can work with a wide range of materials
- Excellent for a variety of projects
- The price is very low
- It has a very strong build
- Comes with everything you need to get started
Cons
❌ Cannot work in Mac
The Orion MotorTech 40W CO2 Laser Cutter is a great machine that is very easy to use. This machine has a wide range of applications and can be used for both personal and professional projects. It is a very powerful machine that has 4,000 hours of lifetime.
If you want to do laser engraving for a project or a small business, this machine might be what you need. You can use it to cut through a wide variety of materials, making it a great choice for any project you may have!
The machine comes with an air compressor that turns on and off automatically. It is perfect for any level of user, from beginner to experienced. You can use this machine to create your decorative items, manage woodworking projects, and more!
It features a USB connection that allows you to control the laser via your computer. It has a laser power of 40 watts for cutting and engraving. It comes with an air compressor that turns on and off automatically. It is 50 pounds and includes a control panel with knobs. It has four wheels, so it is easy to move.
The model supports most third-party vector graphic design platforms, such as CorelLaser and LaserDraw. It also works with printers, scanning equipment, and documents in TIF, BMP, JPG, JPEG, WMF, EMF. Unfortunately, It isn’t working with Mac.
When it is working, the integrated exhaust fan helps to improve ventilation. When you turn on the device, the red dot guidance will show the machine’s route on the 12 by 8 inch (300 x 200mm) engraving surface. It has enough area for most personal engravings and minor projects.
The laser cutter can work with a wide range of materials, including wood, Acrylic, Pressboard, Mylar, Rubber, Fabric, Ceramic, Glass, Paper, Fiberglass, and more. Other non-metallic materials include Balsa, Leather, Cork, Canvas, Felt, Foam, Plastic Sheet, or Tiles. It can also be engraved/cut.
The package includes the machine, air compressor, smoke exhaust pipe, USB cable, and user manual. You can begin using your machine right away and start creating your projects!
You have to assemble it yourself if you do not know how to find information online or speak to customer service.
The price is very low, making it an excellent value for the price. If you are looking for a powerful and easy machine to use, then this machine may be the perfect choice for you!
NEJE Master 2S Plus Wood Laser Cutting Machine
[ Low Budget]
Why Do We Like It:
- The machine is very powerful
- Can work with a wide range of materials
- It is very easy to assemble
- Comes with everything you need to get started
Pros
- Very easy for beginners to use
- Excellent for a variety of projects
- Excellent build quality
- Budget-friendly
- Comes with a lot of accessories
Cons
❌ Cannot work in Linux
The NEJE Master 2S Plus Wood Cutting Machine is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an affordable laser cutter. It is perfect for those who need to do precision cutting and engraving. You can use this machine with various materials, making it a great choice for any project you may have!
It is an excellent machine for both beginners and experienced users. It has excellent build quality and is very easy to assemble.
The design of this machine is simple and compact. It features a high-power 500mW laser head with an ultra-fast scan system. It comes with various accessories, making it a great choice for any project you may have!
It is very powerful, able to work with a wide range of materials, including wood, Acrylic, Rubber, Fabric, Ceramic, Glass, Paper, and more. It is also very fast, able to reach speeds up to 1000mm/s.
This laser cutter supports NEJE software and light burn and is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Android systems.
You can use the NEJE APP to operate the machine wirelessly. The machine will be connected to the computer with a USB cable. This software can support high-resolution pictures that are 3400 x 5600 pixels. It can handle many different picture formats, including JPG, JPEG, PNG, and more!
This CNC laser cutter machine has a 17″x16″ engraving area and comes with red glasses, data cable, fixed-focus sheet, and more. You can begin using your machine right away and start creating your projects!
One downside to this machine is that it cannot work in Linux. However, it is still a great choice for anyone looking for an excellent wood engraving machine. It also features an easily adjustable front handle to make transporting the machine easier than ever before. It also comes with a one-year warranty, always a great bonus.
ORTUR Laser Master 2 Small Wood Laser Cutter
[Most Reviews]
Why Do We Like It:
- Full metal body structure
- It has a Specialized motherboard
- Most Advanced Laser Engraver Firmware
- Easy to use
Pros
- Comes with a powerful motherboard
- A strong and stable structure
- Precision 0.001mm positioning accuracy
- Very low noise emissions
- Designed for heavy-duty use and comes with a safety goggle
Cons
❌ Requires assembly
❌ Limited engraving area
The ORTUR Laser Master 2 is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use, durable, and reliable laser engraver. It comes with a powerful motherboard and a stable metal body structure perfect for heavy-duty use. Additionally, the machine is designed to provide a quiet working environment without disturbing anyone around.
It has a specialized motherboard that offers a variety of functions and is very easy to use. The laser cutter also comes with a safety goggle to ensure the user’s safety.
It has runners that go on an extruded tube. It allows the tool head to move around, controlled by a computer with a 32-bit main unit and two other stepper motors. The design is quite simple and not too sophisticated.
The laser module goes on the top of a square frame bolted together. The tool head can move along the X and Y axes by controlling it with a computer and two other motors.
The machine is made with a strong and stable metal body structure that makes it durable and perfect for heavy-duty use. It comes with a simple design for easy management and operation. The best wood laser cutter offers 0.001mm positioning accuracy, which means you can make the finest engravings on any material.
The machine comes with a 500 x 540 mm cutting bed to work on projects of up to 3mm thickness. In addition, the laser cutter has an impressive build area of 400 x 400 mm, which makes it possible for you to create good designs without breaking your bank account.
It can engrave and cut different materials such as wood, leather, and plastic. It’s quiet and has a low running cost, so you can use it for extended periods without having to worry about expensive maintenance costs.
You will need to assemble the machine when you receive it, but this is a straightforward process that only takes a few minutes. The instructions are clear and easy to follow.
It takes to set up about 10-20 minutes to open the small box when you have experience. But when you are a beginner, it will take about 30-40 minutes. Once you’ve opened it, connect the computer and install the program.
It is easy to use and comes with various functions that make it a great value for the price.
Thunder Laser Nova 35
[ Non Amazon Commercial ]
Why We Love It:
- Can cut through hard materials like wood and granite easily
- Precise and solid construction
- Ideal for presentation boards and signage, names, and pictures
- Enough leading power and speed for Industry
Pros:
- Large workspace
- Durable construction
- Accurate with little to no smoke or smell
- It can share in a small office
- Lots of accessories included
Cons:
❌ High price
❌ Large size means it is not enough portable
The Thunder Laser Nova 35 is the best choice for anyone who wants an industrial-quality laser cutter. It has enough industry-leading power and speed. It’s ideal for a variety of cutting and engraving tasks. It provides an extra level of accuracy and speed compared to other models.
It offers a work area of 35″x24″, with a maximum cutting thickness of 0.75″ and a maximum engraving thickness of 0.08″. Maximum laser power is 40 watts, and the machine runs on the 110-volt input voltage.
The machine is ideal for small shops looking to maximize their productivity. The Nova 35 features a powerful 80w CO2 laser, upgraded to a 100w CO2 laser with the optional upgrade kit.
With the included air assistance, you can cut any material without worrying about cutting your material or losing power. The automatic bed levelling system and intelligent memory capacity will help you work faster and better.
It can cut many things, from everyday projects to big jobs. This laser cutter comes with many features and accessories, including an air assist, 2-inch head, tool kit, cleaning kit, honeycomb/knife bed, and autofocus.
Air assist system that provides extra cooling power for your workpiece. Plus, it’s easy to connect your external tools and devices through the pass-through doors on either side of the enclosure. And if you ever need to take your laser cutter on the go, the built-in wheels and handle are easy to transport.
The Nova 35 was created by Thunder Laser, a manufacturer of reliable laser machines for over 20 years. They understand what it takes to run a successful business, and that’s why they only offer the highest quality products at affordable prices.
What to Look For? My Buying Guide and FAQ To Laser Cutters For Wood
What is a laser cutter?
A laser cutter is a machine that uses a high-powered beam of light to cut or engrave a variety of materials. The most common laser cutter is the CO2 laser, which emits a beam of light that can cut through metal, wood, and plastic. There are also various other types of lasers used for different purposes, such as fibre lasers and DPSS lasers.
A laser cutter is a tool that helps with 3-D printing in the manufacturing industry. The actual laser cutting process works with a thin and focused laser beam that is used to cut materials by vaporizing the material at the point of contact. The laser cutter leaves a very smooth edge and, depending on the material, can have a perfectly smooth finish.
It is a tool that can use in the industrial sector. It can cut many materials like glass, wood, metal, paper, plastic, textile, and much more.
How does wood laser cutter work?
Dood Laser Cutters can be used for precision cutting that is too delicate than other types of machines. They are often used for engraving materials like wood, rubber, metal, and acrylic. These machines use lasers to etch images of the material being cut.
Before deciding on a laser cutter, think about the materials you will be working with. Will you be cutting or engraving plastics? Metals? Or something else? The answer to this question will help determine the appropriate laser.
- Metal– Cutting on metal is when you make little marks on the metal. It can be used for many things, like key chains and necklaces, or presents and brand tags. The cutting is very precise and accurate because there are different machines you can use. You need a CO2 laser cutter or a desktop laser cutter to cut or engrave metal.
- Paper– A laser cutter is a good tool to have when you want to cut paper. You can cut paper with the HTL QT Desktop and CO2 Laser cutters.
- Plastic–If you want to cut or engrave plastic, use a CO2 laser cutter. Laser cutters can do it more accurately than regular cutters because they don’t melt the plastic.
- Glass– The CO2 laser cutter is the best to use to cut glass. Other types of cutters cannot cut on glass because it is so fragile.
Now that you have a basic understanding of how wood laser cutters work let’s start taking a closer look at the best laser cutters that you can buy in 2021!
How much does a good wood laser cutter cost?
Generally, wood laser cutters are expensive pieces of equipment. Some cost less than $500 while others are much more expensive. There are some differences in the power outputs between these machines. Some can only engrave on certain materials.
Many factors will determine how expensive your laser engraver is. A few of the key ones are listed below:
- The size of the machine
- The power of the laser
- The type of laser used
- The level of precision
- Features
- Does it come with a frame
- Is it easy to use
Before buying your wood laser cutter, make sure you do some research to find out how much your model will cost.
What to look for when buying a wood laser cutter?
It would help if you considered many factors when purchasing a laser cutter. The following are some crucial points that you should keep in mind:
- The material you will be using: Laser cutters can be used to cut various materials, including wood, plastic, and metal. Make sure that the laser cutter you are buying can cut the material you will be using.
- The size of the cutting: Laser cutters come in various sizes and shapes, ranging from desktop to industrial models. Make sure you buy the laser cutter with a cutting area suitable for your needs.
- The precision of the laser: The precision of the laser cutter will determine the level of detail of your cutting. Make sure that the laser cutter has high precision if you want to etch intricate details.
- The power of the laser: The power of the laser is also an important factor that you should consider when buying a laser cutter. The more powerful the laser is, the more complicated a design you can etch.
- The cost of the laser cutter: The price of your laser cutter will depend on its size, power, and precision. Make sure you have a budget in mind before you start shopping for a laser cutter.
- The quality of the machine: The quality of a laser cutter is determined by its components and frame. It should make from aluminium to ensure that it is durable.
- The ease of use: Make sure the laser cutter you are buying is easy to use and comes with a user-friendly interface.
Now you have all the information you need to purchase the best laser cutter for your needs!
What type of laser cutter should I buy?
This question can be difficult to answer as it depends on your specific needs and what you will be using the laser cutter. However, some of the most common lasers are CO2 lasers, fibre lasers, and DPSS lasers.
- CO2 Lasers: CO2 lasers are the most common type of laser and are used for various purposes, such as cutting, engraving, and welding. They are the most common because they offer a very high level of precision. For example, CO2 lasers use a wavelength absorbed by the surface of most materials, allowing for a high level of detailed woodcutting.
- Fibre Lasers: Fiber lasers are becoming more and more popular due to their high power and precision. They are often used for industrial applications, such as cutting and welding.
- DPSS Lasers: DPSS lasers are usually used for engraving and can have a very high level of precision. They are generally more portable than CO2 or fibre lasers, so they are used more for hobbyist purposes than industrial applications.
Laser cutter dangers and safety precautions
A laser cutter is a powerful laser machine that emits a very strong light beam. Therefore, it is important to know how to use one safely, not to damage yourself or the machine. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:
- Always wear goggles when using a laser cutter. The beam of light can cause permanent damage to your eyesight if you are not wearing goggles.
- Make sure the machine is turned off and unplugged before you move it.
- Make sure the material that is being cut has been securely clamped in place. If the material moves when the beam is hitting it, it can cause damage to the machine or you.
- Do not look directly into the beam of light.
- Keep pets and children away from the machine.
- Never cut metal with your laser cutter as it can damage the machine. Also, you should never look directly at the beam when cutting metal.
- If you will be doing an extended cutting job, turn off your laser cutter and let it cool down for a few minutes between jobs.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a laser cutter to use in your home or business, we hope these reviews and buyer’s guide have been helpful. We researched many different models of wood laser cutters available on the market today and found some excellent choices out there. These top six picks should be perfect for most businesses. These machines also have some great features, like accurate cutting and speed changes based on what type of work is being done!
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