What Are the Best Hobby Laser Engravers Available in the UK?

The popularity of laser engraving has grown significantly over the last decade, particularly for hobbyists looking to take up a new craft. These machines are capable of creating intricate shapes or designs on a range of materials, from wood to fabric and plastic. Laser engraving machines offer hobbyists a variety of materials to experiment with, and a degree of precision and speed unattainable with traditional hand tools. In this article, we will look at the best hobby laser engravers available in the UK, and provide a guide to help find the right machine for your project.

Types of Laser Engravers

Laser engravers come in two main varieties: CO2 laser and diode laser engravers. CO2 laser engravers produce a beam of infrared laser light and are the most common type of laser engraver used by hobbyists. CO2 laser engravers are capable of engraving onto both organic and non-organic materials with precision and speed which are far greater than is achievable with traditional hand tools. On the other hand, diode laser engravers are the simplest and least powerful option, but are the perfect choice for those looking to get into laser engraving for the first time. Unlike CO2 laser engravers, which require access to a power supply, diode laser engravers run on battery power and can be used anywhere.

Best Hobby Laser Engravers Available in the UK

Finding the right laser engraver for your project can be daunting, so it is important to understand the features of each available option before making a purchase. Here we look at the best hobby laser engravers available in the UK.

LightBurn

LightBurn is a CO2 laser engraver which is powerful enough for industrial use, but designed specifically for hobbyists and home businesses. It is equipped with a range of features to make it easy to use, such as an intuitive interface, a library of ready-made designs, detailed tutorials and support for a wide range of formats. It also has advanced options such as adjustable laser power, speed and support for multiple materials. LightBurn is perfect for hobbyists and home businesses looking for a powerful laser engraver with intuitive controls and plenty of features.

NEJE Master 2

NEJE Master 2 is a diode laser engraver which is perfect for those starting out with laser engraving. It is a lightweight and portable machine which can be used virtually anywhere thanks to its battery power. It is also relatively affordable and comes with adjustable laser power and a range of pre-programmed designs. It is ideal for those looking for an easy to use laser engraver which provides professional results.

Glowforge

Glowforge is a CO2 laser engraver aimed at hobbyists and professional engravers alike. It is equipped with a robust range of features, including a powerful air filter and adjustable settings to suit different materials. It also supports wireless connectivity and boasts a range of ready-made designs in various formats. Glowforge is a great choice for those seeking a powerful and reliable laser engraver with all the bells and whistles.

Features to Look For

When looking for a laser engraver for your project, there are a few key features to look out for:

Power: Laser engravers are measured by the maximum power they can produce, so it is important to make sure you get an engraver with enough power for your project. CO2 engravers are typically more powerful than diode laser engravers.
Materials: The materials supported by your chosen engraver are important, as some materials may require a more powerful machine than others. It is worth looking for an engraver that can support a wide range of materials to avoid limiting your projects.
Ease of Use: If you’re new to laser engraving, it is important to find an engraver that is easy to use and has detailed tutorials to help you get started. Diode laser engravers are typically the simplest option and have ready-made designs and adjustable settings.

Cost Considerations

The cost of laser engravers can vary significantly, so it is important to factor in any additional expenses such as consumables, batteries and maintenance costs. It is also worth considering the cost of shipping and delivery, as this can increase the overall cost a lot. It is important to consider the total cost before making a purchase to ensure you get the best laser engraver for your project.