What is the Best Laser Engraver and Cutter for Beginners?
Starting up a business or hobby in laser engraving can be intimidating if you don’t already have experience with the technology. With so many options out there and seemingly infinite features, finding the best laser engraving machine that still fits in your budget can be tricky. Luckily, the good news is that there are machines designed with the beginner in mind, so you don’t have to break the bank in order to get a quality product. Read on to learn about the most important features to consider when purchasing a laser engraving machine as a beginner, as well as our editor’s top picks for the best laser engraving machines currently available.
Things to Consider Before Buying
There are a few things to consider when shopping for a beginner’s laser engraving machine. These features will help you choose an engraver that perfectly fits your needs.
1. Engraving Area – The size of the material you can engrave is limited by the size of the engraving bed or area, so make sure you consider this measurement when shopping around.
2. Material Compatibility – Some machines are designed to work with certain materials and not others. Before making a purchase, confirm that the materials you will be engraving are compatible with the machine.
3. Software – For the most seamless possible experience, look for machines that come with software compatible with your machine. Most beginner-friendly machines are designed to work with free or low-cost design software.
4. Price – When it comes to price, your goal should be to get the most features and functions for the least amount of money. It might be worth it to invest in a slightly more expensive model if it has features and add-ons that will be helpful for your projects.
Top Laser Engravers for Beginners
Now that you know what features to look for in a laser engraving machine, it’s time to take a look at some of the best models currently available.
- Full Spectrum Laser Pegasus Touch – This machine is ideal for the beginner looking to make complex projects and designs. It features an impressive 36” x 24” engraving area and can work with a wide range of materials, including non-metallic.
- Trotec Speedy 400 – Perfect for small jobs and projects, the Speedy 400 is great for those just starting out. It features a 24” x 12” engraving area and a low cost, making it one of the most affordable beginner-friendly laser engravers currently available.
- Universal Laser Systems ULS M35 – The ULS M35 is another great beginner-friendly laser engraver. It can engrave up to 12” x 24” and is compatible with materials ranging from paper to acrylic. Plus, it comes with an easy-to-use software suite.
FAQs
- Q: Are laser engravers easy to use?
- A: Yes, as long as you have the right machine. Most beginner models are designed to be easy to use, with intuitive software and minimal setup required.
- Q: What materials can I engrave on with a laser engraver?
- A: What materials you can laser engrave on depends on the machine you have. Generally, the material should be limited to non-metals and certain types of plastics.
- Q: What should I look for when buying a laser engraving machine?
- A: A few important features to consider when buying a laser engraving machine include engraving area, material compatibility, software, and price.
