The Best Laser Engraver & Cutter to Get at ANY Budget

Want to buy a laser engraver or laser cutter? Here are my top recommendations for any budget!

LASERS MENTIONED (Affiliate)
Diode Lasers

Budget Industrial CO2 Lasers

Desktop CO2 Lasers

High-End Industrial CO2 Lasers

PRO CO2 Lasers

Desktop Fiber Lasers

Budget Industrial Fiber Lasers

Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
00:21 - The Best Laser
01:22 - Diode Lasers
03:19 - Diode: Cons
05:15 - Diode Recommendations
07:27 - No Man's Land
08:27 - CO2 Lasers
09:11 - Budget Industrial CO2
12:51 - Desktop CO2
16:47 - High End Industrial
18:15 - Metal Intro
19:26 - Engrave Metal?
21:27 - Desktop Fiber
22:44 - Budget Industrial Fiber
23:48 - High End Industrial Fiber
24:19 - UV Laser

[ABCRK]

Probably one of the best laser type overview videos Ive ever seen. I did recently buy an OMTECH 20W MOPA. Learning curve is huge, but I'm enjoying it.

[DarrenMalin]

I have a Chinese K40 Laser cutter. it is standard out of the box and I am very happy with it. FYI I am a model maker and wargamer.

[morezegan]

The Best clip about Engravers I've ever seen on YouTube . Thanks and Best

[akirasouma]

I remember watching your videos a year ago on which route to choose C02 or Fiber, I have chosen the fiber route and bought myself a 20W Galvo Laser and my life has changed for the better ever since. Thank you for your recommendation and keep up the excellent work!

[IgorAnic]

I have one from Longer, and even as an entry level laser engraver, it seems to do a great job. For a beginner its quiet a good way into the laser world.

[torymiddlebrooks]

This is a neat little round up. I used to love working with a laser cutter at a shop I was part of and I've been missing it and this helps a lot with the state of the tech now.

[MakerMeraki]

Also, one of the things I never understand is why laser manufacturers don't make laser beds in the common sizes of materials. When I built my 90w CO2, I did so catering to my needs to cut 2'x4'/610mm x 1220mm (actually 700x1250mm bed size) materials.

[ZacBuilds]

Thanks Brandon, great summary! Have been considering getting a laser lately and having all this info broken down by a friend was great!

[danthemakerman]

Nice overview! On a whim, I bought the cheapest Aufero Laser 2 for $160 and couldn't be happier with what it can do.

[MakerMeraki]

Great video! I just got a 60w Mopa fiber laser delivered yesterday. It's a game changer when you're used to a CO2 or diode. 😅

[Andy.H.H.]

Why no mention of Roly LaserMatic 10? So much better than the Xtool (and I have an Xtool) but, I get it, Xtool doesn't allow you to mention the LaserMatic with all their marketing contracts. Seriously folks, do yourself a favor and look at the Roly LaserMatic 10. Sooo much better than the Xtool and others. Many accessories of the other diode lasers are included with the LaserMatic 10. All for under $1, 000. I wish the Roly was available last year when I got my Xtool.

[myzcmpg]

Im researching now and really appreciate this video so much knowledge i want a enclosure and cameras on. I am probably spending $5k+ on myne honestly

[kevin.lotsberg]

If you're looking for a lower-power diode laser (10W or less), and you already own a 3D printer, some companies (such as Creality) offer a bolt-on laser module for your specific model. This way, you utilize the motorized axis control of the printer you've already spent your bucks on, and can get the laser unit for MUCH cheaper than a stand-alone laser cutter/engraver.

[kenburnette]

Consider Roly 10w, enclosure, w exhaust fan, air assist, camera. I love mine, my frist laser. I can't imagine a better starting point for a hobbyist. Nice informative video.

[declutteringnewcastle]

You're doing important work; don't ever stop.

[adamcolville]

Hi Brandon, after watching your channel for what seems like years lol, I finally purchased the Xtool d1 pro 20w with the ra2 and the IR head as a package, really enjoy playing about with the laser, not mastered lightburn yet but I’m getting there. Not sure how good the IR head is because it’s dreadfully slow but it does allow me to mark on materials the blue diode can’t touch. Love the channel and thanks for the brilliant reviews and knowledge base.

[SvenPav]

I have had several lasers diode & co2 over the past few years and being pretty familiar with them now I wanted to commend you on what I would say is a unbiased overview for those getting into lasers for a hobby or for work… This review and chart would have been so years ago!

I just ordered the new Gwieke G2 and I’m excited to be getting into the world of fiber lasers, that said, please check the speed you have listed on your chart for this one, it certainly needs updated..

[davevan]

Good info. I have been using a ULS 25W CO2 laser for 22 years but it is in need of a new cartridge and that is much more than the hobby machines made today. I just use it for my own hobby projects so looking for a new table machine. Thanks

[EM-Smart-Laser]

Great video! EM-Smart is also a desktop industrial Fiber Lasers.

[fluxpistol]

Amazing breakdown of something that's very complex! Thanks