
The 50% smaller focal spot makes for precise engraving (up to 0.01mm precision) as well as relatively powerful cutting - though if you want to cut thicker woods, or generally tougher materials, go with a more powerful laser cutter. It’s super easy to build, with a sturdy metal frame that you can fully assemble in just 10-20 minutes, and features auto focus modes to save you hassle or human error. Cutting flexible box from Poplar Plywood.

Atomstack says this allows you and your friends to be in proximity to the laser engraver while it works without goggles, making it perhaps the best home laser cutter if you’re on a budget.įor the low price, it’s an effective laser engraving machine - with a high-performance 20W laser head that engraves, as well as cutting up to 1/8th of an inch wood and acrylic depths.

Most CNC laser machines in the lower price ranges don’t come with a laser protector on the laser head (another that does is the Ortur Laser Master 2 Pro), which filters the large majority of UV light away to protect your eyes. Significantly worse build quality than the likes of the xTool D1 Pro. Not suited to thicker wood or metal cutting, stick to engraving. In my opinion this is the best diode laser under $1,000, and ideal for fun projects, cutting acrylic or wood, and for starting a small side-hustle on Etsy engraving signs or images, as well as cutting coasters, jewelry, or other fun projects. There’s the Laserbox iOS app for connecting via iPad or similar device.
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The XCS software that comes with the xTool is also really user-friendly, but you can also use it with LightBurn instead. It’s accurate (0.01mm precision, 0.08 x 0.06 mm spot size), reliable with the sturdy frame and steel wheels and rods and protected belts, and safe.
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But, you can buy an extension kit that takes your work area up to an incredible 936 x 432 mm for enormous engravings. You can also read my full xTool D1 Pro laser cutter review. The work area is larger than the Ortur too, but only by around 5%. Here’s some projects I tried it out on: Exhaust fan vent laser cut Thick wood cut and engraving (this wood is around 12.5mm thick) laser cut by the xTool D1 Pro. I bought the higher power 20W version, and it cuts through even 0.5-inch thick wood with ease. xTool D1 40W - Available at xTool store here.xTool D1 20W - Available at xTool store here.xTool D1 5W - Available at xTool store here.There’s now even a 40W version you can buy for $1100 as a standalone accessory. I personally got the 20W one but 10W is still more than enough for home projects. The xTool D1 Pro 10W uses dual 5W lasers to create the end result of 10W power, in the same way that the Ortur LM3, and Snapmaker’s 10W laser add-on do.īut with the xTool you get more choice: if you don’t need 10W power, you can buy a 5W version for $200 less and stick to mostly engraving, or get the souped-up 20W version for cutting 6mm basswood in a single pass, or up to 10mm basswood (and acrylic).

Though Ortur’s YRR roller was under $100 when I bought it, whereas the RA2 Pro for the xTool was just under $300, so you save money for round object engraving. I own both, and the xTool has a better-quality steel frame. The xTool D1 Pro 10W is the best diode laser in my opinion, slightly outperforming the Ortur Laser Master 3. More expensive than the OLM3 (but better, just). Laser power: 10W (5W, 20W, and 40W also available).Learn more The Best Laser Cutters & Laser Engravers Reviews xTool D1 Pro 10W – Best Diode Laser & Best Laser Under $1000 When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Laser CutterĬNCSourced is reader-supported.

We also link to some of our detailed reviews, such as machines like the Snapmaker 2.0, Ortur Laser Master 2 Pro, and more. Having tested many of the best laser cutters and engravers, we created our recommendations for the best laser cutting machines in each price range, for each use, and more.
