Crafting is a fun and rewarding hobby that allows you to create unique and personalized items. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, having the right tools is essential to achieving the desired results. One such tool that has become increasingly popular among crafters is the diode laser.
Diode lasers are compact and versatile tools that can be used for a variety of crafting projects. They are particularly useful for etching, engraving, and cutting materials such as wood, leather, acrylic, and paper. With a diode laser, you can add intricate designs and personalized touches to your creations.
If you’re in the market for a diode laser, it’s important to consider your budget. While there are many high-end models available, you don’t have to break the bank to get a quality diode laser. In fact, there are many great options available.
When choosing a diode laser, it’s important to consider factors such as power output, engraving area, and software compatibility. You’ll also want to think about the types of materials you’ll be working with and the level of precision you require.
We’ve researched and tested several diode lasers to identify the best options for crafters on a budget. In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks and provide an overview of each product’s features and capabilities.
Best Diode Lasers for Crafters
Crafting requires precision and accuracy, and a good diode laser can help you achieve just that. However, finding the right diode laser can be overwhelming, especially if you’re on a budget. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best diode lasers for crafters. Our team has tested and researched these products to ensure that they meet our quality standards. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, our list has something for everyone. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our top picks for the best diode lasers for crafters.
WeCreat MakeIt Laser Engraver and Cutter
Looking for a versatile and efficient laser engraver for all your crafting needs? Look no further than the WeCreat MakeIt Laser Engraver and Cutter!
Pros
- The world’s first fully enclosed, auto-lifting laser engraver that seamlessly integrates cutting and engraving.
- Utilizes state-of-the-art diode blue light for superior clarity and precision.
- With FDA Class 1 safety certification, this engraver is safe for both you and your surroundings.
- Of the lasers on this list we rank this the best in class.
Cons
- This machine is quite heavy, weighing in at 67.2 pounds.
- The price point for this engraver is higher than some other options on the market.
- It may take some time to learn how to use all the features of this machine.
We were blown away by the WeCreat MakeIt Laser Engraver and Cutter’s seamless integration of cutting and engraving. No more swapping tools or adjusting settings, just pure efficiency and ease. Plus, the built-in rotary attachment with intelligent air assist provides up to 30L/min of automatic airflow for cleaner surfaces, making it easy to engrave cylindrical objects with precision.
Utilizing state-of-the-art diode blue light, this machine ensures superior clarity and precision for every project. The internal auto-focusing lens guarantees pinpoint accuracy, with a spot size of just 0.08*0.06mm. And with a 600mm/s operating speed, you can get your projects done faster than ever before, while the 0.01mm precision ensures every detail is captured perfectly.
With FDA Class 1 safety certification, this engraver is safe for both you and your surroundings. The lid sensor ensures the machine stops immediately when opened and resumes work once closed. Cut through 10mm wood or 8mm black acrylic with ease. Whether you’re engraving on wood, cardboard, acrylic, cookies, chocolates, or felt, this machine has the power and versatility to handle it all.
Compatible with both WeCreat’s proprietary software and Lightburn, this engraver offers unparalleled flexibility. With over 1000 pre-designed patterns and the ability to import your own creations, the possibilities are endless. Make unique and heartfelt gifts for birthdays, Father’s Day, Children’s Day, Mother’s Day, Halloween, Christmas, graduation, and more. Or, use this machine to create and sell your own DIY crafts and gifts for a side income. From personalized gifts to stunning art pieces, this 20W laser engraver is your gateway to bringing your imagination to life. Invest in the best and unleash your creativity today!
xTool S1 Class 1 Laser Engraver
If you’re looking for a reliable and beginner-friendly laser cutter and engraver, the xTool S1 is a great option.
Pros
- The xTool S1 can cut through 10mm wood in one pass, making it faster than many other laser machines on the market.
- The Class 1 safety features make it a safer option than many other open laser machines.
- The xTool S1 has a processing speed of up to 600mm/s, making it perfect for small business owners or individuals for batch processing.
- While we ranked the WeCreat MakeIt Laser Engraver best in class on this list, the xTool was a very close second.
Cons
- The Riser Base included in the kit is not compatible with the Auto Conveyor Feeder.
- There is no camera for better alignment.
- It takes some time to learn the software/app Creative Space.
The xTool S1 is a great option for those looking for a reliable and beginner-friendly laser cutter and engraver. With its 20W laser power, it can cut through 10mm wood and 8 acrylic in one pass, making it perfect for small business owners or individuals for batch processing metal business cards, wood blanks, home decor, tumblers, and jewelry like earrings, necklaces, rings, and more.
One of the standout features of the xTool S1 is its Class 1 safety features. It provides a one-stop solution for all safety issues that you encounter with other open laser machines. Coming with an eye-protective lid, you don’t need to purchase extra enclosure or goggles anymore. The enclosed and pre-assembled design offers greater convenience while 5 flame sensors enhance your safety.
Another great feature of the xTool S1 is its pin-point positioning for extreme precise engraving. The xTool S1 features a revolutionary positioning tech which is even more precise than camera positioning without image distortion. It effortlessly handles various shapes like circles, rectangles, and polygons. You can mark all workpieces in one pass, ideal for high-efficiency batch processing. 0.06*0.08mm laser spot enables ultra-fine engraving and cutting with flawless details, making S1 a perfect woodworking and jewelry-making tool.
However, the xTool S1 is not without its drawbacks. The Riser Base included in the kit is not compatible with the Auto Conveyor Feeder, which can be inconvenient for some users. Additionally, there is no camera for better alignment, which can make it more difficult to get precise cuts. Finally, it takes some time to learn the software/app Creative Space, which may be frustrating for those who are new to laser cutting and engraving.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and beginner-friendly laser cutter and engraver, the xTool S1 is a great option. Its Class 1 safety features, pin-point positioning, and fast processing speed make it a great choice for small business owners or individuals looking to create high-quality products.
Genmitsu L8 Laser Engraver
If you’re a crafter looking for a powerful yet safe laser engraver, the Genmitsu L8 is worth considering.
Pros
- With a maximum engraving speed of 40000mm/min, the L8 is one of the fastest desktop diode laser engravers on the market.
- The machine’s 20W optical power output allows it to cut through materials like 12mm Pinewood, 8mm black acrylic, and even 0.05mm stainless steel in just one pass.
- Equipped with a Lightburn-compatible camera, positioning your project is a breeze. Plus, with a power indicator bar, fault reporting light, and airflow detection, this machine puts you in control.
Cons
- The Genmitsu L8 is a bit on the heavy side, weighing in at 43.4 pounds.
- The installation of the laser may require some trial and error as the instructions are not very specific.
- There is not as much community support as some of the other lasers on this list.
The Genmitsu L8 arrives fully assembled, ready to elevate your crafting. Its 360° visual angle exhaust acrylic laser shield ensures safety without compromise. Personalize your gear with optional accessories and attachments like a smoke purifier and roller rotaries for a seamless fit in any scenario. The machine incorporates a door sensor, ensuring it halts operation when the cover is open and resumes once closed. Additionally, it features a tilted automatic stop, an active flame monitor buzzer, a complete array of position protection limit switches, emergency stop, and a child safety lock—providing comprehensive safeguards for your secure use of this high-power machine.
Overall, we recommend the Genmitsu L8 Laser Engraver for crafters who are looking for a powerful and safe machine to take their crafting to the next level.
Creality Laser Engraver 22W Output, 120W High Power Laser Engraving Machine CNC, DIY Laser Cutter and Engraver Machine for Metal and Wood, Paper, Acrylic, Glass, Leather etc, 17″ x 16″ Falcon2-22W Basic
If you’re looking for a powerful laser engraving machine that can handle a variety of materials, the Creality Laser Engraver Falcon2-22W Basic is a great option.
Pros
- The 22W laser module provides higher power and stronger penetration, allowing for thicker, deeper, and faster cutting.
- The engraving speed is increased by 100% compared to the Creality 10W engraving machine, and the cutting speed is increased by 200%.
- The integrated air assist system keeps the work area clean and the lens protected.
Cons
- Some users have reported difficulty with assembly and unclear instructions.
- The included software is not compatible with Mac computers.
- The false sense of security provided by the included laser glasses is concerning.
We were impressed by the power and speed of the Creality Laser Engraver Falcon2-22W Basic. With its FAC spot compression technology and 22W laser module, it can easily cut through materials like 15mm basswood, 10mm dark acrylic, and 0.1mm thin metal sheet. The engraving speed is also impressive, allowing for quick and accurate designs.
One of the standout features of this laser engraver is the integrated air assist system. Not only can it be adjusted manually, but it can also be controlled through the LightBurn software. This keeps the work area clean and the lens protected, resulting in clean and smooth cuts.
However, some users have reported difficulty with assembly and unclear instructions. Additionally, the included software is not compatible with Mac computers, which may be a drawback for some users. Finally, the included laser glasses have been called into question, as they provide a false sense of security and may not adequately protect the user’s eyes.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and versatile laser engraver, the Creality Laser Engraver Falcon2-22W Basic is a solid choice. Just be aware of the potential assembly and software compatibility issues, and take precautions to protect your eyes while using the machine.
ATOMSTACK A24 PRO Laser Engraver
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient laser engraver for your crafting needs, the ATOMSTACK A24 PRO Laser Engraver is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The unibody design and dual-axis linear guide rail structure make it sturdy and easy to use without installation or debugging.
- The 24000mW diode laser with 120000mW machine power ensures deep cutting and fast engraving, with precise belt tension adjustment and a super-fine 0.06*0.08mm laser spot focus.
- The advanced automatic power failure recovery system allows for resumed engraving and uninterrupted efficiency.
Cons
- The engraving area may be smaller than some other models, limiting the size of projects.
- The price point may be higher than some other options on the market.
- The machine may require some initial adjustments to achieve optimal performance.
Our experience with the ATOMSTACK A24 PRO Laser Engraver has been positive overall. The unibody design and installation-free setup make it easy to use right out of the box, and the dual-axis linear guide rail structure ensures stable motion and efficient laser engraving. The 24000mW diode laser is powerful enough to cut through 12mm wood and 10mm black acrylic in a single pass, and excels in multi-color engraving on metal surfaces. The automatic power failure recovery system is a game-changer, allowing for resumed engraving and uninterrupted efficiency.
However, the engraving area may be limiting for some projects, and the higher price point may not be feasible for all crafters. Additionally, some initial adjustments may be necessary to achieve optimal performance.
Overall, we would recommend the ATOMSTACK A24 PRO Laser Engraver for crafters looking for a reliable and efficient machine for their engraving and cutting needs.
Ortur OLM3 LU3-20A 20000mW Laser Engraver
If you’re looking for a high-power laser engraver with advanced features, the Ortur OLM3 LU3-20A might be a good choice for you.
Pros
- High cutting capability for a diode laser
- Equipped with 50L air assist pump for cleaner edges
- High precision and speed for quick and accurate results
Cons
- Mixed reviews on quality and customer support
- Some users experienced power-up problems
- No physical limit switch, which may be a concern for some users
We were impressed with the cutting capability of the Ortur OLM3 LU3-20A. With a laser output of 20000mW, it can cut through 10mm basswood plywood, 15mm pine board, and 8mm black acrylic in a single pass. We also appreciated the 50L air assist pump, which helps to reduce surface temperature during the engraving and cutting process for cleaner and clearer edges.
The laser module uses COS chip packaging technology and has a maximum processing speed of 20000mm/min, making it a powerful and efficient tool for crafters. The Ortur OLM3 LU3-20A also comes with seven safety protection systems, including active position protection and exposure duration detection and limitation, for added peace of mind.
However, some users have reported issues with power-up problems and difficulty with customer support. Additionally, the lack of a physical limit switch may be a concern for some users. Overall, we recommend the Ortur OLM3 LU3-20A for those looking for a high-power laser engraver with advanced features, but suggest doing additional research and reading reviews before making a purchase.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a diode laser for crafting, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. In this buying guide, we will go over the important features to look for when choosing a diode laser.
Power Output
The power output of a diode laser is measured in milliwatts (mW). The higher the power output, the more powerful the laser and the faster it can cut through materials. However, higher power lasers also tend to be more expensive. For crafters, a laser with a power output of 2-5 watts should be sufficient for most projects.
Wavelength
The wavelength of a diode laser determines the materials it can cut through. Shorter wavelengths are better for cutting through metals, while longer wavelengths are better for cutting through wood, plastic, and other non-metal materials. For crafting, a laser with a wavelength of 445-450nm is ideal.
Cooling System
Diode lasers generate a lot of heat, so it’s important to choose a laser with a good cooling system to prevent overheating. Look for a laser with a built-in fan or water cooling system to ensure it operates at a safe temperature.
Safety Features
Safety should always be a top priority when using a diode laser. Look for a laser with safety features such as a key switch, interlock, and safety goggles to protect your eyes from the laser.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the diode laser. While it’s important to choose a laser with the features you need, you also want to stay within your budget. Luckily, there are many high-quality diode lasers available that offer excellent performance and features.
By considering these important features, you can choose the best diode laser for your crafting needs without breaking the bank.
