7 Best Laser Engravers for Wood You Should Buy

Laser engraving is one of the many ways to mark a wooden surface for personalization or labeling. You can create numerous products using laser cutters. Each one can have its strengths and weaknesses as a laser engraving tool.

Many laser machines work well with wood. They can be used to make gifts, products for selling, and more.

It can be challenging to comb through the different features of laser machines to find one that would fit your projects.

I’ve looked through the many lasers available to help you find the best laser engraver for wood and how they can help you engrave more accurately and efficiently.

Best Laser Engravers for Wood

There are many available laser engravers, which can make your hunt for the best laser cutters challenging. However, some stand out depending on their function and features.

Here is the list of the 7 best laser engravers for wood that you can consider adding to your workshop.

1. ORTUR Laser Master 3 Laser Engraver – Best Overall

Ortur is a well-known and reputable brand when it comes to laser engravers. The Laser Master 3 is their premium engraver that took and enhanced the best features of its predecessors.

It has a 10 W laser module that allows the laser to easily cut through your workpiece. The integrated air-assist nozzle with an optional pump also improves its cutting quality.

This model also cuts twice as fast as its previous model, the Ortur Laser Master 2 Pro. It’s also a more powerful laser cutter which contributes to its speed. Easily cut wood at the speed of 20,000 mm per minute.

The built-in WiFi allows you to adjust your machine’s settings using a smartphone or tablet. Control everything with a tap on your devices.

It also has one of the best safety features for engravers. Since wood is flammable, this machine comes with an emergency stop function and a safety lock. It also informs you if your laser is too hot.

The additional affordable rotary kit, large laser engraving area, and functionality make it one of the market’s best laser cutters and engravers.

2. xTool D1 Pro Upgraded Laser Engraver – Best Value

The xTool D1 Pro is a powerful laser cutter and engraver that provides extreme accuracy thanks to its silent stepper motor drivers. It can easily cut a 10mm basswood or 8mm acrylic in a single pass.

It has wide compatibility, given it’s a diode laser. However, it’s still one of the fastest when it comes to laser cutting, achieving speeds of up to 24,000 mm per minute.

You can also easily use the xTool D1 Pro thanks to its easy-focus system, optical limit switches, steel linear rails, and crosshair-assisted positioning. You won’t need to waste a lot of time fixing it up.

Its features and systems let the xTool D1 Pro run smoothly, making it more user-friendly and easy for beginners. The WiFi connectivity makes it easier for you to control.

The only downside of the xTool D1 Pro is its lack of safety features. You’d have to be careful when cutting with this laser since it doesn’t have an overly sensitive flame sensor or emergency button.

It’s still one of the best open-fame lasers in the market that allows you to see how your project is done. The build and features make it worth the money.

3. Genmitsu Jinsoku LC-40 Laser Engraver – Best Budget Pick

This laser engraver is your best bet when it comes to being affordable yet functional. It works as a laser engraver and cutter, making it extremely affordable for its 2-in-1 feature.

It has a compact 5.5 W laser head with a 5 mm focus that helps with the accuracy of your laser. It’s also extremely lightweight yet durable, making it easy to move around if needed.

The modular kit is easy to assemble and configure, making it beginner-friendly. This machine is also a great start if you’re just getting into engraving on wood. Its linear rails help you get that high-quality finish.

It also allows you to engrave metal, which is a great feature for its price. You can easily accept jobs that work with metal and other materials using this affordable machine.

It has a USB Type-C interface and Bluetooth connection for easy transmission. However, all input and output ports are located at the back of the machine.

The best part about this machine is how affordable it is. With that large engraving area and amazing features, you’d expect it to be more expensive.

4. OMTech 40W CO2 Laser Engraver – Best Desktop Laser Engraver

The OMTech laser engraver is a great choice for hobbyists. It’s compact and can easily be placed just beside your desktop computer (just don’t mistake it for a printer).

Like the Glowforge laser cutter, it also includes all the accessories you will need to work with different materials. You’re sure to have its laser cut your workpiece efficiently.

Its CO2 laser tube is designed to last for about 2000 hours before it needs replacing. That makes it a decent investment for its price.

It has a red dot guidance system that lets you easily verify the location of your laser beam. This feature makes it easier to set up and focus on the laser marking process.

It also comes with a built-in exhaust fan that helps cool your laser tube down. It also vents out harmful gasses, which is a necessary feature for these types of lasers.

This functional and affordable laser engraver is a great choice for someone who wants to have their machine near their necessary equipment.

5. ATOMSTACK A5 Pro Commercial Laser Engraver – Best Simple Laser Engraver

If you’re looking for a reliable home laser cutter and engraver, the Atomstack A5 Pro is an excellent choice. It has a wide engraving area and can easily cut through 1/8 of an inch into wood or acrylic.

The machine filters out most of the UV light, making it safe to use without wearing goggles.

It’s simple to use, making it the best machine for those starting out. It heavily relies on beginner-friendly software when it comes to designs.

It usually uses LaserGRBL, open software that can be used for Windows. On the other hand, Mac OS users are recommended to use LightBurn, a paid software.

The Atomstack A5 Pro is also one of the cheaper laser machines that don’t sacrifice quality. You can use it on numerous materials, making it a great starter machine for engraving.

You may want to consider this if you’re looking for an affordable and good laser cutter and engraver.

6. FLUX Beamo 30W CO2 Desktop Laser Cutter and Engraver – Best Compact Laser Engraver

This home laser engraver is one of the most compact on this list, making it perfect for small spaces. However, it also has numerous features which can’t be found in bigger machines.

It has an HD camera, autofocusing, and software integration, making it easier to work on your projects. Make use of popular programs like Adobe, CorelDraw, and Autodesk.

This laser cutter can also come with upgrades, like a rotary attachment and hybrid laser technology. These features will let you cut faster and deeper.

This laser cutter also has a drag-and-drop feature in its app, Beam Studio. It allows you to easily set up your machine using wireless connectivity.

This laser engraver cutter may be on the more expensive side of the spectrum, but it’s worth the price.

7. Snapmaker 3-in-1 Metal 3D Printer with 3D Printing Laser Cutting, Engraving, and CNC Carving – Best Large-Scale Laser Engraver

Why stop with the 2-in-1 when you can have something with more functions?

This machine from Snapmaker serves as a 3D printer, CNC carver, and laser engraver! You can do so much with this single machine.

It makes use of a 1.5 W laser module, making it great for wood, paper, leather, and plastic. Easily swap through its different functions with minimal effort.

It also has WiFi connectivity and a built-in camera, letting you monitor the progress of your project from your phone.

This machine is one of the more expensive ones. However, if you’re looking to make use of all its functions, it’s worth the long-term investment.

Best Laser Engraver for Wood Comparison Table

Buying Guide for the Best Laser Engraver for Wood

There are many engravers available in the market. They come with a variety of features and purposes.

While it can get overwhelming to choose the best one for a business, there are factors you can single out and compare between products.

It will help you find the perfect one for your DIY projects and business.

These are the factors I considered while looking for the best laser engraver in the market.

Accuracy Level

Many factors can influence your machine’s engraving accuracy. Balancing these factors for a more accurate and precise engraving is best.

Your machine’s shape can affect its accuracy. Square devices tend to be more accurate than compass types because of their figure.

You should also check on your spindle power. The more powerful it is, the more accurate your results will be.

Your machine’s assembly can also determine its level of accuracy. A machine would typically perform better if it were

A laser engraver machine can also have two transmission methods: the rack gear and the lead screw drive. The latter tends to have a higher precision level than the previous one.

Material Type

The materials you’re working with will affect the type of engraver you will purchase. Some engravers can be extremely versatile and handle different materials.

An example would be how a CO2 laser is more efficient with non-metal materials. If it ever works with metal, you should anodize your workpiece before you can engrave it.

Investing in a fiber laser engraver is best if you work with metals. Its low speed and high power will ensure you get the best results.

Some devices can cause more harm to your workpiece if worked with an incompatible laser. It won’t only affect your final product but can also be a safety hazard.

A common example would be how a fiber laser is a fire hazard when used on wood. Avoid this kind of laser if you’re looking into branching out to this material.

Some lasers may also work with different kinds of materials. If you’re a hobbyist who wants to experiment with different materials or a small business, it’s best to understand how it works and look for a machine that is versatile.

Laser Compatibility

As previously mentioned, different laser cutters and engravers work better with certain materials. These are some of the lasers usually used and their features to help you see their compatibility with your projects:

• Semiconductor or diode laser engraver: It’s the most commonly used. It is a low-powered laser with a power rating of 1 to 10 watts. It’s usually more affordable, takes up less space, and is easy to configure for newbies and hobbyists.
• Fiber lasers: These lasers use fiber laser optics as their medium, which is useful for reflective materials. It can be expensive, but it’s a great laser engraver, especially if you work with metals in the industrial field. Fiber lasers are also not recommended for woodwork.
• CO2 or gas lasers: These lasers are widely used because of their high power and affordability. They’re great for cutting organic materials and plastics. However, it requires regular maintenance because of its use of CO2.

Knowing the specs of your lasers helps with looking for the one that’s most compatible with your projects. It helps you understand what you’re investing in.

Extra Replacement Parts

It’s important to consider laser cutters’ maintenance and replacement parts, especially when they’re frequently used.

It’s best to know the specific parts you need and their availability. It can be difficult to have your machine down, especially from a business perspective. It can cause downtimes.

You should always be prepared when you own this machine, especially if you often use it. Know where you can get parts and their cost. It’s also recommended to have a stock of parts you often replace.

You should also know if you’ll need a technician to help you with replacements and repairs. It’s an added cost that can be unavoidable, depending on the repair work.

Price Point

As shown in the previous sections, these engravers come in different price points. It’s usually affected by the added features and accessories.

It’s important to take these into consideration to ensure that you don’t spend too much on your laser.

If you’re planning to invest in a laser cutter, it’s best to consider how much you will use it. A professional laser engraver can be expensive, especially for a beginner.

If you’re looking to start a business or have it as a hobby, try to avoid a cheap laser cutter that can constantly break down or need replacement.

Advantages of Using Laser Engraving Machines

Using a laser engraving machine has become common to leave permanent markings on a wood surface. There are numerous reasons why people rely on this method above others.

Here are the advantages of using a laser engraving machine for different projects.

Reliable

Laser machines can easily have you complete a project in minutes. Bulks can be completed in hours.

These machines were made for the rapid manufacturing of products. They’re easily used by small businesses to create personalized items.

Some of the more advanced machines can also retain data and engraving settings, making it easier for you to do a specific design on multiple surfaces.

Most machines can also work with different materials. Even if you choose a laser for wood projects, it can allow you to be more open to various projects if you take up other materials.

The reliability of these machines makes them well-known in the industry and for hobbyists alike.

Safe

These laser engraving machines are safer compared to other engraving or cutting machines. They include features to detect burning or incompatibility with materials.

You can easily stop lasers from engraving and cutting with a push of a button or a tap on the screen. Some machines are also programmed to stop to prevent fires and accidents automatically.

Non-contact marking also prevents your workpiece from getting contaminated by other substances. It makes your end product a lot safer for contact with people.

Effective

Laser engraving works with high-contrast marks on surfaces. These result in permanent images and identification marks on your workpiece, which are sure to last.

Compared to other marking processes, these don’t wash out or fade from natural factors like the weather. It’s because the machine physically alters the workpiece’s form to get the marks.

Its process’ long-term effects make it great for identification and traceability purposes.

Environmentally-friendly

Compared to other marking devices, using a laser engraver machine doesn’t require a lot of consumables. These supplies usually contribute to pollution through landfills.

The entire engraving process is cleaner and more energy-efficient using these machines, which is a huge plus for your projects.

You may have more questions about laser engravers.

I’ve gathered the commonly asked questions to help you further understand this craft.

What type of wood can I cut using a laser engraver?

The wood you use depends on your project. There are a few things to consider when looking for the best wood to work with.

The resin or sap content of your wood will determine the results of your project.

Wood with high-resin content is usually used for dark-burn images. These include the following kinds of wood:

Alder
Ash
Basswood
Cherry
Mahogany
Oak
Walnut

On the other hand, those with low-resin content are used to create light-burn images or a more abstract design. These include the following kinds of wood:

Cedar
Fir
Larch
Pine
Redwood
Spruce
White pine

How deep can I laser engrave wood?

Laser engravers normally cut wood up to 0.02 inches or 0.5 mm deep.

If you cut deeper, it may cause undesirable damage to your product. It can also turn into a flame hazard which will trigger your machine’s safety features.

The depth of your cuts would also depend on your design. Some designs may require different depths engraved onto the surface.

It’s recommended to do a sample image before working on the actual material to see how the depth of the cut will affect the final product.

Is engraving wood easy?

Many factors can affect the difficulty of your wood engraving process, from details and designs to the machine you’re using.

The easiest way to start the process is to work with straight lines. Depending on your process and method, designs with many curves and details can be complicated.

Your machine’s features may also affect the difficulty. Many machines can have beginner-friendly features.

While they may be easy for newbies, they can also be limited and prevent you from doing certain designs and techniques.

To learn more, check out our piece on how to engrave wood.

What’s the difference between laser cutters and laser engravers?

The main difference between laser cutters and laser engravers is their lens and how it functions. Some machines can have both functions in one machine.

Laser cutters are designed to cut ENTIRE pieces off your wood to create the final model. You can shave chips off and separate areas for the process of subtractive manufacturing.

These machines typically use CO2 to do the job. Even cheap laser cutters have the ability to cut through plastics, wood, and acrylics in minutes.

On the other hand, laser engravers are usually used to mark logos, images, and graphics ON the material. It doesn’t cut all the way through the workpiece.

It can create entire images for branding and personalization using image files. The laser moves horizontally, line by line, to create a contrasting readable image.

Laser engraving is also commonly interchanged with etching. Check out our piece on laser etching vs. laser engraving to learn more about these processes.

Conclusion

Engraving on wood can be something you do to pass the time. It can also be a great source of income, especially with the demand for eco-friendly products.

Whatever the purpose may be, a reliable laser engraving machine is a tool that will help you make those creative projects a reality.