Whether you’re a hobbyist crafting wooden décor, a small business owner selling custom products, or a professional prototyping engineering components, choosing the right laser cutter or engraver is essential.
This guide covers the different types of laser cutters, the best home and small business laser engravers, and answers to common FAQs to help you find the perfect fit.
Types of laser cutters & what materials they work with Laser cutters come in various types, each tailored for specific materials and applications. Understanding the differences can help you choose the right machine for your needs. Here's an overview:
Fibre laser cutters are ideal for creating personalised jewellery, name tags, coins, and other metal engraving projects.
CO₂ laser cutters are the best laser engravers for wood, acrylic, leather, paper, and other organic materials.
Diode laser cutters are somewhere in between fibre and CO₂ models and work for most materials, bar glass.
Infrared IR laser cutters excel at cutting and engraving glass and ceramics.
As you can see, choosing the right laser cutter to match your project or need is essential. Let's take a look at some of these uses in detail below, and some suggested engravers.
Laser cutter uses: from hobby crafts to industry
Because laser cutters work across so many materials, they have applications ranging from DIY crafts to aerospace engineering. We outline some of the use cases below.
Hobbyists: Many home users enjoy making crafts with their laser cutters, great for personalised gifts, cards, posters, and home décor. The best hobby laser engraver should be easy to use and compact.
Small business owners: Many crafters expand into businesses, selling engraved jewellery, cake toppers, signage, and custom décor on Etsy and other marketplaces.
Creative industries : Designers, artists, and architects use laser cutters for signage, prototypes, intricate models, and artwork.
STEM industries: Professionals in aerospace, robotics, and product design use professional laser cutters for precise prototyping and testing.
💡 Tip: Already have a 3D printer ? A laser cutter is the perfect companion, adding precision cutting and engraving for projects like custom enclosures, signage, and jewellery to complement your prints. You can also make jigs for laser cutting with your 3D printer.
Top easy-to-use laser cutters for home & business
Ready to bring your ideas to life? XTool laser cutters and engravers are designed to be user-friendly laser machines for beginners and professionals alike with the power of a professional machine. Check out the X tool engravers below and discover the ideal choice for your materials, projects, and budget.
Laser Cutter
Type
Best Material
Use Case
XTool F1 Lite Diode
Most materials (not glass)
Best budget laser engraver for beginners
XTool F1 Diode + glass support
Glass, ceramics
Mid-range, versatile option
XTool F1 Ultra Fiber + Diode
Metals, glass, almost everything
Best professional laser cutter for small businesses
XTool M1 Hybrid (Diode + blade)
Crafts, Cricut alternative
Great for hobby crafters and DIY projects
Common questions
Are laser cutters better than Cricut?
Cricut machines work well for paper, vinyl, and thin craft materials. Laser cutters, on the other hand, can cut and engrave wood, leather, metal, and glass with far greater and faster precision, making them the next step up for serious crafters and small businesses. For beginners, we recommend the XTool M1, available at 123-3D.ie.
How much maintenance do laser cutters need?
Laser cutters are low-maintenance. Just clean the lenses and mirrors regularly, remove dust, and replace CO₂ tubes after thousands of hours of use. Fibre and diode lasers generally last longer. If you need help, our team at 123-3D.ie is happy to advise.
How much do home laser cutters cost?
Entry-level diode laser engravers start at a few hundred euros. High-end CO₂ and fibre models can run into the thousands. The best choice depends on whether you’re crafting at home or running a business. See our full range at 123-3D.ie.
Where can I buy a laser cutter machine in Ireland?
You can buy laser cutters and engravers at 123-3D.ie, including brands like Creality, XTool, and Falcon. Enjoy fast local shipping, click & collect, and excellent after-sales support.
How much do home laser cutters cost?
Entry-level diode laser engravers start at a few hundred euros. High-end CO₂ and fibre models can run into the thousands. The best choice depends on whether you’re crafting at home or running a business. See our full range at 123-3D.ie.
What can I make with a laser cutter?
Laser cutters can be used for a wide range of projects. Hobbyists create jewellery, signage, home décor, and personalised gifts. Businesses use them for product packaging, branding, and custom merchandise. In industry, they’re invaluable for architectural models, engineering prototypes, robotics, and even aerospace components. Choose a model that suits your needs at 123-3D.ie.
Not sure which laser cutter suits your needs?
Get in touch with our team at 123-3D.ie and we’ll help you find the best fit.
