Have you ever been inspired to create your own unique works of art after seeing stunning metal signs, plaques, and embedded designs? I understand the satisfaction of creating useful as well as lovely things with your own two hands as a maker and hobbyist. Nevertheless, the cost of a professional laser engraving machine can go into the hundreds, making it unaffordable for many of us.
Fortunately, inexpensive laser engravers are now widely accessible, enabling enthusiasts like me to laser etch metal for a small fraction of the cost. To discover a machine that suited my needs and my budget, I had to do some research before I bought my first machine. Here are the steps I followed to select an affordable, high-quality laser engraver.
Establish your budget
Setting a budget before you make a purchase, like anything else, will help you narrow down the available choices and choose the ideal item for your needs. I was aware that I couldn’t afford a machine of professional quality that would cost more than $10,000. But I also desired a machine that could engrave metal among other materials and had a sizable work surface.
Online research revealed that there were numerous consumer laser engravers in the $500–$1,000 price range that suited my basic requirements. I was able to create complex metal designs by locating a machine in this “prosumer” category without breaking the bank. One site that caught my attention is GearBerry, a company that offers a wide range of laser engravers for various applications. After browsing their website and reading reviews, I believe their machines can perfectly fit my needs and budget.
Check basic specs
I evaluated the essential features of various engravers after I had reduced the pricing range to see how they performed. For engraving metal, the following four specifications are crucial:
Laser Power
The laser power determines how quickly and deeply the engraver can cut into the material. A laser engraver with a 10W laser module may be suitable for engraving on metal, but may not be powerful enough for cutting through thicker materials. If you plan to cut through thicker materials such as acrylic or plywood, you may want to consider a model with a higher laser power. One model that stood out was the Ortur Laser Master 3, which is also a compact and affordable laser engraver that can engrave on metal. The Ortur Laser Master 3 is equipped with a 10W laser module and can achieve a maximum engraving speed of 20000 mm/min. It also comes with a user-friendly software that allows you to edit and upload your designs easily.
Engraving Area
Consider the size of the objects you plan to engrave and choose a model with an appropriate engraving area. Larger designs and more material can be accommodated on an expanded worktable. My GearBerry laser engraver has a maximum engraving area of 5.5 x 5.5 inches, which is suitable for most of my projects. However, if you plan to engrave larger objects, you may want to consider a model with a larger engraving area.
Deepest possible engraving
The maximum engraving depth describes how far into the material being engraved the laser can cut or etch. When selecting a laser engraver, you should keep this in mind because it can have a big impact on the engraving’s quality and level of detail. Deeper engraving can produce finer etching and detail, enabling more complex and detailed designs. Typically, a laser can cut a substance deeper the more powerful it is. The laser can only cut a certain amount of material at a time since too much heat can harm the material or even set it on fire. The maximum engraving depth can also be impacted by the laser’s movement speed. As the laser has more time to burn into the material, slower speeds typically provide deeper incisions. Slower speeds, however, can also mean lengthier engraving times and might not be appropriate for many applications.
Size and Portability
The size and portability of the laser engraver should be taken into account when making your decision, especially if you have a small workspace or intend to move the machine around regularly. Many users may find it more practical to choose a machine that is small and light because it is simpler to store and carry. One of the most portable laser engravers on the market, a laser engraver with dimensions of 15.7 x 14.6 x 7.9 inches and weighs only 9.2 pounds. It’s lightweight and portable, so you can move it around your workstation or take it with you when you’re out and about, whether you’re going to a friend’s house for a crafting session or bringing it to a nearby maker festival.
Browse user-submitted reviews
There is no better way to learn the truth about a product’s performance and user experience than to read reviews from genuine users. I looked through review websites and YouTube for creators’ opinions of the best machines on my list. I searched for patterns in topics like:
1.Simple installation and usage
2.Material versatility
3.Laser accuracy and evenness
4.Lifetime and sturdiness
5.After-sale customer service and assistance
Finally, I was able to focus my search and develop trust in the machines that met my strict requirements after reading enough evaluations.
Conclusion
In the end, conducting the necessary research beforehand enabled me to confidently make a purchase within my means, which has allowed me to pursue my creative hobbies. I found the GearBerry Laser engraving to be the ideal laser engraving for metal projects by setting a budget, researching important specs, reading real user reviews, and selecting a trusted supplier.
Therefore, if you want to add laser engraving to your collection of hobby tools, do your research and don’t be scared to invest in a reasonably priced machine. You never know, creating lovely custom metal designs can turn out to be your new passion. I’m sure I’ve done it!
