13 DIY Laser Cutter And Engravers You Can Build At Home

Are you a DIY enthusiast looking to take your creativity to the next level? Have you ever considered building your own DIY laser cutter or engraver?

Laser cutters and engravers have traditionally been expensive machines reserved for industrial use only. However, with the rise of the maker movement, many DIY enthusiasts have taken on the challenge of building their own laser cutters and engravers. These machines have become very popular for their uses in different industries such as automative, medical, packages and metal working for their ability to create complex designs and patterns quickly and accurately. These two machines will help you easily cut various materials, such as metal, wood, plastics, textiles, and even create markings or designs on different surfaces.

Building a DIY laser cutter or DIY laser engraver may seem like a daunting task, but there are many resources available online to guide you through the process and make it as easy as possible for you. In this article, we will provide you with a roundup of 13 different DIY laser cutter and engraver projects that you can build at home. These projects range from easy and affordable to more advanced and costly so it becomes easy for you to choose the one that fits your skill level and budget. There are some safety tips you must follow through in order to operate laser cutter machines.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced DIYer, there is a project that will suit your needs and preferences on our list.

1- The Chalkaat DIY Laser Cutter

We recommend this project to be an excellent choice for beginners who want to build a laser cutter on a budget. This project is built based on an Arduino board and uses a DVD drive as the laser source. This laser cutting machine by maker is capable of cutting through thin materials like paper and cardstock, making it a great option for creating custom cards, decorations, and small-scale models.

This DIY laser cutter project is well-documented with a detailed list of materials, tools, and step-by-step instructions. The cost of building the Chalkaat DIY laser cutter is relatively low, with most of the components being readily available at electronics stores or online. The project also includes a printable template for the machine’s chassis, making it easy to assemble.

One of the standout features of this Chalkaat DIY laser cutter is its compact size. It is small enough to fit on a desktop or workbench, and this makes it perfect for small-scale projects. The machine is also easy to use, with a user-friendly interface that allows you to control the laser’s power and speed.

While it may not be suitable for cutting thicker materials like wood or metal, it is an excellent tool for creating custom designs on paper, cardstock, or thin plastics. If you are a beginner DIYer looking to explore the world of laser cutting and engraving for the first time, we recommend this project to you.

2- DIY wood laser cutter

Cut a variety of materials including wood, plastic, and leather with this DIY wood laser cutter project featured in this video. The machine is built based on a 40W CO2 laser tube and uses a custom-built frame made from aluminum extrusions.

Watch this youtube video to get a step-by-step guide on how to build your own laser cutter on Youtube, with detailed instructions on the assembly process. This DIY project requires a moderate level of technical knowledge and a variety of tools, including a drill, saw, and soldering iron.

This wood laser cutter has a user-friendly interface that allows you to control the laser’s power, speed, and direction. It also features a built-in exhaust fan and water cooling system to prevent the laser tube from overheating. Watch the video now and build your own laser cutter now!

3- DIY Laser Cutter

This DIY laser cutter project featured in this video is a compact and affordable build that uses a 3D printer frame as its base. It is designed to be portable and can be easily transported from one location to another.

Build this diy laser cutter using a 2.5W laser module and an Arduino Nano microcontroller, and this makes it a great option for beginners or those with limited technical knowledge. This laser cutting machine is capable of cutting a variety of materials including paper, cardboard, and thin acrylic sheets.

Watch this video to learn how to build your own laser cutter on youtube with clear explanations of the various components and how they work together. The project requires only basic tools and components, making it an accessible option for those on a tight budget. Even if it is not a DIY metal laser cutter, it is so powerfully strong and useful.

4- Powerful DIY Laser Engraver Machine

The fmake featured in this video is a versatile and powerful build that is capable of engraving a variety of materials including wood, acrylic, and paper in this YouTube video. This laser engraver is built using a combination of off-the-shelf parts and custom 3D-printed components.

Build this laser engraving machine that is powered by a 5.5W laser module and a custom-built controller board based on the popular GRBL firmware. This machine also features a high-quality optical system, which ensures that the laser is accurately focused on the workpiece.

The video provided offers detailed instructions on how to build your own laser engraver, with clear explanations of each step and component. If you have a moderate level of technical knowledge, this project is for you. Choose it now and start your journey!

5- Hackaday’s Laser Cutting Machine

Here we have another DIY laser cutter project by hackaday featured in this article on Hackaday, it is a budget-friendly build that costs just $700 to make. This laser cutting machine is built using a combination of off-the-shelf parts and custom-made components, and it is designed to be easy to build and use.

Build this diy laser cutter that is powered by a 2.5W laser module, which is capable of cutting and engraving a variety of materials including wood, paper, and plastics. The machine features a large cutting area, measuring 600mm x 400mm, and this makes it a great option for those looking to work with larger materials or create bigger projects.

One of the standout features of this DIY laser cutter is its use of open-source software. The machine is controlled using the popular LaserGRBL software, which is easy to use and highly customizable.

6- The Instructables’ CO2 Laser Cutter

The DIY laser cutter project featured on Instructables is a high-quality CO2 laser cutter that can be built using common household tools and materials. This laser cutting machine is capable of cutting and engraving a wide range of materials, including wood, acrylic, and leather, and this makes it a versatile tool for makers and hobbyists.

One of the standout features of this DIY laser cutter is its use of a commercial laser tube. This tube provides a high-quality laser beam, ensuring that the machine is capable of producing precise cuts and engraving. The tube is also controlled using a custom-made power supply that is designed to be easy to build and operate. What are you waiting for? Build your own laser cutter now and enhance your creativity!

7- The Mokey Laser Engraver

The MokeyLaser is a DIY laser engraver by hackaday that can be easily built at home. The project is designed to be simple and affordable so that it could be accessible to anyone who wants to experiment with laser engraving.

We suggest “The MokeyLaser” is a great project for anyone who wants to experiment with laser engraving. It is easy to build, affordable and can be used to create a wide range of designs and patterns on a variety of materials. With a little practice, you can create custom designs for everything from jewelry and keychains to signs and artwork.

8- The StyleCNC’s Laser Cutter

The DIY laser cutter project detailed in the StyleCNC blog provides a step-by-step guide on how to build your own laser cutter machine from scratch. This DIY project is suitable for those who are new to laser cutting and want to build their own machine for personal or professional use.

Materials required for this diy laser cutter project is a laser tube, laser power supply, laser head, stepper motor, controller board, and other hardware components. Get a detailed instructions on how to assemble the laser cutter machine, including wiring diagrams and software installation.

This laser cutter project includes detailed images and videos to help readers visualize the steps and ensure they are following the instructions correctly. The DIYer also provides tips and tricks for troubleshooting common issues and optimizing the laser cutter machine’s performance.

This DIY laser cutter project we have from StyleCNC is an excellent resource for you if you are interested in building your own laser cutter machine. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, and the author provides detailed information on every step of the process. With this project, you can create a high-quality laser cutter machine that meets your very own specific needs and requirements and make your life easier!

9- Michael Rechtin’s Laser Cutter

The DIY laser cutter project featured in this Youtube video is a versatile machine that can be used for various materials, including acrylic, wood, paper, and leather. The project utilizes a 40W CO2 laser tube to create precise cuts and intricate designs.

The video provided includes a detailed walkthrough of the build process, including the assembly of the frame, installation of the electronics, and calibration of the laser.

If you are looking to build your own laser cutter that is reliable and capable of handling a range of materials and projects, this DIY laser cutter project is an excellent option for you. The project requires intermediate-level electronics and mechanical skills and can be completed over several weekends. So what are you waiting for?

10- Daniele Tartaglia’s laser Engraver

The DIY laser engraver project in this Youtube video is built using an old DVD burner as the laser source, with a power output of around 300mW. The laser is controlled using a custom-designed circuit board based on the ATmega328P microcontroller, which communicates with a PC running a custom software program via a USB interface.

The build process involves constructing a frame from aluminum extrusions and acrylic panels, with a moving gantry system that supports the laser and allows it to move along two axes. The project also includes a motorized Z-axis for controlling the focus of the laser, as well as a water cooling system to keep the laser diode from overheating during extended use.

The video provided includes a step-by-step guide to the build process, including detailed instructions and schematics for constructing the laser engraver and its control board. If you want to build a custom laser engraver at a relatively low cost with the added benefit of being able to customize and upgrade the design as needed, this DIY laser engraver project is a great option for you. So waste no more time!

11- MR^2’s Laser Cutting Machine

This DIY laser cutter project on Youtube that is built using a combination of 3D printed parts, laser-cut acrylic, and off-the-shelf components, and it is capable of cutting a variety of materials.

If you want to know how to build your own laser cutter using readily available components and materials, this video is what you need. The video provides a detailed overview of the build process and demonstrates the laser cutter’s capabilities, making it a valuable resource. Watch the video now and start building your own cutting machine now!

12- Makers Mashup’s laser Engraver

The DIY laser engraver project featured in this Youtube video is a compact and affordable machine that can be built using readily available materials. The creator built the laser engraver using an Arduino board, stepper motors, a laser diode, and a DVD burner mechanism. The machine is designed to engrave various materials such as wood, plastic, and paper.

The video starts with an introduction to the project and the necessary components required for building the engraver cutter. Then the creator goes on to explain the steps involved in constructing the machine, which includes assembling the frame, wiring the electronics, and calibrating the laser.

This DIY laser engraver is an excellent option for those looking to build an affordable and compact machine for their home or small workshop.

13- LoopLinks’ Laser Engraver

This DIY laser engraver is a great option for anyone looking to build their own laser engraver at home. The project is aimed at intermediate DIYers and is designed to be built using mostly off-the-shelf components; which makes it relatively easy to assemble.

This DIY project is in detailed with step-by-step instructions and clear visuals on youtube, and this makes it easy to follow along. The project uses a 40W CO2 laser tube, a laser power supply, and a control board with firmware pre-installed. The build also includes a cooling system, mirrors, and a lens.

One unique feature we found in this project is its custom-designed laser head. The laser head is designed to be adjustable, allowing for different focal lengths and depths of engraving.

This laser engraving machine is a solid choice for you if you have some DIY experience. With its detailed instructions, customizable laser head, and air assist system, this project is a great option for you to create high-quality engravings on a variety of materials.

Summing Up!

There are many different DIY laser cutter and engraver projects available for you if you are looking to create your own tools for cutting and marking a variety of materials. Whether you are looking for a low-cost option or a high-quality CO2 laser cutter, there is a project out there for you. With the right materials, tools, and skills, you can build a laser cutter that meets your specific needs and preferences. So don’t hesitate to dive in and start building your own DIY laser cutter or engraver today!

Based upon some of the most common questions asked I have prepared a questionnaire. 

FAQ’s

What are the uses of laser cutting and engraving machines?

Both of these machines are useful for crafters, designers, artists, and other DIYers. They can be used for cutting and/or creating designs in various hard materials.

Plastic, metal, cardstock, wood, etc., can be cut into specific shapes and sizes with a laser cutter. An engraving machine will enable you to create unlimited designs on hard surfaces so you can take your artistry to a new level.

What can a 5.5, 10, 20 watt laser cutter and engraver do?

These machines can create custom designs and logos on hard surfaces. A laser cutter or engraver can help bring your ideas to life for fun or profit.

Both machines are accurate and will cut or engrave with precision so you can create customized DIY projects.

Is UV better than laser engraving?

UV offers greater flexibility than laser engraving since it can be used on softer metals such as silver and gold. However, UV does not allow the fine details to be created and engraving does.

Both UV and laser have their place in the home craft shop and will enable you to create designs on different surfaces.

Which is better fiber laser or CO2 laser?

References:

Reasearch Gate, August 2015 interactions 22(5):72-74 DOI:10.1145/2811292, by Stefanie Mueller and Patrick Baudisch, “Laser cutters,” https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282415493_Laser_cutters

Sculpteo, 3D Learning Hub, “Laser Engraving: A ultimate guide”, https://www.sculpteo.com/en/3d-learning-hub/laser-cutting/laser-engraving-a-ultimate-guide/

Makeblock, for-educators, “How Laser Cutter Brings New Inspiration to the Classroom”, https://www.makeblock.com/blogs/for-educators/how-laser-cutter-brings-new-inspiration-to-the-classroom