Our Experts CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. What to consider The size of your workshop Laser cutters tend to be large, so make sure you measure your space first. What materials you want to cut Diodes have trouble cutting into clear materials, and CO2 struggles with metal.
Choose the right one for the materials you want to work with. Access to ventilation Laser cutters produce smoke and dust, so proper ventilation is essential. If you don't have access to a window, think about getting a powerful air purifier system.
Our Picks With more Americans than identifying as makers, we are seeing new products arrive to scratch that itch every day. Machines like 3D printers , vinyl cutters and laser cutters are now available at prices to fit just about any pocketbook. They allow people to bring their creations to life in new and interesting ways.
You can even turn a profit on stores like Etsy and Shopify if you have the right materials and machines. I've used laser cutters for about five years to create various projects, from small dog tags to etching a 7-foot workbench with elven runes. Each cutter I use has a host of different pros and cons, so along with my CNET colleague Russell Holly, I've developed testing criteria to assess the best laser cutters.
You may notice that there are no open laser cutters on this list. After testing several I find them to be too dangerous for the.
