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xTool Laser Engraver

Laser Cutter Reviews and Laser Engraving Tutorials

You are here: Home / Archives for Laser Cutting

The Laser Cutting section of Maker Hacks has everything you need in the world of laser cutters and laser engraving, from reviews to tips and tutorials.

You can learn all about different kinds of laser cutters, their applications, and how to choose the best one for your needs.

Laser cutters are versatile machines that use a high-powered laser beam to cut through a variety of materials. While they were previously only commonly used in the manufacturing industry, they have recently become increasingly popular among hobbyists and makers.

We aim to provide comprehensive updates on the different types of laser cutters available for makers, including their main features and specifications. There’s also a 2023 Laser Cutter buying guide that will help you choose the right laser cutter for your specific needs and budget.

Our make projects cover the commonly used materials that can be cut with a home or hobby laser cutters, such as plywood, acrylic, and leather, and we will be sure to provide tips on how to achieve the best results with each material.

If you’re a beginner or an experienced user, we hope our laser cutting section has something for you.

Explore our most recent articles below and learn how to get the most out of your laser cutting!

2023 best laser cutters

Which Laser Cutter to buy in 2023?

March 15, 2023 by Chris Garrett

Which laser cutter is best to buy in 2023? Glowforge has been my favorite but what would suggest you look at if I was going to purchase …

Read moreWhich Laser Cutter to buy in 2023?
xtool d1 pro review featured image

xTool D1 Pro Review

March 11, 2023 by Chris Garrett

The XTool D1 Pro diode laser engraver has prompted many questions lately. What is it like in real day-to-day lasering use?

Read morexTool D1 Pro Review

The Joys and Dangers of Laser Cutting

February 24, 2023 by Chris Garrett

It has been lovely to see the tabletop role-playing and war gaming communities embrace all the nerdy stuff that I love to play with. The …

Read moreThe Joys and Dangers of Laser Cutting
Gweike Cloud

Gweike Cloud CO2 Laser Cutter Review

November 21, 2022 by Chris Garrett

Gweike Cloud review comparing the Gweike to other competitor laser engravers, and advice for who should buy

Read moreGweike Cloud CO2 Laser Cutter Review

xTool D1 Pro Upgrades – Taking a Good Laser Engraver to Great Laser Cutter

October 27, 2022 by Chris Garrett

The XTool D1 Pro came out well in my recent comparison of laser cutters. In this article, I am going to share two upgrades that take it …

Read morexTool D1 Pro Upgrades – Taking a Good Laser Engraver to Great Laser Cutter

Comparing the xTool D1 Pro, Gweike Cloud and Glowforge Laser Engravers

October 6, 2022 by Chris Garrett

Which Laser Cutter is Best: XTool, Gweike and reigning champ, Glowforge

Read moreComparing the xTool D1 Pro, Gweike Cloud and Glowforge Laser Engravers
thunder-laser-nova-51-review

Thunder Laser Nova 51 Review

September 30, 2021 by Chris Garrett

Review of the Thunder Laser Nova 51 Laser Cutter currently getting heavy use at Fuse33 Maker Space.

Read moreThunder Laser Nova 51 Review
Full Spectrum Muse Review

FS Muse Review – Full Spectrum Muse 2D Review and Versus Glowforge

September 1, 2020 by Chris Garrett

Full Spectrum Muse review? Isn’t the Glowforge your favourite laser cutter, Chris? Yes, yes it is! But there are reasons we have a …

Read moreFS Muse Review – Full Spectrum Muse 2D Review and Versus Glowforge
Glowforge Laser Cutters

Glowforge Long-Term Review

July 14, 2020 by Chris Garrett

In my Glowforge Review I have been keeping some information up to date but it is time to give our long-term thoughts. Our first …

Read moreGlowforge Long-Term Review
Flux Beamo

Flux Beamo First Impressions Review

October 21, 2019 by Chris Garrett

Flux Beamo is a small, enclosed 30w CO2 laser engraver, currently launching on Kickstarter.

Read moreFlux Beamo First Impressions Review

Glowforge Review: Review of the Desktop Laser Cutter

April 30, 2019 by Chris Garrett

Glowforge Review - Independent review of the Glowforge laser engraver covering the Glowforge Basic and comparing against competing laser …

Read moreGlowforge Review: Review of the Desktop Laser Cutter
Glowforge Air Filter

Glowforge Air Filter Review

April 26, 2019 by Chris Garrett

Glowforge air filter allows you to not worry about annoying neighbours, or when you live in a climate where venting outside is not …

Read moreGlowforge Air Filter Review
glowforge-passthrough-hack

Which Glowforge to Buy? Glowforge Basic Versus Glowforge Pro

January 7, 2019 by Chris Garrett

Glowforge reviews like mine have convinced you to buy the Glowforge over other options such as Full Spectrum, Trotec, or a more DIY …

Read moreWhich Glowforge to Buy? Glowforge Basic Versus Glowforge Pro
glowforge-passthrough-hack

Glowforge Passthrough Hack: How to Trick the Glowforge Front Flap to “Pass-In” Large Materials

October 5, 2018 by Chris Garrett

The Glowforge Basic does not have the pass-through feature of the Glowforge Pro but with this magnet hack, you can trick the front flap …

Read moreGlowforge Passthrough Hack: How to Trick the Glowforge Front Flap to “Pass-In” Large Materials
Adafruit Arcade Button Enclosure

Laser Cut Box for the Massive Adafruit Arcade Button

September 23, 2018 by Chris Garrett

The “Massive Adafruit Arcade Button” is one of my favorites, I just find it comically large. Therefore whenever I get a …

Read moreLaser Cut Box for the Massive Adafruit Arcade Button

Best K40 Laser Upgrades – Upgrading my Laser Engraver Part 3

July 11, 2018 by Chris Garrett

I am on a mission to make my Chinese K40 Laser Engraver work like a much more expensive USA name-brand machine.  Update to Part 2 …

Read moreBest K40 Laser Upgrades – Upgrading my Laser Engraver Part 3

Upgrading a Chinese K40 Laser Cutter to USA Brand-Name Quality

June 25, 2018 by Chris Garrett

Previously I mentioned my Chinese K40 40w laser and how I was planning some upgrades. This is the first follow up – this weekend I …

Read moreUpgrading a Chinese K40 Laser Cutter to USA Brand-Name Quality
K40 laser

Upgrading my K40 for quality and abilities!

May 8, 2018 by Chris Garrett

My K40 laser is the most humble of its kind, having analog dial and controls, and basic optics. Even so, the results are fine. Now my …

Read moreUpgrading my K40 for quality and abilities!
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