In search of a hassle-free, high quality, budget-friendly engraving experience?
We’ve got you covered!
Using the laser cutting method has been in the engraving industry for ages. Though there was a time when this hobby was pretty expensive to keep. Fast forward to 2023; now laser cutting/engraving has been made much more accessible, fun, and advanced, especially on a budget.
What follows is our list of inexpensive laser cutters along with a buying guide in the end to answer all your important questions.
Can a good laser engraver come under $500?
Yes. Though $500 is a considerable amount when it comes to laser cutters, it may seem significantly less, and options available in this price segment may make the users skeptical about it. But let us assure you that the only difference between an expensive and inexpensive laser cutter is the number of features available, not the machine’s performance.
We have jotted down the best laser cutter under 500 so that your pocket and work aren’t compromised.
Choose Wisely
Best Laser Cutter Under $500 in 2023:
Here are our picks for the top laser cutters under 500:
Laser Cutter | WOODY RATING | PRICE |
---|---|---|
ORTUR Laser Master 2 | 10/10 [Editor's Pick] | |
Orion 40W | 9.5/10 | |
SainSmart Genmitsu 3018-PROVer | 8/10 | |
MYSWEETY DIY 3018-PRO | 9/10 | |
CNC 3018pro-M Engravering Machine | 8.5/10 | |
NEJE Master 20W | 7.5/10 | |
Laser Engraver 3000mw | 7.5/10 | |
Cenoz Upgrade CNC 3018 | 8/10 | |
VEVOR CNC 3018-PRO | 7.5/10 | |
VEVOR CNC 1610 | 7/10 | |
Mophorn K40 | 8/10 |
In case you are looking for something similar in UK, read about the Best laser cutters UK
1. ORTUR Laser Master 2, Laser Engraver CNC
Why we Love it:
- Advanced firmware
- Larger work area
- Active Position Protection
Pros | Cons |
✅ Triple Safety Protection | ❌ Not for industrial use |
✅ Compatible with various softwares | |
✅ Fast speed | |
✅ Great stability and synchronization |
Check out our picks for the Best Budget Laser Cutters
2. SainSmart Genmitsu CNC Router Machine 3018-PROVer
Why we Love it:
- Premium quality aluminum build
- A 5mm acrylic shield
- Embedded with Toshiba TB6S109 drivers
- Emergency stop button
Pros | Cons |
✅ Pre-assembled | ❌ No additional add ons |
✅ Offline Controller | ❌ Fewer premium features |
✅ Availability of laser module | |
✅ Comes with a standard kit | |
✅ Decent work area. |
3. Orion Motor Tech 40W CO2 Laser Engraving Cutting Machine
[Editor’s Pick]
Why we love it:
- Includes various accessories
- Compact design
- Heavy duty
- Red dot guidance feature
- Power-efficient
- Supports various materials
Pros | Cons |
✅ Budget friendly | ❌ Not compatible with Mac IOS |
✅ High quality build | |
✅ High stability and precision | |
✅ Compatible with 3rd party softwares | |
✅ Easy to use |
Don’t miss our list for the best laser cutter under $1000.
4. MYSWEETY DIY CNC 3018-PRO 3 Axis CNC Router Kit
Why we Love it:
- Cuts various materials like wood, plastics, and other hard materials
- Contains integrated driver chip
- Self-contained short circuit protection
Pros | Cons |
✅ Simple Assembly | ❌ Can't hold surface thickness over 30 mm |
✅ Offline Controller | |
✅ Spacious Working area | |
✅ Available in various sizes |
Also check out our comprehensive guide on wood burning.
Be sure to check out our picks for the best oil-based wood preservatives.
5. CNC 3018pro-M Engraving Machine
Why we Love it:
- (2-in-1) CNC Router or an Engraver
- Enhanced stability
- Supports Image and the G-code simultaneously.
- Short circuit protection
Pros | Cons |
✅ Offline Controller | ❌ Difficulty to set up the machine |
✅ Upgraded Control board | |
✅ Wide application | |
✅ Adjustable focal length. |
You might also like our picks for the best wood preservative.
6. NEJE Master 20W Laser Engraver Machine
Why we Love it:
- Works great with metals and non-reflective materials.
- Supports various file formats and software.
- Comes with NEJE software
Pros | Cons |
✅ Rich editing function | ❌ Cannot work on mirrors |
✅ BMP accurate design and execution | |
✅ CAD functionality | |
✅ Exact Positioning |
Check our picks for the Best Laser Engravers for Metal
7. Laser Engraver – laser engraving machine 3000mw laser class 4 Off-line Upgrade Version CNC Pro DIY Logo engraver
Why we Love it:
- Works well on metals and non-reflective materials.
- Offers a wide range of material compatibility.
Pros | Cons |
✅ Easy to use | ❌ Cannot carve metal or glass |
✅ Sturdy Built | |
✅ Powerful performance | |
✅ Faster Speed | |
✅ Accurate Precision |
You might also like Best 5 Axis CNC Machines
8. Cenoz Upgrade CNC 3018 Pro GRBL
Why we Love it:
- Easy and quick assembly.
- Advanced GRBL three-axis control board.
Pros | Cons |
✅ Offline Control | ❌ Manual Leveling |
✅ Upgraded CNC milling machine | |
✅ Precise carving |
9. VEVOR CNC 3018-PRO
Why we Love it:
- Fixed components ensure high accuracy.
- Can carve on a wide range of soft and hard materials
- A multifunctional offline controller that can perform efficiently remotely as well.
Pros | Cons |
✅ User friendly | ❌ Can't carve hard materials |
✅ Sturdy Built | |
✅ Powerful performance | |
✅ Wide Application |
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10. VEVOR CNC 1610 CNC Router Kit
Why we Love it:
- Easy and smoother movement because of 42 stepper motors on all three axis.
- Comes in various sizes and price points.
- Accurate precision control for any type of design.
Pros | Cons |
✅ User friendly | ❌ Not suitable for hard reflective surfaces |
✅ Easy control | |
✅ High performance | |
✅ Wide Application |
11. Mophorn K40 Laser Cutter
- A basic configuration makes navigation easy.
- Exceptional operational ease.
- Sturdy build.
- Highly compatible.
- Heat Dissipation feature helps with smoother operations
Pros | Cons |
✅ Compact, durable design | ❌ Relatively smaller working area |
✅ High precision | ❌ Average speed |
✅ Powerful performance | |
✅ Supports multiple graphics formats | |
✅ Compatible with metal and ceramics too |
Buying Guide
We have prepared a list of frequently asked questions regarding the best laser engraving machine to assist you while making a decision. Now what we ask of you to do is, narrow your search with these questions and do further research on your chosen options before making a final decision.
Are cheap laser engravers any good?
Yes, they most definitely are. As mentioned in the previous question, the product’s price is low, not because they aren’t any good; it’s just that the features embedded in them are limited compared to their high-end counterparts.
Also, some laser engravers cannot cut through some materials such as certain metals and reflective materials; that is also one reason they are charged less than other engravers types.
How much does a laser wood cutter cost?
A laser woodcutter can cost from around $350 to $2000 or more; it all depends on the features a laser cutter is embedded with and the additional kit and software it comes with.
So if you’re trying to find cheap laser cutters for home use or your entrepreneurial venture, either way, we’ve got you covered.
How long do laser engravers last?
Ideally, a laser engraver lasts for 35000 hours, which is easily changeable. But the life of the laser also depends upon the material you are using to carve your design.
With paper, you will get more life for the laser, with wood a little less, essentially the thicker the surface’s less laser life. For jewelry, go for Fiber laser engraving systems; they are more useful but last long.
What is the difference between engraving and etching?
These are two of the most common ways of carving/labeling items that require less effort and are less time-consuming.
The primary difference between both methods is that in engraving, laser or sharp tools are used to carve out the design, while in etching, chemicals are used to burn the surface with acid to carve the surface.
What are the disadvantages of laser cutting?
Despite being a quick and efficient process, laser engraving does have its problems. People need to have a proper know-how of using it as it can be tricky and hazardous.
Moreover, they cannot cut through many thick materials and, at times, reflective surfaces too. They can also be quite expensive, especially when upgrading, and releases harmful fumes during the process.
What’s the difference between CNC cutting and laser cutting?
Other standard engraving methods that interest people are CNC and Laser cutting. Though they are relatively similar in price, they do differ.
Laser engravers provide clean vertical lines; they often cause discoloration around the edges and are limited to thin materials. On the other hand, CNC cutting can easily cut through thicker surfaces and allow three-dimensional carving. These laser engraver cheap tools are reliable and price efficient
All the best and happy laser cutter hunting!
References:
Design and testing of components for a low-cost laser cutter
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