►I since upgraded my laser. Watch the update video kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f5Zimtqjxrq5Z3U.html ►Shop the xTool SALE bit.ly/xTool-Sale

I'm a Montrealer living in Hong Kong for more than 20 years. Watching your videos brings back memories of suburbia, garages and everyday DIY. I love what you do....so clear, honest, informative. Thank you

One of the things you may want to consider is proper eyewear. Your laser is operating around 445 nm, and you need an ORANGE lens to filter that out. The goofy green or red ones they provide with these devices will not adequately protect you. I suggest you get a pair from a reputable company - they are about $100.00 a pair - and make sure it is written on the lens (normally above the left eye) OD7 190-540 NM. These should also block the light from entering the side as well. A sign posted outside the area stating ‘laser in use’ would be a good next project for you.

I appreciate you taking the time to bring honesty forward. I am about to purchase my first laser and was not thinking about “Smell”. Now I will reevaluate my decision and start learning about ventilation. Thank You!

Well, you made me think twice about getting a laser. I really don't have room for one anyhow, and I'm 71 and not Daddy War Bucks. Love watching your videos and other DIY folks out there. Much better than wasting what's left of my brain on mainstream media stations. Keep up the good work kid!

Thanks so much, I watched your video the very day after placing my order for the X-TOOL D1. You bring out a lot of information that no one before you has even hinted at. Thank you. Please keep doing what you do.😊 ❤

Thank you for this very honest, detailed and helpful video. We have been thinking about a laser cutter or a CNC recently, and your video answers many of our questions. It also helps since you answer questions we wouldn't have known enough to ask before. We appreciate people like you who offer straightforward, practical information regarding your personal experiences. Well done!

OMG FINALLY someone that breaks everything down cost wise and equipment wise. Thank you for giving us all the extras with manufacturer and fails with said equipment. I am trying to set up a resin 3D printer with the exhaust fan like you have. I have now ordered 4 fans that have not done what I need to vent the smell. I think I have finally figured it out but just from your video I see your system works. So thank you for this video.

I really appreciate all the thought you put into pointing out things that are easy to take for granted. Thanks for taking the time and thanks for sharing.

I wish I'd come across this video BEFORE I purchased my laser. This is a real review folks! Heed Marie's warnings. Hardly anyone mentions the smoke smell. I don't mind the learning curve on any of my tools but the smoke, I just can't get past. I immediately purchased the enclosure the grid followed by the inline fan. I still get a lot of smoke in my shop which is unfortunately a two car attached garage so it leaks into the house. I also noticed that the items that come out of the laser(I have the same one you do in Iron man red, because, why not) and those things smell like smoke too. I've heard many a influencer say the smell fades. I have several xmas ornaments that still smell like fire and it's dang near July. Also, it's worth mentioning, I'm not that sensitive to smoke and if it didn't cause cancer I'd be just fine with saw dust flying in my face all day. I'm sure I'll get back to it at some point, but so far it has not been the accessory tool for my woodshop I thought it would be. Expensive lesson learned. Now my $300 dollar 3d printer has been awesome. Yes, that's a hint, Marie.

A lot of KZfaqrs don't necessarily talk about the learning curve and the number of failures before the piece finally comes out the way they want. Thanks for sharing some of that. I think it's probably a good idea to have more time on the software and a few designs ready to go before even buying the laser. If I ever decide to purchase one, I might go that route if possible. Thanks for your incite on lasers. I hope you stick with it and share the rest of your journey with all of us.

Just wanted to say I watch pretty much every woodworking channel I can find and you’ve been consistently the most helpful. Love your build videos, and this one was extremely helpful for someone who’d been half considering a laser cutter without really thinking about it seriously. Appreciate the review!

I love that you had the same experiences as I did, and it was very helpful that you hung in there. I’ve been able to engrave several of my shop projects, but the learning curve cuts my hourly rate down to less than a dollar an hour. I sure hope that I (we) get better and faster at this soon. I guess that’s why they call these “hobby lasers”.

What a fabulous service you provide! A truly insightful look at what needs to be considered in a laser engraver tool. Thank you! Definitely subscribed!

Thanks Marie for the video. What has been holding me back mostly is the software learning curve. I have enough problems working with Sketch-Up. You see all the things the engravers can do but there is a HUGE time commitment to achieve the end result. Your videos are always "spot on"! !! !!!

What an awesome video Marie. I loved your sign it looked great. Thank you for your detailed description of what a laser owner will have to go through as we used to say "Forewarned is forearmed"

Finally, a real review that goes in-depth on a laser cutter. I want to get one but realistically, I don't have the time to invest. Thanks for the info.

Thanks for this information. Prevented me from getting myself into something that would take too much time and effort away from woodworking.

What an excellent video. Your presentation and no nonsense matter of fact demeanor is a breath of fresh air. I own a Xtool D1 pro and I am setting it up. Your explanation of items needed and how and why they are needed is spot on. Thank You

I agree there is a big learning curve, but its been fun. I first bought a 10 watt diode laser, but quickly got a 60 watt CO2 laser and am really enjoying it. The focal point is the most critical part to get right, to get good clean cuts. Lightburn is definitely worth the time learning. Thanks for the review. Love your channel.

This was really helpful. I see a lot of videos talking about the potential and side hustle opportunities these provide, but not much about the reality of using them. I defenitely see what they can add to a workshop, a lot of creative possiblities there, but now I see it's not printing money. Thanks for the video!

Thank-you. I've been wanting to add a laser engraver/cutter and your "6 things to know " definitely helps. I got distracted while I evaluated the desktop/hobbyist CNC with laser option versus dedicated laser. I've now decided on dedicated laser with honeycomb, air assist and a custom enclosure. Thanks again!

I notice most youtube give wrong information about the products or they dont mention cons side of the products. Thanks for being independent and honest.

I sure enjoy seeing a woman who enjoys wood working as a hobby. You and Tamar are two of my favorites. No hype or unnecessary drama seen on too many of the other wood channels, just good projects delivered with a smile and some good, well thought out and upbeat speaking. I hope you can make some good income from it and keep your videos up for a long time. We love Canada too. It’s been a favorite vacation spot for us for many years. You folks have your priorities right. I hope we can see Montreal before either of us cash in our chips.

Thanks for a comprehensive coverage of the plus/minus regarding your laser setup. You have covered everything one should be aware of.

A honest reviewer with a clear perception on lasers. Thank you.

Really helpful, am actually looking at the xtool 20w same as you have. Your sign looked great if that's your first attempt you really have achieved a lot. I originally built my own laser with 5w optical power but have been wanting to upgrade.

Great info! I've been seriously thinking about buying the same unit, but was hesitant because of the very same things you mentioned. Thanks for answering several of my questions.

I'm so grateful for your insights! Really made me think twice about buying a laser engraver. Thanks for keeping it real! 💡

One of the best and honest videos on lasers I've seen... Thanks so much...

Great informative and honest review. Thank you for not just trying to tell us all the great things about owning a laser engraver. I'll be watching more of your videos just based on your honesty!

I like your video style and the way you convey the information. Very down to earth and easy to relate to. Nicely done!

Very helpful video. I was looking for a laser station for leather engraving and cutting, but I didn't think about additional accessories at all. Thank you for the right direction.

Super useful! Thanks for sharing the points to consider, your actual setup and even the demo at the end :) (p.s. the logo came out very nice)

Finding honest people like you that review products in youtube is close to imposible. Thank you very much.

Thanks for sharing all the different views on owning a laser engraving machine.. I have one that sits here and I've bought it because if tye trend a the time but also I thought I'd try something different. However , ince it's been sitting here staring back at me. Lol , 've decided to learn about it and give it a try. But I am happy you've given me all the ins and outs to why I haven't builtmy machine yet. And yes , aving that burnt smell of plastics and metals throughout my house would just give me a headache. So I will either build a box with a acuum hose and fan or try and buy one pre made for the model I have. All thanks to you sharing about your experiences with one. Thank you again for all the informative information. . .

So helpful! I was really considering this for leather, however I don’t want to have to learn software right now!

Wow thank you for such an honest review- Haven’t been able to find anybody honest as you!

Super thanks for the video. It was enlightening. I have to say your very well organized work space is perfect btw.

Thank you for taking time to make this! On the fence about which, if any, cutter to get. Retired several years ago, got tired of chasing a little white ball, so need a new hobby. Curious if you began to utilize it more since this video.

I've been wanting to invest in a laser for some time now and this vid was super helpful! Thank you for the open honesty, it's much appreciated!

I enjoy watching your videos....down to earth....to the point and informative. its nice to see your success. I'm envious. I remember commenting on one of your first videos with the router table dust collection. That was a good study. I've been thinking about a laser or CNC as it is a great addition to a final project. Thanks and keep up the great work.

i subscribed the second you are not sponsored. more people should start doing that

First I really enjoy your teaching methods. You are descriptive and concise something missing in a number of u-tube videos.

Your one of the few that I look forward to seeing a video as a beginner . I've looked at lasers and working out of a 12x31 shed I've decided from your video this isnt for me. At 59 I have other things I need to learn or brush up on . Lol I took wood shop at school late 70s and worked in a Pattern and Model shop in the late 80s . So thanks for all you do ! Your Awesome!

Great video and very informative. I backed the Elegoo Phecda 20w Laser without really knowing what I was doing.. fortunately I bought all the extras with the Kickstarter promotion. First thing I had to do was get an enclosure and exhaust system. Thank you for making this video, everyone buying a Laser or new to Lasers should watch!

Wow thank you for all the info. This video is great for someone that is considering to start a business. I was but is afraid to go into a trap. Appreciated

So glad I ran across your video… I was on the fence considering one of these. Too many negatives to dabble with the thing.

I have been thinking about getting a laser engraver here lately. Thought it would be a really nice addition to my shop. Thank you so much for passing along the information that was very helpful. And that sign turned out nice. 👍. Thanks again.

Agree very much on the exhaust and smoke issue. I made a simple design with a closed and open plywood disk separated with zigzagged bamboo skewers. I weave a filter material in and out of the skewers and this catches most of the sticky particulates and is easy to clean. I have one for inside my 10 watt blue OLM3 and I have one on the end of my 65 watt Gweike Storm 600 CO2 laser that I poke out the window when using it. My 60W fibre laser is far less smoke causing but I wouldn't trust using it much for stainless steel without ventilation because of SS chromium content.

Thank you for being so honest. I too almost went for the laser engraver but decided not to get one. There is quite a learning curve as far as the software is concerned. I will continue with my woodworking projects and making sawdust........... Love the smell of freshly sawed cedar. You're the best.

I’ve been researching lasers for the last month. I love your video and your approach. Your video gives a clear picture of the investment needed to be competent.

Enjoyed your video . Do you have a video on how t build you cabinet? Or do you sell them?

Great video..I learned on a 5 watt Ortur that I bought on Aliexpress 3 years ago for $400 and I just upgraded to the Xtool 20 watt. I use it in my garage and as I am also in Canada I will set up a ventilation system for when winter hits. I love using the laser to engrave my logo and with the 20 watt it’s opened up the possibilities of making more signs. Lightburn is very user friendly and there are lots of KZfaq tutorials on it. But if you already have a CNC then the design principles are very similar. I agree with all your points and I think that some planning and forethought should go into it before making a purchase. This applies to any tool you’re thinking about purchasing.

Yes, thank you very much for saying something others seem to forget. My laser was a much cheaper one - I paid $300 for it. But then I had to pay as much for the cheapest fan, bed and enclosure solution I could find.

Great overview of the reality of laser cutters, and appreciate your honesty. I always found it amusing that other YT channels are cutting all sorts of materials wide open in a shop without any venting. As you mentioned, burning plastic, wood and other materials makes a very nasty smell and not good for your health. I'd rather spend the money on tools that I would actually use.

Thank you for your candid review and price list!

Thank you so much for this valuable information, this is extremely useful for me as someone who is planning on getting into laser engraving.

Great video. Love your honesty. Please do one on the trial and tribulation of learning the software.

Great insight. Thanks for the helpful video! I'm looking to get a laser cutter after having a CNC for years. Ventilation is my mine concern (working in a garage)

Best honest opinion about diode laser congratulations.

I really enjoyed this video and your sign turned out great! Thanks!

Thx for this very informativ video! One of the view I found on my researche, that really brings up the con's, the additional costs, the requirements. Would wish more creators would include these topics. Thx again!

Nice work on the sign Marie! it turned out real nice :) Thanks for always sharing with us!💖👍😎JP

Excellent helpful video as I look to consider a similar purchase and/or setup. Thank you

This is very informative. Just what I was looking for and very timely. I appreciate you taking the time to do this video. Thank you! PS: You just gained a new subscriber and am looking forward to more videos.

for the love of god, If you are the type who has to have everything explained to you after you read the instructions DO NOT BUY A LASER you will BURN YOUR HOUSE DOWN. The amount of dumb questions I see on laser FB groups is sickening. Its not a Cricut if Cricut was hard to learn for you DO NOT BUY A LASER. If you have ever had something break down and you had no idea how to troubleshoot it to find the problem, DO NOT BUY A LASER. If you would rather type a question that has been answered 100x into a FB group and not a search engine, DO NOT BUY A LASER. If you are not very comfortable using graphic design software. DO NOT BUY A LASER. If You don't know basic computer knowledge DO NOT BUY A LASER. Unless you have and understand other tools, DO NOT BUY A LASER. The difference between my CNC FB groups and Laser FB group members is almost night and day. I think it comes down to lasers are cheaper and more accessible so more people buy them on a whim dropping 5k on a CNC is not something you do unless you have a good idea what youre doing. People get lasers for christmas and anniversaries because they saw something lasered and want to get rich doing it too. If you think it will be hard, you are correct and shouldn't buy a laser. If you can troubleshoot small problems, like computers and graphic design, and have a small wood shop to cut and sand your own material then go for it.

Excellent info - much appreciated! Is the Lightburn software free or is that another additional cost?

What a great informative video. Have subscribed as I would love to see all your videos.

Excellent summary... and I absolutely agree that people should do a LOT of research before "taking the step"... Your video offers an excellent overview of what's REALLY involved in using a diode LASER to DO stuff... I just purchased XTool's new F1 unit - the one with the desktop air filter and the dual diodes. Now, to be fair, the company where I work has a big CO2 LASER, so I'm quite familiar with the limitations, as well as the benefits. And I've also got a lot of experience with graphic arts software... so that won't be a problem either. I absolutely agree that the ads, as well as most of the FIY videos, tend to ignore quite a few really significant issues... Like smoke and smell, and the experimentation required to choose settings, and even the materials themselves... And most seem to sort of gloss over the fact that, when you "cut" with a LASER, you are basically burning through the material... (It's not like in the sci-fi movies where the material just disappears when the beam hits it.) I think it's also worth mentioning that a lot of the limitations CAN be overcome... but even that can be complicated. For example, you CAN engrave on glass or clear acrylic with a diode LASER, but it's really complicated... And it takes lots of extra steps... And, if you watch the various videos, you'll see that many of the methods don't actually work especially well anyway... (At this point a lot of this is still "experimental"... ) I think I would add one piece of advice... specifically for people who want to engrave photos and images... Watch A LOT of videos about setting up your images... and how halftones work... and raster vs vector... and line vs fill... There's a lot to learn there... and you need to get it right if you want to produce good looking artwork on a LASER... If you just "import a a picture into LightBurn and hit print" you're probably NOT going to be happy with the results... I would equate it to the person who "sets up a custom wood shop"... but neglects to consider sawdust... or tool maintenance. Or the person who buys a computer... but has no idea how to use it or what good software costs... or of the learning curve involved. Obviously "everyone" is NOT going to "come up with a LASER side hustle that will pay for the device in a week"... (But is sure does seem like a lot of people want you to THINK it's that easy... 🤨) And an awful lot of LASERs will end up on the shelf collecting dust...

Excellent summary of the pro's and cons of lasers. Subscribed.

Thank you so much for your video, I've been thinking of starting my own business, I have several options and one was this, but now I'll cross this one off my list, it's too much trouble, great honest video, thank you

I have two diode lasers, one co2 laser, three FDM printers and two resin printers. I print and sell all types of things. and no the lasers do not stink if you use an enclosure. I make several hundred dollars a week extra without even looking for work. This is like any other hobby that requires time in in order to learn the hobby. Many people are not willing to invest the time!

Awesome tips as I am about to buy my XTool. Thanks and don’t give up on your Dreams.

Thank you for your honesty ❤

This was by far the most informative video on laser cutters I've seen yet. I have a Cricut maker, a Creality Ender 3 3D printer and was considering getting the Creality Falcon 10W laser cutter so I can cut and engrave wood, leather, acrylic etc, to try to really round out my creative game. You've given me so much to think about. I never knew about the smell! I've seen in a lot of videos so far a lot of smoke and fumes coming up but as you say, the other KZfaqrs don't mention that at all and make it seem like you can have it on the bench in your office with a window open for ventilation, which is clearly not the case. I'd be particulary concerned about cutting things like MDF which can give off formaldehyde. It's a shame really as I'm not sure I have anywhere suitable to put it now. Your DIY enclosure is excellent. I also really appreciate you showing the fails while trying to get the cut right, I'm sure there's a lot of wasted material in the early stages while on the learning curve. Great video, very helpful!

Hi Marie, great and honest video. 👍 if you want to learn lightburn I found a guy called Rich - the Louisiana hobby guy on KZfaq and he has a LOT of videos / tutorials explaining how to do a ton of things with lightburn and laser engravers / cutters in general… I’ve learnt loads on how to use my atomstack a5 pro. Also, don’t quote me, but I think you may be able to cut clear acrylic (if it’s not too thick) if you paint the acrylic black first (so the light from the laser can be absorbed into it instead of reflected off it), then when it’s cut, just remove the black paint again with spirits etc I hope that helps. 👍

Watching this helped me know that this laser life will not work for me or for my house, neighbours and family. This was such an informative video. Thank you!!! 😊

Just like you I did not do enough research before buying my laser cutter and 6 months later it sits on a shelf, having only done a couple of test engravings. Thanks for the video.

Thank you for the great advices! I'm thinking just now about to buy a laser or a cnc. Very useful information!

Your sign turned out great!! I loved this helpful/thoughtful video.

Great informative video and I really like your 1st sign. Being able to cut metals on these machines with the new class of laser diodes (when they come out) will open up some interesting possibilities...

Probably the biggest thing I learned is to do testing. Test using test coupons to get settings optimal before doing the actual work piece. My next project will be a electronics test equipment rack that will be 14" tall and 13" wide x 11.5" deep. Material will be 1/4" birch plywood held together with 1/2" wood dowels. To get the correct hole size to fit the dowels will require some testing as will the best speed setting. Will use the xtool 40W blue laser, probably start at 50% power setting then adjust speed for optimal results on some scrap wood.

Superb video. Honest and straight to the point without as you said in other words, feeling obliged to positively review a product that is free, when you did not get yours for free. Well done!!! Much love from Scotland, ❤ X ...

I like your video and your sensible approach to using and handling a laser engraver. Some very important and valid points which I will now be considering before setting up my laser engraver to make nameplates from etched anodized aluminum. Thanks again for the awesome video ! - Best wishes from the UK 👍👍👍

Great video, thanks for sharing your experience. Greetings from Holland.

I bought one and have enjoyed using it. I also have a CNC, which is the centre of my workflow. The laser, for me, is simply an accessory tool. I've seen others that have the laser as their main tool and it works well for them.

Great video! Back in the mid-'90s, I spent over $1000 on an airbrush system, and there was no KZfaq or much information available about the issues that came with it. It ended up in the basement. After watching this video, I'm not so sure anymore if I want a laser engraver at home ;-)

great info. I bought a small cnc w/ laser adapter...yet to use the cnc part, but they use different cooridnate systems so just to get lightburn to communiciate suffuccessfully with 0/0 as the lower right was a big nightmare...learning to program was necessary. And yes, THE STINK! Try cutting leather!

Thanks for your honest point of view.

I've been thinking of getting something like this for home. I can already do steel at work but want something for wood cutting. Thanks for the info, time to do some research.

Lady Your a genius. That's a nice box you have there that's got to suck out a lot of the smoke and fumes.

wow. Thanks for sharing this info. Very informative

I have come very close many times to buying a laser engraver, but haven't for most of the reasons you highlighted. Thanks for confirming most of my reservations. I think I would get more use from a CNC, which I know comes with many challenges and drawbacks, too. We'll see,

Hi there do you have measurements ect on the enclosure?

This vid is awesome. I'm a designer and have been thinking of different which platforms (stickers, laser, DTG, etc.) to make some extra income. I keep circling back to laser but haven't felt I had enough info in regards to cost and supplies. I also never thought of the fume factor. I used to weld and know the risks of burning galvanized steel. Thanks for providing all the info I didn't consider.

I appreciate your honesty here Marie. Imust have watched a dozen or more laser videos to see if a laser is right for my shop and few, if any, mention the things you have in this video, but then again, those were all "product provided for review but my opinions are my own", so not very reliable source material. And this is from some pretty big and popular woodworking channels too. I'll eventually get a laser for the shop, but right now, the focus is strictly saving for a CNC. Thanks again. edit: I love the pineapple shirt. 🙂

Merci! We have been considering getting a laser cutter for our makerspace and this was really eye opening.

Really great review - we have the Ortur LM2 10W, and you're absolutely right, you need an enclosure 100%. It's the main reason I'm not using it at the moment, I gotta sit down and make one for it.

Thanks for this video! A laser is a big investment for a hobby shop. I have been vacillating on the idea of purchasing one. At least now I will be better prepared. The logo looked great!