Laser Engraver vs CNC Router (Best Tips Before Buying)

Thinking about getting a laser engraver or a cnc router? Which one is better for you? 

Both are good machines for crafting at home or as a small business. But there are differences between each type.

In this post, I’ll talk about the differences between a laser engraver and a cnc router, their price ranges, what you can make with them, and the ease of use of each one.

Cost of the Machines

When it comes to price, you can find low budget engraving machines and high budget range prices for either type of machine. 

The average price range for laser engravers and CNC machines is between $250 – $60,000.

A mid-range laser engraver like xTool D1 Pro 2-in-1 Kit starts at $1250.

Mid-range CNC engraving machine like the FoxAlien CNC Router Machine will cost you about $1000 before shipping.

Depending on your skill level, you may be able to build your own cnc router.  You can find communities like Open Builds where members share plans, videos, reviews and tutorials that show you how to build a cnc router from scratch.

What can you make with it?

Both cnc cutters and laser engravers can make an engraved object out of different materials.

With a laser engraver as the name suggests you’ll be able to engrave hard materials like a metal surface, or an acrylic sheet. It’s also capable of engraving soft materials like squares of leather. 

If you want to be able to make deep engravings then you are better off getting a CNC router.

Both machines can give you precise cuts.

Here are a few other things that you can make with laser cutter machines and CNC routers

• Personalized coffee mugs 
• tumblers 
• rings
• Wooden door hangers 
• Leather bracelets
• musical instruments 
• Christmas ornaments 
• Wedding Seating charts
• Party table numbers  
• Anniversary wine glasses
• Baseball bat with team logo

Making 3D Crafts with an Engraver

Both machines can help you make 3D crafts. The main difference is that you’re going to be limited in the size of the final design with a laser engraver,

For example, if you want to make a 3D animal head with a laser engraver, you’re going to have to build that up to get that 3D effect. The depth of cut on the engraving head of the laser machine is lower than what you’ll get on a cnc.

This means that you need to cut out each layer of wood and put risers or spacers in between them to get that 3-dimensional effect.

If you want to make a 3D printing project of an animal head with the CNC router you can do this easier and on a bigger scale because the machine has the space to accommodate thicker materials on the cutter head. 

Which Machine Should You Choose?

It basically comes down to what you’ll be making with the machine. If you’re in the early days and not necessarily looking to build a huge business, then the laser engraver will be able to make just about everything you want to make.

If you already have lots of orders coming in (I’m talking about over 50 orders per day), then the cnc router will be the best choice for you. But opt for a larger size instead of the desktop version. 

Ease of Use

Before you can use either machine, you’re going to need a little background knowledge.

Any brand of cnc or laser will come with instructions on how to start and use the machine but it always helps to have video or tutorials to accompany these instructions.

Laser engravers like Glowforge have a forum where users can come and exchange information on how to make different projects and how to troubleshoot any errors. 

There are lots of videos on sites like YouTube that will show you how to use almost any kind of laser engraver or cnc routing machine on the market. 

Some engravers are more popular than others which means that videos for them will be easier to find than lesser known brands. 

Want to save this for later? Pin it to your favorite DIY board on Pinterest! 

No time to read and remember everything in this post? Save it to your craft ideas board on Pinterest for later. 

More creative craft ideas! 

If you loved this list of ideas, check out my easy 3D projects to make for beginners. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a laser engraver, and how does it differ from a CNC router?

A laser engraver is a machine that uses a laser beam to etch designs or text onto various materials, while a CNC router is a machine that uses rotating cutting tools to carve or cut materials. The primary difference is in the method of material removal, with laser engravers being non-contact and suitable for intricate designs, and CNC routers being ideal for cutting, carving, and shaping materials.

2. Which projects are better suited for a laser engraver?

Laser engravers are ideal for projects that require high precision and intricate designs on materials like wood, acrylic, glass, and leather. They excel at engraving text, images, and fine details. Common applications include personalized gifts, signage, and intricate artwork.

3. When should I consider using a CNC router?

CNC routers are well-suited for projects that involve cutting, carving, or shaping materials like wood, plastic, and aluminum. They are great for creating furniture, architectural components, prototypes, and other 3D designs. If your project involves material removal or extensive shaping, a CNC router may be the better choice.

4. What factors should I consider before purchasing a laser engraver or CNC router?

Before buying, consider factors like your project requirements, budget, available workspace, and the materials you plan to work with. Research the machine’s power and precision capabilities, as well as user reviews. It’s also essential to compare the ongoing maintenance and operating costs for both options.

5. Are there any safety precautions I should take when using these machines?

Yes, safety is paramount. Ensure your workspace is well-ventilated, wear appropriate protective gear like safety glasses, and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe operation. Both laser engravers and CNC routers can pose risks if not used correctly, so always prioritize safety.