If you’ve ever scrolled past a laser-engraved cutting board on Etsy or admired a personalized acrylic sign at a baby shower and thought, I could make that, you’re not alone. More and more mothers are turning to laser engraving as a creative outlet that also doubles as a source of income. But before you click Add to Cart on the latest diode or CO₂ machine, there are some key basics you need to know to avoid wasting money or time.

Image by AEON Laser Canada

Diode vs. CO₂ vs. Fiber

Not every laser engraver is created equal. The type of laser determines what materials you can engrave or cut. Here’s a quick rundown on the most common types:

  • Diode Lasers. These are compact and budget-friendly. They work well enough on wood, leather, cardboard, and some plastics. However, they generally don’t cut through thicker materials and can’t engrave glass or metal.
  • CO₂ Lasers. These are more powerful and versatile, making them ideal for cutting and engraving a wider range of materials, including wood, acrylic, leather, glass, and even food items. They come at a higher price point; however, they are also significantly more precise than diode lasers and are needed for more intricate cuts, designs, and engravings. And because they’re more powerful, they reduce production times and can handle increased volume.
  • Fiber Lasers. Used mostly for metal and industrial applications. They’re high-end, fast, and not usually necessary unless your product line includes metal tumblers, jewelry, or serialized components.

If you’re planning to sell personalized goods, baby milestone cards, signage, or party décor, a CO₂ laser will likely be your best bet, as you won’t have to replace it as you scale, and it allows for more elaborate designs that can set you apart from the competition.

Ventilation and Safety Must Be Baked into Your Operations

Laser engraving involves heat and materials that release fumes, especially when working with acrylic, MDF, or painted surfaces. Many entry-level machines are open-frame and not enclosed. That may be fine on a garage workbench, but never in a space without proper ventilation.

At minimum, you’ll need:

  • An exhaust fan and hose setup (many business-grade engravers from established suppliers  include this)
  • A fire extinguisher within arm’s reach
  • Safety goggles designed for your laser’s wavelength

Cutting corners is simply not worth the risk of injury, illness, or property damage. Whether you’re setting up shop at home or using a dedicated workspace, it’s always a good idea to educate yourself on hazards and prevention at the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety website.

Speed vs. Power vs. Precision

You’ll often see machines advertising speed (mm/s), power (watts), or spot size (for precision). But the right balance depends on your goals. Here’s a general breakdown of each:

  • Speed matters for batch production
  • Power matters for cutting thicker materials
  • Precision matters for fine details like text, logos, or photography-style engraving

If you’re engraving delicate items for weddings, for example, you might decide on a slightly less powerful, but more precise engraver. For signage and bulkier crafts, you might have to do the opposite if you can’t find a machine that offers both.

Final Thoughts

Laser engraving can be a lucrative home-based business if you have a realistic starting budget that also accounts for workspace costs, materials, safety gear, marketing, and administrative startup expenses. But like any tool-based venture, success starts with understanding the fundamentals. From choosing the right laser type to getting familiar with its software to planning your workspace and workflow, research and practice make perfect.