I get this question a lot- “If I purchase a laser how quickly can I pay it off? Is it a good investment”? This question is so specific to so many factors that it is hard to say! In my area laser work is booming because there isn’t anyone else with a laser (that I am aware of) so everybody goes to me. Where as someone who has a more heavily populated area, the story may be completely different.
I have been patrolling various groups though and have gathered some thoughts as to what makes a laser business sucessful and what people should keep in mind when looking or joining the laser communities.
Some common things with successful laser businesses I have seen:
- Original Files & Design. If you can design and make your own files you can continue to push new designs and products out there
- Organization & management. You need to have a solid structure and foundation to keep ahead of projects, materials, clients, etc.
- Location. This is huge if you work local! Get your name out there and try to talk to people.
- Budgeting. Do you have enough to set aside for a laser? What about the materials and maintenance?
- Passion & Drive. If you love what you do- your work will show and speak for itself!
- Lending a helping hand. It’s not all about competition- it’s about supporting eachother. Is your laser waiting on a part? There may be someone local who can help pick up the slack!
How did YOU know a laser was right for you?
After having countless people ask me if my Cricut could engrave or cut wood, I knew! Truthfully, it was a risk. But that risk has paid off tremendously! Another thing people don’t often think about is when you start out, you don’t want to sell right away. You want to learn your materials, test them out and make sure that they hold up and function properly. I usually accommodate 1-2 months for testing. I test all new materials and the same for suppliers in the same way. I don’t sell until I know it holds up as I see fit.
One good way to test your materials and projects is through gifts! My friends love it when I gift them something handmade. They are also my testers so whenever I come out with something new I usually try it out myself or have them try it as well.
Now- let’s get into a rundown of what I feel is needed when starting out with your laser:
Must Haves:
- Laser (I went with a )
- Distilled Water for Pump/ Cooling
- Inline Fan Upgrade (This is the one I have)
- Double Wall Tubing for Fumes (This is what I have)
- Proper Maintenance Materials
- Grease for rails (once a month)
- Cloths for cleaning the lens
- 99% Isopropal alcohol
- Materials (you can actually order seconds or blemished scraps which is what I started with!)
OPTIONAL:
- Chiller (recommended if you live in a warm climate)
- New tubing for Chiller (I got a thicker one so it wouldn’t kink and set off the alarm)
- Distilled Water for Chiller
- Rotary (if you want to do glasses/ mugs)
- Air Assist (if you want cleaner cuts)
- Lightburn Camera
Which brings us to…
As a rough estimate, $2750 for the laser. $150 for inline fan & tubing. $50.00 for the maintenance supplies. Then the material cost is really up to you. So I would budget around 3k for a laser at least. Now prices fluctuate all the time so this could change day to day and week to week.
Who shouldn’t get a laser?
I have come across some individuals in my groups who have been ever so kind to share their stories. One of the largest reasons (other than budget) is iv’e seen some people have allergies when engraving or cutting wood. Even with proper ventillation- some people are extremely sensitive or have certain sensitivities to different woods and acrylics. Many are not aware of this until they start working with the machines.
Another thing to also be mindful of is if you live in a small apartment or have a small area- chances are you might not be able to fit certain sized lasers through your doors or up the stairs so you will need to ensure that you get one that fits. Iv’e also heard people advise letting the building manager/ landlord know (if you are in an apartment) to ensure there isn’t any issues.
As much as my boyfriend wants my laser to move in- there isn’t any way we are getting a 300 pound machine up three flights of stairs in an old building and through a tiny door.
Looking for some more tips & advice?
Check out the resources over at for more info. For those who may not know me as well and are jumping into seeing my laser work- iv’e been collaborating with the amazing team over at OMTech and they have some great resources in the works to help out potential laser owners and/or laser newbies too!
How about you? Have you ever thought about adding a laser to your business or growing your work? I’m always open to questions! I know in a lot of my business groups not many people know about all the different options available when it comes to these machines!
I do not have the room for a laser but would be interested in purchasing blanks for kits and sets. Do you make and sell blanks?
Hi Jasmyne,
At the moment I do not- but feel free to email me your ideas and thoughts and I can put it on my list!
Howdy! I like your humor in your post. I actually came here cause of the axolotl ornaments but started reading up on this laser its really cool. How does it compare with Glowforge? That is the only laser I know. At first when I heard laser I thought laser hair removal lol.
Hi Andy! There is actually an article OMTech has that goes over just that! I do not personally own a Glowforge but I know some online people who do. Many love it because it is plug and play- meaning it takes no set up at all. But you are often limited with the software and what you can do. For example- a file that took my friend 45 minutes to engrave took my machine 5 minutes. Again- I don’t know enough about the settings and how it works. Honestly with a budget in mind- i’m really happy with my OMTech.… Read more »
Hello kind sir! This simply wonderful.
Interested in purchasing pet lizard fish. I see photo and want to buy animal pet. Email me at #########.com
Good day
Hello Shashi,
Thank you! I do not sell Axolotls (lizard fish), unfortunately.
You can look online to see where you can purchase. There are websites out there that can help.
Hello kind sir! thank you for quick reply. I see now.
I find other website to make sale and buy lizard fish.
Good day
Found your art in the handmade group and fell in love. I make macrame decor. I would be interested in using more wood accents in my projects and if a laser would be right for my work. Are you familiar with macrame as an art? Iv’e seen some gorgeous wood accents and wondered how people made them and I do believe they use one of these fancy machines.
Hi Melannie!
I have seen some Macrame art (it is beautiful by the way!) but I don’t really know much about it truthfully. Are you looking to just add wood shapes and designs to your works? I’d love to see some examples so I can get an idea! I have seen some shapes like a moon where they pull the threads through it and add beads and such.
Hi. I think someone has stolen your design and is selling similar products in one of my groups. The design in question is your D20 set that you made with the keychain and pins. Their earrings look just like yours and I didn’t see the file being sold so I think they stole your work. Should I email you so you can report it? I already reported it to the group I found it in.
Hi Matt,
When it comes to really basic designs like the D20 shape (if it the plain geometric one, not illustrated) there isn’t much one can do as it is on the generic side of things. Now if it is my hand illustrated pin set that is a different story! If you can, please email me at kristina@kristhecreative.com and i’d be happy to take a look. I really appreciate you looking out for me! Thank you.
It looks like the post got removed. I found your site because it had your name on the photo. It was the wooden pin and earring set that had all the different dice designs. It was not a generic looking shape.
Also giving you a heads up I saw a different photo from a user posting a this isn’t my photo post looking for a file. I took a screen shot if you like. Sounds like someone out there is looking to rip off your designs for a file or is looking to purchase a file. It was of the house ornament that had your logo at the bottom.
If you like I can email you the name of the group if you want to see and report people. Maybe if you post in it people will not try to steal.
Hi Matt,
I appreciate you giving me a heads up! I would be interested in checking out this group. Iv’e had a lot of people ask for files; I just haven’t gotten to the point yet, or some files I do not plan on selling as they are personal and created by me.
The only laser I was aware of were that for hair removal. Had no clue this even existed up until today. I assume this is an entirely different machine than what is used for that? LOL. I never heard to this kind of technology but it always was interest of mine. Can you use this for beauty with an attachment? I hope I do not sound stupid asking. This is not something I deal with often lol!