I have been wanting to make homemade cutting boards for a while now — and of course my frugal self couldn’t just go buy a laser engraver without researching every single option first.
Turns out you don’t have to spend $8,000 on a Glowforge to get started. There are some really capable machines out there at a fraction of the price — and once I started digging into what people are actually making money with these things I got even more excited.
Custom cutting boards are just the beginning. Here’s what I found!
Best Laser Engraving Machines for Wood
OMTech CO2 Laser Engraver
One of the most highly rated laser engraving machines on Amazon. The spacious engraving bed gives you plenty of room for all kinds of projects — personalized gifts, custom orders, you name it. The vented panel can also be removed to give you more room when working on thicker materials. Basic models start at $450 and go up from there depending on size and laser power.
Shop OMTech CO2 Laser Engravers
Mophorn Laser Engraving Machine
A solid CO2 engraving machine with a 12″x8″ engraving area. Equipped with a 40W water cooling laser tube it’s perfect for wood projects. Connects via USB to your laptop or desktop and works with multiple graphic formats including EMF/JPG/PLT/WMF through the included CorelDraw software.
ATOMSTACK A5 Pro Laser Engraver
The ATOMSTACK A5 Pro can engrave wood, bamboo, metal, plastic, leather, PCB board, aluminum oxide, and lacquered metal. With 5-5.5W output power and a 0.16mm ultra-fine compression laser focus area the engraving accuracy reaches 0.01mm — making it great for detailed work and easy cutting on wood and acrylic. Prices start at $319 and go up for larger models.
Shop ATOMSTACK A5 Pro Laser Engravers
How to Make Money with a Laser Engraver
Once you have a machine the possibilities for making money are pretty wide open. Here are the most popular ways people are turning laser engravers into income:
Personalized Gifts
Custom engraved gifts are huge right now — cutting boards, wallets, jewelry boxes, keychains, you name it. Add a name or a date and something ordinary becomes something people will keep forever. These sell incredibly well on Etsy and at craft fairs.
Custom Signage
Businesses, restaurants, and homeowners are always looking for custom signs and plaques. Laser engravers can produce professional quality dimensional lettering and logos on wood that would be impossible to replicate by hand.
Custom Cutting Boards
One of the most popular laser engraving products on Etsy. Personalized cutting boards with family names, wedding dates, or custom designs are consistently top sellers — especially around holidays and wedding season.
Wooden Frames and Home Decor
Picture frames, mirrors, and decorative home pieces with custom engraved designs make beautiful gifts and sell well at markets and online. Add a cute photo and you have a gift that looks like it cost way more than it did.
Jewelry
Adding laser engraving to jewelry — rings, pendants, bracelets — takes a piece from ordinary to memorable. Custom text, patterns, or designs on metal and wood jewelry pieces command premium prices.
Custom Furniture Embellishments
Add intricate carvings and designs to furniture pieces that take them from ordinary to extraordinary. Custom furniture embellishments can significantly increase the value of a piece and attract premium buyers.
Where to Sell Your Laser Engraving Projects
Etsy
The best platform for custom laser engraving products hands down. Etsy buyers are specifically looking for personalized and handmade items — your products are exactly what they want. Easy to set up, great tools for managing orders and shipping.
Facebook Marketplace
Great for selling locally with no shipping required. Perfect for larger items like signs and cutting boards. Post photos of your work and let local buyers come to you.
Local Craft Fairs and Markets
Set up a booth at local craft fairs, festivals, and holiday markets. There’s nothing like seeing laser engraved products in person — people love watching demonstrations too which draws crowds to your table.
Friends and Family — Don’t Underestimate Word of Mouth
Give a few pieces away to friends and family to show off your work. Word of mouth from people who have received a personalized gift is incredibly powerful — custom orders will follow.
Your Own Online Store
Once your business grows consider setting up your own Shopify store. More control, better margins, and your own brand. Start with Etsy to build reviews and momentum then expand from there.
Best Wood for Laser Engraving Projects
Different projects call for different wood types. In general soft woods produce a darker burn while hard woods give you finer detail. Here’s a quick guide:
Walnut
A dark hardwood with a smooth finish — excellent for intricate designs. Very durable and holds up to heavy use. One of the most popular choices for cutting boards and premium gifts.
Cherry
Rich grain patterns that look stunning when engraved. Cherry darkens beautifully over time which adds to the look of the finished piece.
Maple
Strong, lightweight, and light in color — small details stand out clearly on maple making it perfect for precision work. Great all-around choice for beginners.
Oak
Durable with beautiful natural grain patterns. Oak adds sophistication to any piece and is a great option for high-end custom work.
Mahogany
Prized for its strength and rich warm colors. Produces stunning professional results — great for premium gifts and high-end signage.
Alder
Light color, fine grain, and very easy to work with. Produces excellent professional-looking results and holds up well over time. Great starter wood.
Other Materials You Can Engrave
Beyond wood you can also engrave acrylic, glass, metals including stainless steel and aluminum, leather, paper, cork board, and more. Each material has its own unique look and applications — with the right machine you can offer a much wider range of products and services.
⚠️ Important Safety Notice
Laser engraving machines are real pieces of industrial equipment and must be treated with respect. Never leave the machine unattended while operating, keep children away during use, always use proper PPE, and unplug when not in use. Use at your own risk and never hesitate to ask for help when learning to operate this type of equipment.
Best Laser Engraving Machines — Frequently Asked Questions
Laser Engraving Machines for Wood — Your Questions Answered
What is the best laser engraving machine for beginners?
The ATOMSTACK A5 Pro is one of the best entry level machines — affordable, capable, and well supported with a large online community for beginners. The OMTech CO2 is a step up when you’re ready to grow.
Do I need a Glowforge to make money with laser engraving?
Absolutely not. Plenty of people are running profitable laser engraving businesses with machines under $500. The Glowforge is a premium product but there are excellent alternatives at a fraction of the price.
What sells best on Etsy for laser engraving?
Personalized cutting boards, custom signs, wedding gifts, keychains, ornaments, and jewelry boxes are consistently top sellers. Anything that can be personalized with a name or date tends to sell well year round.
Can laser engravers cut wood?
Yes — most CO2 and diode laser engravers can both engrave and cut wood depending on the thickness and the power of the machine. Thinner materials like plywood and balsa are the easiest to cut cleanly.
Looking for more ways to make money from home? Check out our Living section for practical tips and side hustle ideas!
