Guide
Do you need air assist for laser engraving?
Air assist for diode and CO2 lasers: what it does on wood, when you need it, and which kind to start with.
Top tools by job
Engrave and cut with a laser
Choose a laser, set up its bed and air assist, and run it.
Where to start
Guide
What should you put under a laser engraver?
Honeycomb, slats or a metal plate: what to put under a laser engraver, and why, from makers' manuals and independent tests.
Guide
What free software can you use with a laser engraver?
LaserGRBL, your laser maker's app, a free design program or paid LightBurn: what each does, per independent reviews.
Guide
Diode or CO2 laser for wood: which kind should you get?
Diode or CO2 for wood: materials, cutting depth, enclosures and eye safety, per independent guides and makers' specs.
Other jobs
- Clamp a glue-up
- Cut plywood and long boards straight
- Rip narrow strips on a table saw
- Clear laser smoke from the room
- Carve and cut with a CNC
- Design files without paying
- Drill clean, square holes
- Collect dust and chips
- Sand smooth surfaces
- Drive framing nails
- Route edges and profiles
- Join boards with pocket screws
- Cut curves and shapes
- Trim and fit joints by hand
- Crosscut boards square and at angles
- Measure and mark square lines
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We pick tools from independent tests and reviews, not our own testing.