Want to turn your home workshop into a money-making machine? The right laser cutter can help you create high-demand products with minimal overhead. Here are the top 5 laser cutters that can launch your home-based business, from budget-friendly starters to pro-grade systems.
1. Glowforge Pro – Best for Beginners & Craft Businesses
✅ Type: CO₂ Laser (45W)
✅ Workspace: 11" x 19.5"
✅ Materials: Wood, acrylic, leather, fabric
✅ Price: ~$6,995
Why It’s Perfect for Business?
✔ Plug-and-play (no technical skills needed)
✔ Pro Passthrough for longer materials (like cutting boards)
✔ Built-in camera for precise alignment
✔ Huge online community for support
Top Money-Making Products:
-
Custom wooden signs (50−200 each)
-
Acrylic keychains & phone stands (10−25)
-
Engraved leather journals (40−80)
Best For: Etsy sellers, crafters, and small gift businesses.
2. OMTech 60W – Best Budget CO₂ Laser for Production
✅ Type: CO₂ Laser (60W)
✅ Workspace: 12" x 8"
✅ Materials: Wood, acrylic, leather, rubber
✅ Price: ~$3,500
Why It’s Perfect for Business?
✔ Twice as powerful as 40W lasers (faster cuts)
✔ Built-in air assist (cleaner edges = premium products)
✔ Affordable to maintain (low-cost replacement tubes)
Top Money-Making Products:
-
Laser-cut wooden puzzles (30−100)
-
Custom acrylic awards (25−150)
-
Personalized coasters (15−40/set)
Best For: Small-batch producers who want pro results at half the cost of a Glowforge.
3. xTool F1 – Best for Jewelry & Metal Engraving
✅ Type: Infrared + Diode Laser (10W IR + 2W Blue)
✅ Workspace: 12" x 12"
✅ Materials: Wood, acrylic, bare metal (engraving only)
✅ Price: ~$1,499
Why It’s Perfect for Business?
✔ Only affordable laser that engraves metal (great for jewelry)
✔ Portable & safe (fits in apartments)
✔ Fast engraving (400mm/s)
Top Money-Making Products:
-
Engraved rings & bracelets (30−150)
-
Military-style dog tags (20−50)
-
Metal business cards (50−100/set)
Best For: Jewelry makers and personalized metal goods.
4. Thunder Laser Nova 35 (100W) – Best for Large-Scale Wood Art
✅ Type: CO₂ Laser (100W)
✅ Workspace: 35" x 23"
✅ Materials: Wood, acrylic, leather, MDF
✅ Price: ~$12,000
Why It’s Perfect for Business?
✔ Cuts thick wood (up to 20mm)
✔ Blazing-fast production (600mm/s)
✔ Industrial precision (no charring)
Top Money-Making Products:
-
Large wooden wall art (100−500)
-
Custom furniture inlays (200−1,000)
-
Wedding decor (acrylic table numbers, 5−20 each)
Best For: Woodworkers and artists selling high-ticket items.
5. xTool P2 – Best Hybrid Laser for Multi-Material Businesses
✅ Type: Diode + CO₂ (Optional Upgrade)
✅ Workspace: 23.6" x 12"
✅ Materials: Wood, acrylic, coated metals
✅ Price: ~$5,999
Why It’s Perfect for Business?
✔ Automatic material detection (saves time)
✔ Closed-lid safety (kid/pet friendly)
✔ Upgrade to CO₂ later for deeper cuts
Top Money-Making Products:
-
Leather laptop sleeves (40−120)
-
Wooden wedding invites (5−15 each)
-
Personalized pet tags (15−40)
Best For: Home businesses that work with multiple materials.
Which Laser Cutter Should You Choose?
Business Type | Best Laser | Investment |
---|---|---|
General Crafts (Signs, Gifts) | Glowforge Pro | $7K |
Budget Woodworking | OMTech 60W | $3.5K |
Jewelry & Metal Engraving | xTool F1 | $1.5K |
Large Wood Art & Furniture | Thunder Nova 35 | $12K |
Multi-Material Crafts | xTool P2 | $6K |
5 Most Profitable Laser Business Ideas
-
Wedding & Event Decor (invitations, table numbers)
-
Personalized Gifts (engraved wine glasses, photo frames)
-
Home Decor (wooden wall art, acrylic lamps)
-
Pet Accessories (engraved ID tags, leather collars)
-
Small Batch Products (puzzle boxes, business card holders)
Final Verdict
-
Starting small? xTool F1 ($1.5K) for metal engraving.
-
Need versatility? Glowforge Pro ($7K) for crafts.
-
Scaling up? Thunder Nova 35 ($12K) for large-format work.
Pro Tip: Start with 1-2 high-demand products, then expand as you profit!