Laser cutters are no longer industrial-only machines. In 2026, affordable desktop models let hobbyists engrave gifts, cut model parts, or launch a craft business from the kitchen table. But the same questions always come up: How much power do I need? Is it safe to run in my apartment? Which one will not become an expensive paperweight after three weeks?
Use the checklist below and you’ll buy once, cry once—and keep all your fingers and eyesight.

1. Pick the laser source before you pick the brand

• Diode lasers (5–20 W, $300–$700)
  – Good for wood, leather, cardstock, dark acrylic.
  – Small, light, no glass tube to break.
  – Cannot cut clear acrylic or most plastics; engraving on bare metal is very slow.
• CO₂ lasers (40–80 W desktop, $1 200–$4 000)
  – Cuts wood up to 15 mm, acrylic up to 20 mm, fabric, paper, glass (engrave only).
  – Needs water-cooling and external exhaust; tube lasts 3–5 years and costs $150–$400 to replace.
• Fiber / infra-red (20–50 W, $3 000+)
  – Made for metal marking; overkill for most beginners.

Start with a diode if you only plan to engrave coasters, jewellery or plywood models. Move to a desktop CO₂ the moment you want to cut 6 mm+ wood or make acrylic boxes in one pass .

2. Match the wattage to the thickest material you ever intend to cut

Higher wattage also equals higher speed—important if you start selling items and need production pace .

3. Demand these safety features—non-negotiable for home use

1. Class 1 enclosure (laser stops the instant the lid or door opens).
2. Interlock switches on every access hatch.
3. Keyed master switch so kids/visitors cannot power it up.
4. Flame-retardant case and temperature alarm; a run-away cut can ignite wood or paper in <15 s.
5. Laser-safety goggles matched to the wavelength (450 nm for diode, 10 600 nm for CO₂) even if the beam is enclosed—you will align mirrors or open the lid someday.
6. Fume extraction port; diode machines need a small fan, CO₂ units need 150 m³/h minimum vented outdoors or a charcoal + HEPA filter box .

4. Check software before you check specs

You will spend more time in the software than inside the machine. Look for:

• LightBurn compatibility (industry standard, $60 one-time).
• Built-in camera for drag-and-drop alignment—huge time saver.
• Offline mode; cloud-only machines (e.g., early Glowforge) stop when Wi-Fi drops.
• Library of material presets supplied by the vendor; you should be cutting, not guess-testing .

5. Size and weight—will it fit up the stairs?

Desktop CO₂ lasers weigh 40–60 kg and are longer than a mini-fridge. Measure the route from your front door to the work table and allow 30 cm clearance on sides for ventilation. Diode units are suitcase-size (5–10 kg) and fit on a small Ikea table .

6. Hidden running costs—budget for them up-front

Factor these into the true price before you fall in love with a cheap printer-style machine that “only” costs $399 .

7. Starter projects to learn on—cheap, safe, forgiving

1. 3 mm birch plywood key-rings – teaches focus, speed, power.
2. Engraved cork coasters – diode-safe, no flames.
3. 5 mm clear acrylic Christmas ornaments – introduces masking tape, air-assist.
4. Leather luggage tags – shows how vector cut + raster engrave combine.

Always stay by the machine for the entire job; keep a spray bottle and small CO₂ extinguisher within arm’s reach.

8. Three proven “first machines” in 2026

Pick the one that matches your largest planned material thickness, not the shiniest ad.

Key take-away

1. Decide diode vs. CO₂ first—everything else flows from that.
2. Insist on Class 1 enclosure, interlocks, and fume port; your lungs and insurance company will thank you.
3. Budget at least 30 % extra for ventilation, air-assist, and consumables.
4. Start with cheap plywood projects; master focus, speed, and software before you upgrade to acrylic gears or leather wallets.

Follow the checklist above and your first laser cutter will be a creative partner, not an expensive regret—or a trip to the emergency room. Happy (safe) making!