Whether you’re a crafter dreaming of personalised gifts or a side‑hustler ready to add custom products to your shop, a desktop laser engraver can transform your ideas into reality. But with so many machines on the market, how do you choose the right one?
This guide is written specifically for UK makers and beginners. We’ll explain what to look for in your first laser engraver and compare five popular models to help you find the perfect fit. We’ll also highlight the benefits of buying from a UK‑based store like 3Dformatics, enthusiast‑run support.
What to Consider When Choosing a Beginner Laser Engraver
Before diving into models, here are key factors to keep in mind:
- Ease of use: Beginners should prioritise machines with intuitive software and straightforward setup. You don’t want to spend hours calibrating or troubleshooting before your first project.
- Materials: Consider the types of materials you plan to engrave. While most diode lasers handle wood, acrylic and leather well, CO₂ or fibre lasers are needed for tougher materials like glass or metal.
- Power and speed: Higher laser wattage and faster engraving speeds reduce production time useful if you plan to sell your creations. However, more power usually comes with a bigger price tag.
- Workspace size: Make sure the engraver’s bed is large enough for your projects. Desktop hobby machines often sacrifice size for portability.
- Budget: Entry‑level engravers start around a few hundred pounds, while more capable units can exceed £1,000. Consider financing options if you plan to upgrade quickly.
Now let’s look at five beginner‑friendly laser engravers available in the UK.
1. xTool M1 – The All‑Rounder for New Makers
Best for: beginners and hobbyists who want versatility and affordability
Price range: entry‑level
The xTool M1 is often described as a “starter” machine, but don’t let that fool you. This hybrid engraver combines a diode laser with a blade cutter, meaning you can engrave wood, leather, acrylic and paper and cut vinyl and fabric. Its compact, desktop‑friendly size makes it ideal for home studios and craft rooms.
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Why we love it:
- User‑friendly software and straightforward setup
- Hybrid design offers more creative flexibility than a laser‑only model
- Affordable price point for first‑time buyers
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Things to note:
- Diode lasers are less powerful than CO₂ machines, so thicker acrylics or harder materials may be off‑limits
- Engraving speed is slower compared to more expensive models
- Perfect for: hobbyists, crafters, Etsy sellers and anyone exploring laser engraving without a huge investment.
2. xTool F1 – Portable Powerhouse
Best for: makers who value portability and speed
Price range: mid‑range
The xTool F1 packs a surprising punch despite its small footprint. A dual laser (diode + infrared) allows it to handle metals, plastics, wood and leather. Its biggest selling point is speed: this “speed demon” can engrave in seconds, making it ideal for events, demonstrations or on‑demand personalisation.
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Why we love it:
- Blazing fast engraving speeds up to 5,000 mm/s
- Portable design, easy to carry to craft fairs or client sites
- IR laser means you can engrave metals and jewellery
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Things to note:
- A smaller workspace limits the size of projects
- Not designed for heavy‑duty cutting like a CO₂ machine
- Perfect for: live demo artists, on‑the‑go makers and anyone needing quick, high‑quality engraving for events or pop‑ups.
3. xTool P2 – For Future Upgraders and Small Businesses
Best for: advanced beginners planning to grow or SMEs needing more power
Price range: premium
If you want to “level up” quickly, the xTool P2 might be worth the investment. As a 55W CO₂ laser cutter and engraver, it offers professional‑grade speed and precision. Its large workspace accommodates bigger projects and batch production.
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Why we love it:
- Handles thicker materials like glass and coloured acrylics
- High speed and precision make it ideal for small business production
- Large bed size enables oversized projects
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Things to note:
- Size and weight require a dedicated workshop space
- Higher cost, though financing options (Klarna, PayPal Credit) are available
- Perfect for: small businesses, serious hobbyists who plan to sell high‑end items, and anyone ready for professional results.
4. Creality Laser Falcon – Budget‑Friendly Option
Best for: DIYers on a tight budget
Price range: lower mid‑range
The Creality Laser Falcon series offers respectable performance for a lower cost. It’s widely available in the UK and often discounted on e‑commerce sites like 3D Prima.
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Why we love it:
- Competitive price makes it accessible to many hobbyists
- Decent engraving on wood, paper, leather and some plastics
- Fairly large work area for an entry‑level machine
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Things to note:
- Lacks the ease of use and software polish of xTool products
- Limited support in the UK compared with dedicated retailers like 3Dformatics
- Perfect for: price‑conscious beginners willing to trade a bit of convenience for cost.
5. Ortur Laser Master 3 – High Resolution for Fine Detail
Best for: crafters who need detailed engraving on smaller projects
Price range: mid‑range
The Ortur Laser Master 3 is known for its high engraving accuracy and user‑friendly firmware. It’s a diode laser with a decent work area and is compatible with various materials.
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Why we love it:
- High resolution makes it great for intricate designs and fine text
- Easy firmware updates and active community support
- Affordable for its feature set
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Things to note:
- Not as versatile as the xTool M1 (no blade cutting)
- Slower than CO₂ lasers like the P2
- Perfect for: makers focused on precision engraving, small artwork and personalised gifts.
Choosing Your Perfect Beginner Laser Engraver
There’s no “one size fits all” answer to the question of which laser engraver is best for beginners. Your ideal machine depends on your budget, materials and long‑term goals:
- Choose xTool M1 if you’re a beginner wanting maximum versatility and affordability.
- Choose xTool F1 if speed and portability are essential.
- Choose xTool P2 if you’re ready to invest in pro‑level capability.
- Choose Creality Laser Falcon if budget is your top priority and you’re happy with the basics.
- Choose Ortur Laser Master 3 if fine detail and precision top of your wish list.
Whichever route you take, buying from a UK‑based store like 3Dformatics ensures you get local advice, responsive support from fellow enthusiasts. We’re always happy to guide you through your purchase.
Just reach out via our contact page or give us a call.
Ready to start your laser‑engraving journey? Explore our beginner‑friendly laser engravers now and bring your ideas to life!
