Why Everyone Should Have a Diode Laser

Why Everyone Should Have a Diode Laser

I joke that I never knew I wanted a laser engraver until I GOT a laser engraver. And since I assembled my first laser unit and engraved my first piece, I am convinced that everyone should get a laser engraver.

So, let me back up and introduce myself first. I’m Nick, I am a full-time Content Creator and I have a small Youtube channel called Build Dad Build. I produce DIY and How-to videos with a little bit of attitude. It’s a whole thing, you should check it out. I’ve also reviewed at least a half dozen lasers at the time of this blog post.

Being a Content Creator (or “Influencer”…barf!) companies reach out to me and request that I review their products. and if it’s something I’m interested in or think might benefit my viewers I will give their product a shot and let you know what I think.

I was in the process of coming up with a series of videos to demonstrate how to make a product to sell and how to get more money for that same product by personalizing it. Because, NEWS FLASH, people are more likely to fork over extra cheddah if the item they are purchasing is personalized. My first thought was a CNC router. And while I was researching CNCs I was contacted by a company inquiring if I would like to review the Ortur Laser Master 2 Pro 5 watt diode laser.

That email couldn’t have come at a better time. The laser was a cheaper option than a CNC. It was more portable. And as I would come to find out, the learning curve for the software was much less steep. It checked all the boxes and wouldn’t break the bank. So naturally I said yes. And they sent me one.

I’d love to say “and the rest was history”, but that’s not the end of the story. The Ortur Laser Master 2 Pro was not without its shortcomings. That is, for the novice user. Don’t get me wrong the Ortur is a solid unit. But, when I got it the assembly instructions were difficult to understand. I ended up having to scour YouTube for an assembly video. And even after that it took me almost 45 minutes to assemble.

Using it for the first time got me hooked. But, I wasn’t sure if this was something I would recommend everyone pick up for the shop. You’ve got to make sure your belt tension is right. There’s new software to learn. Assembly is a bitch.

And about that time another laser company reached out. That company was xTool and they wanted me to review their new 10 watt diode laser, the xTool D1. They boasted ease of assembly. And 10 watts? The Ortur was only 5! Naturally I had to check it out.

The D1 arrived and I had it assembled in about 10 minutes. The modular design went together much quicker and there were so many less parts to assemble. The belts run inside the frame. And while belt tensioning can still be a problem, they came pre-tensioned (is that a word?).  And best of all it comes with its own proprietary software. I know, I know who likes proprietary software? In this case, I do. It’s simple and easy to use. It makes the unit plug and play and far more accessible to more people. Do you want to eventually transition over to Lightburn (the industry standard for hobby laser users)? Of course. But, you can out of the box start engraving almost immediately with this set up. And did I mention it’s SEXY?!!? The clean lines make it purty to look at too!

Now that we have the laser. And it’s all set up. What can we do with it? And the answer is ALL THE THINGS!! This thing can engrave on wood, leather, paper, acrylic, fabric, ROCKS! Friggin’ rocks, people! It can even engrave on stainless steel, glass and ceramics (although I would recommend a transfer agent to darken the results). Not only can it engrave, it can cut through up to 10mm wood sheets, leather, paper, acrylic, and fabric. I mean, come on, this thing is nuts.

And xTool has just announced a 20 watt diode unit (that will go on the D1’s current frame and gantry) will be available soon. That’s nuttier than the inside of a chipmunk’s cheeks!

The laser is so versatile, and easy to use that with a little effort (and probably an Etsy store) it will pay for itself in as little as a month. So, not only do you now have a tool that can personalize things you already make, you can also make your own things!

And there is something just so damn satisfying about laser cutting something. It is so precise that you feel like an absolute boss when the laser finishes its job. Or at least I do. I have never considered myself a “fine” woodworker. As a matter of fact, I would describe myself as much more of a blunt object than anything else. So, having results with such precision? So. Satisfying!

I’m hoping you are now ready to go on this laser-ing journey with me. Let’s get those lasers fired up. And lets put a little stank on it! Also, if you’d like a deeper dive into the world of laser engraving, let me know what you’re interested in the comments down below!

If I’ve got you all hot and bothered about looking into the world of laser engraving, check the link below for the xTool D1. And use promo code: BDBXTOOL for 8% off!!