Light Work

An introduction to laser engravers for the woodshop.

- By A.J. Hamler

Engraving, scoring, and cutting wood with a beam of light may sound like science fiction, but it's becoming an increasingly common reality in woodshops.

Laser technology produces repeatable results, converting digital images and text into wood engravings, lettering, decorative panels, and complex inlays. If you have any familiarity with CNC machines, you'll find lasers quite similar. But is one right for you? Let's find out.

Different laser types have unique capabilities based on the wavelength of light they produce. Materials respond differently (or not at all) to different wavelengths, determining if the laser can engrave, cut, etch, mark, score, or emboss a specific material.

The process starts with an image or text file created with graphic-design software like Photoshop or CorelDRAW, then “translated” to a format the laser understands with a laser-specific design tool such as LightBurn or LaserGRBL.

Types of Laser Engravers/Cutters

There are three main types of laser engravers showing up in woodshops, each with a distinct set of strengths and weaknesses.

Diode Lasers

Diode lasers work by directing semiconductor diode light beams to engrave and cut organic materials, including wood, plywood, MDF, and bamboo, as well as leather, paper, cardboard, and cork. They can also mark slate and opaque acrylic, plus metal, glass, and clear acrylics with an opaque coating.

Using a gantry system to guide the laser module through x/y coordinates, diode engravers can add logos and decorative elements to furniture and craft projects, and cut softwood up to about 1/4" in a single pass. Among the more affordable engravers ($150–$800), diodes provide good value and quiet operation. Typical wattage for most consumer diode lasers ranges from 5W–40W, with a wavelength of 445-455 nm, but some diodes approach near-infrared with higher wavelengths.

CO₂ Lasers