Buying and using a laser cutter and engraver can be easy. However, if you don't buy the right laser machine, or you don't know how to use one it can cause trouble for you and your employees.

Not only do you need to know the common mistakes that people are making with laser cutters and engravers. But you also need to know which laser machine is the best for a beginner. These are everything a person needs to know about laser machines and the mistakes they can make.

Laser engravers and cutters

There are a variety different laser engravers and cutters on the market. Some are designed for large-scale cutting and engraving for companies. Then there are the smaller, easier-to-use machines for hobbyists.

It is recommended that you need to research different laser machines and gain all the necessary information to buy a machine and use it correctly.

Common mistakes to avoid when using a laser engraver

It doesn't matter what type of laser machine you are purchasing. The facts are that many people are making common mistakes when using a laser for the first time. It doesn't matter if this is for laser cutting or laser engraving. These are the 5 common mistakes to avoid when using a laser engraver:

• Having incorrect settings on the machine or on the software you are using. This can cause incorrect engraving or cutting.

• Not considering the safety protocols. Laser machines can be dangerous because of the laser it uses. You can have serious health problems by not taking the safety protocols correctly.

• Low-quality images for engraving can result in a disaster. It is essential to make sure that you have a high-resolution image before you start engraving.

• People think that any engraver and cutter is compatible with all types of materials. Meaning that the engraver and cutter can get damaged, or the material used can be damaged. Using the wrong materials can cause serious health hazards.

• Not prepare materials correctly before engraving or cutting. Most of the materials need to be cleaned and prepared for laser cutting or engraving. Not doing this, can cause incorrect cutting or damage to the laser machine because of the dust and oils on the machine.

Mistakes new engraver users are making

If you are a new laser engraver and cut user, then you need to avoid making these mistakes. These are general mistakes every new user is making. Making these mistakes can cause a waste in materials, or damage the laser. Avoid making these mistakes:

• Not testing the settings you have set on the new laser machine. Test your settings before using your products is essential.

• Not doing calibration before using the laser machine for the first time. Without calibration, the computer and software will not be accurate with each other.

• Not considering the ventilation requirements. Laser machines can leave toxin dust. With every laser machine, there needs to be enough ventilation before using the cutter and engraver.

• Ignoring the design software limitations. Don't think that you can use your software, even if the laser cutter doesn't recommend that software.

Laser engravers that are ideal for beginners

For new laser cutters and engraver users, there are a couple of machines that are recommended. These laser machines are easy to use and have a much easier interface and software than other, larger laser cutters.

It is always best to research different laser cutters and engravers to ensure that you are using the one that is best suited to your needs and experience.

• The Glowforge basic
• Ortur laser master pro 2
• K40 Laser cutter

FAQ about using laser engravers

These are some of the most common questions we are getting from new laser engraving and cutting users:

What materials can be used on a regular engraver?

The best materials most laser machines are compatible with include acrylic, wood, leather, glass, and metals. PVC should be avoided, because of the toxic fumes.

Do I need specific software for designing my engravings?

Most of the engravers come with their compatible software included. However, if you want to use your own software, you might want to test the software with the engraver before you start using it on your high-quality materials.

Is there any maintenance information that  I need to know about?

Regular maintenance should be done. This includes cleaning of lenses and mirrors. It also includes checking for dust and to reset calibrations again. You might want to do this before each cutting or engraving project.

Yes, there are many different ways for mistakes to happen with a laser engraver and cutter. Especially if the person is still new to using one. We are discussing the most common mistakes laser users are making, which includes new users. We are also making sure that you are choosing the right engraver for a beginner. This will ensure that you buy the right engraver, and use it correctly.

And i wanna share this video to you. This is an informative video showing what a laser engraver beginner should know during the start phase. Especially the soot or a little flame(use high power) happened when the laser engraver works, smoke purifier and air assist must be paired with laser engraving machine.