makeratlas.com
The complete reference for maker machines
Choosing a laser engraver is confusing. Spec sheets lie, reviews oversell, and nobody puts everything in one place. Maker Atlas brings honest specs, clear explanations, and buying guides written for real people.
Top laser engravers
96 laser lines profiled, with honest specs, not marketing copy.
xTool · CO₂ (CO₂ + IR)
xTool P3
Automated 80W CO₂ production for sign shops and serious small businesses
xTool P3 (August 2025) replaces the P2/P2S as the company's CO₂ flagship: 80W tube, 915×458 mm bed, integrated chiller, fire suppression, and ACS™ automation (cameras, LiDAR autofocus, AI nesting). Optional 5W IR module adds bare-metal marking. From ~$5,999 — built for shops outgrowing diode lasers.
xTool · CO₂
xTool P2S
Next-gen enclosed CO₂ for small businesses cutting acrylic and wood
The P2S refines the original P2 with better software and autofocus. Same 55W CO₂ class for acrylic and wood production. Still xTool's main enclosed CO₂ below the P3 flagship — choose P3 if you need 80W and automation; P2S if 55W and budget fit.
xTool · CO₂
xTool P2
Professional cutting of acrylic, wood & leather for small businesses
The xTool P2 is a 55W enclosed CO₂ laser with a large work area and camera alignment. It cuts acrylic and wood far better than any diode laser. Expensive, but the closest thing to a 'set up and run a small shop' desktop machine.
xTool · Hybrid (fiber + diode)
xTool F2 Ultra
High-speed compact metal marking plus bonus diode for wood & leather
xTool's updated dual-laser desktop builds on F1 Ultra with improved speed and workflow. Still a metal-marking specialist with small default bed. Premium price for jewelry, tools, and batch metal personalization — not a general workshop replacement.
xTool · Hybrid (fiber + diode)
xTool F1 Ultra
Direct bare-metal marking for jewelry, tools & personalization
A compact desktop machine combining a 20W fiber laser and 20W diode. The fiber module marks bare metal — stainless steel, aluminum, brass — without spray. Ideal for jewelry, knives, and metal gifts. Premium price for a small work area.
xTool · Hybrid (diode + IR)
xTool F2
Fast portable dual-laser for on-site customization and small-batch metal + wood
xTool F2 (2025) upgrades the F1 formula with more power, a 50MP alignment camera, and up to 6,000 mm/s galvo speed. Dual-source (diode + infrared) for metal marking and organics in a compact box — xTool Studio only, no LightBurn.
Start here
New to lasers? Read these first. They explain what actually matters when you buy.
buying guide · 12 min
Laser Buying Guide 2026: Start Small, Spend Smart
Honest picks from ~$250 all-in. Engraving businesses included: you do not need 20W or CO₂ to sell beautiful work.
safety · 8 min
Laser Safety Basics: What Every Buyer Must Know Before First Use
Honest, practical safety guide for desktop laser engravers. Ventilation, eye protection, fire risk, and what enclosed machines actually protect you from.
laser types · 12 min
Understanding Laser Types: CO₂, Diode, Fiber & UV Explained
A clear, honest guide to every major laser type used in desktop engravers. Learn what each one actually does, who it's for, and what marketing gets wrong.
Our promise
Honest limits
We tell you what machines cannot do. A 10W diode will not cut thick hardwood like a CO₂ laser, and we say so clearly.
Plain language
Every page starts simple. Dig deeper when you need pro-level detail: specs, materials, and real-world tips.
Everything in one place
Types, buying guides, full machine profiles, and side-by-side comparisons. The reference we wished existed.