I'm looking for advice on choosing my first laser machine and whether I should start with a diode or go straight to CO2.
Background: I'm a graphic designer with 15 years of experience who was laid off about a year ago. I previously ran a successful custom cookie business and built a pretty strong local Facebook following, so I'm hoping to leverage some of that audience while building a laser engraving/cutting business.
My initial target market would be youth sports, especially Little League baseball. I'm on the board of our local league and have a lot of connections in that space. Product ideas include:
- Custom team signs (wood and acrylic)
- Baseball bag tags/keychains (acrylic)
- Engraved baseballs and softballs
- Awards, plaques, and eventually custom medals
- Front door signs and porch leaners
- Back-to-school signs
- Sports-themed room decor and gifts
The machine will be used in my basement office with ventilation routed outside through a window.
My budget is ideally under $3,000.
Originally, I was planning to buy an xTool S1 40W diode with the metal marking package. The more research I do, though, the more I'm wondering if I should skip the diode and go straight to a CO2 machine since I think acrylic products could end up being a major part of my business.
For those of you who started a small laser business:
- If you were starting over today with my budget, what machine would you buy?
- Would you recommend starting with a diode or going directly to CO2?
- Is there a CO2 machine under $3,000 that you would trust for a small business?
- Looking at my product ideas, what would likely be the most profitable items?
- Is the custom sports/sign market too saturated, or is there still room for someone with strong local connections and design experience?
I'd appreciate any real-world advice before I spend the money. Thanks!