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CNC machines are indispensable tools that elevate craftsmanship to a professional level. They automate routine tasks, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—creating, developing your projects, and generating income. For home use, CNC machines should be compact, quiet, easy to operate, and efficient. Ideally, they should also minimize dust production and avoid unpleasant odors.
In this article, we will explore three types of the machines that are well-suited for small workshops or even home use:
Laser markers
Laser markers are the most compact, quiet, and fastest CNC machines available. They modify the surface of a material in just a fraction of a second. In addition to marking, they can perform engraving, which removes the top layer of the material, requiring slightly more time. These machines are versatile and can be used both at home and in retail settings.
Due to their small footprint, laser markers are ideal for applying intricate designs to a variety of objects, including souvenirs, leather goods, and jewelry. They typically feature a small working area, with a laser scanner mounted above it. The laser beam is directed onto the material via the scanner. The machine’s main components, including the control board and laser source, are housed in a casing similar in size to a computer tower. The type of laser source determines which materials the machine can process.
Types of laser markers
Laser markers are available in three variations:
- CO2 laser markers – ideal for organic materials such as wood, leather, and acrylic. Example: Wattsan CO2 LT.
- Fiber optic laser markers – best for metals and some plastics. Example: Wattsan FL TT.
- Ultraviolet (UV) laser markers – versatile machines capable of marking almost any material. Example: Wattsan UV TT.
Advantages of laser markers
- Extremely high marking speed (up to 7,000 mm/s)
- Low noise levels
- High precision and detail
- Easy to operate and learn
CO2 laser machines for cutting and engraving
Unlike laser markers, CO2 laser machines are designed for both cutting and engraving. They feature a laser tube, usually located at the back of the machine, which emits a laser beam that is directed through a system of mirrors to the desired point on the material. These machines are ideal for processing non-metallic materials. While engraving with a CO2 laser is slower than with a laser marker, speeds can still reach up to 700 mm/s.
Just like laser markers, CO2 machines can be equipped with a rotary attachment to engrave cylindrical objects. Their working area varies greatly, with sizes ranging from compact desktop models to large industrial units.
Best CO2 laser machines for home & small workshops
- Wattsan 0503 – working area: 500 × 300 mm (ideal for small projects)
- Wattsan 6040 – working area: 600 × 400 mm (a compact yet powerful tabletop solution)
- Wattsan 6090 – working area: 600 × 900 mm (perfect for those with more space and ambitious projects)
Advantages of CO2 laser machines
- Can both cut and engrave
- Moderate noise levels
- Available in a wide range of working area sizes and power options
- User-friendly and easy to learn
CNC routers for small workshops
CNC routers are significantly louder than laser machines, making them more suitable for environments where noise is not a major concern. However, they offer unparalleled versatility—allowing for high-quality cutting, engraving, relief carving, drilling, chamfering, and groove cutting. These machines are widely used for producing molds, interior and exterior decorations, and furniture components.
Best CNC routers for small workshops
- Wattsan 0609 Mini – working area: 600 × 900 mm (suitable for furniture production)
- Wattsan 0404 Mini – working area: 400 × 400 mm (compact option for smaller tasks)
- Wattsan M1 6090 – working area: 600 × 900 mm (recommended if you need a rotary attachment for cylindrical products)
Advantages of CNC routers
- Wide range of applications (cutting, engraving, and relief carving)
- Works on most materials (excluding hard metals)
- Cuts thick materials cleanly, without producing soot
- Three-axis operation, enabling complex 3D carving
Conclusion
Each of these CNC machines has its strengths and limitations:
- Laser markers offer high-speed marking with extreme precision but have a limited working area (typically 300 × 300 mm) and cannot cut materials.
- CO2 laser machines provide a larger working area and cutting capabilities, but they are limited to non-metals and may produce carbon residue when cutting thicker materials.
- CNC routers are multi-functional and can process a wide range of materials, but they generate more noise and dust and have a steeper learning curve.
Choosing the right machine depends on your workspace, materials, and production needs. Whether you need fast and precise marking, detailed engraving, or full-scale material processing, Wattsan offers a reliable solution for every home or workshop.
