Tools I Use

🔧 Tools I Use & Recommend

Ortur Laser Master 3 diode laser cutter with birch plywood sheets and wood stain samples on a workbench

Looking for the best laser cutting tools for beginners? This page contains the laser machine, materials, software and accessories I personally use to create my laser cut SVG designs and finished products. Whether you're using a Glowforge, xTool, Ortur or another laser cutter, these recommendations can help you get started faster.

I personally use these tools to create my laser-cut designs and products. If you're getting started, these are reliable and beginner-friendly.

1. Ortur Laser Master 3 (LU2-10A 10W)

The main laser machine I use is the Ortur Laser Master 3 with the LU2-10A 10W laser module.

For beginners looking for a powerful diode laser cutter without moving into expensive CO2 laser machines, this is one of the best options available.

Unlike many other lasers, the LU2-10A is a true 10W optical output module, which gives it strong cutting performance for wood and acrylic.

If you want to find out the exact Specs and cutting capabilities , head to our Laser Cutting Tools for Beginners: Best Materials, Software & Setup Blog.

2. Rotary Attachment (for bottles & glass)

The Ortur YRR 2.0 Rotary Attachment allows you to engrave cylindrical objects such as tumblers, glasses, mugs, bottles, candles and other round items.

It's easy to set up with LightBurn and works perfectly with the Ortur Laser Master 3. If you're interested in creating personalised gifts or expanding your product range, a rotary attachment opens up many new possibilities.

Perfect for:

  • Water bottles
  • Tumblers
  • Wine glasses
  • Mugs
  • Candles
  • Personalised gifts

3. Birch Plywood A4-300x210 - 3mm

For most beginner laser cutting projects, I recommend using 3mm plywood because it offers the best balance between:

  • strength
  • clean cuts
  • faster cutting speeds
  • easy assembly

I use 3mm birch plywood for most lanterns, decorative projects and layered designs. It cuts cleanly and is widely available, making it an excellent material for beginners.

4. Perspex Acrylic Sheet Clear Cast Glass

When working with acrylic, I recommend using cast acrylic rather than extruded acrylic whenever possible.

Cast acrylic typically engraves better and produces a frosted effect that looks great on decorative projects.

I mainly use clear cast acrylic for:

  • LED signs
  • Decorative lantern panels
  • Personalised gifts
  • Light-up projects

Always check that the acrylic is suitable for diode lasers before purchasing.

5. Wood Stain Sample Pack, Wood Colours

A wood stain sample pack is one of the most useful purchases for laser makers because it allows you to experiment with different finishes before committing to larger tins.

Wood stain can completely transform the look of a project, helping you achieve anything from a rustic farmhouse style to a modern dark walnut finish.

I often test colours on small scrap pieces before finishing a project.

6. Quick Drying Clear Varnish – Scratch-Resistant

After staining a project, I like to apply a clear varnish to help protect the wood and improve durability.

A good clear varnish helps:

  • Protect against moisture
  • Reduce surface scratches
  • Enhance the wood grain
  • Give projects a professional finish

For indoor decorative projects, a quick-drying clear varnish is an easy way to improve the final appearance and longevity of your work.

7. LightBurn Software

Lightburn Software Preface

LightBurn is the design and control software I use for all of my laser cutting and engraving projects.

It allows you to create designs, import SVG files, adjust laser settings, arrange parts efficiently, and send jobs directly to your laser machine.

While there are free alternatives available, I find LightBurn to be the most user-friendly and feature-rich option for laser makers. It works perfectly with my Ortur Laser Master 3 and makes it easy to manage both cutting and engraving projects.

Why I use LightBurn:

  • Easy to learn for beginners
  • Supports SVG, AI, DXF, PDF and other file formats
  • Powerful design and editing tools
  • Precise control of laser settings
  • Works with many popular laser machines

If you're serious about laser cutting, LightBurn is one of the best investments you can make.

Free Trial Available
If you're new to laser cutting, LightBurn offers a free trial so you can test the software with your machine before purchasing a licence (one time payment).

👉 Disclaimer

Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase.