One-page guide for beginners: compare CO₂ vs diode, see real-world cuts, ventilation tips, and 5 easy projects to try today.

Diode vs CO₂ — what’s the difference?

Diode (5–20 W)

• ✅ Compact, budget-friendly, home-safe

• ✅ Excellent engraving on wood/leather/anodized aluminum; cuts opaque acrylic (2–3 mm)

• ⚠️ Does not cut clear/white acrylic; thicker woods require multiple passes

CO₂ (40–60 W+)

• ✅ Clean, fast cuts in wood 3–6 mm and any acrylic (incl. clear)

• ✅ Great for batches

• ⚠️ Larger, pricier, needs stronger ventilation

Choose by what you’ll make

• Acrylic ornaments / earrings: Diode 10–20 W (e.g., xTool M1 Ultra).

• Paper & cardstock (lanterns/invites): Diode or blade combo (M1 Ultra).

• Wood signs & wall decor (3 mm): Diode 10–20 W; clear/thick acrylic → CO₂ 40–60 W.

• Fast clear-acrylic work: CO₂ 40–60 W.

Budget tiers (fast picks)

• ≤ $600: Compact 10 W diode.             Read: xTool M1 10 W Review →

• $800–$1,300: xTool M1 Ultra (10/20 W + blade + RA2) — best all-rounder for home.           Read: xTool M1 Ultra Review →

• $1,500–$3,000: CO₂ 40–60 W — clear acrylic + speed.            Guide: How to choose (CO₂ vs diode) →

What it really cuts (realistic)

• 3 mm birch plywood → clean cuts (masking helps)

• 2–3 mm cast acrylic (black/colored) → frosty engraves (diode); clear acrylic = CO₂ only

• 200–250 gsm cardstock → crisp edges (with transfer-tape backing)

          LightBurn test grid →

Ventilation & safety (home)

• Keep Air Assist on; elevate material off the bed.

• 4″ inline booster fan + duct → less smoke & odor.

• Paper transfer tape → fewer scorch marks, cleaner paint-fill.

            Starter kit →

5 easy projects

1. Snowflake ornaments  —  2–3 mm cast acrylic, frosty engraves

      2. Paper lantern  —  cardstock + LED, quick win

      3. “Merry Christmas” round sign  —  birch + black paint-fill

      4. Nativity shadow box  —  layered paper + warm backlight

      5. Acrylic earrings — pumpkin / snowflake

FAQ

• Can a diode cut clear acrylic? 

                  No — use opaque acrylic or a CO₂ laser for clear.

• Best starter thicknesses? 

                    Wood 1/16–1/8″ (1.5–3 mm); acrylic 2–3 mm.

• Glue / mounting? 

                    CA gel for layers; 3M VHB, Command Strips, stand-offs for mounting.

       • Realistic wood thickness? 

                    Start at 3 mm; thicker needs multi-pass.

       • Do I need an external fan? 

                    Yes, a 4″ inline booster + duct helps a lot.

Reviews & Guides

• xTool M1 Ultra review (real tests) 

• xTool M1 10 W review 

• How to choose a laser cutter 

Mini quiz 

• Want clear acrylic? → CO₂ 40–60 W (speed + clarity).

• Apartment / small desk? → Diode (compact, budget-friendly).

• Mostly wood/paper crafts? → Either, start diode; upgrade later.

More laser-cut files & guides

• Winter & Christmas laser cut files

• Autumn & Halloween laser cut files

• Laser cut earrings

• Laser cut shadow boxes

• Laser cut wall decor

• Laser cut Wedding

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