Craft

Tools

• scissors: Fiskars RazerEdge SoftGrip ($19 for 3-pack)
  • alternative: Kaijirushi Highest Grade (KAI scissors) ($70)
• fingertip craft knife: Fiskars ($9)
• paper trimmer
  • under $100: Dahle 508 Personal ($53)
  • under $200: Dahle 552 Professional ($183)
  • under $300: Dahle 442 Premium ($249)
• glue gun
  • around $10: Black+Decker ($10)
  • over $100: Surebonder ($125)
  • cordless: Ryobi ($62 $49)

Machines

Laser Cutters

• diode: xTool S1 ($999 for 10W, $1649 for 20W, $2199 for 40W)
  • prices are for standalone

Diode lasers are more limited as they cannot cut through thicker materials and certain colours of acrylic, such as white or transparent.

• CO2
  • entry level: Omtech K40+ (40W, $799 $599, $859 $699 w/ Lightburn)
  • upgrade: Omtech Polar (50W, $3699 $2699, $4199 $2899 w/ Lightburn)
    • alternative: xTool P2 (55W, $3999 $3599 standalone)
    • *The Polar is much more affordable *

Note that Glowforge CO2 laser cutters are much more expensive and require internet connectivity to work. Alternatives work offline using Lightburn.

Cutting Machines

• under $150: Cricut Joy Xtra ($149)
• under $200: Silhoette Cameo 4 (~$199) / Cricut Explore 2 Air ($249 $149) or Explore 3 ($319 $199)
• under $300: Silhoette Cameo 5 ($329 $299) / Cricut Maker 3 ($429 $299)

Cricut’s software requires an internet connection to function