When most people think of laser engravers, they picture huge workshops, expensive equipment, and complicated software. But the truth is far simplerâyou donât need any of that to start making money with laser engraving. In fact, Iâm standing in my garage right now, walking between my gym and my woodworking corner, and I have a laser engraver running that costs under $200.
And for what the average woodworker needs?
Thatâs more than enough.
Today, I want to show you how a beginner-friendly, affordable laserâspecifically the Acmer S2âcan become a profitable part of your shop. If you want to check it out yourself, you can get 10% off using promo code woodworkinsAll at this link:
đ Acmer S2 Laser Engraver â Under $200 + 10% Off:
https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?gid=571437&mid=101769&awinaffid=2665336&linkid=4388081&clickref=
đ„ Why You Donât Need an Expensive Laser Engraver
At work, I have access to a high-end $10,000â$15,000 laser engraver. Itâs incredibleâbut completely unnecessary for 90% of the projects most woodworkers create and sell.
This budget-friendly Acmer S2 handles:
â Customization
â Home dĂ©cor
â Signs
â Photo engraving
â Cutting boards
â Personalized gifts
And it does it surprisingly well for the price.
If you think you need a massive shop or thousands of dollars in tools to get started, think again. This little machine proves otherwise.
đ° How Woodworkers Can Make Money With a Budget Laser Engraver
Laser engraving isnât just funâitâs a legitimate income stream. Here are multiple ways woodworkers are turning a small laser into real profit.
1. Customizing Everyday Builds
Customization is where the money is.
Take a simple project like a squirrel feeder. Add text like âNut Barâ, a last name, an inside joke, or a catchy sayingâand suddenly it becomes a memorable, personal gift that stands out from mass-produced items.
Customers LOVE personalization.
And they pay extra for it.
2. Engraved Scrap Wood Signs
Look around your shopâgot scrap wood lying around? Turn it into cash.
Add:
- Bible verses
- Movie quotes
- Song lyrics
- Personalized messages
- Holiday phrases
Imagine a Spaceballs quote engraved on rustic cedar, or a Princess Bride line turned into wall art. People happily pay $15â$20 for something like that.
3. Holiday Décor (High Demand!)
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, projects like:
- Snowflakes
- Mini signs
- Tree ornaments
- Mantle décor
SELL FAST.
A laser lets you batch out beautiful seasonal items that people are eager to buy.
4. Custom Mallets, Hammers & Shop Tools
One of my favorite engravings is a wooden mallet I made with:
- My last name
- My family crest
Imagine offering custom âThor hammers,â engraved mallets, or shop tools with names, dates, or messages. These make fantastic gifts and sell extremely well on Etsy.
5. Photo Engraving on Wood
I tested the Acmer S2 using an old photo of my wifeâs grandparentsâand the results were shockingly good for a budget machine.
Now imagine offering custom:
- Memorial plaques
- Family photos
- Pet portraits
- Wedding gifts
A small frame + a nice engraving = a product people cherish.
6. Cutting Boards With Personal Touches
Woodworkers already selling cutting boards can boost value by adding:
â Last names
â Sports logos
â Family crests
â Your brand logo
â Engraved care instructions
That last one is geniusâengrave âDo not wash in dishwasherâ on the back and eliminate customer excuses!
7. Garden Markers for Spring
When spring rolls in, engraved garden markers become a simple, profitable seller.
Try engraving:
- Basil
- Rosemary
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
Include a small icon, and youâve got a premium product compared to the cheap plastic ones from dollar stores.
8. Faith-Based Gifts
Laser engrave wooden crosses with:
- John 3:16
- Matthew 14:22
- Custom verses
- Personal messages
Faith-based items sell extremely well online and in craft fairs, especially when customized.
(Fun fact: My brand name, 1422 Woodworking, comes from Matthew 14:22âkeeping your eyes on Jesus.)
9. Teacher Appreciation Gifts
Engrave signs, classroom dĂ©cor, desk tags, or a teacherâs name. These gifts are extremely popular during Teacher Appreciation Week and make easy Etsy listings.
đ§° Why the Acmer S2 Is Perfect for Beginners
Many woodworkers worry about the technology side of laser engraving.
Hereâs the truth:
If you can run basic design software, you can run this laser.
And even if youâre unsure, Iâll be releasing:
- Setup tutorials
- Photo engraving guides
- Troubleshooting videos
- Beginner-friendly walkthroughs
to help you avoid the silly mistakes I made early on.
đ Ready to Start Your Laser Engraving Side Hustle?
If you want to start small, test the waters, and see whether laser engraving is right for you, the Acmer S2 is one of the best low-cost entry points.
đ Get the Acmer S2 Laser Engraver (Under $200)
Use Promo Code: woodworkinsAll for 10% Off
https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?gid=571437&mid=101769&awinaffid=2665336&linkid=4388081&clickref=
For under $200, you can open up an entirely new revenue stream in your woodworking business.
đ Final Thoughts
You donât need a fancy shop.
You donât need expensive equipment.
And you definitely donât need a $10,000 laser.
A simple, affordable engraver can unlock dozens of profitable products and help you stand out in a crowded market.
If youâre ready to get started, grab the laser above and make sure youâre subscribed to my channelâIâll walk you through every step.

