Kerf & Press Editorial
Research & lab team
We research and test laser engravers, heat presses, printers, cutters and embroidery machines for people running small personalization businesses. We buy our lab machines with our own money and publish our methods and raw data.
This is a team byline. Named editors and testers will be listed here as they join; see About and our editorial policy.
Focus areas
- laser engraving
- heat transfer
- DTF & sublimation
- small-business economics
Pages
- Etsy Fees Explained for Makers (2026): Worked Examples and Calculator — updated
- How to Start a Heat Press Business: HTV vs Sublimation vs DTF (2026) — updated
- How to Price Laser Engraving: Formula, Fee Math and a Price Sheet Template — updated
- Is DTF Printing Profitable? In-House Printer vs Buying Gang Sheets — updated
- Is Laser Engraving Profitable? Unit Economics With Real Fees (2026) — updated
- 34 Laser Engraving Ideas That Sell (With Blank Costs and Machine Class) — updated
- How to Start a Laser Engraving Business: A Step-by-Step Plan (2026) — updated
- Best DTF Printer for a Small Business: Research Picks (2026) — updated
- Best Sublimation Printer for Beginners: Research Picks (2026) — updated
- DTF vs HTV: Which Is Better for Custom Shirts? — updated
- DTF vs Sublimation: Which Transfer Method Fits Your Products? — updated
- Best Embroidery Machine for a Small Business: Research Picks (2026) — updated
- Best Heat Press for a Small Business: Research Picks (2026) — updated
- Best Tumbler Heat Press: Research Picks and a Fit Guide (2026) — updated
- Clamshell vs Swing-Away Heat Press: Which Style Should You Buy? — updated
- Heat Press Time and Temperature Chart (HTV, Sublimation, DTF) — updated
- Laser Air Assist Guide: Why It Matters, L/min Specs, Fit and Noise — updated
- Best Fume Extractor for a Laser Engraver: Venting, Filters and Sizing — updated
- Best Rotary Attachment for Laser Engravers: Roller vs Chuck, Compatibility — updated
- Laser Enclosure Guide: Class 1 vs Class 4, Fire Safety, Buy or DIY — updated
- Best Laser Engraver for a Small Business: Our Research Picks (2026) — updated
- Best Laser for Tumblers: Researched Picks, Rotaries and Powder Coat — updated
- Diode vs CO2 vs Fiber Laser: Which Type Fits What You Sell? — updated
- Galvo vs Gantry Lasers: Speed, Work Area and Which One You Need — updated
- What Can a Diode Laser Cut? Materials, Thickness and Hard Limits — updated
- xTool vs Creality Falcon: Lineups, Software and Who Should Pick Which — updated
- Cricut Maker 5 vs Explore 5: Which Cutter Should You Buy? — updated