Research hub

Free Tools for Makers

Calculators and simulators that answer "will this machine pay for itself?"

Every page here is research-stage: specs come from manufacturer documentation and are cited. Lab results appear as we test each machine. How we research & test

Business & pricing

Laser ROI SimulatorWill a laser pay for itself? Model payback with your own prices, hours and material costs.
Pricing CalculatorPrice a custom item from material, machine time, labor and fees.
Startup Cost CalculatorAdd up what a personalization side business really costs to start.

Laser know-how

Laser Settings ConverterTranslate power/speed settings between machines of different wattage.
Can I Laser This?Check whether a material is safe to engrave or cut, and with which laser type.
What Can It Cut?See which materials and thicknesses a laser class is rated for.

Choosing a machine

Machine MatchmakerAnswer a few questions and get a shortlist of machine types to research.
Compare MachinesPut researched machines side by side, spec by spec.

All tools run in your browser. Numbers are estimates based on assumptions you can see and change — not financial advice. Want the raw data? See the open spec database.

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Lab notes, in your inbox

New research, price changes and test results as they land. Written for people who make things to sell.