DIY CNC Engraver Kit for Wood Carving, Engraving & Cutting - 300MW 2-Axis Desktop CNC Machine with 40x50cm Work Area - Perfect for Logo Marking, Picture Engraving & Craft Projects

I'm not an artist so I like using programs that help make pictures look better. When I saw that I could use a laser to make pictures on wood... I was interested... But I thought it would be too complicated because if it were easy, everyone would be doing it. I decided to take the leap after seeing a few vendors displaying stuff that they engraved... (labeling it "woodburning done by hand" and sold for outrageous prices!) I'm retired military and looking for a cool hobby that can help make keepsakes for my buddies, family and friends. I am not making any money off this hobby other than what donations are made for supplies, so I looked at a few YouTube videos and hoped this would all work out and not be a waste of money. Once I got my engraver I immediately noticed how well packed it was and the care taken to keep the items safe during shipping. That's a big plus in my book as our packages always seem to get rough handled. I watched the assembly video and marked the pieces so I could assemble it right the first time. The assembly was pretty quick and super easy as long as you pay attention to which side you are attaching things to the plexiglass as the holes are in different spots for a reason. I paused the video several times to make sure I got it all right and the Only tools I needed was 2 harbor freight screwdrivers... (Because I can use the bit holder to hold the nut while tightning the screws for the bearings) and I also needed a pair of scissors and a small pliers to hold the nuts for the laser mount. Once I got it all together I loaded up the software from the website. I was a little nervous but after a few fails and many successes I was confident to show off my projects. Bachin tech support was a lifesaver! They turned my fails into teaching moments and are real quick to respond even though they are in a different timezone. Like I said before, if this were easy, everyone would be doing it... But I can safely say... These guys got it right and it is easy if you just flush it out of your head that it's hard. Here's the simple breakdown. There are 2 programs that you can download, get both! Each does a great job but you can do different things with them. Engraver master is my go to program... Its got alot of control and power to make things simple. Plus side, it's fast and easy to use... Downside is that pictures (also known as "raster" take a very long time) If you do line art (also known as "vector") those projects are alot faster. My fastest 8x8 inch round vector project took 2 hours, it was a dragon and tiger with real good detail and the longest raster project has taken 80 hours. You can make vectors out of rasters with simple online converters for free but it's like turning a picture into a drawing. Ive come to love vectors very much! The results are quick and outstanding. Bachin draw is the other program and is great for vectors. I'd love to upload pictures and videos but my videos are too big and long to upload (till I figure out how to shrink them) I'll upload pictures if Amazon will accept them. This product is well worth the money! I've got both the 500mw and 2500mw version now. The 500mw can do great engravings once you get the setting down. Keep a notepad by your engraver for different materials as different woods have a different effect. The 2500mw can actually cut 1/8" basswood! Again, you have to get the settings right. I have used the 2500mw to cut wood, vinyl, felt, paper and amazingly enough, with the right settings for each material, you get outstanding results! See pictures for examples of what I've already created. This laser engraver is awesome, but you'll have to see it for yourself. Believe me, you won't be disappointed!