Acmer S1 Laser Engraver vs BlazeX M3 Laser Engraver

The BlazeX M3 is the better first machine for most people. It ships with a honeycomb bed, a protective cover, goggles and starter materials, and its Class 1 enclosure makes it safer around a home. The Acmer S1 is smaller and lighter, with a finer 0.04mm spot and faster 10,000mm/min travel, but its 3.5W laser and 130x130mm bed limit it to small, thin work and it comes with no safety enclosure. Owners of both report the usual diode-laser learning curve; the Acmer's 3.9 rating from 36 ratings is middling, and the BlazeX's spec sheet is more generous than its beginner positioning suggests.

• Choose the Acmer S1 if you want a compact, pre-assembled unit for small detailed engraving on wood, leather and coated metal, and you already have your own safety glasses and ventilation.
• Choose the BlazeX M3 if you are starting out and want the honeycomb bed, cover, goggles and sample materials in the box, with a larger bed and a Class 1 enclosure.