The most important part in thinking about how to make money with a laser engraver is choosing the right machine.
The main things to consider when looking for a laser engraver are:
Price
Software compatibility
Material you want to engrave
Machine size
Compatibility with Your Computer - Some machines are bluetooth, while others are not compatible with Apple products.
While you can buy a laser engraver for around $300, expect to pay a little more if you want to start a laser engraving business.
The best all-around laser engraver is the Atomstack S20 Pro.
You can use it to cut cheese boards, trophies, and more. The learning curve is much lower than more expensive laser engravers, which is great for beginners.
What laser engraving software do you need?
LaserGRBL or LightBurn software are the most popular laser engraving software options.
You can use this software on Windows XP, 7, 8, 10, Mac OS and Linux.
LaserGRBL is free and open source software ideal for engraving enthusiasts.
Lightburn is a paid software for laser engraving. It offers more options than free software. Although there is a 30-day free trial, it costs $40-80, depending on the version you need.