How much does CNC & laser cutting cost?
A proper start · 2 things
That is buying your own. Trying it first costs about $300.
CNC & laser cutting cost at a glance
What it takes to try CNC & laser cutting, what it costs to keep going, and what a first year adds up to. The kit above is what buying your own costs today.
- Trying it first$300The cheapest sensible way in, before you buy your own.
- Each month after$30The things below, as you keep going.
- First year$660The kit plus twelve months, for about 156 hours of CNC & laser cutting.
What you keep spending on
- Makerspace visitPaid on the day.$20/visit
Cost per hour
$4 an hour
A first year costs about $660 for roughly 156 hours. At $300 to start, CNC & laser cutting costs more than 91% of the 396 hobbies we price.
What each thing is for
Everything you might buy for CNC & laser cutting, what it is for, and which of our guides covers it.
- Ventilation and Smoke PurifierEssentialLaser-cutting wood produces toxic smoke.Our pick: Best Laser Fume Extraction →
- Laser EngraverEssentialOur pick: Best Laser Engraver for Beginners →
- Buy this firstVentilation and Smoke PurifierLaser-cutting wood produces toxic smoke.
- Ways to save
- Borrow first · Borrow from a friend or buy second-hand first. Upgrade once you know you will keep going.
- Pay as you go first · Makerspace visit is $20/visit, and you buy nothing to do it.
- Tick what you have · The kit above drops anything you already own out of its total.
- Read before the big one · Our gear guides pick one thing for most people, then a cheaper and a fancier option.
Hobbies that cost about the same
CNC & laser cutting cost questions
How much does CNC & laser cutting cost to start?
About $300, taking the cheapest sensible option for each thing you need.
How much does CNC & laser cutting cost each month?
About $30 a month once you're going, for classes, fees or materials.
Is CNC & laser cutting an expensive hobby?
362 of the 396 hobbies we price cost less to start, and the middle one is $30. With about $30 a month on top, a first year is about $660, which makes CNC & laser cutting a bit dearer than most.
What should I buy first for CNC & laser cutting?
Our guides to CNC & laser cutting gear pick one thing for most people, then a cheaper and a fancier option, with what each is for.