Welcome to Ha‘aha‘a Creatives
At Ha‘aha‘a Creatives, we believe creativity should be shared, whether it’s through custom laser-cut signs, meaningful engraved gifts, or unique handmade décor that brings joy to someone’s home. What started as a small local shop crafting name signs and business displays has grown into a creative community for makers who love to dream, design, and build with purpose.
And now? We’re here to help you do the same.
If you’ve just unpacked your first Glowforge or you’re thinking about starting your own laser-cutting business, this guide is your new best friend. We’re breaking down the Top 10 Laser Cutting Tools and Materials Every Beginner Needs in 2026 so you can create high-quality products, save time, and skip the rookie mistakes.
This post contains affiliate links, including Amazon Associates links. As an Amazon Associate, Ha‘aha‘a Creatives earns from qualifying purchases. We may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we’ve personally used or truly believe in.
1. The Star of the Show: Your Laser Cutter
Let’s start with the fun part: your machine! Whether you’re just getting started or ready to level up, your laser cutter is the heart of your setup.
For beginners, the Glowforge Aura, xTool M1, and OMTech Polar are amazing starter machines. They’re compact, user-friendly, and powerful enough to handle wood, acrylic, leather, and even engraving glass with beautiful precision.
If you’re looking for something that can keep up with higher production demands or larger projects, consider stepping up to professional models like the Glowforge Pro, xTool P2S, or OMTech 60W CO2. These machines offer faster engraving speeds, larger bed sizes, and more advanced features that can take your small business to the next level.
2. Design Like a Pro (Even if You’re a Beginner)
You don’t have to be a graphic designer to create stunning pieces. Here are our top software picks:
✨ LightBurn – fine-tuned control and perfect alignment.
🎨 Canva Pro – super user-friendly for names, logos, and layouts.
💎 Adobe Illustrator – professional-grade vector editing.
🔗 Try Canva Pro Free for 30 Days
3. Material Magic: Wood + Acrylic That Works
Your materials can make or break your project. Skip the cheap stuff and go for Baltic Birch, Maple, or Cast Acrylic. These engrave beautifully, cut cleanly, and won’t warp like low-grade plywood.
My ultimate go-to online store for acrylic sheets is Houston Acrylic (not an affiliate, I just love them!) Click the link below.
4. Breathe Easy with Proper Ventilation
Safety first. Laser cutting produces smoke and fumes you don’t want lingering indoors.
💨 Use an Inline Fan + Hose Kit for proper ventilation.
💦 Add an Air Assist System to blow away debris and sharpen your engravings.
🔗 Affiliate suggestion: Shop xTool Air Assist Kit
5. The Honeycomb Secret
Want cleaner cuts and fewer scorch marks? Get a honeycomb work bed. It allows air to circulate under your material, giving you smoother edges and consistent results every time.
🔗: Glowforge Honeycomb Tray Replacement
6. Measure Like a Boss
Precision matters, especially for layered designs and interlocking pieces. A digital caliper will help you measure material thickness and adjust your laser’s focus perfectly.
🔗: Digital Caliper – Top-Rated on Amazon
7. Mask It Before You Blast It!
If you’ve ever pulled a perfect cut only to see smoke stains, you know the pain. Avoid that heartbreak with masking or transfer tape. It keeps your surface clean so you can peel it off for that satisfying, flawless reveal.
🔗: Laser Masking Tape Roll – 12” x 100' or Laser Masking Tape Roll - 12"x300'
8. Finish Strong (and Shiny)
A great finish turns a simple piece into a premium product.
🪵 Sandpaper (220–400 grit) for smooth edges.
🌿 Polyurethane or Danish Oil to seal and shine your wood.
✨ Microfiber Cloths for that final polish.
9. Hold It Down (Literally)
Thin wood and acrylic love to shift during cutting. Keep them steady with non-slip clamps or magnets so your lines stay perfect.
🔗 Honeycomb Pins or Magnets
10. Keep Your Chaos Cute
Let’s be honest, laser cutting can turn your workspace into organized chaos real quick.
🧺 Use Craft Storage for materials.
📦 Add Labeled Bins for scraps and hardware.
🪛 Mount a Pegboard to keep tools within reach and your vibe aesthetic.
And there you have it!
Here at Ha‘aha‘a Creatives, we know how exciting it is to turn your creativity into something tangible and profitable. With the right tools, you’ll go from test cuts to custom orders faster than you think.
So, stock your workspace, put on your safety glasses, and get ready to make something amazing! You’re not just crafting, you’re creating your next big chapter!