Tag Archives: Maker Community
Twotrees TS1 Laser Engraver Review: Fits Our Shop?
We didn’t expect a laser engraver this compact to feel so “shop-ready,” but the Twotrees TS1 surprised us. Its fully enclosed design makes it easier to imagine using around family projects or in a classroom corner without constant hovering, while the 80×80mm work area keeps expectations realistic: this is for small tags, coasters, keychains, and quick gift ideas-not full-size signage. At roughly 1kg, it’s genuinely portable, which changed how we thought about setup and storage in our space. We also liked the Bluetooth app control for fast edits and repeat jobs, especially when we’re testing designs on scrap. Still, the big question is whether 3W power and mini scale fit our workflow.
Basswood Sheets Review: Right for Our Laser Cutter?
When our latest box of 10 basswood sheets (16 x 12 x 1/8 inch) arrived, we had one question: would they behave under our laser cutter—or turn into smoky, warped disappointments? The boards feel pleasantly light yet consistent, with a clean, unfinished surface that takes pencil marks and masking tape easily. At 3mm thick, they sit in that sweet spot for quick cuts and layered projects, especially for small architectural models and craft panels. We liked that the grain is subtle, so engraved lines read clearly without fighting the texture. That said, basswood is still basswood: it can scorch if we push speed too low or power too high. Our next step is a stress test—fine details, tight corners, and edge burn.
