Earn $100 Monthly with Laser Cutting: Is It Really Possible?
In recent years, laser cutting has become more than just a crafting hobby. From customized keychains and wooden postcards to small-batch decor, makers around the world are turning this creative tool into a viable side hustle. But is it really possible to earn $100 per month with a desktop laser cutter? Absolutely — and this guide breaks down how.
Table of Contents
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Why $100/month Is a Realistic First Goal
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You Don’t Need Industrial Equipment
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Design Skills Are Optional (Use Free Resources)
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How to Sell Without a Storefront
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What Sells: Emotional + Functional + Giftable
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Output Settings Matter More Than You Think
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One Design = Multiple Streams of Income
1. Why $100/month Is a Realistic First Goal
Forget promises of making $1,000s right away. Earning $100 a month (about $3.30 a day) is a practical and confidence-building milestone for beginners.
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Just 2–3 keychains, one coaster set, or a few postcards per day can reach this goal.
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It proves your designs can sell, motivating you to scale up.
Once you hit $100, going to $200 or $500 becomes much more achievable.
2. You Don’t Need Industrial Equipment
A compact desktop laser cutter is enough to get started. Affordable, beginner-friendly machines include:
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xTool D1, Ortur, Atomstack: $200–800 range
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Materials: 2–3mm MDF, acrylic sheets, leather, etc.
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Required space: ~60x60cm and basic ventilation
Setup is simple, often as easy as plugging into your PC and running software like LightBurn or Inkscape.
3. Design Skills Are Optional (Use Free Resources)
Don’t know how to design? No problem. Use editable SVG files from free or affordable marketplaces:
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Creative Fabrica, DesignBundles, Vecteezy
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Tools: Inkscape (free), Canva, Adobe Illustrator
You can simply edit text like "Happy Birthday" to "Congrats" on existing files. Practice turns these files into your own custom products.
4. How to Sell Without a Storefront
You don’t need an online store to start. Test your products through social media or messaging apps.
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Instagram: Post product photos with hashtags like #customkeychain
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Blog: Share a DIY process post + link to contact
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Chat Apps: Create an open group for inquiries or orders
Later, once consistent orders come in, open a store on platforms like Smart Store or Creative Market.
5. What Sells: Emotional + Functional + Giftable
Products with emotional or gifting appeal sell best:
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Name-engraved couple keychains
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Pet tag nameplates
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Wood coasters with motivational quotes
These cost ~$1 to make and sell for $5–$12. Add emotion, and they market themselves.
6. Output Settings Matter More Than You Think
Every material requires different settings for power, speed, and passes.
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Keep a logbook or spreadsheet
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Test materials before bulk cutting
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Save settings for consistency and quality control
This small habit saves time, prevents waste, and improves product quality.
7. One Design = Multiple Income Streams
Turn one SVG design into passive income:
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Sell the design on Creative Fabrica or DesignBundles
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Use the design to create multiple products (coasters, keychains, bookmarks)
A single cute cat outline can become a digital download AND a physical product.
Conclusion: $100/month Is the Key to Start
Laser cutting may not make you rich overnight, but it can offer steady, scalable income with low startup cost.
Key Takeaways:
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Anyone can start — no design background needed
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Use free designs, low-cost materials, and social media to launch
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$100/month is realistic, and sets the stage for long-term success
Start today: Download 5 free SVGs and run your first test cuts. That $100 goal? It starts with one design, one sale, one step forward.
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