The ComMarker B4 20W Laser Engraving Machine is designed for hobbyists and small businesses. It utilizes fibre laser technology that focuses on a smaller area than a more conventional X-Y Laser machine. This means it takes up far less room, and the powerful 20W laser head we've reviewed is well-suited for engraving a variety of materials, especially metals, plastics and leather.

Having tested out the best laser engravers, one of this machine's most appealing features is its user-friendly approach. Simple physical buttons on the exterior enable you to adjust height and focus. Then there's full compatibility with engraving software like LightBurn, which helps ensure you can start engraving quickly. However, you will need to buy an additional plugin for the software to work with this machine in the long term.

While this machine is powerful and versatile, it will only be for some. It doesn't engrave wood without preparation. However, if any type of metal is placed under its beam, it will go to work with absolute precision and speed. This makes it an ideal choice for businesses and crafters rather than general enthusiasts and hobbyists, and this level of quality is also reflected in the slightly higher price point.

ComMarker B4: Design

From the outset, it's obvious that the ComMarker B4 20W isn't your average laser engraver. Firstly, it's a lot smaller and more industrial in asthetics. It looks exactly like the type of machine you see at key cutters or trophy shop, and for good reason. This is a fibre laser, which essentially means that it uses a fibre laser to etch, mark, or engrave materials. Unlike traditional engraving methods such as the gantry X Y machines, like the XTOOLs P1, that use a mechanical processes to move the head over the area to be engraved, this fibre laser engraver utilizes the power of focused laser beams to create precise detailed markings without a moving head. This makes it faster, but also means that the engraving area is far smaller.

The ComMarker B4, like other fibre laser engravers, works by generating a laser beam using a fibre optic cable. This enables highly efficient and powerful laser production. This laser beam can then be directed towards the chosen material to be engraved. On this type of fibre engraver, a lens is used to focus the laser accurately and the B4 comes with a choice of two. The first is designed for a work area of 110 x 110mm for high-accuracy engravings, while the other is for larger 200 x 200mm areas at a slightly reduced quality.

When it comes to the physical design of the machine, fibre technology also means that it's far smaller than most engravers. This makes it extremely easy to move, and this laser engraver is designed to be versatile, with a distance cage in the box that enables the engraver to be used handheld when engraving vertical surfaces.

The machine's build is extremely sturdy, enabling handheld use, with a main arm that can be rotated to enable engraving on a wide variety of surfaces, something that would be difficult with other engraver machine types, especially the more common gantry X Y.

On the base box, the control interface is relatively intuitive, with clear buttons for easy navigation.

ComMarker B4: Features

The ComMarker B4 20W is a simple-looking machine, much like any piece of professional workshop equipment. It has a few buttons on the exterior to power on and off the machine, an emergency stop, ones to raise and lower the head for focusing, and that's about it. Most of the main features are controlled once connected to the LightBurn software throug the USB port at the back.

However, at the heart of the machine is the 20W laser that enables precise engravings on all metals. The machine has one of the most precise beams of any laser engraver at this price, reaching 0.01mm. It also has a maximum engraving depth of 0.3mm. This is joined by a laser engraving speed of 15,000mm/s, which is far in excess of standard laser engravers, which is one of the big reasons that this type of machine is a good choice for business.

Unlike other laser engravers, the B4 utilizes lenses to focus the beam, and two lenses are included as standard. The 110 x 110mm lens is for accuracy, and the 200 x 200mm lens is for larger size work. The dimensions on the lens refer to the work area rather than the focal length.

On the front, along with the main control dials, there's also an emergency stop, which kills power if needed. This is one of several safety features, alongside an auto-shutdown if the machine is moved or tilted when in use.

A feature that adds to the usability is the ability to rotate the head through 180º so that the laser is clear of the platform. This means that if you need to engrave onto a large vertical object, such as boxes in a warehouse, the side of a vehicle, or a building, you can. The speed and lack of movable internals also make it far easier to hold in position for prolonged periods, depending on the complexity of the design, of course.

When it comes to materials, the B4 will engrave most metals, leather, and hard plastic. When it comes to wood it will be engraved as long as it's painted before being placed in the work area.

One of the other big features for any business looking to buy a laser engraving machine is its service life of 100,000 hours, again far in excess of that of a standard mechanical engraver.

ComMarker B4: Performance

Working with a fibre laser engraver is a completely different process than working with a more standard mechanical gantry X-Y laser machine. Firstly, the work area for a machine of this price and quality is far smaller—110 x 110mm with the precision lens and 200 x 200 mm with the larger lens. This makes it a great choice for engraving metal items such as tags, phones, and laptops, as well as hard plastic and leather. However, when it comes to wood, while it will engrave, the wood itself needs preparation, with black paint needing to be applied before the laser has any effect.

Setting up the engraver takes little time, and while the instructions are useful, they are not 100% clear. However, the process is easy enough, and the setup doesn't take too long; if you do get stuck, then the ComMarker website and community are huge and helpful, with plenty of resources online to aid you.

In the box, there are two lens options, as already mentioned, which need to be screwed into the head prior to starting the machine. At this point, if you need to add the frame for handheld work, this can be added; if not, it's left off and stored until needed. In the box, there are also a couple of plastic guides that can be pinned to the platform to hold materials in place.

An issue to point out is that while LightBurn is included on the USB that ships with the machine, this is only a trial. While there are free versions of software out there that will work, buying the Galvo Support for LightBurn costs around £88/$88 and it's well worth it for the ease of use.

Once installed, the system recognizes itself and springs into action without issue. Before you start engraving, one thing to note: the three beams that rest on the work surface need to be focused. This is done using the buttons on the front of the machine to raise or lower the head. Once aligned, you're ready to start.

As well as the standard engraving, the machine also comes with a rotary engraver. This is simply plugged in, and the option is selected through LightBurn. Due to the nature of the machine, it is one of the easiest rotary attachments we've seen to use.

Once everything is set up, you can start to position the materials. Once in place, the preview can be tapped, and boundary boxes appear on the materials, showing exactly where the engravings will happen. This is far clearer than most other engravers, enabling you to get a good, accurate positioning, although not quite as good as the camera systems.

Once you're ready, the power and speed can be adjusted, and then it's just a case of hitting play to start. As with all laser engravers, it takes a bit of experimentation to find the correct balance, but once you have it, you can rattle through objects at speed. What was really good is that ComMarker has an extensive blog community with tutorials and tips along with all the settings that you need for most materials. Also, refering to the manual highlights most the exact settings that you will need.

Overall, the ComMarker B4's precision and speed make it an easy choice for many businesses that need to engrave metal, plastic, or leather. However, when it comes to wood, there are other options.

ComMarker B4: Final verdict

The ComMarker B4 20W Laser Engraving Machine is an excellent choice for small businesses needing a precise, fast engraving tool for metal, plastic, and leather. The B4's 20W laser power provides superb detailed engravings, and while the on-machine controls are limited, once you find your way around LightBurn, it's all relatively straightforward. The machine's compact design is perfect for small workspaces, and the safety features help to ensure that it's suitable for most environments. A nice additional touch is that an enclosure is available, and it's relatively cheap—a worthwhile investment.

However, the 20W power may not be suitable for those requiring high-volume output or working with thicker, tougher materials. The engraving speed can be slower for intricate designs, but when we say slower, most designs, even those of an intricate nature, are completed within five minutes, making it a great solution for on-site engraving.

Should I buy the ComMarker B4 20W?

If you're a small business looking for an affordable laser engraver, the ComMarker B4 20W is a great choice that will only take up a little room and is easy to use. Its ease of use and precision make it suitable for a variety of engraving projects, and it's especially good at engraving metals with a high-quality finish that few other engravers at this price can match. However, you do need to consider that to make the most of this engraver, the additional LightBurn plugin should also be purchased.

Want more crafting tools? We tested out the best 3D printers and these are our top recommendations. 

The Wainlux K10 Mini Laser Engraving Machine is aimed at the entry market, both enthusiasts and professionals. It offers a range of easy-to-use features and a design that will suit both individuals and businesses looking for a laser engraving solution. 

We've tested and reviewed many of the best laser engravers, and while it may be at the cheaper end of the spectrum and has a small engraving area, the design and features make it more suitable for many applications than the larger gantry XY style of machines.

The compact design features a fully enclosed machine with a protective visor that flips down to protect the user while the laser is in action. This makes it both a versatile and user-friendly option that can be used equally by beginners just getting into laser engraving and seasoned engravers who want something small and desktop-friendly to test out designs.

Ease of use is key to the K10, and the CutLabX software is one of the easiest-to-use solutions available. It is not only fully compatible with the K10 but is also almost ready to go as soon as you connect the machine via USB.

The small 3W (5W optional) laser of the K10 matches the small print area and will engrave most materials and cut through paper. Precision is good, and speed is moderate. For something at the entry-level, this small engraver has plenty to offer, along with a few nice upgrade options.

Wainlux K10: Design

The Wainlux K10 strikes a futuristic design with its white and grey casing and orange transparent visor that flips down to protect the user from the laser when in action. Measuring 222 x 198 x 190 mm and weighing in at 1.57 kg, the machine is easy to move and store when not in use. It's also designed to expand the ecosystem if needed, with a 5W head available to boost the power. Additionally, there's an optional extractor of a similar compact size that can be attached to the back, making it a neat setup.

A major design consideration for users is the enclosed design. Unlike the larger and more powerful gantry-style machines, the K10 is fully enclosed. This doesn't mean it is fume-proof, but it does have sides and a protective visor. The only part open, aside from the visor when up, is the base. This means you simply place the engraver over what you want to engrave, and it's ready to go.

The small size does mean that the engraving area is slightly limited at 80 x 80 mm, but for most small projects, that's more than enough.

While the machine doesn't feature a display, it does have some controls on the machine itself, with a play button next to the power button for direct engraving. On the back of the machine is the TF / MicroSD card slot if you want to use the machine remotely. There's also a USB Type-A port for the rotary option, an AC power socket, and a USB Type-C port. It's worth noting that this is USB Type-C and not Thunderbolt, so while it has the same shape and fit, you will need a dongle to directly attach from a Thunderbolt port to this USB port to get it to work, which is quite normal.

Wainlux K10: Features

The Wainlux K10 is designed to be simple and easy to use, with most of the main features packed into the software that powers the machine. It supports a multitude of formats, including JPG, PNG, BMP, and SVG, allowing for a wide range of design options. The machine's laser module is mounted at the top with a raised profile, so you can place items under the machine and leave them to handle the engraving. The machine comes pre-focused, but if you need to adjust for the materials you are using, there's a small focus ring around the laser. Wainlux provides plenty of details on how to focus on different material heights.

Safety is a priority with the K10, and it includes a safety mechanism that automatically shuts off the laser if the machine is moved or tilted. This feature is quite sensitive so that a knock can stop the machine mid-engrave. Additionally, the K10 mobile app enables communication through a WiFi connection, and during tests, the CutLabX app was used.

The machine has a variable engraving speed, allowing you to adjust settings based on the material and complexity of the design. This speed can be adjusted alongside the power to achieve the desired quality of the result. The K10 also features a built-in cooling system to prevent overheating during prolonged use. This is essentially a small fan at the back of the machine, which is effective in the small engraving area.

Wainlux K10: Performance

At 3W, and even with the 5W upgrade option, the Wainlux K10 falls into the low—or very low-powered laser engraver bracket, and this is reflected in the price. However, while this may target the entry market, it actually offers a lot more than many of the larger machines for businesses looking for a small engraving machine.

Due to its small size and weight, you can quickly pack it away, which is an incredible benefit. Getting it up and working only takes a few minutes, as there's no need to deal with platforms, screens, or finding a large open space to set it down.

The fully enclosed system makes things even easier—set it down, plug it in, check the focus, and off you go. Once you've run a few tests, jot down the settings, and you can return them to them each time you use the engraver.

There are a few small issues. First, when connecting by USB, you need to connect either to a machine with a USB Type-A socket or a dedicated USB Type-C port. A Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port won't communicate without a dongle in between, which is standard.

Once connected, using CutLabX, engraving projects can be lined up with the power and speed settings adjusted. Around 80% power and 1000mm/s speed will yield a nice result for engraving on wood. At 100% power and 100mm/s speed, it will cut through paper and thin cards, but you need to experiment to get the best result with minimal charring of the edges.

Marking metal and painted surfaces takes a little more power and a slower speed, but again, the results are good. Even if this isn't the fastest machine out there, the results are worth it.

The work area is exactly 8cm x 8cm, which is quite small—enough to engrave a pre-cut coaster but nothing larger. Still, this size is somewhat ideal for most craft projects and engraving work.

Testing the Wainlux K10 with some JPG images to gauge the engraver's resolution showed impressive results, with a decent amount of detail being transferred through the small machine. One thing to note is that while engraving text, images, and shapes works well, some curves, such as a circle, sometimes need to meet up perfectly. However, this distance is often minute and easy to clean post-engraving or cutting with paper.

Wainlux K10: Final verdict

The Wainlux K10 Mini Laser Engraving Machine is a versatile and user-friendly tool, ideal for both hobbyists and professionals. Its compact design allows it to be easily packed away when not in use, making it perfect for those with limited workspace. The machine's ability to handle a variety of materials for engraving is a significant asset, and the availability of a 5W module and other accessories further boosts its capabilities.

Despite its ease of use, the working area is small, and more complex designs can be slow to process. However, given the small engraving area, this slowness is not a major drawback. If you consider the Wainlux K10 as a highly effective starter machine or a desk-side device for testing designs and prints before using a larger machine, it proves to be a great investment. Its small size, combined with its functionality, makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore laser engraving without committing to a larger, more expensive machine.

Should You Buy the Wainlux K10?

If you're a hobbyist or a small business looking for an affordable, reliable, and compact laser engraver, the Wainlux K10 is a great choice. It's easy to use and store. However, suppose you require a larger engraving area, a faster engraving time for complex designs, or the ability to cut through materials thicker than paper. In that case, you might want to choose a larger and more powerful machine.

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For more crafting tools, we tested and reviewed the best 3D printers - and these are our top choices

Fezibo C3 ergonomic: One-minute review

Fezibo is a Chinese company that specializes in office gear, including desks, chairs, cabinets, and peripheral stands. If you're a fan of lighter hues in your office, the Fezibo C3 will certainly catch your eye. Decked out in white and turquoise, it's a striking number, but it would fit in well in near-enough any home office. 

Underneath this bright exterior is a fairly standard office chair, with everything you'd expect, and very little you wouldn't. You'll get a one-step reclining function, activated by pulling out the single lever, which also serves to raise and lower the chair. The stiffness of reclining backrest is also adjustable, as are the arm rests, and there's a little lumbar adjustment – but that's it.

It's unlikely to challenge the best office chairs, but if you're looking to pick up one of Fezibo's best standing desks and just want a on office chair to ship with it, it's not a bad option. Be aware, however, that this chair can't match the likes of Steelcase or Secretlab in terms of build quality – although that might be expected at this price point.

Fezibo C3: price and availability

• Price: US$299 / £179 / €209 / AUD$299

Found in the "accessories" section of the website, the C3 can be purchased directly from Fezibo. There are no upgrades or additional features you can tack on to the C3, so there's just one price to pay in each region.

In the US, the list price is $299. However, at the time of writing, this has been reduced to $179, which is a decent , if not super-cheap price for a reclining office chair. I'm not intimately familiar with Fezibo as a company, so this could very well be one of those "permanent sales," but for the sake of clarity, I'm stating the chair's regular price as $299.

In the UK, the C3 costs £179, which does not include any discounts or deals. In Europe, the ticket price is €209, but again, that's currently discounted down to €179. Finally, in Australia, the current pricing is the same as the US – $299, discounted to $179.

If the "true" price of the chair really is $/£/€179, it looks Brits will pay slightly over the odds, while those in Australia are getting a remarkably good deal.

However, something like the Corsair TC100 is just a little more expensive, and is regularly featured in our best-of guides. It's one to consider if you're willing to spend just a few dollars more.

• Value: 4/5

Fezibo C3: Design and setup

• Attractive design
• Basic frame
• Requires assembly

The Fezibo C3 comes unassembled in a large cardboard box. Open that up, and you'll see the pieces, a blister-wrapped tray of bolts, washers, and an Allen key, along with some instructions.

Fezibo has done well to avoid the confusion that assembly instructions for Chinese products often cause, and simple imagery guides you through the process. As someone who's experienced with and even enjoys flatpack construction, it was a breeze – but I think the process will be easy enough for just about anyone.

When constructing the chair, I noticed a couple of things that betrayed the C3's cheap price. Firstly, the upholstery on the seat base is stapled together – no surprises there – but it's all a bit wonky on the underside and little effort has been made to disguise the cheap manufacturing process.

Secondly, when attaching the mechanism to the seat base, I found the holes for the bolts to be slightly off-centre, making the final bolt incredibly stiff to tighten. This required me to break out my DeWalt impact driver to zap the bolts in, rather than struggling with the small Allen wrench provided.

Once constructed, the C3 looks like an standard office chair, and performs the task adequately. When the backrest is locked in the upright position, you get around 10 degrees of free movement backwards before the lever stops you. There are a few more degrees of motion after this afforded by the tough plastic and mesh backrest.

The gas strut allows around three inches of vertical adjustment, which is more than enough for regular usage. I've used chairs that go lower and higher than the C3, but I wouldn't consider that a negative.

Pull the lever out and you'll swing back into a near-horizontal position that's far too relaxed for the office, unless you really need to take a nap. A couple more increments would be welcome here, but in my usage of the chair I haven't had any desire to recline more than the standard upright position. 

The stiffness of the unrestrained reclining mechanism is controlled by a large black knob on the base of the chair. This is distinctly old-school, and it's pretty difficult to turn it without flipping the chair upside-down. I'd suggest dialing this in when you first get the chair, and subsequently forgetting it exists.

The armrests can be raised, lowered, moved forward and back, and swivel. All that's missing here is moving side-to-side, but few chairs offer this, especially at this price range. 

The lumbar support allows you to move the clear pad behind the mesh up or down a couple of inches. I can't say that it does much, but personally this is preferable to some of the more intrusive setups I've experienced.

Turquoise upholstery might not be to everyone's taste, but it's soft to the touch and doesn't elicit the same nails-on-a-chalkboard feeling as some cheap synthetic fabrics do. It's slightly textured, and is fairly breathable. It doesn't feel the toughest, but I don't expect it to wear through incredibly quickly, either.

The mesh also feels of decent quality, and while it's not up there with the likes of the Sihoo Dor0 C300, there's nothing to complain about.

Overall, the C3 has everything you need, but lacks any standout features. It feels tough enough for home use, but if I was kitting out a hot-desking environment, I'd be looking for a chair that I trust could take a battering. The C3 isn't flimsy, but it doesn't feel like an absolute workhorse.

• Design score: 3/5

Fezibo C3: Comfort

• Comfortable to sit in for extended periods
• Lumbar support is minimal, but effective
• Review example tilts when reclining

I've sat on much less comfortable office chairs than the C3 in my time, and if you're looking for a foam base over the increasingly popular mesh-seated options, the Fezibo C3 will stand you in good stead.

There's nothing fancy here, but the seat base is roomy and would easily accommodate all but the largest of people. I generally lean back in office chairs rather that working entirely upright, and find that both the angle of the seatback and the amount of lumbar support is just right for me. After a day or two of using the C3, I haven't suffered any back fatigue.

The mesh back is breathable, and while I haven't found myself using it much, the additional headrest is a nice addition over the basic seating often found in hot-desking offices. This is also easily removed if you prefer.

However, there's a strange issue with the C3 – or at least the example I reviewed. When reclining fully – in the locked or unlocked position – the seatback tilts to the right. This is only when some pressure is applied, and not when resting gently at full tilt, but it's quite an odd sensation. 

I've looked over this example and can't see anything untoward, so I'm hesitant to say this is a one-off manufacturing error. But, having not had the chance to test another example, I can't say this with certainty. 

Elsewhere, the armrests are pretty firm, and are made from the sort-of-foam plastic I'm sure you'd recognise. At this price, this is perfectly fine, and I can't say I've wished for a more supple upholstery. 

This is a comfortable, basic office chair that offers more adjustment than a fixed-back chair – and for many, that's all you'll need. However, the strange issue with the tilting mechanism certainly doesn't feel pleasant, and if you're a big recliner I'd look elsewhere.

• Comfort score: 3.5/5

Should I buy the Fezibo C3?

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