Every laser cutter enthusiast eventually pops the question: how on earth do I align an invisible beam that’s more-than-happy to zap my eyeballs, not to mention torch everything else in its path?

The beam is usually infrared or ultraviolet ... For cutting soft materials like wood, cardboard, paper, leather and acrylic, a diode laser cutter will work well. CO2 laser cutters: These work ...

Small and powerful laser diodes are getting cheaper and cheaper, and there are a few commercial products that give anyone the ability to cut paper and vinyl with a computer-controlled cutting machine.