So a local "maker space" has two introductory workshops. One for laser cutting/engraving, the other on 3D printing. Ideally I'd visit both, since I'm clueless in both techniques and I haven't designed ...

For all its promise, the 3-D printer is not perfect. Sure, it’s great for creating prototypes or small personal items or parts, but it simply cannot do everything. Those who want to dive into design ...

Looking to cut or etch materials including wood, paper or plastic? You can harness the power and precision of a laser beam to do just that. At Sears think[box], we stock birch plywood and acrylic ...

It's hard to believe we've been working with and exploring 3D printers for three years here on ZDNet. Before MakerBot sent me their early Replicator, I had never touched a 3D printer. That said, I was ...

Lasers are fun and exciting and can make amazing things. Small artistic businesses should invest in the P2 from xTool to make everything faster. James has been writing about technology for years but ...

The main mechanical tools in a hacker’s shop used to be a drill press and a lathe. Maybe a CNC mill, if you were lucky. Laser cutters are still a rare tool to find in a personal shop, but today’s ...

Researchers at the Hasso Plattner Institute have worked out a way to make 3-D objects using only a 2-D laser cutter. They call it LaserOrigami. When you own a laser cutter, careful calibration is key.

I happened to be in architecture school when the laser cutter was still a bit of a novelty for the inexperienced students in their first years of study. Sure, it saved you a lot ...