User Story

Patrick first explored laser engraving as a companion to his 3D printing projects, but the experience quickly took on a life of its own. Using the Nano Pro, he discovered a new creative direction that soon became his primary focus. From experimenting with designs to crafting trophies for a local disc golf tournament, Patrick found that laser engraving opened unexpected opportunities to combine creativity with one of his favorite sports.

When Laser Engraving Takes the Lead

Patrick originally planned to use a laser engraver alongside his 3D printing work. At first, the idea was simply to expand the types of projects he could create.

However, once he started working with the Nano Pro, his priorities shifted. The engraving process quickly became more engaging and versatile than he expected, and laser projects soon moved ahead of 3D printing in his creative workflow.

The ability to quickly design and produce custom pieces made laser engraving a natural fit for the kinds of projects he enjoyed most.

Creating for the Disc Golf Community

One of Patrick’s most memorable experiences with his machine came from combining his creative skills with a personal passion: disc golf.

He designed and produced custom trophies for a local disc golf tournament—an event connected to one of his favorite sports. Seeing players receive and appreciate the trophies made the project especially rewarding.

“Everyone loved them,” Patrick shared, highlighting how meaningful it can be when handmade creations become part of a community event.

Looking Ahead

Patrick’s laser engraving journey continues to expand. While he currently works with the Nano Pro, he is also preparing to add two Duo machines to his setup, opening even more possibilities for future projects.

From a tool meant to support 3D printing to a centerpiece of his creative work, the Nano Pro helped Patrick discover a new direction for making, designing, and contributing to the communities he enjoys.

Janie founded Flutrby Creations after discovering what she could make with her Ray5 20W laser engraver. What started as curiosity quickly turned into a business opportunity. By experimenting with different creations, she realized the possibilities were far greater than she initially imagined — and she believes she has only just begun exploring what the machine can truly do.

A Business Born from a Machine

Unlike many entrepreneurs who start with a business plan, Janie’s journey began with the machine itself. She didn’t create her business until after she started making items with her laser engraver.

As she experimented with different projects, she began to see real potential. The items she created weren’t just interesting to her — they were things other people wanted as well. That realization became the foundation of Flutrby Creations.

Discovering Unlimited Possibilities

One of Janie’s biggest takeaways so far is that she hasn’t “even scratched the surface” of what can be achieved with laser engraving. Every project opens new ideas and new directions to explore.

The creative process continues to evolve, and with each experiment, she gains more confidence and insight into what her business could become.

Advice for Newcomers

For those just starting out, Janie keeps her advice practical:

• Google everything

• Watch YouTube tutorials

• Join Longer community groups

Learning from available resources and other creators can dramatically shorten the learning curve and inspire new ideas.

With the Ray5 20W, Janie continues building Flutrby Creations, steadily growing her skills and business step by step.

Kristián’s creative journey with laser engraving began with a simple goal—to spend his time more productively instead of gaming or being idle. As a full-time GIS professional who enjoys working with maps, he found a meaningful way to bring digital designs to life using the Longer Ray5 10W. By transforming map graphics from his computer into engraved and cut wooden pieces, Kristián discovered a satisfying blend of creativity, skill, and personal interest.

Choosing Productivity Over Distraction

Kristián decided to explore laser engraving as a way to use his free time more purposefully. Rather than spending hours on games or unproductive activities, he wanted to focus on something creative and rewarding.

This decision marked the beginning of a hands-on learning process, where laser engraving became a practical outlet for both creativity and personal growth.

Turning Digital Maps into Wooden Creations

With a strong interest in maps and a full-time role as a GIS medior, Kristián already had the skills to design detailed map graphics. Laser engraving gave him the ability to transform those digital designs into engraved and cut wooden maps.

For Kristián, one of the most meaningful aspects of this process is seeing a graphic that once existed only on his computer become a physical wooden piece—something tangible, personal, and visually engaging.

Creating with Purpose Using the Longer Ray5 10W

Today, Kristián continues to combine his professional expertise and personal interests through laser engraving. By focusing on map-based designs, he has found a creative direction that feels both technically satisfying and personally meaningful.

With the Longer Ray5 10W as his engraving tool, Kristián keeps transforming digital map designs into wooden artworks that reflect his skills, creativity, and commitment to using time productively.

Janie’s creative journey with laser engraving began after watching a video on Facebook, which sparked her curiosity and led her to research different machines online. After comparing options on Amazon, she first chose a Ray5 5W, and later upgraded to the Ray5 20W after experiencing a module issue and deciding to invest in a more powerful machine. Through this process, Janie discovered a deeper sense of creativity and found meaningful ways to create for others.

Discovering Laser Engraving Online

Janie’s introduction to laser engraving started with a simple moment—seeing a video on Facebook. Intrigued by what she saw, she began researching laser engravers and reading about what different machines were capable of.

After reviewing multiple options on Amazon, she decided to start with a Ray5 5W. When the module later broke and she waited for a replacement, Janie chose to upgrade and purchased a Ray5 20W, marking the next step in her creative journey.

Realizing Her Creative Potential

Through hands-on experience, Janie learned that she was more creative than she had ever imagined. Laser engraving became a way for her not only to make projects, but also to create meaningful pieces for the people around her.

One of her most impactful experiences was turning a photo of her friend’s husband’s hands, taken at a funeral home, into a tile. The finished piece deeply touched her friend, reinforcing for Janie the emotional power of thoughtful, personalized creations.

Creating with Purpose and the Ray5 20W

Today, Janie continues to explore her creativity through laser engraving, focusing on projects that carry personal meaning and emotional value. Her experience has shown her that laser engraving can be both a creative outlet and a way to support others through meaningful gifts.

With the Ray5 20W as her current machine, Janie continues to create heartfelt pieces that reflect her growing confidence, creativity, and purpose.

For Sébastien, laser engraving began with a practical need—creating customized products at designer markets. To support a mobile workflow, he looked for a machine that was easy to transport and simple to operate. The Longer Nano Pro became the ideal solution, allowing him to personalize products on site and deliver instant results to customers. This approach has helped him attract new buyers and leave them delighted with their purchases, while steadily building a creative business under Sombres Histoires.

Starting at Designer Markets

Sébastien’s journey into laser engraving started while attending designer markets. Working in event-based environments meant mobility was essential, and he needed a machine that could travel easily while remaining reliable for real-time customization.

The Longer Nano Pro fits this need by offering portability and straightforward operation, making it possible to bring engraving directly to customers rather than working only from a fixed workshop.

Winning Customers Through Live Customization

By engraving products on site, Sébastien created a more engaging and personal buying experience. Customers could see their items being customized in real time, adding both emotional value and immediacy to each purchase.

This ability to personalize items instantly has helped him gain new customers who leave satisfied with their customized products—reinforcing both trust and demand for his work.

Growing a Creative Business

Today, Sébastien continues to develop his creative brand Sombres Histoires, generating an approximate annual revenue of €2,000. His advice to newcomers reflects his positive experience with laser engraving:

“Go ahead—it’s a great machine to discover laser engraving.”

With the Longer Nano Pro supporting his mobile and creative workflow, Sébastien continues to expand his presence at designer markets while offering meaningful, customized products to customers.

Not every creative journey starts in a studio—some begin with whatever space is available. For Kristián, laser engraving began outdoors, using an old kitchen table as a workspace. What started as casual experimentation slowly developed into a strong interest in engraving and creative production. With the Longer Ray5 10W, Kristián built his foundational skills, learned through practice and online resources, and eventually converted an unused storage space near his home into his first small workshop. His experience reflects steady progress shaped by learning, patience, and an emphasis on quality.

Starting Small and Learning by Doing

Kristián’s first steps into laser engraving were practical and uncomplicated. Working outside his house with limited space and equipment, he focused on experimenting and understanding how the process worked. There was no clear plan at the beginning—only curiosity and the motivation to learn something new.

Over time, engraving became a regular part of his routine. After roughly six months, it was clear that this interest had grown beyond a simple pastime. To support that growth, Kristián decided to rebuild an old storage area near his home, turning it into a dedicated workshop where he could focus more seriously on his creative work.

Throughout this phase, the Longer Ray5 10W made it easier to move forward, offering a user-friendly starting point for learning engraving techniques.

Building Skills with Longer

As Kristián spent more time engraving, Longer became an important part of his learning process. The Ray5 10W helped him understand core engraving principles while allowing him to practice consistently. Access to guides and instructional videos online further supported his progress, making it easier to solve problems and improve results.

This combination of hands-on experience and available learning resources allowed Kristián to gradually refine his approach. His growing focus on clean results and careful execution shaped the work he now shares under GravArt, primarily through platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Instead of pushing for fast results, Kristián chose to improve steadily, letting his skills develop through repetition and experience.

Progress Through Patience

Today, Kristián’s creative path reflects gradual, sustainable growth. With an approximate annual revenue of $3,000, his work continues to evolve at a pace guided by learning rather than speed.

His advice to newcomers reflects that same approach:

“Don’t be afraid to spend time learning laser engraving — it’s a broad field. Take your time and focus on the quality of your work.”

From working on an old kitchen table to creating in a personal workshop, Kristián’s story shows how commitment, time, and the right tools can turn initial curiosity into a meaningful and lasting creative practice.

Every creative journey begins somewhere—sometimes with nothing more than curiosity and a simple machine. For a maker from the United States, that first step into laser engraving quickly grew into a deeper passion. What started with a basic setup soon led to an upgrade to the Longer Ray5 20W, opening new possibilities for personalized and meaningful projects. From marina name plates to thoughtful gifts for friends, this journey shows how hands-on making can transform a simple interest into a rewarding creative pursuit.

From Dream to Reality: How a Laser Engraver Helped Me Start My Creative Business

The idea of owning a small business—one where I could create meaningful products that people truly want—has always been a dream of mine. Over the years, I explored different creative ideas. Some worked reasonably well, others didn’t, and a few simply required more time than I could give once I became a mom and began homeschooling my children.

Like many makers, my journey took a turning point online. I started following several crafters on Facebook who were using laser engraving machines to cut and create their own materials. Watching them turn raw materials into finished products was inspiring. I found myself researching different laser engravers, comparing machines, and imagining what I could create one day.

That dream became reality during Christmas 2024, when my husband surprised me with a Longer Ray5 10W laser engraver. I was beyond excited—but also a little intimidated. With his help, I got the machine set up and began experimenting with LightBurn software. I managed to cut a few projects over the next couple of months, but eventually the laser sat unused. The software learning curve felt overwhelming, and I wasn’t confident enough to keep going at the time.

Everything changed in the fall of 2025.

I remembered all the ornament design files I had purchased after getting my laser engraver. Around the same time, my family planned a volunteer trip to help victims affected by Hurricane Helene. I wanted to create something meaningful to give back—personal, thoughtful pieces that carried heart behind them.

So I dusted off the Ray5, committed myself to learning, and started watching tutorial videos step by step. I’m still learning every day, but the progress came faster than I expected. That season, I successfully held a Christmas ornament sale, opened my own Etsy shop, and even signed up to attend my first craft show this April.

At the moment, my setup is fairly simple. Along with my Ray5 laser engraver, I use a honeycomb bed and air assist. With the profits from my ornament sales, I invested in the XY extension kit. For Christmas this year, my husband surprised me again—this time with an air filtration system and a rotary attachment. We’ve already installed the filtration system, and he’s planning to build a full enclosure for me soon.

Looking back, I’m amazed at how far I’ve come. The projects I create now look polished and professional—something I never thought I’d say when I first powered on the machine. What started as curiosity has grown into genuine confidence.

This laser engraver has completely changed how I see my creative future. It’s honestly become a bit of an obsession—in the best way possible. Every morning, I wake up thinking the same thing:

“What can I cut or engrave today?”