In this episode, we tackle several laser questions, dive into the effects of inflation and tariffs, and debate the real value of tumbler engravings—how much should you charge? Plus, what’s causing Champagne bottles to explode while being engraved, and how can you prevent it? And to top it all off, Alex has a chat with ChatGPT! All this and more on today’s episode of the Laser Source Podcast!

In this episode, Anthony shares that he’s in the process of making a deep-dive video on lenses, we talk about catching up on editing and posting Podcast episodes, and we break down why UV lasers—like the ComMarker Omni 1—may be the best choice for any laser shop and are now more affordable than ever! Plus, learn how to order shapes or objects by priority in LightBurn. All this and more on today’s episode of the Laser Source Podcast!

There’s so much information out there about marking tumblers with a fiber laser, but if you had a choice between that and a CO2 galvo which would be better? (it’s a CO2 galvo btw - listen to find out why) PLUS: we’re over due for Emergency Stop, INFRARED CAMERAS and tumbler laser absorption. ALL of this and so much more on this episode of the Laser Source Podcast!

Let’s talk about the past year, the year ahead and everything we hope to accomplish moving forward. Feels like year over year things change here. We’ve made amazing progress in some areas and completed things I never though possible. On the other hand some things have been shelved or moved to the backburners and left to collect dust. What did you enjoy from LE? What do you want us to tackle in 2025? This is your chance to make your voice heard. Let’s plan 2025 together.

A very surprising tool showed up in the mail—a 3D scanner we were supposed to review. In this episode, we brainstorm how it could potentially elevate or evolve our workflow, from engraving prep to design applications. But in the end, we later realized it was way too large-scale for what we do and ended up sending it back. Still, it was a cool piece of tech that sparked some great discussion—so let’s dive in!

Not just blanks, lasers, laser accessories, shop accessories, tools, you name it - it’s on the list - because this is our Black Friday / Cyber Monday stream! Even if you’re here after the deals have ended listen up: there’s great stuff every engraver needs in their setups and shops in our list this episode so submit to the affiliate propaganda and brace your butt for some premium influencer marketing on this episode of the Laser Source Podcast.

How do you balance customer expectations, profitability, and personal standards for your engraving work? Kyle shares his thoughts on getting that balance just right. We also talk about tariffs and their impact on the laser industry, coin engraving, and the challenge of accepting custom jobs. Plus, a look at UV spot sizes, custom engraving plates, and Anthony’s YouTube channel.

Think UV lasers are always safe for plastics? Think again. In this episode of the Laser Source Podcast, we kick things off with a full Q&A session before diving into UV laser safety myths, the Longer Nano PRO, air vs. water cooling, and even cutting gold. We also give you a behind-the-scenes look at the shop’s latest updates—including a new POS system and a very revealing showroom setup (yep, there are mannequins involved). It’s a little chaotic, a little educational, and a lot of fun. Don’t miss this one!

Ever feel like you’re running on fumes? You’re not alone. In this brutally honest episode of the Laser Source Podcast, we dive into the emotional and mental toll of running a laser engraving job shop. From rebuilding our Google My Business from the ground up to juggling customer projects, slat walls, websites, and content creation—we cover what it really takes to keep things moving when you’re completely burnt out. If you’ve ever wanted to hit pause, quit, or just sleep for a week, this one’s for you. Let’s talk about how to reset, refocus, and reclaim your productivity.

Not everything in a laser workshop is just about the laser! In this episode, we talk about some of our favorite non-engraving tools that make life easier—like calipers for precision, button batteries (handle with care!), and Anthony’s Beam It Up Laser Tape. Plus, Alex shares why he highly recommends the Elegoo Resin Printer. Whether it’s measuring, marking, or improving workflow, these tools are game changers for any laser engraver.