TechRadar Review: LaserPecker LX2's Swappable Heads Suit Small Businesses, Despite Beta Software
TechRadar's review says the LaserPecker LX2, a fully enclosed laser cutter and engraver with tool-free swappable heads, suits small businesses, but beta software and setup experimentation remain drawbacks.
The review was based on weeks of testing with the 40W diode and 2W infrared heads, connected directly to a MacBook Pro M1 Max. According to TechRadar, the LX2 is LaserPecker's first fully enclosed system of this type and its first aimed at home and small-business use rather than a workshop with dedicated ventilation and spare space. It offers a 500 by 305mm work area, a 12MP/6K positioning camera, USB and Wi-Fi connectivity, a fire extinguisher port, a security key port, and a front-panel opening that allows front loading. A top lid lifts over for watching cuts and engravings.
The machine can swap between 20W, 40W and 60W diode modules and a 2W 1064nm infrared module without tools, TechRadar reported. That modularity lets it cover a wider range of materials and objects than a fixed single-laser engraver. In the test, the 40W head cut through 20mm basswood with a clean cut, and the review described engraving and cutting speeds as fast. TechRadar also said the 2W infrared head allows work on metals and plastics, while the diode heads cover materials such as wood and acrylic.
LaserPecker sells the LX2 direct from the manufacturer in the United States and the United Kingdom. At the time of review, TechRadar reported prices starting at $1,599, down from $1,999, or £1,349, down from £1,799, for the 20W standard bundle. The 40W standard bundle was $1,799 or £1,849. The review tested the 40W diode and 2W IR heads; the machine supports a 60W option.
TechRadar described the LX2 as well built and relatively heavy at 22.5kg for the main unit, with dimensions of 779.5 by 609.2 by 281.15mm. It said a standard, properly braced project desk is sufficient to hold it. The review noted that the USB-C end of the connection cable goes into the LX2 while the USB-A end goes into the computer, so a Mac requires an adapter. Inside, the 500 by 305mm work area has markings on the base for camera alignment during calibration and cutting. The Air Assist is external and connects through its own cable rather than being integrated into the module, and TechRadar found the connector delicate; a second cable was needed after the original broke.
The review listed several shortcomings. LaserPecker supplies only four base slats as standard, which TechRadar said is not enough and will leave users constantly repositioning them unless they buy at least four more. No honeycomb grid is included, which the review called an increasingly common omission. The software, LaserPecker Design Space, is still in beta and is required for LX2 support, because the full release does not yet support the machine; LightBurn is also supported. TechRadar said users need some experimentation with settings, and that the Air Assist and data lines are not integrated into the module.
Despite those issues, TechRadar's verdict was that the LX2 is an impressive fully enclosed machine with a generous work area, modular heads and plenty of accessories, and that it is a great machine for any small business. The review's listed pros included its size and specifications for small businesses, fast engraving and cutting speeds, tool-free laser module swapping and a large, fully enclosed workspace. Its cons included the need to experiment with settings, only four base slats supplied, and the Air Assist and data lines not being integrated into the module.