Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
*** Use code A215 for 15% off: algolaser.com/products/algolaser-alpha-mk2-40w-diode-laser-cutter-and-engraver?ref=HOFFMAN ***
The AlgoLaser Alpha MK2 40W packs serious cutting power into an approachable open-frame diode laser, with fast one-pass cutting, automatic air assist, a built-in touchscreen, and an excellent material library for beginners. After putting it through 50 jobs across six different materials, I test everything from plywood and acrylic to leather, slate, coated aluminum, and stainless steel, including some surprisingly colorful results on steel. But 40 watts comes with tradeoffs. The larger laser spot sacrifices some fine engraving detail, and I also ran into a frustrating GRBL soft-limit issue that required my own workaround. In this review, I’ll show you what the Alpha MK2 does well, where it falls short, and whether the 40W version is really worth buying over the cheaper 20W model.
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🆕 Find more information about the AlgoLaser DIT Kit Mk2 below (Affiliate Links):
Use code A215 for 15% at checkout
Alpha MK2 40W: algolaser.com/products/algolaser-alpha-mk2-40w-diode-laser-cutter-and-engraver?ref=HOFFMAN
Or purchase through Amazon, 15% off code: 5BBHLM2R
Alpha MK2 40W: amzn.to/4xB9bdz
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Materials I use in my Laser Cutter Reviews (Affiliate Links):
Multicolor Anodized Aluminum Business Card Blanks: amzn.to/3yqYcbh
Stainless Steel Jewelry Blanks: amzn.to/3xQeNEo
Slate Coasters: amzn.to/3fo2Nnf
Stainless Steel Business Card Blanks: amzn.to/3BKDraC
Veg Tan Leather Bracelets: amzn.to/3rdNmjO
Basswood Plywood Sheets: amzn.to/3M7jEpy
LED Acrylic Lamp Base: amzn.to/3M7jFK8
Black Acrylic Sheets: amzn.to/3vZNV4c
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👀 See my recommended printers, filament, and accessories on my Amazon Idea Lists!
🆕 3D Printing Equipment for Beginners: amzn.to/2PNblSL
⚡ 3D Printing Equipment for Intermediate Hobbyists: amzn.to/2OOuQOy
💯 3D Printing Equipment for Advanced Users - Liquid Resin SLA/DLP: amzn.to/2PpqWuK
🎁 See the TEVO Tornado on Amazon: amzn.to/2TnhQhn
🎥 Hoffman Engineering Youtube/Video Equipment - See on Amazon: amzn.to/2O9oP9I
🆕 Microphone - Sennheiser XSW-D Lavalier Set w/ ME-II - amzn.to/2F6ORYY
Thank you to all my Patreons for helping make these videos possible.
Special thanks to my tier 2 and above patrons:
* Aaref A.
* Gábor B.
Christopher Hoffman
Hoffman Engineering
https://www.hoffman.engineering
#algolaser #diodelaser #lasercutting #AlgoOS
*** Use code A215 for 15% off: algolaser.com/products/algolaser-alpha-mk2-40w-diode-laser-cutter-and-engraver?ref=HOFFMAN ***
The AlgoLaser Alpha MK2 40W packs serious cutting power into an approachable open-frame diode laser, with fast one-pass cutting, automatic air assist, a built-in touchscreen, and an excellent material library for beginners. After putting it through 50 jobs across six different materials, I test everything from plywood and acrylic to leather, slate, coated aluminum, and stainless steel, including some surprisingly colorful results on steel. But 40 watts comes with tradeoffs. The larger laser spot sacrifices some fine engraving detail, and I also ran into a frustrating GRBL soft-limit issue that required my own workaround. In this review, I’ll show you what the Alpha MK2 does well, where it falls short, and whether the 40W version is really worth buying over the cheaper 20W model.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
🆕 Find more information about the AlgoLaser DIT Kit Mk2 below (Affiliate Links):
Use code A215 for 15% at checkout
Alpha MK2 40W: algolaser.com/products/algolaser-alpha-mk2-40w-diode-laser-cutter-and-engraver?ref=HOFFMAN
Or purchase through Amazon, 15% off code: 5BBHLM2R
Alpha MK2 40W: amzn.to/4xB9bdz
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Materials I use in my Laser Cutter Reviews (Affiliate Links):
Multicolor Anodized Aluminum Business Card Blanks: amzn.to/3yqYcbh
Stainless Steel Jewelry Blanks: amzn.to/3xQeNEo
Slate Coasters: amzn.to/3fo2Nnf
Stainless Steel Business Card Blanks: amzn.to/3BKDraC
Veg Tan Leather Bracelets: amzn.to/3rdNmjO
Basswood Plywood Sheets: amzn.to/3M7jEpy
LED Acrylic Lamp Base: amzn.to/3M7jFK8
Black Acrylic Sheets: amzn.to/3vZNV4c
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
👀 See my recommended printers, filament, and accessories on my Amazon Idea Lists!
🆕 3D Printing Equipment for Beginners: amzn.to/2PNblSL
⚡ 3D Printing Equipment for Intermediate Hobbyists: amzn.to/2OOuQOy
💯 3D Printing Equipment for Advanced Users - Liquid Resin SLA/DLP: amzn.to/2PpqWuK
🎁 See the TEVO Tornado on Amazon: amzn.to/2TnhQhn
🎥 Hoffman Engineering Youtube/Video Equipment - See on Amazon: amzn.to/2O9oP9I
🆕 Microphone - Sennheiser XSW-D Lavalier Set w/ ME-II - amzn.to/2F6ORYY
Thank you to all my Patreons for helping make these videos possible.
Special thanks to my tier 2 and above patrons:
* Aaref A.
* Gábor B.
Christopher Hoffman
Hoffman Engineering
https://www.hoffman.engineering
#algolaser #diodelaser #lasercutting #AlgoOS
