Medina, MN – Rockler Woodworking and Hardware has introduced the Full Spectrum H-Series CO2 Laser Engraver/Cutter, making it the first national retailer to offer a pro-quality laser priced for the consumer market.

"This laser allows woodworkers and other makers to take customization and creativity to new levels in their projects," said Steve Krohmer, Rockler's vice president of merchandising and proprietary. "Whether it's engraving a business logo on a turned pen, a couple's names on a special bottle of wine or a detailed graphic on an award plaque, this laser lets you add incredibly sharp details to all kinds of materials — all with the ease of clicking 'Print' on your computer."

The benchtop machine features a 40-watt CO2 laser that can cut 1/4-inch thick acrylic and wood and engrave plastic, anodized aluminum, glass, marble, granite and other stones with digital precision. It also can mark an image onto leather.

"It's great for making signs or adding stylized monograms to tool and knife handles," Krohmer said. "It also can engrave a photo image onto a surface or cut out precise parts for puzzles, models and intarsia. The possibilities are endless."

Designed and assembled in the United States, the Full Spectrum Laser Engraver/Cutter is compatible with Windows-based computers and, from the user's standpoint, functions much like a regular printer. It connects to the computer via Ethernet or USB cable, and it also has a slot for a MicroSD card for easy loading and storage of designs up to 32GB.

Files can be sent from any program that prints — CorelDraw, AutoCAD, Solidworks, Adobe Illustrator, PDF readers and even Microsoft Word — by selecting the laser as the output device. Software included with the purchase of the machine translates the output file and allows the user to fine-tune laser intensity and other settings. The software also can be used to create basic designs for simple projects.

With a compact footprint of 311⁄2 by 20 inches and 81⁄4 inches high, the Full Spectrum laser offers a true 20-by-12-inch cutting area that's large enough for most projects. But it also features a patent pending focusing mechanism and removable bottom that allows users to work on material too big to fit inside the machine.

Rockler is packaging the machine with everything users need to get started: a water pump for cooling the laser tube, an air compressor to clear smoke from the lens during cutting and an exhaust fan that allows easy venting to the outdoors.

The Full Spectrum H-Series CO2 Laser Engraver/Cutter package (55598) is priced at $3,849.99 and can be purchased at Rockler.com or Rockler Woodworking and Hardware stores nationwide, as well as through the Rockler catalog. For store locations or a free catalog, visit www.rockler.com or call 1-877-ROCKLER.