User Story

Amanda’s journey into laser engraving began with researching budget-friendly machines, looking for a practical way to start creating. That search led her to the Longer B1 40W, which became the foundation for her hands-on projects. Through engraving cutting boards, ornaments, signs, and stainless steel items, Amanda has built a creative routine centered on making personalized, everyday objects.

Starting with Research

Amanda’s entry into laser engraving was driven by careful research. She focused on finding a machine that was both affordable and capable, allowing her to begin creating without a large initial investment.

This process led her to the Longer B1 40W, which provided the balance she was looking for—a practical starting point for exploring engraving across different materials.

Creating Everyday Items with a Personal Touch

With her machine, Amanda began working on a range of projects that combine function and creativity. She enjoys engraving homemade cutting boards, ornaments, signs, and stainless steel items, turning everyday objects into personalized pieces.

These projects reflect a hands-on approach to making, focusing on items that are both useful and visually customized.

Continuing with the Longer B1 40W

Amanda continues to explore laser engraving through projects that fit naturally into daily life. Each new piece builds on her experience, helping her refine both technique and creative direction.

With the Longer B1 40W, she maintains a steady approach to creating, focusing on practical items that carry a personal touch.

Tõnu’s journey into laser engraving began with a strong interest in compact galvo systems, which led him to support the Longer Nano Duo early on. Eager to start creating, he purchased the Longer Nano Pro (12W) as his first laser before the Duo arrived. What followed was a hands-on introduction to laser work, from setting up a small shop to producing customized keyrings, eventually evolving into a setup built around both machines.

Starting Before the First Machine Arrived

Tõnu was particularly drawn to the Longer Nano Duo because of its compact design and galvo system. Wanting to get started right away, he decided not to wait and purchased the Nano Pro as his first laser engraver.

This marked his very first experience with laser engraving. With the Nano Pro, he began learning the basics and exploring what could be created with the technology, laying the groundwork for future projects.

From First Projects to a Personal Shop

As he gained experience, Tõnu started applying his skills in a more practical way. He created a small shop focused on gadgets and began producing customized keyrings as part of his offerings.

While the Nano Pro allowed him to get started, he continued to look forward to the arrival of the Nano Duo, especially for its different system capabilities and expected performance.

A Preferred Setup with the Nano Duo

After receiving the Longer Nano Duo, Tõnu found it to be highly enjoyable to use. He appreciates both its performance and the way its software and hardware work smoothly together.

He also finds the system easy to use without needing additional tools, which makes the overall workflow more straightforward. For Tõnu, the Longer Nano Duo, together with his earlier experience on the Nano Pro, represents a setup that supports both learning and continued creative exploration.

Vann’s creative work began with making drinking mugs, but laser engraving quickly expanded what those products could become. With a range of machines — including the Longer Nano Pro 12W, Ray5 5W, Ray5 10W, Ray5 20W, and B1 40W — he has been able to refine his process and introduce new techniques. From engraving to cutting through materials and filling designs with resin, his mugs have evolved into increasingly detailed and varied creations, turning a simple product into a growing creative business.

Starting with a Simple Product

Vann’s work began with a clear focus: making drinking mugs. At first, the process was straightforward, centered on creating functional items.

As he continued working, laser engraving allowed him to add more detail and personalization. With access to multiple Longer machines, he was able to expand his techniques and explore new ways to enhance his products.

Expanding Techniques and Designs

With more experience, Vann began pushing his work further. He moved beyond surface engraving to cutting all the way through materials, then filling designs with resin to create more depth and contrast.

He also experimented with metal inlays, adding another layer of complexity and craftsmanship to his mugs. As a result, the number of variations grew rapidly — from resin-filled designs to more intricate combinations — making it difficult to keep up with the range of ideas.

Each new version reflects an ongoing process of experimentation and improvement.

Growing Through Creativity

Today, Vann’s laser work generates approximately $10,000 in annual revenue, supported by a wide variety of mug designs and techniques. His advice to newcomers reflects his enthusiasm for the craft:

• “It’s such a fun hobby — you can make and sell so many things.”

Working with machines like the Longer Nano Pro 12W, Ray5 series, and B1 40W, Vann continues to expand what he can create, turning a simple idea into an evolving collection of detailed, handcrafted mugs.

Chad’s journey in laser engraving has been driven by a desire to expand what his tools can achieve. As his experience grew, he began looking for a solution capable of deeper engraving while maintaining precision. The Longer Nano Duo, which he will soon be adding to his setup, represents that next step—combining depth capability with consistent cutting through its moving bed design. Through his business, So Stinkin’ Cute Creations, Chad continues to refine his work with a focus on both performance and enjoyment.

Looking for More Capability

As Chad gained more experience in laser engraving, his expectations for performance continued to grow. He wanted a machine that could handle deeper engraving while still delivering clean, straight cuts.

This led him to explore new solutions that could better support the type of work he envisioned, especially for projects requiring both depth and precision.

Preparing for the Next Step

The decision to bring in the Longer Nano Duo reflects Chad’s focus on improving both precision and capability. With its design allowing for deeper work while keeping cuts straight through a moving bed system, it aligns with the direction he wants to take his projects.

For Chad, this isn’t just about adding another machine—it’s about expanding what he can create and how efficiently he can do it within his workflow.

A Practical Approach to Growth

With an approximate annual revenue of $10,000, Chad continues to grow his business, So Stinkin’ Cute Creations, through steady improvement and hands-on experience. His advice to newcomers reflects a grounded and practical mindset:

“Be patient, keep your laser clean, and have fun.”

As he prepares to integrate the Longer Nano Duo into his setup, Chad is focused on continuing to build his skills while exploring new creative possibilities.

Julius’s path into laser engraving grew from a combination of technical experience and creative interest. Working with CNC machines in his full-time job, he was already familiar with precision tools and fabrication. Looking for a new hobby, he began researching laser engravers and eventually chose the Ray5 20W after discovering it through a YouTube ad. What followed was a creative outlet where his skills and curiosity came together, starting with a first project that immediately received positive feedback.

From Technical Work to a Creative Hobby

With a background in CNC machining, Julius had long been connected to tools that shape and create. Alongside that, he had always considered himself a creative person and wanted to explore something new outside of work.

That interest led him to laser engraving. After researching different machines and options, he came across Longer through a YouTube ad and decided to move forward with the Ray5 20W, marking the beginning of his hands-on experience in this new field.

The Impact of a First Creation

One of the most memorable moments in Julius’s journey came with his very first completed piece. It represented not just a finished product, but the result of learning, experimenting, and applying his existing skills in a new way.

The reaction from others made the experience even more meaningful. People appreciated the work and were excited to see what he would create next. That encouragement gave Julius confidence and motivation to continue developing his craft.

Continuing the Creative Path

Today, Julius continues to explore laser engraving as a creative extension of his technical background. Each new project builds on his experience, helping him refine both his skills and creative direction.

With the Ray5 20W, Julius is steadily developing his work, combining precision and creativity as he continues to create pieces that resonate with others.

Sébastien’s creative journey with laser engraving began with a series of exciting personal projects. Using the Nano Pro, he experimented with engraving on ceramic tiles, slate, and aluminum cards, creating unique pieces for himself and for friends. Over time, the portability of the Nano Pro allowed him to take the machine along with him and customize objects in different places, turning the process into a fun and flexible creative activity.

Exploring Creative Ideas

For Sébastien, laser engraving started with curiosity and a desire to experiment with different materials. With the Nano Pro, he began working on a variety of small creative projects.

Ceramic tiles, slate pieces, and aluminum cards became some of his favorite materials to engrave. Many of these items were created for personal use or as gifts for friends, making each project both practical and meaningful.

These early experiments helped him explore the possibilities of laser engraving while enjoying the process of turning simple materials into personalized objects.

Taking Creativity Everywhere

One of Sébastien’s most enjoyable experiences came when he began bringing his Nano Pro with him to different places. Because the machine was easy to transport, he could customize objects wherever he went.

Engraving items on the spot turned the process into something interactive and fun. Whether working on personal items or customizing pieces for people around him, the experience made laser engraving feel less like a workshop activity and more like a creative adventure.

Creativity Made Flexible

For Sébastien, the joy of laser engraving lies in its flexibility—the ability to experiment, personalize objects, and share creative moments with others.

With the Nano Pro, he continues exploring new ideas and materials, enjoying the freedom to take his creativity anywhere and turn everyday objects into something unique.

For Patrick, laser engraving began with his very first laser—the Longer Nano Pro 12W. What started as an alternative to 3D printing quickly became a more exciting and accessible creative path. Supported by Longer’s customer service, Patrick grew from making disc golf trophies to producing commissioned work and collaborating with retail stores, turning creativity into a thriving business.

Choosing Laser Over 3D Printing

Patrick originally planned to pursue 3D printing but found laser engraving to be more engaging and easier to get into. His first Longer machine quickly became both his favorite tool and the foundation of his creative workflow.

Exceptional customer service from Longer gave him confidence during his early learning phase, helping him stay focused on building skills and exploring new project ideas.

From Disc Golf Trophies to Retail Work

Patrick’s creative journey began with disc golf trophies, allowing him to experiment and refine his engraving process. Over time, his work expanded into commissioned items and partnerships with stores, marking a transition from hobby projects to professional production.

Through his business Never Ending Layers, Patrick continues to balance experimentation with enjoyment, keeping creativity both productive and fun.

Expanding with New Machines

Today, Patrick’s business generates an approximate annual revenue of $75,000, reflecting steady growth through creative work and experimentation. His advice to newcomers captures his hands-on mindset:

“Just go for it! Experiment, but make it fun! Everyone started somewhere!”

With the Longer Nano Pro 12W as his primary machine—and two Duo units soon joining his setup—Patrick continues to expand both his creative capacity and his business reach.

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.