I Built a Laser Engraver Enclosure

🔧 Building My Custom Laser Engraver Enclosure (With Ventilation & Storage)

I’ve been wanting to build a proper enclosure for my laser engraver for a while now—and after months of planning, cutting, and sanding (and then more sanding), it finally happened. This project was a bit chaotic, not gonna lie, but I learned a lot and ended up with something I’m really proud of.

🛠 Why I Needed an Enclosure

I got a budget-friendly 20W laser engraver last winter, and while it’s a great tool for small projects, running it without proper ventilation quickly turned my basement into a smokehouse. I also couldn’t use it on materials like stamp rubber due to the toxic fumes. Add that to the fact that the beam was fully exposed—and I’ve got dogs who are way too curious—that's a big no.

So I knew I needed:

A safe, enclosed space
A venting system
Space for electronics and an air assist pump
Something that could fit through my doorways!

📐 Design Goals

Since I wanted to keep the unit in my office, I designed a modular cabinet that I could disassemble and move if needed. I even modeled the whole thing in 3D, including hinges and movable parts—something I’ve never done before. I also wanted it to look good: slanted top, windows, even fancy corners. Maybe I went a little overboard, but hey, that’s half the fun.

🪚 The Build Process

Let’s just say: it involved a lot of plywood. I used Baltic birch from Home Depot, cut everything with a handheld circular saw and improvised rail, and then used my CNC for the more precise parts—vents, windows, mounting holes. I experimented with new techniques, like cutting acrylic on the CNC (which worked first try, surprisingly), and printed parts on my 3D printer to finish off the setup.

There were mistakes. Some panels were off by an eighth of an inch. My paint job nearly drove me insane. But in the end, it came together.

🧪 Final Thoughts

This was my first big solo woodworking project, and while the video might feel a little chaotic (I was figuring things out as I went), the final build does exactly what I wanted: it’s modular, safe, and looks clean in my office.

Check out the full video here:
👉 Watch the Build on YouTube

And if you’ve ever built something similar—or have questions—drop a comment or shoot me a message. Always happy to chat shop.