Laser Cutting & Etching

Glowing laser with purple light.
Ace’s has a 100 watt infra-red CO2 laser with a 3’X4′ bed. Great for wood, acrylic, and textiles projects.
Two people in blue masks giving thumbs up in front of "Laser Basics" power point.
It all starts with Laser Basics and Certification, our beginner friendly introductory course.
Blue laser-cut acrylic "MAKER" pendent.
MakeXpression, a collection of wearable laser-cut art created by local artist, Miriam Levenson, showcases beginner accessible materials and techniques.
4 People holding laser-etched pumpkins.
Boo-tiful pumpkin etching experiments from an extra special halloween themed Laser Open Lab.
Laser cut sign with LEDs.
Try laser-cutting custom signage.

Ace Makerspace’s beginner-accessible Laser Program features one of the best Laser Cutters in the Bay Area. Our 100 watt infra-red CO2 laser with a 3′ by 4′ (1300x900mm) bed is perfect for acrylic, wood, leather, fabrics, and all sorts of specialty projects.

Most of our laser classes are beginner-friendly, open to the public, and don’t require certification to participate. All laser users who wish to use this tool independently must  complete both our in-house certification workshop, Laser Basics, and pass our online Knowledge Check. See the Ace Calendar for upcoming opportunities to get started. 

In addition to regular certification classes we also offer: 

  • Monthly Laser Labs designed to help users deepen their laser skills, delve into specialty fabrication techniques, and get expert advice on their projects 
  • Self guided practice project kits available for purchase in Laser Suite #213 
  • Guided project-based workshops that go through the entire process of cutting a full project

Book a Tour

Getting Started with Lasers

Using Ace’s Laser Cutter

Certification on this tool is required.

Everyone, included experienced laser users, goes through the Laser Basics and Certification course in order to learn safe & effective use of the laser cutter and assorted components.

Is there a fee? 

Yes, based on usage: 50¢ per minute of laser firing time, as of 1/1/2024. Firing time is a small portion of the time spent working in the laser facility. Generally a 2-hour session could cost less than $5.

How to contact us and learn more:

Team Laser
The laser program is run by a small team. Learn more about the current team laser and the team charter here.

Upcoming Events