Hands-On with the Ortur R2 Laser: A Compact, Dual-Compatible Laser for Wood and Metal
In today’s post, I’m sharing my first impressions of the Ortur R2 Laser Engraver—a sleek, fully enclosed desktop unit that’s loaded with smart features and, best of all, compatible with two different laser modules.
Full transparency: Ortur provided this unit to me for free for review purposes.
They’ve also given me a special rebate for anyone who uses my referral link.
👉 Use code: DustyWorkbench (capital D, capital W) with this link for $150 off during June, or $50 off starting in July.
Let’s get into the details.
A Closer Look at the R2
Right out of the box, the Ortur R2 stands out with a solid steel frame, sleek design, and a thoughtful set of features designed to make the laser engraving process cleaner, safer, and more accessible.
Here are some key features that stood out:
- Tilting touchscreen panel for easy access and operation
- See-through, tinted lid that protects your eyes while viewing your project
- Built-in camera (still testing that feature—more on it in future videos)
- Five flame sensors for added safety (one in each corner + near the laser head)
- Detachable base plate—great for cleaning, maintenance, or using accessories like a rotary or tumbler turner
- Triangle support rods instead of a honeycomb—easier to move around and great for airflow
Dual Compatibility: Two Modules, One Unit
One of the standout features is the R2’s dual-module compatibility. The base unit comes equipped with a 10W or 20W diode laser module, ideal for engraving and cutting materials like wood, acrylic, and leather.
However, it also supports an optional 1.3W infrared laser module, designed specifically for engraving metals such as stainless steel or anodized aluminum. That second module is not included by default, but the machine is fully ready for it if you choose to upgrade later on.
Swapping modules was a smooth process—just a matter of unplugging a few connections, detaching the air assist, and sliding the new module in place. Once you've done it once, it's easy enough to repeat.
Performance Testing
Here’s a quick summary of what I tried so far:
Wood Engraving:
- Birch plywood engraving of a bowl pattern came out beautifully—clean, detailed, and even textured.
- Fox design engraving was a touch darker than intended, but that’s down to settings—not the laser itself.
- Cutting test on 1/8" plywood was a breeze. Clean, precise cuts—even on detailed sections. And thanks to the air assist, there was barely any charring.
Metal Engraving (with the optional infrared module):
- Tested on a recycled cookie sheet (hey, it works!). Results were crisp and surprisingly detailed, especially around small fonts and outlines.
- Engraved my logo in a few sizes—super sharp definition on the smaller text.
- I’ll be testing more metals soon: stainless steel, aluminum, and possibly even coated cards or copper sheets.
Design Software & App
The R2 comes with its own AI-powered app, but I didn’t get a chance to fully explore it for this review. Same goes for the camera-assisted alignment. Those features will be the focus of future content, where I’ll break down real-world usability.
So far, everything has been operated through Lightburn, and I’ve had zero issues controlling or designing with this setup.
Final Thoughts: Who Is This Laser For?
Here’s my honest take:
✅ Perfect for hobbyists, home creators, or small business owners making items like earrings, coasters, plaques, and business card engravings.
✅ Great for apartment or studio setups thanks to its compact size and enclosed design.
✅ Strong potential for product personalization—especially if you pick up the optional metal module.
And noise-wise? It hovered around 71–75 dB with the fan and air pump running—comparable to a regular household fan. Tuck the air pump into a cabinet or drawer, and it's even quieter.
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning. I’ve got a long list of ideas to try with this machine—especially with the metal module. Upcoming videos will cover:
- Full app review
- Camera alignment walkthrough
- Additional metal tests
- Project ideas using both laser heads
If there's something you want to see tested or a material you’re curious about, let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear your ideas.
And again, if this laser looks like something that fits your workflow, be sure to use the code: DustyWorkbench with this link for your rebate.
Thanks for reading,
Paul
Dusty Workbench