Cut It Yourself in DTLA.

Looking for hands-on access to a professional laser cutter? We offer affordable, hourly DIY laser cutting rentals for students, artists, and entrepreneurs. Unlock the potential of laser cutting without the burden of ownership.

Two students operating a laser cutter at American Laser Cutter DIY rental studio
Location1319 S. Los Angeles St, DTLA
Rental HoursMon-Fri, 11am–5pm
AccessBy Appointment Only

DIY Laser Access

Rent a Laser Cutter at American Laser Cutter

Whether you are prototyping a product, designing packaging, cutting signage, or just learning the ropes, our DIY rental option gives you the tools and support to cut with confidence.

It's great that schools like USC have their own laser labs, but students constantly come to us when machines are down or access is limited. With our DIY rental program, you don't have to wait until the last second. In fact, you could rent multiple machines at once and be done rapidly.

The Equipment

Machine Specs

Access the same professional hardware we use for client jobs.

  • Bed Size: Massive 48" x 60" cutting area.
  • Power: 100W and High-Power CO₂ Tubes.
  • Optics: Clean, high-precision lenses.
  • Compatibility: Works with LightBurn software.

Shop Benefits

No surprise restrictions or hidden fees.

  • No Maintenance: We keep machines calibrated and clean.
  • No Hidden Fees: Only pay for the time you use.
  • Materials: Bring your own or purchase from our stock.
  • Support: Friendly on-site staff for safety checks.

Rental Rates & Perks

Hourly Rates

$49.00 / hr

100 Watt Machines

$69.00 / hr

Machines > 100 Watts

Included Perks

  • No Hidden Fees: No setup or machine fees.
  • Optional Materials: Buy sheets on-site if needed.
  • Air Assist: Included with rental.

Discounts & Classes

  • Student Discount: 10% off with valid .edu email.
  • On-Site Training: "Intro to LightBurn" class available in-studio at $120/hr. Remote 1-on-1 sessions available at learnlightburn.com ($99/hr).

Materials Allowed

Approved Materials

Safe to cut on our rental machines.

  • Cast or Extruded Acrylic (paper masked preferred)
  • Baltic Birch / Plywood (up to 1/4")
  • Hardwoods — walnut, cherry, maple (up to 1/4")
  • Cardboard / Chipboard / Cardstock
  • Paper / Mylar
  • Natural Leather (up to 1/8")
  • Laser-safe Rubber (up to 1/8")
  • EVA Foam / Craft Foam (up to 1")
  • Cork (up to 1/4")

Prohibited Materials

Strictly forbidden due to safety risks.

  • PVC / Vinyl — releases toxic chlorine gas
  • Polycarbonate (Lexan) — burns, toxic fumes
  • ABS Plastic — toxic fumes
  • MDF — toxic glue binder fumes
  • Delrin / Acetal — toxic fumes
  • Linoleum — toxic fumes
  • Fiberglass — toxic fumes
  • Carbon Fiber — toxic fumes
  • Polystyrene / Styrofoam — melts, fire risk
  • HDPE / Polypropylene — melts, won't cut cleanly
  • Any Bare Metal — CO₂ laser cannot cut metal

Inventory

You are welcome to bring your own material (provided it is on the approved list). We also have optional materials available on-site for purchase.

If you are unsure whether your material is safe, please ask before booking. We can check it for you.

What Can You Make?

First time renting? Here’s what our members create most.

Home & Decor

Custom wall art, nameplates, address signs, decorative shelving brackets, picture frames, coasters, and personalized cutting boards.

Gifts & Keepsakes

Engraved jewelry boxes, custom pet tags, memorial plaques, wedding signs, baby name cutouts, photo frames, and ornaments.

Business & Brand

Product prototypes, packaging mockups, pop-up booth signage, display stands, custom tags, and branded merchandise.

Art & Craft

Layered acrylic art, laser-etched prints, stencils, paper filigree, earrings and jewelry components, cosplay armor and props.

Architecture & Design

Scale models, floor plan mockups, topographic maps, furniture templates, and presentation pieces for school and professional projects.

Not Sure? Ask Us.

Staff guidance is included with every rental session. Bring your idea — we’ll help you figure out the material, settings, and file setup.

What Customers Say

★★★★★

“I needed a few last-minute parts cut for my design project. Renting time at American Laser Cutter was easier and cheaper than anywhere else I’ve tried. Their staff was super helpful too.”

— Carlos M., USC Architecture Student

★★★★★

“Very solid place for laser cutting especially if you’re looking to do it on your own and just need to use the machine. Their laser cutters are really big too, probably the biggest one I’ve used.”

— DD

How to Book Time

Rental Policy

  • Students: 10% Discount with valid .edu email.
  • Payment: Pay hourly. No hidden setup fees.
  • Safety: Brief orientation required for all first-time users.

Contact Us to Schedule

Address:
1319 South Los Angeles St,
Los Angeles, CA 90015

1. Booking Info Needed

Please email us to reserve a machine:

  • Preferred Date/Time: (Mon-Fri, 11am–5pm)
  • Duration: How many hours you need.
  • Experience: Have you used LightBurn before?
  • Training: Do you need the in-studio "Intro to LightBurn" class? ($120/hr on-site, or $99/hr remote at learnlightburn.com)

2. File Preparation

Software Compatibility

Our machines run on LightBurn. We recommend you prep your files beforehand to maximize your cutting time.

File Formats

  • LightBurn (.lbrn): Best format.
  • AI / DXF / PDF: Vector files supported.
  • Images: JPEG/PNG supported for photo engraving only; vector is faster for cuts.

Safety Check

We do not allow metal, PVC, or any toxic plastics on our rental machines. If you are unsure about your material, please ask before booking.

Is Your Machine Down?

Can't cut if your laser isn't running. Our technicians do on-site repairs throughout LA — and remote video-call diagnostics nationwide.

On-Site Repair $275 first 2 hrs, then $99/hr
Remote Repair $120/hr via video call
Get Your Machine Fixed → Call 213-866-4738

Find Us in the Fashion District

1319 South Los Angeles St, Los Angeles, CA 90015