I’ve always had a thing for making stuff. Whether it’s woodworking, model building, custom signage, or even the occasional leather keychain, there’s just something deeply satisfying about creating something from scratch. I’ve dabbled in 3D printing, CNC carving, vinyl cutting—you name it. But the one tool that always felt just out of reach for me was a laser engraver.
That is, until I discovered Creality Falcon.
I first heard about the Falcon series from a friend who makes custom tumblers and signs on Etsy. She raved about how it changed her workflow—faster turnaround, cleaner finishes, and way less trial-and-error. Naturally, I was skeptical. Most laser engravers I’d looked at were either overly complex, insanely expensive, or required a small engineering degree just to get started.
But after a deep dive into CrealityFalcon.com, I realized this wasn’t just another “tech toy.” This was a legit, user-friendly, affordable laser engraver built by the same team that shook up the 3D printing world—Creality.
I ended up picking up the Falcon2 22W Laser Engraver, and I can confidently say this: it has completely transformed the way I work. From gifts and home décor to small business projects and full-blown prototypes, this machine delivers in every way.
Let me walk you through exactly why I’m so impressed—and why I think Creality Falcon might just be the best thing to happen to desktop laser engraving in years.
First Impressions: Well-Packed, Well-Made, and Surprisingly Easy to Assemble
The Falcon2 arrived in a neat, foam-padded box. Right off the bat, I noticed how organized everything was. Each part was labeled, nothing rattling around, and the instructions were clear—even for someone like me who sometimes skips the manual.
Assembly took under 30 minutes. No crazy calibration steps, no endless YouTube rabbit holes required. Just bolt it together, connect the wires, and you’re pretty much ready to go.
What stood out immediately was the build quality. The frame is all-metal, solid, and doesn’t feel like it’s going to wiggle apart mid-project. The laser module itself is heavy-duty, with built-in protection features and a clean, modular design. It feels pro-grade without being over-engineered.
Power + Precision = Pure Creative Freedom
The Falcon2 22W version that I bought sits in a sweet spot. It’s not a wimpy diode laser that can barely scratch wood—it’s got enough juice to cut through 15mm basswood in a single pass. Yes, really.
But what surprised me even more was the level of precision. I was able to etch intricate patterns on aluminum business cards, engrave leather wallets with crisp lettering, and even tackle photo-engraving on slate coasters—and the detail was insane.
The laser spot is super fine, and with adjustable speed and power settings, you get incredible control over the result. Whether you’re doing a deep-cut logo or a light burn for shading, the Falcon2 handles it all smoothly.
Safety Features That Actually Make Sense
Let’s be honest: lasers are cool, but also kind of terrifying if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Creality clearly thought this through. The Falcon2 comes with smart safety features that don’t get in your way but definitely give you peace of mind:
- Flame Detection & Alarm: If a flare-up happens, the machine shuts down.
- Gyroscope Sensor: It can detect if the unit has been moved or tilted—super handy if you’re working in a shared space.
- Laser Shielding: The built-in safety cover around the laser lens blocks out harmful rays, so you’re not staring into a death beam every time you peek in.
And if you want to go a step further, they offer enclosures and air assist systems that make the whole setup cleaner and even safer.
Software: Compatible with Everything That Matters
I’ve used a few different laser engraving tools in the past, and software compatibility is always a sticking point. Some are locked into proprietary systems. Others only work on Windows (I’m a Mac guy). But with Falcon, you’re good.
It works seamlessly with:
- LightBurn (my personal favorite)
- LaserGRBL
- SVG, PNG, JPG, BMP files—you name it
Whether I’m pulling vector files from Illustrator or downloading designs from Etsy, the Falcon just eats them up and delivers consistent, clean results.
Bonus: the real-time preview mode in LightBurn paired with the Falcon2’s precise laser movement means you can visualize your layout perfectly before you burn.
The Air Assist Makes a Huge Difference
I didn’t add the air assist module right away, but after seeing a few burns with and without it, I made the upgrade. Game changer.
If you’ve never used one, air assist basically blows a fine stream of air at the laser point, keeping smoke away and giving you cleaner edges and less scorching—especially when cutting thicker wood or acrylic.
The Falcon2 was already great, but adding this system made my cuts smoother, faster, and more professional-looking.
What I’ve Made So Far (And What’s Next)
Since getting the Falcon, my workshop has basically become a laser lab. Here are a few of the things I’ve completed:
- Custom wood coasters with logos for a local brewery
- Leather name tags for wedding favors
- Engraved tumblers (stainless steel with anodized coating = perfect canvas)
- Slate signs for my backyard
- Acrylic LED nightlights with cartoon characters for my niece and nephew
- Prototypes for a client’s board game tokens
Every single one of these projects turned out sharp, durable, and frankly better than I expected for a machine that cost half of what similar engravers go for.
Next on my list? I’m diving into metal engraving using laser marking spray and also experimenting with jewelry design on anodized aluminum and polished stones. The possibilities feel kind of endless.
Support & Community: Surprisingly Solid
I’ve been burned (pun intended) by tech products with zero after-sale support. Not the case here.
Creality’s site has detailed guides, downloadable manuals, firmware updates, and tutorials. Their YouTube channel is surprisingly robust too, with real humans walking through projects and problem-solving.
Plus, there’s a growing community of Falcon users—Facebook groups, Discord servers, and Reddit threads where people share their settings, designs, and tips. I’ve already picked up several engraving tricks from other makers around the world.
Price vs. Value: This Is Where Falcon Really Wins
Let’s get to the dollars and sense.
Most diode lasers with this level of power and quality will set you back $1,000–$2,000 easily. The Falcon2 22W? Closer to $900, and often less during sales on CrealityFalcon.com. Their 12W version is even more affordable and still plenty powerful for most DIY projects.
You’re getting:
- High wattage
- Pro-level detail
- Safety features
- Software flexibility
- Excellent build
- Ongoing support
In short, you’re getting a professional machine at a hobbyist price point.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy a Creality Falcon Laser Engraver?
If you’re just getting into laser engraving, Creality Falcon is the perfect place to start. It’s powerful enough to grow with you, but intuitive enough to learn on. If you’re already experienced and looking for a serious upgrade—or a second machine that won’t eat up your whole budget—this should be at the top of your list.
What makes it stand out isn’t just the specs (though those are impressive). It’s the way Creality managed to pack pro-level performance, thoughtful design, and actual ease-of-use into a sleek, affordable unit.
Bottom line? The Falcon didn’t just improve my projects. It improved my workflow, confidence, and creativity. I’m no longer guessing. I’m producing. And honestly, it’s fun as hell.
So if you’re ready to take your maker game to the next level—stop scrolling and start engraving. Head to CrealityFalcon.com and check out the Falcon series.