Written by Trevor
This Kortek laser is my 5th laser engraver. I’ve had lasers from several different brands and in several different shapes, sizes, and powers. I primarily use them for cutting and personalizing wood projects. This is my detailed review of the Genmitsu Kortek 5W laser and my opinion on its best use cases.
🚀 Unboxing and Setup: From Box to Engraving in 15 Minutes
If you’ve never used a laser engraver before, setting one up can seem intimidating. My first laser came disassembled, and it took hours to build and configure. The computer setup was clunky, slow, and frustrating.
In contrast, the Kortek laser comes 95% assembled. All you have to do is take it out of the box and attach the laser module to the gantry. I had this machine running and starting its first engraving in less than 15 minutes. Since I already had LightBurn installed, no driver downloads were needed. A complete beginner might take around 30 minutes, which is still a massive improvement over the hours my first machine took. That ease of use is a huge value!
✨ Design and Build Quality
The laser is exceptionally well-packaged (SainSmart packaging is practically an art form) and features a simple, clean design. The wires are well-managed, and you'll immediately notice its tiny footprint. It’s super lightweight but doesn’t feel loose or cheap. All parts slide smoothly and fit together perfectly. Once running, it moved quietly and precisely to create the engraving.
✅ Pros vs. ❌ Cons of the Kortek 5W
What I Liked (Pros)
- Extremely Compact: This laser takes up virtually no space. It can be easily tucked away in a drawer or closet, making it perfect for small workshops or taking to craft fairs for on-the-spot personalization.
- Fine Laser Spot: The laser spot size is very fine, producing incredibly sharp and precise images. It was noticeably sharper than my more powerful 40W laser.
- Affordable Price Point: Currently under $200, this machine offers awesome value. It could pay for itself after personalizing just 20 items for a small business.
- Built-in Safety Shield: The orange shield gets very close to the workpiece, minimizing exposed laser beams. While safety goggles are always recommended, this adds a layer of protection.
What Could Be Improved (Cons)
- Limited Work Area: The small size is also a con. The working area is just under 8” x 6”, which could be limiting for larger projects.
- Low Power for Cutting: At 5W, it's not ideal for cutting wood. It can do it, but the process would be very slow. It excels at engraving.
- No Riser Feet: The fixed height limits the size of the object you can engrave on. However, this can be solved with a simple DIY jig.
- No Enclosure or Fume Control: This is common for open-frame engravers, but be prepared for smells if you don't have good ventilation.
- No Limit Switches: The machine can make a grinding sound if it runs into its own frame. Homing the machine in your software helps prevent this.
🤔 Who is the Genmitsu Kortek 5W Laser Ideal For?
This laser is perfect for several groups:
- Crafters & Small Business Owners: Excellent for taking to pop-ups or craft fairs for live personalization.
- Beginners & Hobbyists: A low-cost, low-risk entry into the world of laser engraving with a ton of functionality. Its small size makes it easy to set up anywhere.
- Educators and Schools: A great tool to teach students about gantry machines, CNC programming, and different materials. I plan on donating this review unit to a local high school for this exact purpose.
⭐ Final Verdict: A Powerful Tool in a Small Package
In summary, if your primary goal is engraving small to medium-sized projects and you don't need to do much cutting, the Kortek 5W laser from SainSmart is a fantastic choice. While more expensive options exist, this simple machine produces excellent, professional-looking results without complication.
It works perfectly with LightBurn and also has its own app. I initially thought its size and price might make it a toy, but it's very much a real tool capable of professional results. Highly recommended for its value and performance.
