If you've ever looked at your crowded workshop and thought, "There's no way I can fit another tool in here" — meet the AlgoLaser Pixi 10W, the tiny laser engraver that might just change your mind. I recently watched Gergo and his nephew Levi from gerGO PRINT 3D test this pint-sized powerhouse, and let me tell you, it's a perfect mix of family fun, serious capability, and compact design.

We'll dive into the story behind this mini laser engraver, unpack its features, test its limits, and see if it truly earns a spot on Levi's shelf — or if it's too good to let go.

Gergo's workshop is already packed with gadgets — 3D printers, scanners, and tools galore. So when AlgoLaser reached out asking if he wanted to review their DIY KIT MK2, he hesitated. After all, open-frame lasers can be tricky in a family environment.

Safety was a concern. So instead, AlgoLaser sent something smaller, safer, and smarter — the Pixi, a fully enclosed desktop laser engraver with built-in ventilation and multiple protection systems.

At first glance, it looked like a toy. But as the video shows, this 10W diode laser has real muscle under the hood.

"This is the Pixi! And this is the box!"

Levi's excitement during unboxing is infectious. The footprint of the Pixi matches that of his mini 3D printer — the Geeetech M1 — with an engraving area of 100x100mm and an adjustable gantry height of another 100mm.

Inside the box, they found:

· The Pixi laser engraver (10W version)

· A focus measuring tool (aka "the little hammer," as Levi calls it)

· A power adapter (60W/24V external supply)

· A vent pipe

· A color touchscreen preloaded with AlgoOS

· A surprisingly premium user manual

It's compact, clean, and clearly designed with beginners and families in mind.

The AlgoLaser Pixi 10W might look small, but it's built like a pro machine. The metal enclosure, tinted viewing window, and internal lighting make it feel premium. The laser spot (0.08x0.12mm) is fine enough for detailed engraving on wood, leather, slate, and even coated metal.

Despite its size, it's not underpowered. The motion system runs up to 6000mm/min, and while precision drops above 3000mm/min, it's still plenty fast for engraving logos, photos, and craft projects.

And that enclosure? Not just for show. The Pixi is a Class 1 laser device, meaning it's safe to use around the family — with the lid closed, of course.

Here's a quick spec rundown for the geeks:

· Laser Power: 10W blue diode

· Work Area: 100x100mm

· Spot Size: 0.08x0.12mm

· Speed: Up to 6000mm/min

· Software: AlgoOS, AlgoLaser Mobile App, LightBurn

· Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB

· Safety: Door sensor, tilt sensor, shake detection, external PSU

· Ventilation: Built-in with extendable exhaust pipe

They even 3D-printed a vent reducer to connect the Pixi to a larger hose — because that's what makers do.

AlgoLaser took safety seriously here. The enclosed body protects your eyes, while the tinted lid filters out harmful laser light. The door sensor automatically pauses the job if opened, and the tilt and shake sensors cut power instantly if the machine moves.

Combine that with the child-lock system and low-voltage external power supply, and you've got one of the safest compact laser engravers on the market. Perfect for classrooms, workshops, or maker families.

Now here's where the Pixi surprised everyone — it works completely stand-alone. You don't need a computer to start engraving.

While at the family's lake house, Gergo and Levi used the Pixi to make a "video surveillance" sign after a recent break-in. They designed it on the built-in touchscreen, engraved it on a coated metal card, and hung it next to their 3D-printed fake camera.

No PC. No cables. Just plug in, select a design, and go.

The onboard AlgoOS system even handles firmware updates automatically. It's like a laser engraver that's ready for adventure — whether that's a camping trip, a fair, or a weekend maker session.

The AlgoLaser App connects to the Pixi via Wi-Fi. Pairing was painless — just link it to your phone's hotspot. Levi loved it at first; it's super visual, simple, and fast to use.

But it's not without quirks. There's no material library, no clear engraving/cutting controls, and the design options are limited.

Still, for quick projects, it's great. Levi even used ChatGPT to generate a dragon image, then used the app to make a laser-cut puzzle.

After several trials (and a few burnt attempts), they nailed the settings — 40–60% power, 4–6 cutting passes, and smaller puzzle pieces. The result? A success that proved the Pixi’s cutting power and family-fun potential.

Then came the big test — connecting the Pixi to LightBurn, the gold standard for laser engraving software.

LightBurn instantly recognized the Pixi on Gergo’s Windows PC. Within minutes, they were cutting wooden keychains and engraving dragons on slate coasters with precise alignment.

Best results?

· Plywood: 3500mm/min, 50% power

· Slate Coaster (45° crosshatch): 2500mm/min, 80% power

· Cork Coaster: 5000mm/min, 50% power

Even compared to his 55W CO₂ laser, the Pixi’s engraving detail was outstanding — just a bit slower.

With LightBurn’s framing tools and laser fire button (set to 3%), centering designs became a breeze. Levi’s dragon coaster looked sharp, clean, and professional.

Remember Levi's legendary laser-cut and 3D-printed pins? This was the perfect comeback.

Using the Pixi, Levi engraved and cut the wooden inserts, while his mini 3D printer produced the plastic frames. The precision fit was flawless.

For small makerspaces or parent-kid projects, this workflow is pure magic. It's creative, compact, and teaches both digital fabrication and design thinking.

The Pixi 10W laser engraver cut through 3mm plywood in just two passes at 350mm/min, proving it's more than a beginner's toy — it's a capable tool for serious craftwork.

So, will the Pixi live on Levi's shelf?

Reasons to say yes:

· Compact and safe — ideal for beginners or kids (with supervision)

· Fully enclosed Class 1 laser system

· Stand-alone and mobile operation

· Quiet and efficient smoke extraction

· Enough power for wood, leather, acrylic, and slate

· Perfect for small crafts, engraving gifts, and on-the-go projects

Reasons it stays in the workshop:

· Laser cutting still involves fumes and fire — not fully "kid-safe"

· Needs regular cleaning and ventilation

· LightBurn offers more control than the mobile app

· And… Gergo isn't ready to give it up!

For now, Levi can borrow it anytime he wants — and that seems like the perfect balance.

If you're thinking about starting your own journey into laser engraving and cutting, the AlgoLaser Pixi 10W is one of the best entry-level laser engravers out there.

It's compact, safe, quiet, and surprisingly powerful. Whether you're making custom coasters, keychains, signs, or puzzles, this little machine has your back.

And if you ever grow beyond its limits? The Pixi connects seamlessly to LightBurn, giving you a gateway to professional engraving workflows.

For a young maker like Levi — or a grown-up maker like Gergo — the Pixi bridges that gap between play and precision. It proves that small doesn't mean weak, and that creativity can come in a box no bigger than a lunch tray.

Every 3D printing workshop needs a laser engraver — even a small one. The AlgoLaser Pixi 10W might just be the smartest first step into the world of laser crafting.

Go laser cut, go make, go create.