To get started you'll want to look at some laser engraving machines. It's possible you may find some that are used, but new ones can start at $6000 or so. But the best laser engraving machines start at around $10,500. Epilog is a well-known system. You can lease or buy the equipment. You may consider a short-term lease to see how it goes before you tie up any money. You may be able to lease for as little as $250 per month. This would give you plenty of time to decide whether a laser engraving business is right for you before you purchase.

You'll need your computer and you can probably use the one you have right now. Any of the newest Windows operating systems will work but you want to check to make sure they are compatible. You'll need some Windows-based graphic software such as CorelDRAW, AutoCAD or Adobe.

You'll need about a 12x18 foot area to work in. You can use a spare bedroom or any area that is not damp to protect your machines.

You'll want to get a demonstration of the Epilog or other laser engraving systems to determine what size table and what wattage you'll need for the type of engraving, etching, cutting and marking you want to do.

So imagine setting up a business with the computer you have right now and a laser engraving machine where your printer is. That's really all you'll need. Marketing your services will be easy and especially if you have little competition or no competition in your area. After you see the amount of business you can generate from word of mouth and with very little effort, you'll be glad you set up a laser engraving business at home.