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Toocaa is a promising new brand on the laser engraver market. This brand has been around since 2022, but I hadn’t heard of them since. They’ve just launched their website and their Toocaa L2 laser machine, which we’re going to test today.
Buy TOOCAA L2
Why this test?
Recently, Toocaa contacted me directly to offer me the chance to test their laser engraver: the TOOCAA L2. Not knowing this brand at all, I accepted out of curiosity, as I always enjoy testing new products. The seller is also counting on my test feedback to improve their product, so we’ll see what happens!
I received their machine 6 weeks ago, and was able to carry out around 15 engravings and various tests, so we’re going to go into detail point by point, from unboxing to maintaining the Toocaa L2.
Technical specifications of the Toocaa L2 engraver
The Toocaa L2 is an under-box laser engraver offered in 2 versions, a 10W version and a 20W version.
Laser power: Available in 10W and 20W versions (we will test the 10W version)
Working area: 400 mm x 400 mm.
Safety system: Gyroscope, flame detector, USB key protection, lid opening detector.
Smoke evacuation system: Exhaust system with fan.
Connectivity: USB-C, Micro-SD
Safety certification: IEC-certified smart speaker, class 1.
Accessories (optional): Air Assist kit, honeycomb work panel, smoke purifier.
For this test, I received the Air Assist kit and the honeycomb panel as accessories.
Unboxing and assembling the Toocaa L2 laser engraver
On opening the box, the Toocaa L2 appears partially assembled. The laser part is already assembled, which simplifies installation. However, it is necessary to assemble the enclosure, a process that takes around an hour. The instructions provided are clear and the necessary tools are included, making assembly accessible even to beginners.
Please note that the machine cannot be used if you do not install the enclosure, as a sensor verifying that the cover is closed prevents engraving from being started if the cover is not closed: no casing => no cover => no engraving!
Here’s the machine once assembled:
First engraving test with the Toocaa L2
For my first test, I used the test model pre-recorded on the micro SD card supplied. To launch engraving via Micro-SD card, simply press the button on the front of the machine.
Engraving went off without a hitch, producing a precise and detailed result, which immediately reassured me of the quality of this TOOCAA L2.
Note that I didn’t use the air assist for this engraving, nor did I install the smoke extraction system… We’ll see about that later! I confess I was in a bit of a hurry to launch the first engraving…
LightBurn configuration for the TOOCAA L2 laser
LightBurn is a laser engraving software widely used for its advanced features and ease of use. Configuring the Toocaa L2 with LightBurn is relatively straightforward. On the Micro-SD card supplied with the machine, you’ll find a pre-configuration *.lbdev file. Simply open the “Devices” manager and import this file, and you’re ready to work!
Note that Lightburn is a payware license, costing around 60€, you can try it out for a few days before buying it, but of all the different programs I’ve tried, this is the most complete.
First burning test with LightBurn
For this test, I used a 3 mm polywood board and Lightburn’s built-in “Test material” tool. The aim was to determine the best engraving and cutting parameters for this type of wood. I advise you to repeat this operation whenever you want to try out a new type of material.
According to these first tests, I wasn’t able to cut polywood in 1 single pass, so for cutting I have to set the machine to 200mm/min in 2 passes at 100% laser power, if the wood was thicker I would of course have to increase the number of passes or reduce the speed.
For the filling test, I get several interesting results, 4400mm/min at 70% laser power if I want to engrave with relief without burning the support. With less than 70% power or by increasing speed, we can obtain different shades… It all depends on the results you want to achieve – adjust as you wish!
Various tests on 3mm polywood with the Toocaa L2 laser
I then carried out several tests on 3mm polywood to assess the versatility of the Toocaa L2 laser. By adjusting the speed and power of the laser, I was able to engrave complex and varied patterns, demonstrating the machine’s ability to adapt to different types of project. I did end up installing the air assist, though, and moved the laser outdoors as the weather is fine at the moment!
Longer engraving test with the Toocaa L2
To continue my tests, I ran a number of large, long-lasting engraving tests. The Toocaa L2 held up perfectly, maintaining consistent engraving quality throughout. I had to use another brand of 400x400mm honeycomb plate, as the one supplied with this machine was too small.
Engraving test on business cards (cardboard and metal)
For a change from polywood, I carried out several business card engraving tests, in gray and black on metal cards (they come in different colors, green, red, blue…), and the last test on cardboard business cards. I found these references on Amazon.
The rendering is very interesting, but I’ll have to do some more tests and find a way to better center the cards!
Toocaa L2 laser maintenance: cleaning the lens
During these 6 weeks of testing, I came across a small problem… all of a sudden, in the middle of engraving (a very, very long time), the machine ended up losing engraving power, and the engraving became paler and paler… After checking, it turns out that the lens was totally clogged! I hadn’t turned on the air assist for several engravings, and I still hadn’t installed the smoke extractor… I think I’d also set the laser power too high, which must have exacerbated the problem.
Fortunately, this problem was easily solved in just 5 minutes: all I had to do was clean the lens with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol!
After discussing the problem with the seller, he advised me to clean the lens fairly regularly, so I checked quite often, but I haven’t had to clean it again yet.
Strengths and weaknesses of the Toocaa L2 laser
After 6 weeks of testing, here are the strengths and weaknesses of this laser, trying to be as objective as possible. I’d like to thank the manufacturer for trusting me with this test, but is this machine worth buying?
Toocaa L2 laser highlights:
- Easy assembly, ideal for beginners
- Practical housing, no need to wear safety goggles, and easy fume extraction
- The machine seems to be relatively safe, I once had a “flame detected” alert because I had set the laser power too high, the machine immediately went to safety
- Easy to use, you can print offline by putting the gcode file on the SD card
Weak points of the Toocaa L2 laser :
- Relatively high price, although this is an enclosed machine with advanced functions
- Relatively noisy air assist operation
- We’d have liked to see the option of more powerful 30W or 40W lasers, which are starting to become the norm with competing brands
My opinion after testing the Toocaa L2
I really enjoyed testing the Toocaa L2 laser, which does more or less as well as the other laser burners I’ve tested in recent months. I can’t wait to see how this new, relatively unknown brand continues to develop, but even so, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this product if you’re looking for an under-box laser engraver.
Buy TOOCAA L2
