Just got a fiber laser?
Start quoting jobs.
You've got the machine. Now someone wants you to cut something for money. These guides help you go from "I can cut metal" to "I can quote jobs and get paid."
You're probably in this situation
You bought a fiber laser - maybe an xTool MetalFab, a Gweike, or something from China. You've cut some test pieces. Made some signs. Cut some parts for your own projects.
Now someone asks: "Can you cut something for me? What'll it cost?"
And you realize you don't actually know what to charge. You don't have a system. You're guessing at material costs, machine time, and whether you should charge for setup.
That's what this guide section is for. Not enterprise quoting theory - practical first-steps for someone with a fiber laser in their garage or small shop.
Practical guides
Start here. Each guide covers one piece of going from hobbyist to someone who can quote jobs.
Generating your first quote
Walk through creating a real quote from a DXF file. See how cut time, material, and services combine into a price.
What to charge for laser cutting
Understand the cost components: machine time, material, setup, services. Build pricing that covers your costs and earns margin.
DXF file checklist
Customer DXF files are messy. Learn what to check before cutting: units, layers, open contours, nested parts.
From hobby to side hustle
You've cut for yourself. Now someone wants to pay you. Here's how to treat the first paying job like a business.
Machine-specific guides
Tips and setup notes for specific entry-level fiber laser brands.
NanoQuote is not affiliated with or endorsed by these brands. Brand names are property of their respective owners.
Why use NanoQuote?
Built for small shops
Not an enterprise MES system. Made by someone who quotes laser cutting jobs and got tired of spreadsheets.
Free to start
The basics are free. Pay later if you grow and need more features. No commitment to try it out.
Actually understands DXF
Upload customer files, get real measurements. See cut lengths, pierce counts, and nested layouts.
Quick to learn
Most people generate their first quote in under 10 minutes. No training required.
Ready to quote your first job?
Upload a DXF, set your rates, and see what a professional quote looks like.
Start free