WeCreat Vista Laser for Beginners
The brand new WeCreat Vista laser and IR module has been on the craft bench. I’m sharing everything: how to set it up, how it works, the brand-new rotating laser module feature, and whether I think this is something to consider for your craft room.
Is this a good laser for crafters? Well, WeCreat sent me this laser to review and I’ve put it to the test to answer just that.
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What You'll Find On This Page
WeCreat Vista Laser
Here at Ruffles and Rain Boots, I’ve been on a laser cutting and engraving journey for a while, working with CO2 and diode lasers. I’ve learned a metric ton and love sharing my projects and takeaways here and on the channel.
Today, I’m working with a brand new offering from WeCreat – the Vista laser. In this article, you’ll learn my overall findings after using both the 10 watt laser and the 2 watt IR (infrared) modules, along with the software which is new to me.
Now, this laser is like one I’ve never seen because the laser module can be flipped 90 degrees! This compact laser machine can do those cool tumblers, mugs, and other “rotary” style projects without cumbersome add-ons and I think it’s a great beginner laser.
Video Review and Project Details
If you’re a visual person, watch the WeCreat Vista Laser Review and Projects video review and tutorial on YouTube. I’ll show you the actual machine in use, project ideas, and my takeaways on who this laser will serve best. I think it’s a great crafter’s laser.
While you’re there, subscribe to the channel. We have a lot of fun in that community!
Overall Takeaways
If you’re a “just the facts, ma’am” kind of soul, here’s a summary of what’s in this write up:
- The WeCreat Vista is a fun, easy to use, easy to set up laser offering with an insanely good camera set up.
- Creativity is easy with presets and diode laser materials.
- If you want to engrave tumblers, the Vista will make it simple to produce good work with the FlipLaser module set up.
- The laser worked as expected and the accommodation of larger materials is a BIG win.
- The software needs work to be on par with competition; looking forward to updates.
Safety First and Materials
As long-time readers and viewers of mine will attest, I am a “safety first” kind of girl. The Vista is a fully enclosed, Class 1 laser which means you do not have to wear laser-safe glasses.
When we talk safety, we need to also touch on materials. The Vista’s 10 watt diode laser can work with wood, plywood, cardboard, paper, limited acrylic*, slate, leather, and more. *Note that you can engrave clear acrylic but not cut it with this laser type and your acrylic colors will be limited.
I’ll laser cut materials about 1/8th inch (~3mm) and thinner with this review. The Vista can engrave all number of items, including wood, slate, tumblers, and so much more. With the IR module added, materials expand even further.
What’s In The Box?
One quick mention before we get started: no matter what device you’re going to run the Vista with, you’ll need to connect via USB the first time when setting up the machine. Keep that cord handy.
Included in well-packaged Vista kit I received was the machine, some wood, and a rotary unit. I recommend measuring a) the area you plan on putting the unit and b) the distance from a window to the (near) back center of the unit. I was also sent the 2 watt IR (infrared) laser head and was ecstatic!
I’ll be using an air purifier vented outside thatI already have but you can vent directly outside with the included hose. That said, additional accessories you can add are:
- fume extractor (like my purifier)
- inline fan – After getting one of these myself, I will always recommend one. They are much better at extracting fumes and particles than the stock fans.
More Specs Worth Noting
You can read all of the specs on the WeCreat site, but here are a few I was pretty impressed with:
- Working Area: 11.7 x 16.5 inches (A3 size)
- Speeds up to 600 mm/s
- Engrave up to 6.75 inch high materials
- Included flame detection
- METAL enclosure
How to Set Up the WeCreat Vista
This laser is nearly ready out of the box for the 10 watt module. I sincerely appreciate that because my business degrees will never be confused with engineering degrees.
You will need to plug it all in, add the air assist, and connect the exhaust hose. You’ll also need to connect that USB cord I mentioned earlier.
Note: the rotary will be set up before and removed after use each time. After the rotary is initially constructed, it is only two screws and a plug to get burning. If you’re using the rotary, you’ll also flip the laser module (two hand screws).
WeCreat’s “MakeIt” Software
After set up, we’ll download the WeCreat MakeIt software (you can download before you buy). You can run it from your phone, iPad, laptop, or desktop – just be sure to download the correct version of software.
I’ll be using the Mac version of the software, however, they’re not different so you’ll be able to follow along. Note: you may use LightBurn with the Vista, as well.
There are two account types: a free account and a premium account option. I’ll be using the free account, however, there are some projects within the premium option you might want to check out.
Check out the video tutorial to see the software in action. It’s a very simple software interface that has enough in it to get you started. You’ll need to upload projects (SVG / vector files work well) or create your own.
First Projects with the Vista Laser (10 Watt Diode Head)
Wood: Engrave, Score, Cut
The laser module can engrave, score, and cut and I wanted to test all of the processing types to see how the tech worked and get familiar with the MakeIt software. To do so, I uploaded a floral bookmark SVG and made a quick 1/8th basswood plywood bookmark.
I also wanted to check out how it did on more complex projects, so I chose this set of coaster designs. Because I wanted to create a two-layer coaster, I duplicated the hexagon bee coaster, edited the center, and cut both pieces out. A little glue and edge sanding gave me this:
Rock / Slate: Engrave
Next, I wanted to check out the 10 watt laser head on my favorite material: slate. A quick upload of a holiday beer SVG design, a bit of placement, and we were ready to engrave using the standard settings. It turned out great!
Acrylic: Engrave and Cut
My 10 watt can work with many opaque colors of acrylic, so I loaded in some black 1/8th glossy and designed a few Halloween drink stirrers right in the software. My first default setting failed to cut through with default settings, but it was perfected for the second run.
To make sure I could repeat my success with a different color, I popped in some glossy 1/8th green acrylic and made these cute Christmas tree earrings.
FlipLaser Projects with the Vista Laser (10 Watt Diode Head)
Now that I understood the software, I wanted to see what all the hype was about this FlipLaser situation. It was a simple set up to install the rotary (you won’t need an engineering degree) and rotate the laser module head positioned for engraving.
I dedicated a “learning” tumbler to the cause because I’ve never used a rotary. Color me surprised when this came out perfect the first time (I used this S monogram with flowers).
And because I’m not one to stop there, I decided to create my own “wrap” style tumbler design thinking it would fail (and again, brand new to the software). I’m not kidding – I neither had the skill nor the experience to pull this off but a little logic and guesswork made this perfect.
Check out the video review to see my first FULL WRAP tumbler!
Projects with the Vista Laser (IR – Infrared – Laser Head)
Another first for me was installing and working with an IR laser module. While the engraving above was running, I did 3 minutes worth of research (watched the IR laser module portion of the set up video) to get up and running.
It was a relatively quick removal of the 10 watt and installation of the IR. I was able to set up my first metal engraving in no time and the results were pretty amazing with this cute mushroom engraving design.
I also wanted to work on slate with the IR laser. It handled details well, though it was a bit slower than some of my other projects. My daughter immediately absconded with my coaster made with this wildflower engraving.
PROs and CONs of the WeCreat Vista 10 Watt and IR Head
What I Like
- The machine is ridiculously easy to use.
- The bed accommodates larger materials than some competition and that’s important to me because of product availability / price considerations.
- Automatic air assist helps make laser work accessible to more people because it’s one less thing to worry about.
- The swapping of modules was very easy and I flipped the 10 watt diode for engraving tumblers and the IR laser module in no time.
What I Didn’t Like
- The software, MakeIt, is a basic offering. I checked out the upgrade and, while they have made algorithm improvements, I have a wishlist for their software. Primarily being able to work on one design while one is cutting and true node management.
- I could not find any pins to hold own material which is pretty important when working with wood which could have some warp or lighter items that might get blown around with the air assist.
How to Get the WeCreat Vista Laser
If you’d like to read some specs on this machine, read all about the WeCreat Vista 10 watt laser (and see it in action).
For a limited time, WeCreat is offering an early-bird deal (BIG savings) and some bundles. Check them out to see if it might be something that will make a wonderful addition to your craft room.
Meet the Creator
Hi there, I’m Sarah Nenni-Daher. I’m a crafty gal and always have at least 14 projects going at once. I am a crafter, designer, DIYer, and pattern maker. I share my creations here and in the Ruffles and Rain Boots® Shop.
Here at Ruffles and Rain Boots®, you’ll find DIY gnomes, crafts, gifts, cupcakes, laser crafts, and so much more. I love sharing video tutorials over on YouTube and chatting with other crafters in my Facebook groups. We’d love to have you!