If you run a small workshop, Etsy shop, or local customization studio, you’ve probably asked yourself a few times:
- “Do I need a CO₂ laser or a fiber laser?”
- “Can one machine really handle cutting, engraving, marking and welding?”
- “Is it worth moving from a desktop laser to a bigger 6-in-1 system?”
This guide is written exactly for you — small business owners, makers and side-hustle creators who already use a GWEIKE Cloud CO₂ laser or a GWEIKE G2 fiber laser, and are wondering what a 6-in-1 metal workstation like the M-Series could add to their business.
We’ll keep it simple: real use cases, clear explanations, and links to practical setting guides — no engineering degree required.
What Is a 6-in-1 Laser Workstation, in Simple Terms?
A 6-in-1 laser workstation is a single machine that can handle most of the metal work a small shop needs in one place:
- Cutting – cutting sheet metal parts, letters, brackets
- Welding – joining metal frames, furniture, repair jobs
- Cleaning – removing rust, paint and oxide before or after welding
- Marking – logos, serial numbers, barcodes on metal
- Engraving – shallow metal engraving with real depth
- Surface prep – finishing the surface so it’s ready for paint or powder coat
Instead of walking between different machines, you bring the part to one station and do everything there. That’s why we call it a workcell, not just “another laser”.
CO₂, Fiber and 6-in-1: How They Fit Together
On social media it often sounds like CO₂ and fiber lasers are “competitors”. In reality, they are tools for different jobs:
| Tool | Best For | Not Great For | GWEIKE Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| CO₂ laser | Acrylic, wood, MDF, leather, rubber, paper | Direct metal marking or welding | GWEIKE Cloud |
| Fiber laser | Marking & shallow engraving on stainless, aluminum, brass | Cutting acrylic/wood | GWEIKE G2 |
| 6-in-1 workstation | Cutting + welding + cleaning + marking + basic engraving on metals | Large-scale acrylic/wood décor | GWEIKE M-Series |
A simple way to think about it:
- CO₂ = signs, décor, packaging, acrylic & wood projects
- Fiber = customized metal products (tumblers, tools, jewelry, tags)
- 6-in-1 = small shop “metal corner” for cutting, welding, cleaning and marking in one spot
For a deeper comparison between CO₂ and fiber, including real projects and settings, check: CO₂ vs Fiber: When You Really Need Fiber .
What Can a 6-in-1 Workstation Actually Make?
Here are some real-world project categories that become easier once you have cutting + welding + cleaning + marking in one place.
Custom Metal Signs & Logos
- Cut steel or stainless letters and logos
- Weld frames or brackets on the back
- Clean welds and prep for paint or powder coat
- Mark batch numbers or your logo on the back
If you already cut acrylic signs on your CO₂ laser, a 6-in-1 station is the metal version of that business model.
Furniture Frames & Small Structures
- Frame structures for tables, shelves, displays, carts
- Repair or modify existing frames for clients
- Combine thin and thick materials in one assembly — something we cover in this M-Series mixed-thickness welding guide .
Product Add-Ons for Your CO₂ Shop
Already selling acrylic signs, rubber stamps or MDF décor?
- Add metal brackets and mounting hardware you cut and weld yourself
- Offer metal logo plates that complement your acrylic or wood pieces
- Create metal bases for night lights or desk signs
For CO₂-side project ideas and settings, see:
- Acrylic Engraving Settings (80W & 130W)
- MDF Engraving Settings
- How to Make Rubber Stamps with a CO₂ Laser
- Leather & Fabric Laser Cutting Settings
Stainless Tumblers, Tags & Accessories
This is where fiber marking shines. With a G2-style fiber source inside a 6-in-1 system you can:
- Mark stainless tumblers and bottles with high-contrast designs
- Add QR codes, serial numbers and logos on tools or fixtures
- Engrave jewelry tags and small metal accessories
For a closer look at stainless tumbler projects, check: How to Laser Engrave Stainless Steel Tumblers .
Repair & Maintenance Work
Many small shops earn steady income from repair jobs:
- Cleaning rust and old paint from parts
- Welding broken brackets, frames and components
- Marking repaired parts with job numbers or dates
How a 6-in-1 Workstation Saves Space, Time and Headache
Small shops don’t just run out of money — they run out of floor space and time. That’s where an all-in-one metal workstation helps most.
| Separate Tools | 6-in-1 Workstation | |
|---|---|---|
| Floor space | Laser cutter + welder + grinding area + workbench | Single integrated cell |
| Operator movement | Walks between stations for each step | Stays at one workstation |
| Setup time | Re-clamping and re-aligning parts | Same fixture for cutting, welding and marking |
| Training | Different controls for each machine | One interface and one workflow |
For small shops where one or two people do “everything”, this reduction in steps often matters more than pure cutting speed.
CO₂, Fiber laser or Go Straight to 6-in-1?
If you’re just starting, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by options. Here’s a simple upgrade path that works for most small businesses:
Step 1 – Start with a CO₂ Desktop (Most People)
Begin with a CO₂ laser if your main work is:
- Acrylic signs, night lights, décor
- Wood photos, MDF displays
- Leather tags, rubber stamps, packaging inserts
Good starting point: Laser Engraving vs Cutting vs Marking – Beginner’s Guide .
Step 2 – Add Fiber for Metal Customization
When customers start asking for tumblers, knives, tools, jewelry or metal tags, that’s when you add a fiber laser such as the G2.
To understand exactly when fiber becomes necessary, see: CO₂ vs Fiber: When You Really Need Fiber .
Step 3 – Move to a 6-in-1 Metal Workstation
Once you’re regularly working with metal parts, frames and assemblies, and you are:
- Out of space for separate machines
- Spending too much time moving parts between cutting, welding and grinding
- Turning down metal jobs because your tools are limited
…that’s when a 6-in-1 system like the GWEIKE M-Series workstation starts to make sense.
Example Workflows for a Small Shop
Workflow 1 – Metal Logo Sign + Acrylic Front Panel
- Cut a metal backing plate and brackets on the 6-in-1 workstation.
- Weld and clean the bracket structure.
- Cut and engrave the acrylic logo on your CO₂ laser ( two-color acrylic guide ).
- Assemble both and ship as a premium sign package.
Workflow 2 – Stainless Tumbler Sets for Corporate Clients
- Use your fiber source (G2 or 6-in-1) to mark logos and names on stainless tumblers.
- Create custom wooden or acrylic boxes on your CO₂ laser.
- Mark the metal clasp or nameplate using the same workstation.
Workflow 3 – Repair & Fabrication Service
- Clean rust and old paint from the damaged area.
- Cut replacement brackets or patches out of sheet metal.
- Weld, clean and mark the repaired part with job information.
Safety Notes You Should Never Ignore
As soon as you step into metal and mixed-material work, safety becomes even more important.
- Never cut or engrave PVC – it releases chlorine gas. See: Do NOT Laser Cut PVC: How to Identify It & Safer Alternatives .
- Always use proper ventilation and air assist when cutting acrylic, MDF or rubber ( air-assist guide here ).
- For industrial-style handheld fiber cutting and welding, follow the safety settings shown in the technical guides on gwklaser.com .
Recommended Next Reads
- Laser Engraving vs Cutting vs Marking – Beginner’s Guide
- CO₂ vs Fiber: When You Really Need Fiber
- GWEIKE M-Series 6-in-1 Metal Laser Workstation Overview
- M-Series Cutting & Welding Technical Guide (Industrial Version)
Ready to Plan Your Upgrade Path?
If you’re already comfortable with acrylic and wood on a CO₂ laser and starting to get more metal requests, a 6-in-1 workstation can turn your shop into a compact metal fabrication corner.
Use this guide as a roadmap, explore the tutorials linked above, and when you’re ready, take a closer look at the GWEIKE M-Series to see how it fits your workload and space.