If you're interested in getting this machine, check out the link below to save $ on your purchase (sale ends after Feb 16th): xTool S1 Valentine's Day sale: www.xtool.com/pages/valentine-special?ref=YIsSROOjDwn2z& xTool P2: www.xtool.com/products/xtool-p2-55w-co2-laser-cutter?ref=YIsSROOjDwn2z&
Great review! The website is rather obscure on spec sheet comparison. I would like to see the actual cutting area of each machine displayed conveniently. These machines seem to have excellent value, especially compared to earlier CO2 types.
Thanks. Specs are all listed in detail, actually. Scroll past the marketing to the bottom of the page - that's where the nerd stuff is located. Here's a link showing a spec comparison between their different models www.xtool.com/pages/tech-specs
Great detailed review! I’m in the process of deciding which one I want to buy. But do you need the smoke purifier machine if you have the hose connected to a window to vent out? And also, will it cut all types of acrylic or just black? Thank you in advance! 😊
Thanks! The smoke purifier isn't required if you can vent directly outside. Being a diode laser, the S1 will only cut black acrylic. The P2 is co2 and can cut any acrylic.
oh wow! thank you for that valuable information! I had one of those machines and the smoke purifier in my cart and was waiting on your feedback! Most of my items will be acrylic, so the machine needed is significantly more in price. So glad I reached out to you!@@JamesBiggar
I watched your reviews of the WeCreat Vision and the Xtool S1. Which is the best of the two? This would be my first purchase of a laser. Thank you for your input.
I just got word this morning from my agent that WeCreate has been up to some shady business. I didn't have any problems, but apparently there have been issues for some others and instead of helping to resolve them, WeCreate is trying to hide them and manipulate influencers reviewing their machine. The agency that I work with cut ties with them yesterday. It's a start up company and I don't expect it to last much longer if this is the way they're going to operate. xTool makes great machines and they've been leaders in desktop engraver development and service since 2018. You can buy from them with confidence.
IR and fiber can engrave any metal. But diode can only engrave stainless steel. This also makes it susceptible to rust because it removes the chromium oxide layer, so only do it for indoor objects or apply a clear coat after.
I take it you can import images the same as lightburn? I have a 20 w diode laser and im wondering if its worth it as my machine can be slow to engrave certain things.
Yes. XCS can do everything that LB does, but you can use LB too. Doesn't really matter. Look closely at the specs, though. Specifically spot size. The 40W module is 0.08x0.1, the 20W module is 0.08x0.06. Compare with what you have now. These machines are faster than most 20W diode machines, but if you're mainly engraving high res images then you'll want a small spot size too. The higher power machines are more for cutting power. The 55W P2 has a spot size of 0.15x0.2, for example, but I can cut 18mm+ thick material with it. I still engraved loads of (large) images too, but the 20W module for the S1 would be the better option. Don't need any more power than that for fine engraving.
Depends. If they're for custom projects, then they're usually custom files (e-moto battery enclosure & fairing, for ex). For simple test prints that I do for reviews, I usually just look for something online. Etsy, Thingiverse, Printables.com, etc. Loads of sites to choose from that offer files for both personal and commercial use.
I reviewed the (WeCreate) Vision when it was released. It's ok. This is a better machine imo, and relatively affordable when compared to similar commercial machines. Of course, it's not a small investment either. The Vision is expensive for what it is. More of a hobby/home office machine. Small, not expandable, the software's a little glitchy and they're a new start up company. Over 90% fail within their first year of launching. So there's that added risk of losing tech support if they happen to fold. xTool's a reputable brand that's been in business since 2018. I suspect prices will come down some as they recoup investment costs, but if you're running a business, then compare the specs and do a cba. This laser would pay for itself in no time. If you're not looking to make $, then consider something else, for sure.
If this is a Class-1 Laser, why do they provide you with goggles when you purchase the riser/conveyor? If you open the front / rear access panel while the laser is operating, does it stop or will the laser keep firing and possibly cause permanent eye damage to anyone near by that happens to look inside...like kids?
The front and rear panels need to be open to use the conveyor feed or work long and thick materials without it (there's a ~1/2" material thickness limit for the conveyor, likely to do with load on the motor). Kids and lasers don't mix. They shouldn't be around them unsupervised for any reason.
