Great comparison video Justin! Thanks for taking the time to film and produce this. My next upgrade will likely be the P2 and this content helped to confirm my assumptions between the 2 machines. Both great units but for different purposes. Cheers!
Great video Justin! After owning the S1 for a few days, (after owning a Glowforge that broke 2 weeks in), the S1 was refreshing! I thought I needed the camera, but I really didnt.
This is a great comparison video. I ahve been looking at getting a laser machine for a couple years now and haven't been able to make up my mind. Over the past few months I have watched I don't know how many videos on a variety of machines and always drifted back to the xTool offerings. This is the first video I have seen with a true side by side comparison and it was awesome. I I just ordered the S1 and am looking forward to learning how it all works. Thank you this great demonstration.
I appreciate your mentioning of the fact that Xtool don't employ or finance you. Whenever I hear the words 'paid promotion' I immediately think: 'compromised review'.
Yeah I wouldnt review anything that didnt allow me to be critical of parts I didnt like. Thats why I select carefully so Im only promoting things I think are good.
Not sure if it's been said in the comments, but the shorter time is usually due to the difference in acceleration. The laser head needs more room to ramp up to 500mm/sec than it does to get to 240mm/sec so you end up with more traversal movement. Depending on the job, faster feed rate can actually add significant time to the job if there are a lot of direction changes.
Where using the initial release of the XTOOL Creative Space or the latest update. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think you need a jig for multiple pieces in the same job. However, one has to mark the position of each piece. But if one wanted to make multiple runs, the jig would definitely win out. Thank you for a very fair and comprehensive review. But don’t forget that the laser in the S1 can easily be swapped. The 20 watt obviously has less power, but it also has a smaller spot size. In addition XTOOL also sells a 1064 nm IR laser. Changing lasers is roughly about a 2 minute job.
Do you mean with the "mark processing area" functionality? If so, yes I believe that would work on each individual one. Never thought about trying it on multiple items thats a good test. Im so used to the old school jig system I would probably use it even if there were only 2 items haha.
Nice shout out to Clack! Makes a lot of sense to not double up content just for a video when someone else already has one. Then you can focus on video's like this one that are "new" content. Thanks
I wish I saw this review before I purchased a couple of weeks ago, would have opted for the P2 vs S1. Didn't know what I didn't know about acrylic and S1's limitations on clear or other colored acrylic. As I'm exploring the types of creative projects I'm interested in, acrylic versatility would have been the deal sealer. Ah well - guess I'll have to save up for the upgrade.
I believe that the p2 runs at the same speed as the s1 did. No matter what speed you have setted. In addition, the faster the speed of engraving, the more the head makes a flight the the right and left (to compensate the inertia). It adds extra time as well.
Great video Justin, I think what’s most interesting is the time comparisons. I am not sure how we can measure it but it seems acceleration is a big factor when it comes to engraving speed. There is a balance between the size of the engraving and the selected speed where the faster you push it the longer it will actually take. It’s like as laser reviewers we need our own benchy boat like with the 3D printers.
That explanation makes sense. Would be cool if there was a tool that factored in all the different machine defaults for acceleration, etc and would make somewhat accurate estimations. Also wish XCS had estimated run time like Lightburn does.
Great video. Really appreciate the points of interest. I think another deciding factor might be the location you will be using the laser. I think if you're in a shop that isn't climate controlled and have freezing temps the diode is probably the best choice since the CO2 has a glass water filled tube. I think
It is true, someone said their laser was ruined bc it was in a freezing cold garage. When my husband saw the size of the p2 in a picture he said in the garage. Leaning towards a s1 but I still really want a p2.
Thank you much appreciated! If you are doing woodworking (based off your username) the P2 will be.a great addition. Remember masking tape is your friend for nice engravings!
Is the filter system sufficient or venting out of window needed? Also if the garage is not insulated, would it be ok to store and use the lasers in it?
Nice comparison of the two lasers. I'm very curious about the job completion times as I would have expected a larger gap on some of those jobs. I agree with your assessment that if you want to engrave, a diode laser will almost always produce a sharper result.
The one result between the 240mm/sec and 500mm/sec really confused me. Im assuming the travel distance was longer on the P2 otherwise I dont know how to explain it. I didnt have any thick materials to cut but I think thats where the P2 would really kill the S1 on time.
If you have objects too close to the left edge, XCS will automatically lower the speed to keep from slamming the laser into the side of the case. I suspect there was a message when you ran the coasters on the P2 that said it wasn't going to run at 500 mm/sec. The P2 has a smart assist feature so you can line up one of your objects and then it will automatically align the other objects automatically even if they are at different angles. The S1 has an optional 2W infrared head that will cut materials that the 40W diode head can't cut or engrave.
I just purchased an S1 through Amazon, and it's good to know that I can upgrade to the 40w module. However, I am very disappointed to learn that I won't be able to cut Plexiglass. "What about Lexan?"
Hey Justin. I put a lot of trust in your opinion. Would you recommend the P2 as an entry level CO2 laser? We currently have a D1 Pro and are considering adding a second laser. I'm also looking at new (or reconditioned) OM Techs. Many thanks!
Wow I was ready to pull the trigger on P2 but the output on patches was surprising. Woulda thought the defaults would be a little more dialed in than tje S1.
Actually, when it comes to leather patches' batch engraving, you can do Smart Fill within P2's XCS software. You dont need to drag the pattern one by one.😂
For CO2 lasers most difficult part is replacing the gas tube, cleaning and replacing the mirrors is more easy.Just search in RU-vid for CO2 maintenance videos. Regards
Thanks for the video. I have an amada 3015aj fiber laser, can cut anything I need, but I would like to evolve into photo engraving or etching. Unfortunately, for the cost of this laser, education is very limited (I did not have involvement in the purchase process), could you offer any direction on what this laser is capable of and what program may be needed for engraving? Thanks
Question, I see you engraving one item at a time. Does the engraving not allow you to engrave everything that is on the x-axis? Working with other lasers in the past I had them engrave all the way across every item that is on the job screen.
So I have a unique use case that I hope you can answer. We are engraving glass slides using data from a database. My question is can we use the S1 or do we have to go with the P2? The thickness of the glass slides won’t change, so we at least have the option to just lock off focus if that is part of the issue with a diode laser and transparent materials. The other thing is since this is a non-creative application, we basically need to have this be seen as a printer on a Mac or PC so we can let the database do the formatting along side the data generation. We have a an old epilogue laser that the tube just died, so we need a replacement quickly. And most of the bells and whistles of the P2 just aren’t going to be used, so I was hoping for the simplicity and 1/2 cost of the S1. Also coating the slides in something isn’t going to be an option either.
If coating the slides isnt going to be an option you will have to go with a co2 or maybe a low watt fiber laser. The diode laser beam will pass right through uncoated glass. If the slides are small I would definitely reach out to some fiber laser companies and see if if there is a use case for you.
Thank you! That’s what I’ve found. The other question is the software/how the laser is visible to the OS. Do most of these only show up in the design program? I need something that can be talked to like a normal printer (in ways), as there isn’t any way to do it in a custom way in the database
@@ericdepangher7547 I'm not Justin, but I'll chime in. Unfortunately, I'd have to say no, the OS won't be able to speak to XCS. Of course, I'm no software engineer, maybe there's some new voodoo out there that can translate seamlessly between the two?
@@NiktheBooksmiththank you, that is unfortunately what I’ve found as well since buying the P2. But I found a way to print a png so I can just open that right up and hit print. Thank you for posting!
Hello, I really liked the comparison, have you tried the machines for cutting paper? I am mainly interested in this use. Paper wont be bigger than 40x40 cm but I would like a fast machine... Doubting between the M1/S1 and P2
Not so sure but think diode lasers are more good for paper cuts,paper is not a heavy material as acrylic or basswood so you can increase the speed almost to maximum.
Hey Justin.......just saw your video on the variety of lasers! well done.. I have an Epilog Legend laser, 40 watt, 32 bit. I upgraded my Corel draw from x5 to x17 and the x17 dosn"t have the print drivers for the 32 bit Epilog machine I have! i can draw on 17, save it as x5, switch to my x5 and print the file. New drivers or new machine??????
Hi and happy new year, the maintenance of the P2 such as the alignment of the lenses is more complicated and expensive than the S1... I would have been very pleased to have information on this aspect before purchasing. Thank you very much for your kind reply
Great video! I watched your "choosing a laser" video and was wondering if space was not an issue why would anyone purchase a desktop CO2 versus the larger CO2 lasers that you suggested in the other video? The Monport for example seems to be more powerful and cheaper than the Xtool P2. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks
I did but couldnt get it to fill correctly. I think its because the materials I was using were so dark it was getting confused. I will have to revisit.
I havent come across any good resources on using jigs with the P2 yet. Not saying they're not out there though. Im sure you can put a jig inside of the P2 to hold your items but Im not sure how to make that even between what the camera sees and what the actual position is. Im less trustful of cameras.
Great video,thank you for this 👌Do you happen to have any info on the new Snapmaker ray 40w ? that also look like an interesting option in regards to the S1...not much info on that one so far.......
Looks like those arent shipping until at least mid-December so unfortunately I havent heard much yet either. I think if you get a good price on the 40w with enclosure it could be used similar to the S1, but, the S1 is more of a complete unit than the Snapmaker. Will be cool to see how it performs when its out.
@@justinlaser Wow that was fast 👌😊Thank you....I am really tempted to go for the S1,but im in Norway and Xtool do not sell the conveyor/extender here,not in europe at all I think.And that would be a great addon to have.But they do for some strange reason have this available for the P2.I do find the work area of the S1 a bit small,a bit bigger on the Snapmaker.But i must say i like the sleek (dare i say sexy) look of the S1,and also the features and the XCS seem to work good.I already have the F1 so i know of the software,and also the general quality of Xtool....Ohhh all these choices,not easy hehe🙃
Hi. New soon to be laser owner. So if I go with either machine, if something doesn’t work or it needs replacement parts, does xtool sell them? That part always gives me anxiety since the machines are not cheap.
Great video, but I have one question about the P2 as I am currently considering purchasing my first laser. Being that the P2 is a CO2 laser, does the CO2 have to be refilled? Where does the machine get the CO2 from for the laser tube in back? Thanks!
Eventually after a long time the tube will die and need to be replaced. At that point you have to order a new one from the company. Ive had my larger co2 laser for going on 6 years and still havent needed to replace the tube so it takes a lot of use.
No. They both come with built-in exhaust fans and hoses to route outside. If you cant exhaust outdoors from your location you would need to look into the air purifier system.
Hi, You made a comment about processing time on the granite and how you could setup the file to run line by line vs. the time that it took when it was doing letters one at a time. How do you setup the file so that it engraves line by line? I'm using XCS on a p2 btw. Great video by the way. Thanks so much.
If you design everything in XCS it will probably do it for you if its on the same layer. I use Adobe Illustrator to do my designs and import the SVG file to XCS which can cause the problem I had. If using Illustrator or Inkscape or other vector design programs you have to select everything and make a "compound path" before importing. I dont know why you cant do this in XCS its a very important task.
@@justinlaser Would using the "group" function serve that purpose? If so, you're right. I believe that it turns several objects into one for processing unless I'm understanding that wrong.
Ive seen people paint the back of clear acrylic to do this. I think it "works" sometimes but the cut edges are probably going to be less than ideal compared to the beautiful flame-polished edges of a co2 laser.
Justin, I want to engrave a 3/4” band around the outside of a 7” diameter wood candy bowl that I’m making on my wood lathe, with a hummingbird pattern within the band. I’m considering buying a new P2 for this. If I leave the tenon on the bowl bottom, flip it sideways and grip the tenon with the jaws on a RA2 Pro rotary tool with RA2 base reversed on its backside and bolted down, (to hold the bowl weight) is there room below the P2 stacked on top of a riser base to slowly rotate the 7” bowl and do the engraving? Has anybody used two riser blocks stacked together to make extra clearance under the P2 to engrave wide projects turned sideways like this before? Would the Creative Space program settings allow for something twice as wide as a tumbler to be engraved like this using the RA2 rotary tool? Thanks for any advice you have. Woodworker Rick Northern California.
First time engraver here.. was thinking about hey this s1 40wat as my first laser engraver. But like the fact of color engraving with the d1 20wat. Does the s1 40wat color engrave on stainless steel also?? Thank you..
I'm hoping someone that knows a little bit more about CO2 laser engraving machines than I do will see this comment and answer. I want a machine that will allow me to engrave decanters and rocks glasses. I know this unit does glass but I don't know if it's large enough to fit a whiskey decanter in. Does anyone know if this unit is large enough for that and if not can you suggest some brands for me to look into? These tools seem really hard to do research about. They're all rebranded machines from China and I can never really tell what the capabilites and capacities of the machines are. Thanks!
Hey Justin, I'm still fairly new to the laser business and bought the S1 20W when it was released. I am absolutely happy with the laser but one material is causing me extreme problems. Beech plywood with 6mm, no matter how or what I adjust, the edges are always burnt. Do you have any ideas or advice on what I could do? I have tried everything from 1mm/s - 10mm/s and 60 - 100% laser power without a satisfactory result. Keep up the good work, I enjoy watching your videos :)
There would be a couple other considerations I would have to weigh (bed size, speed, etc) to make that choice. I use Lightburn with my Boss Laser and really like it a lot. The P2 software (Creative Space) is good to use and keeps getting better but for me its not a Lightburn replacement yet. For work, the Boss/Lightburn is what Id keep using. For fun I dont mind using the P2/Creative Space.
@justinlaser we have a FSL laser and their software is ok. I've heard great things about light burn and when we upgrade machines I would like to get one that has better software. I do like the features of the P2 though, wonder if you could use light burn with it?
Scoring is essentially the same as “cut” except you run it faster and with lower power so it just leaves a score line on the surface instead of cutting all the way through. For instance if you had a design that had a large outline of a rectangle drawn on the surface it would be a million times faster to use Score instead of engraving it.
Hi, I really like the style with which you make the videos... congratulations! My attention go on the S1 but I have doubts because I'm new...I would start my business at home in a room with the possibility of ventilating without problems by placing the hose outside the window...but on the one hand I was struck by the ease of have a camera with the P2 but on the other hand do you think the P2 can be used in an apartment building or would the S1 be more suitable? Thank you very much in advance for your kind reply
Thanks! Both are enclosed and come with built-in exhaust fans and hoses so you would be covered there with both lasers. The P2 is substantially larger and heavier than the S1 so if you have a big flight of stairs or might need to move it around to different places a lot its its something to consider. The S1 is more maneuverable so if I were in an apartment I might consider it first.
Ill check the back of each laser when I go to the workshop today. I used the S1 plugged into a standard 15A that has other devices on as well. The P2 I had running on a 20A breaker but not sure it requires it.
Great video. Finally someone put the two side by side for comparison. I have one question. I’m really considering buying the p2 and air filter because of all the features but I live in a co-op and worried about the noise factor and that’s the only thing holding me back. Do you think the noise would be too much to run in an apartment type of setting?
Honestly, it might be tough depending on how close your apartment neighbors are. Not only the noise factor but also the smell. The Air Filters work up to an extent but even with that there is always some residual fumes and smells that will linger in the area especially after you are finished. I have a $4,000 air filter system for one of my lasers and even that isnt perfect. If noise is the biggest hold up the S1 might be a better option if it can process the materials you want to work with.
