xTool Buyer's Guide
Learn all about lasers before
you get one.
Your first time here? New to laser machines, but want to make it a side hobby or make money out of it? We have prepared this guide page for any laser beginner like you, to walk you through all the necessary knowledge you need before starting your laser engraving/cutting journey with xTool.
This page is for people who belong to one of the groups below:
• You are completely new to the laser machine;
• You are wondering which xTool machine is a perfect choice for you;
• You already own an xTool machine, but need detailed guidance for starting your first laser project;
• You already have an xTool machine, but need a list of laser engraving ideas to practice your skills;
• You already have an xTool machine, but need instructions on the software part to bring out the best of the machine.
4 lasers types: differences explained
Blue laser
The blue diode laser is a popular choice for beginners. It can engrave/cut wood, leather, paper, etch paint, but is less effective onwhite paint, certainblues, and clear acrylics. It has a 455nm wave length andd is the cheapest of the 4 types.
6 considerations:
before buying a laser machine
Budget and price
How much you can afford
Laser engraver prices vary from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Blue lasers are the cheapest, while fiber lasers can cost over ￡10,000. The xTool S1, costing ￡1,599, is recommended for beginners.No need to assemble, with large working area, switchable laser module, accurate positioning for Multi-shape object, very easy to use.
Size and weight
Portability and flexibility
Desktop lasers are about 610mm x 610mm (24" x 24") with a working area of 400mm x 400mm (15.75" x 15.75"). They are lightweight (~5kg) and portable. xTool F1 is the best portable laser engraving machine, and only 4.6kg. You can take it everywhere easily. Larger CO2 and fiber lasers may require special equipment or multiple people to move and won't fit through standard door frames.
Extensions and accessories
How versatile the machine can be
Accessories can be crucial for engraving/cutting larger or taller objects. Brands that don't provide extensions/accessories should be avoided. xTool provides solutions for potential pain points, such as extension kit, air assist, automatic conveyor feeder, smoke purifier, fire safety set, etc.
Laser types and materials.
The major materials to work on
Before purchasing a laser, determine the type of operation you intend to perform. CO2 lasers work best with clear acrylics, blue diode lasers are great for wood, Infrared laser is the best for engraving on metal with the highest precision, while galvo or fiber lasers are needed for engraving metals or faster operations.
Software
The extra cost of time and money
Software is a key consideration when buying a laser. Most lasers don't come with software, so you may need to download third-party software or purchase it separately like LightBurn. Consider the cost and the learning curve, especially if you're new to laser technology. xTool lasers come with free, beginner-friendly software (XCS).
Learning curve
How fast you can get business rolling
Start your laser side hustle journey with a desktop diode laser. These machines are lightweight, easy to use, and have low maintenance. CO2 and fiber lasers are more maintenance-intensive and require specific skill sets. Progression usually goes from desktop laser to CO2 to fiber.
Functions
Engraving accuracy or cutting power, or blade cutting, which function do you care most?
When we talk about the power of a laser machine, we're talking about the laser tube, which is measured in watts, with higher-wattage tubes having the ability to cut or engrave materials faster and with greater precision than lower-wattage tubes. And equally the more powerful the laser tube, the thicker the materials you are able to process. The CO2 laser machine such as xTool P2 55W CO2 Laser Cutter can cut solid wood of thickness up to 18 mm and faster to cut acrylic. The low watt laser machine usually can engrave with higher precision. So you need to be clear that you need stronger cutting power or higher precision. Different from most of laser machines, The xTool M1 is a laser cutter and engraver that can also easily handle blade cutting just like a Cricut Maker 3.
3 profitable approaches: turning a hobby into a business
Local engrave-on-demand service
Investing in a quality laser engraving machine can help businesses offer on-demand engraving services such as custom signage and personalized gifts, generating a steady income with effective marketing.
Sell laser projects online
Use laser engraving machines to create personalized items and sell them online on platforms like Etsy and Amazon. With a high-quality machine and innovative designs, you can produce precise and detailed products that appeal to a large audience and generate a steady stream of income.
Promotional items
Laser engraving is a great way for companies to add their logo or branding to items like pens, keychains, and phone cases, which can then be used as promotional giveaways or thank-you gifts. This helps businesses stand out and increase brand recognition.
3 profitable approaches: turning a hobby into a business
Local engrave-on-demand service
Investing in a quality laser engraving machine can help businesses offer on-demand engraving services such as custom signage and personalized gifts, generating a steady income with effective marketing.
Sell laser projects online
Use laser engraving machines to create personalized items and sell them online on platforms like Etsy and Amazon. With a high-quality machine and innovative designs, you can produce precise and detailed products that appeal to a large audience and generate a steady stream of income.
Promotional items
Laser engraving is a great way for companies to add their logo or branding to items like pens, keychains, and phone cases, which can then be used as promotional giveaways or thank-you gifts. This helps businesses stand out and increase brand recognition.
xTool User's Share
Successful business stories
HappyBerry Crochet
xTool F1
The universe works in mysterious ways, find out why in this week’s video where I’m sharing the xTool F1 laser engraver! This funky little machine really packs a punch, its fast and portable and is simply fantastic for small craft business owners. With its ability to engrave in HD quality precision detail, we put it to the test with some of my crochet chart pattern designs and branded buttons. Its also extremely light and portable, so can travel with you to craft shows, wedding and special occasions, markets and shops for on the spot personalisation!
Six Eight Woodworks
xTool P2
How to make money with a laser machine. This video shows you laser project ideas and where to sell them and how to maximize profit. I showcase the xTool P2 CO2 Desktop laser, which is super intuitive with loads of unique features. Even with zero woodworking or laser experience, you can be up and running in no time. For those already laser savvy, there are still loads of tips on project ideas and where to find materials to engrave. Bottom line, this machine is incredible and can help your small business or side hustle explode with productivity and profit. It's pretty awesome for hobbyist projects too.
Learn MoreIntroducing our laser machine collection
xTool S1: The world's 1st 40W Enclosed Laser Cutter
xTool S1 is the new enclosed diode laser cutter, the laser module is changable, there are 40W, 20W, 2W for opotion, satisfy your various demands for hobby use, home craft, small business etc. xTool S1 comes with high level stafty protection feature, twin point positioning, autofocus system, support automatic passthrough, rotary engraving, giving you very user-friendly and relaxing using experience.
xTool F1: fastest & portable blue + infrared laser engraver
With a maximum engraving speed of 4000mm/s, reduce the engraving time from minutes to seconds. , xTool F1 is the fastest laser engraver that is portable and user friendly. assembled with both infrared and blue laser, you can use it to engrave on almost all metal materials such as gold, silver, plstinum and even plastic, making itself a perfec choice for gift making and jewelry customization. Because of its small size, you can take it to everywhere to make projects.
xTool P2: powerful CO2 55W laser cutter
It's a 55W laser cutter that comes with many innovative feature. It can quickly cut wood, acrylic, leather, rubber and other materials. With dual cameras and auto-passthrough, enables users to engrave extra long materials, curved surfaces and high objects, everyone can easily get started. xTool P2 may be your best choice for small businesses and home use. It’s like having a mini factory on your desk to make all your imagination becomes reality. If you are a business owner andwant a machine with higher cutting capacity, this is the one you need.
xTool M1: Smart laser engraver| viny cutter
The xTool M1 is a laser cutter, engraver, and vinyl cutter all-in-one machine. xTool M1 supports 500+ materials, everything from paper, fabric, leather, PVC, metal, acrylic, wood, and more others can be used on M1 and turned into endless creative projects. Crafters will love that you can engrave and cut in one box without too much fuss, and a built-in 16MP camera gives you real-time images of your machine for precise placement of your designs. If you want to customize the T-shirt, hat, bottle, wood projects, home decor, or any other special gift, xTool M1 fits you well.
xTool D1 Pro: all-around with open structure
The xTool D1 Pro is a remarkable prosumer diode laser that 20W starts out at ￡1399. It's fast and powerful enough to support a small business or Etsy shop, yet easy enough for a beginner to use.
Introducing our laser machine collection
xTool S1: The world's 1st 40W Enclosed Laser Cutter
xTool S1 is the new enclosed diode laser cutter, the laser module is changable, there are 40W, 20W, 2W for opotion, satisfy your various demands for hobby use, home craft, small business etc. xTool S1 comes with high level stafty protection feature, twin point positioning, autofocus system, support automatic passthrough, rotary engraving, giving you very user-friendly and relaxing using experience.
xTool F1: portable blue + infrared laser engraver
With a maximum engraving speed of 4000mm/s, reduce the engraving time from minutes to seconds. , xTool F1 is the fastest laser engraver that is portable and user friendly. assembled with both infrared and blue laser, you can use it to engrave on almost all metal materials such as gold, silver, plstinum and even plastic, making itself a perfec choice for gift making and jewelry customization. Because of its small size, you can take it to everywhere to make projects.
xTool P2: powerful CO2 laser cutter
It's a 55W laser cutter that comes with many innovative feature. It can quickly cut wood, acrylic, leather, rubber and other materials. With dual cameras and auto-passthrough, enables users to engrave extra long materials, curved surfaces and high objects, everyone can easily get started. xTool P2 may be your best choice for small businesses and home use. It’s like having a mini factory on your desk to make all your imagination becomes reality. If you are a business owner andwant a machine with higher cutting capacity, this is the one you need.
xTool M1: perfect for gift making and personalization
The xTool M1 is a laser cutter, engraver, and vinyl cutter all-in-one machine. xTool M1 supports 500+ materials, everything from paper, fabric, leather, PVC, metal, acrylic, wood, and more others can be used on M1 and turned into endless creative projects. Crafters will love that you can engrave and cut in one box without too much fuss, and a built-in 16MP camera gives you real-time images of your machine for precise placement of your designs. If you want to customize the T-shirt, hat, bottle, wood projects, home decor, or any other special gift, xTool M1 fits you well.
xTool D1 Pro: all-around with open structure
The xTool D1 Pro is a remarkable prosumer diode laser that 20W starts out at ￡1399. It's fast and powerful enough to support a small business or Etsy shop, yet easy enough for a beginner to use.
Introducing our laser machine collection
xTool F1: Portable Blue + Infrared Laser Engraver
With a maximum engraving speed of 4000mm/s, it is the fastest portable laser engraver that is portable. Learn more>
4 advantages: why choose xTool?
Free software
xTool offers free software XCS and provides numerous project files and step-by-step guides, making it easier for laser beginners to learn quickly and start earning.
One-stop solution
xTool provides laser engraver and cutter machines, project ideas, and tutorials. They also offer high-quality plywood or acrylic sheets, compatible accessories, and extensions to expand machine capacity as your business grows.
Different lasers for all needs
xTool offers free software XCS and provides numerous project files and step-by-step guides, making it easier for laser beginners to learn quickly and start earning.
Helpful community
xTool has active Facebook groups where thousands of real users share ideas, offer assistance, and exclusive deals. Beginners can benefit a lot from this supportive community.
Get more inspiration on xTool Projects
Unleash your creativity with xTool Projects! Explore 1000+ project ideas and free resources for all materials, and get inspired by our projects.
Visual identity is a big part of business, whether it's a bar, a clothes shop or a Chinese restaurant. Logos, interior designs, and staff uniforms are all where a laser business can play its role.
More you may want to know
4 advantages: why choose xTool?
Free software
xTool offers free software XCS and provides numerous project files and step-by-step guides, making it easier for laser beginners to learn quickly and start earning.
One-stop solution
xTool provides laser engraver and cutter machines, project ideas, and tutorials. They also offer high-quality plywood or acrylic sheets, compatible accessories, and extensions to expand machine capacity as your business grows.
Different lasers for all needs
xTool's laser machines come in various sizes and power levels to meet different cutting and engraving needs across materials, from wood and acrylics to metals and plastics.
Helpful community
xTool has active Facebook groups where thousands of real users share ideas, offer assistance, and exclusive deals. Beginners can benefit a lot from this supportive community.