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 due to its cheap price point. It can engrave/cut wood, leather, paper, etch paint, but is less effective on lighter coloured materials, blues and clear acrylics.Blue light laser technology is not universally suitable for all coloured substrates due to several factors: please see below for further details
Blue light laser technology is not universally suitable for all coloured substrates due to several factors:
1. Absorption and Reflection: Different colours absorb and reflect light differently. Blue lasers operate at a specific wavelength (around 445 nm), which may not be well absorbed by certain coloured materials. For instance, darker colours tend to absorb blue light better than lighter ones, potentially leading to inefficient cutting or engraving.
2. Heat Management: The energy from a blue laser can cause uneven heating in coloured materials. Light-coloured or reflective materials might scatter the laser light, reducing cutting efficiency and increasing the risk of thermal damage without achieving the desired cut.
3. Material Composition: Some coloured materials may contain pigments or coatings that react negatively to blue light. This can lead to degradation, discoloration, or even combustion rather than clean cutting, especially in plastics and certain textiles.
4. Depth of Penetration: The effectiveness of laser cutting depends on the depth of penetration into the material. For colours that do not absorb blue light effectively, the laser may not penetrate deeply enough to create clean cuts, resulting in burned edges or incomplete cuts.
5. Specific Applications: Some applications may require specific wavelengths for optimal results. For example, CO2 lasers are often preferred for cutting materials like wood and acrylic due to their longer wavelength, which is better absorbed by a wider range of colours and materials.
In summary, while blue light lasers have their advantages, they are not ideal for cutting all coloured materials due to variations in absorption, heat management, material composition, and cutting depth. For optimal results, it’s essential to choose the right laser wavelength based on the specific material properties.
A blue light laser is generally effective for cutting materials in certain colors, particularly:
Dark Colors: Dark blue, black, and dark red materials tend to absorb blue light well, allowing for efficient cutting.
Medium Colors: Some medium shades, like purple and certain shades of green, may also be cut effectively, depending on their specific properties.
However, lighter colors, such as clear white, yellow, or light pastels, often reflect or pass through the material, making them less suitable for cutting. For optimal results, it’s important to consider the specific material composition and properties in addition to color.
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 D1 Pro 10W, costing $1,000, is recommended for beginners.
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. 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.
Laser types and materials
How much you can afford?
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, while galvo or fiber lasers are needed for engraving metals or faster operations.
Size and weight
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).
Extensions and accessories
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.
6 applications: what you can do with it?
Festival crafts
Signage
Personalized jewelry
Home decor
Apparels
Photo printing
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.
Beaux Branch
Beaux Branch, a veteran, woodworker and proud xTool D1 user, tells his story of how he started the laser creation and truned it into a a business he keeps on making money from.
Watch More
Scott Mumma
Scott Mumma, as he himself puts it, is at his garage laser creating, if he is not working. This obsession with xTool's machine has been passed on to his family and now keeping his SB Laser Creation and More business growing.
Melissa Stott
xTool M1, to Melissa Stott, is more like a crafting toy she and her boy use to entertain themselves, rather than a machine of productivity to make money. But that doesn't make it any less rewarding and even educational, if you have a crafting boy just like she does.
Introducing our laser machine collection
xTool D1 Pro: all-around with open structure
The diode laser engraver/cutter xTool D1 Pro specializes in its open structure that enables it to engrave and cut objects that are higher, wider etc. And best of all, its 40W version is the most powerful diode laser you can find on the market
Learn MorexTool M1: perfect for gift making and personalization
xTool M1, featuring in laser engraving and blade cutting, is a perfect machine for you if you need a handy tool to make little personalized gifts and it’s easy to work with.
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xTool P2: powerful CO2 laser cutter
It's a 55W laser cutter that comes with many innovative feature. It enables users to engrave extra long materials, curved surfaces and high objects. If you are a business owner andwant a machine with higher cutting capacity, this is the one you need.
Learn MorexTool F1: portable blue + infrared laser engraver
With a maximum engraving speed of 4000mm/s, 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.
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'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.