11 Creative Projects using the XTool Laser Machine

[@diverblc]

This was a great video. I can’t wait until we can get a laser.

[@louislandi938]

Looks like you’re enjoying the learning experience. I’d love to have one but it’s not practical at my age. With your vast creative talent there is no stopping you. Looking forward to following your progress!

[@indicaintrovert3553]

great video. My brain works differently and my focus can be horrible. I was focused the entire video and learned a lot! You really have done a wonderful job. Thanks so much!

[@AlleyPicked]

Thanks for the kind feedback.

[@benjaminpastrana9662]

Best projects demo right to the point🙌🙌excellent. New follower here from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷

[@AlleyPicked]

Thanks!

[@1976ClassicCelica]

I mounted (screwed) my laser on 6" plywood risers. This allows me to place a small table if I need to cut or engrave thinner materials. I remove the table if I need to use for higher material. It's really fast to switch between several thicknesses of material.

[@AnIrishExport]

Great idea !!

[@dougward6669]

Thanks for the video. I was on the fence about getting one but will put my order in now.

[@AlleyPicked]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@cedarandsound]

For glass engraving, try using soot from a candle to matte the glass to etch it.

[@Blou55]

Great video How thick can you cut in foam? Thanks

[@AnIrishExport]

Finally a video that has answered my personal questions.. I believe I now know what model I am going to purchase for what I want to do... Have you personally thought about adding the IR laser module as an after purchase for engraving metal ?

[@AlleyPicked]

I have the xtool F1 which has both the Blue and IR laser. I get by with that for now.

[@jalapenolover9213]

Alley Picked logo looks so good!

[@robertbalcaceres1288]

Thanks you just got my xtool pro

[@AlleyPicked]

I'm currently looking at the xtool S1. Video soon to come out.

[@johnnystrom3285]

Thanks for the quick and concise review! Looking at this to buy.

[@AlleyPicked]

I am now looking at the xtool F1 Laser. So far, it's pretty amazing. Keep an eye out for that review video.

[@PavleSrebrenovski]

what is the guarantee of the laser, how long can it last with work during the day, i.e. how long can it be exploited, is it of good quality and is it worth the money

[@glasgowgallus247]

Great wee bit of content mate, thanks for this 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@endrickfortier7926]

At 6:45 minutes . When you paint the surface of the wood , what is you setting to get a very nice black engraved letter ?

[@AlleyPicked]

Thats just the natural color after using the laser. I didn't do anything.

[@texascrossbowdude636]

Can you put Matt black vinyl wrap on glass or acrylic instead of paint? The vinyl can then be peeled off.

[@AlleyPicked]

Very good question. I wasn't sure so I tested it on my F1 laser. There were a couple of small dots that seemed to etch but 99% was blank. I see that xtool sells a black paper for this purpose but I'm not going to purchase 2 sheets of it for $16. Perhaps the more power of the 20 Watt D1 laser might have a better effect but the 10 watt F1 is a no go. That will be a test for later. Thanks for the question.

[@texascrossbowdude636]

@@AlleyPicked thx for giving it a shot, maybe with a higher watt laser

[@Ben174]

Every time I hear the chime play I think it’s time for me to turn the page in my story book.

[@glennedward2201]

Looking at buying Trees 30w air assisted for a multi a is setup. Basically same thing you have slightly more power. I believe they said it cuts up to 1/2” plywood with air assist, of course it also does engraving. They want $669 and I’ve seen some 20w around the $230 price. It is getting up there where my goal is eventually a 1500w or 2000w fiber for $2500 but I’m not quite ready to take that leap plus this project wouldn’t need that kind of power.

[@GokouZWAR]

Check out the Roly lasermatic10. It’s far simpler to use and is fully contained comes with a rotary and enclosure. The way you have yours setup will probably need to be cleaned a lot.

[@PhoenixCustomsWoodworking]

many of us with diode lasers use rustolium 2x spray paint for the carrier medium

[@AlleyPicked]

Not sure which is better. I went for cheap :-)

[@PhoenixCustomsWoodworking]

@Alley Picked the tempara paint is easy to clean up since it's water based, but the 2x gives great results although you have to use chemicals to remove.

[@Tecno_Beta]

hello friend I found your tips great with what paint to use on glass

[@curtisbordeaux8949]

tempera paint or cold galvanizing compound spray

[@redbaron6939]

70% power on glass engraving? at what speed?

[@robr4379]

How exactly did you make the grid?

[@brianleduc7797]

Iam looking into a laser cutters for cutting gaskets when need on the spot as they say! Can you make a video on this as there's I believe lots other people who's wondering the same as me??

[@AlleyPicked]

I'll look into it myself. Thanks.

[@noelv1976]

Is it true they're phasing out the D series?

[@samb4486]

Great video thanks. Do you have any problems with smoke or smells without using an enclosure? Would you recommend an enclosure, or do you find it no issue / ok without one? Regards, Sam

[@AlleyPicked]

Smell/smoke is a problem mostly with wood (Other things not as bad but still a bit...). I need to open a window with a fan blowing out if I do this in my house. So, yes, an enclosure with an exhaust is recommended if you plan to do a lot with a laser.

[@kaepzy]

Thank you so much for your details!!!

[@chidinwankwo9871]

Please what are the setting you used to cut the leather perfectly using XCS. I use the XCS with my XTool D1pro 20W. I keep having issues when cutting leather. Sometimes it won’t cut through totally in some little parts another time i get the laser fire alarm beeping for caution. I don’t know what i am doing wrong. Please i will appreciate

[@AlleyPicked]

The leather settings I used might not be helpful since I had to play with my settings in order to get the right cuts depending on the thickness of the leather. I am not an expert, however maybe I could offer a couple things to consider. Is the leather perfectly flat? I had sprayed mine with a little water and then ironed it flat. Have you tried making 2 passes with less power rather than one pass at a higher power setting? What type of base are you using? Are you using that metal sheet that comes with the laser? Different plates can dissipate the heat better. Do you have an air assist? All of these are considerations. Hope something I said helps. Tom

[@mittica7373]

Hello! I have an Xtool like yours, and I would like to cut 925 silver plates with it... Do you know if it is possible...? Thanks in advance. lots of health

[@AlleyPicked]

I have no experience with that. Generally, this laser only cuts very thin metal.

[@martintierney7187]

Can this be used to engrave/etch golf balls?

[@AlleyPicked]

I've never done it but I believe you can engrave a small image on the golf ball. I googled it and found a few examples but didn't see too much on it.

[@patrickjames3954]

GReat Overview!!!

[@samb4486]

Gret really helpful - thanks.

[@JGWed]

Does it work on Metal to make jewelry pieces?

[@AlleyPicked]

I haven't tried to cut metal yet, but from what I understand, this machine is not made for metal but it is possible to cut very, very thin metal using a diode laser. Generally you need a fiber laser to cut metals.

[@JGWed]

@@AlleyPicked thanks for the info

[@texascrossbowdude636]

​@@JGWedstool sells a IR module that etches steel but I don't think it cuts steel

[@jraglob5924]

Thanks, I am new to the xTool D1-20w. It's nice to see someone using the XCS software to create. I have a Mac and LaserBurn does not like Mac's. Great video. (Where do I find the setting for the various materials?)

[@AlleyPicked]

I started by finding a lot of general settings for materials on the xtool site by just googling. Their site is not comprehensive at all. I used it as a starting point and ended up just experimenting myself. I tested a lot of settings on small samples of my material before making final cuts. Keep notes of the settings you use for a reference.

[@texascrossbowdude636]

​@@AlleyPickedI've seen videos using the creative space software where you choose the material and probably thickness and it displays suggested settings. Is this true?

[@soeft]

Have You tried to cut MDF material? Cutting ideal, round holes in kitchen cabinet doors would make my current project a lot easier. Like this video. Nice job!

[@AlleyPicked]

I have engraved on MDF. I have no doubt it would also cut through it --depending on the thickness.

[@shinzedboi5855]

I would not do that, MDF can create toxic fumes when heated up. If you dont have an air filter it can potentially be fatal.

[@chapovez]

Do you have any smoke collection system setup?

[@AlleyPicked]

I don't yet but I do need to get one.

[@danielwalker3788]

Can you engrave a Name in a Paver or Brick as a memorial with this Laser?

[@manuelcenteno100]

I have the xtool D1 but the laser keeps on drifting to the right, ever had that happen?

[@AlleyPicked]

I have not had that issue but the only thing that causes movement are belts. Check them both for tightness.

[@3dPrintCreator]

Great review about a very good laser machine.

[@mr12gauger]

does anyone else get raised portions where the rings are on wood burning with their laser? How to make this go away?

[@AlleyPicked]

About all you can do is sand them down.

[@aprylirwin2784]

May I ask how you created the grid lines to square up your projects? I’m still learning my d1pro and the free software so any help would be greatly appreciated. I made a spoil board just like yours with the leg cutouts but I’d like to engrave the grid lines like you did. Thanks for the video!

[@AlleyPicked]

Using the xtool creative space, I simply drew a rectangle and then drew in lines. copied and pasted lines to complete the grid. Then you can group the whole thing together and resize as you wish. It was not too difficult.

[@MaxineAllison-m7n]

Can i use a sketch my great granddaughter did she is 13 amazing artist i want to put her sketches on wood can this be done. i’m told no i thinking someway at 79 not sure i’m in process of buying a laser

[@AlleyPicked]

Hi, I think it can be done. If you want to email me a picture, I can give it a try. [e-mail]

[@theprintperfect]

Can I engrave on plastic?

[@AlleyPicked]

I believe it's possible. I have not done it yet.

[@doroscnc]

Machine laser ❤️

[@travisdebeukelar9592]

How do you find the center with the laser? I always frame the project but never seem to get it perfectly centered. I'm also using the same program as you

[@AlleyPicked]

That is a challenge. I frame it multiple times often marking with a pencil where the laser passes and then using a ruler to measure to the ends of the material. Once you get it, you can repeat easily but it's that first one thats a pain. I plan to start using lightburn...perhaps they have a better method. So far, thats all I've got.

[@garrydye2394]

Did you buy the laser or is this another promotional video?

[@dmpople]

Are you located near Mt Olive, Il?

[@AlleyPicked]

4 hours away. The Church is in Chicago.

[@BryanNWright]

the air assist is not for burn marks it makes cutting easier as it clears out the debris from the kirf

[@AlleyPicked]

You may be correct but I do notice on the wood that when I don't use it, there are burn marks.

[@doen.8724]

It is absolutely to help with burn marks and soot. It also keeps your lens cleaner. Just cut some wood with and without air assist. The difference is plain as day.

[@gregj2647]

Get lab jacks to raise and lower the laser

[@ttoddh1]

It was weird why you didn't use the laser to bore your holes in the leather

[@susanna1207]

Very interesting 👍🏻

[@almaespinosa4505]

Hello! I am having issues with my Xtool D1 Pro Laser. I received it and tried it, the first try was perfect. Then the second time I tried it wouldn't work. The laser would move around but the laser light barely had any strength. It would move around as if it was doing the job and would take the amount of time the project would take, however there were no marks on the plywood or anything and the light was very very weak. You could barely see. I emailed customer service and it has now been a 3 month battle or recommendations and changes they want me to make which I have but nothing has solved the issue. I went ahead and tried another laser head which is the one for metals. I did 1 dog tag that came out beautiful. I went ahead and tried to do another dog tag....same thing happened....the light was too weak barely visible, the laser would move around as if it was doing de project but nothing would engrave. I didn't change anything on the setting from first project to second. I was working with pre establish material settings. Power speed and all was verified and still nothing. Do you have any idea what it could be or how to fix it?

[@AlleyPicked]

Hi. I have a few suggestions. I assume that you verified the power settings on the program and that somehow the settings didn't change. I also assume that you tested the height distance from the laser to the material. The fact that it worked once but not a second time is very strange. Are you using the xtool creative space software? If so, you may want to try light burn. It has a free trial period. A longshot but try using the USB cable rather than Wifi. Double check all the electrical connections. maybe there is a loose cable.

[@miriama4505]

What do you use to protect wood when you finish a proyect?

[@AlleyPicked]

That depends on the piece. Sometimes I don't care about a great finish and want something to protect it so I'll use a clear spray acrylic or polyurethane. Sometimes I might just use linseed oil or butcher block oil.

[@miriama4505]

@@AlleyPicked thank you so much this info!

[@dkt4728]

Nice video except no mention of any of the dangers of volatile compounds or laser risk to the eye. Someone could be using some fake leather and do some real damage to their lungs.

[@TP-si3km]

😃👍Danke für das Video. Viel gelernt

[@mykerivers8334]

I want to get a laser machine. One thing I noticed. No one ever tells the selling price. I thought these lasers would cost a lot more. But the projects are endless. My biggest issue(s), Detail, I need very small with good to amazing detail. And I'll need a way to do round objects. X-Tool is in the running.

[@jburns4304]

Could you just put colored paper behind the glass?

[@AlleyPicked]

Interesting idea. I don't think it will work. The black needs to be where the laser strikes the glass. Black paper on the front is an interesting experiment I may have to try one day.

[@ericsikma4764]

THAT's some cool stuff! And since "hobby store" was mentioned... LOL! And no, not trying to advertise or anything but I had ABSOLUTELY no idea. "Hobby Lobby" holds similar beliefs to those of Chick Fil-A: I guess the world system refers to them all as "deeply religious", even though Christianity's a relationship, not a "religion". Neat stuff! 👏

[@AlleyPicked]

I shop often at Hobby Lobby and I just ate at Chick Fil-A yesterday.

[@ericsikma4764]

@@AlleyPicked Hehe! The cool part is I've personally known about those Chick Fil-A ethics for years but had no idea about H.L. until about 3 days ago. I was like, "WHAAAT??? REALLY???????????" LOL! Kinda like that sensation of "winning the lottery all over again". 👍

[@Aizawa_Shouta_]

Maybe the next model will do taxes too? Just kidding. Man this machine is awesome!

[@edwardruppert4507]

I wish xTool would make Creative Space as good if not better than Light Burn.

[@AlleyPicked]

yea, I'm trying to learn light burn now. It's definitely not as easy.

[@KarlBunker]

Maybe someone has already commented on this, but the thing with extension legs is that they have to be resistant to any wobbling. Otherwise the laser head jerking back and forth will make the whole machine wobble, making your cuts fuzzy.

[@teejay9373]

This video is brought to you by circles

[@BloxiYouTuber]

These were complaints not projects

[@AlleyPicked]

Watch the whole video.

[@BloxiYouTuber]

@@AlleyPicked hey I apologize I think I must have somehow got videos mixed up. Nice video and thanks for sharing.

[@iulzkfh]

What’s up with this obsession with coasters? Is it a US thing? I don’t know why you would use one neither do I know anyone who uses them. Are they more intended as a piece of decoration than for actual use?

[@AlleyPicked]

haha. Good point. I don't use them too often. They do come in handy if you have a cold icy drink on a nice piece of wood. Also, coffee mugs are rough on the bottom and can easily scratch the table. If you had a laser machine you might start to love them too :-)

[@ttoddh1]

Second part that astounds me, You used copyrighted materials without citing the book or author. You are stealing that person's artwork from copying from a book.

[@philipzielinski]

Unless the book is of templates intended to be used as source material. These are readily available online.

[@jeremybays]

I don’t think you need to paint the glass… just engrave

[@LecimyzKoksem]

You do, if you won't paint it laser beam will just go thru

[@369_StudioG]

Very very incorrect.

[@jeremybays]

Ok thank you. My Co2 just engraved without the need to paint the glass.

[@shinzedboi5855]

Co2 lasers dont, also some paint can release toxic fumes when heated up.

[@Coffeesurgeons]

Its a toy and a waste of time

[@ttp_007]

No, no, no, this is wrong. $1,000.00+ for a low-powered diode laser???? 😆 Not trying to cause any trouble, but for that money, you can get a much stronger CO2 laser, with faster and deeper cuts. For what it's capable of, it should not cost more than $500. Thanks for the video, though, and I hope you enjoy it.