Battle of the Diode Lasers: xTool S1, Roly Lasermatic, WeCreat Vision

[@TheLouisianaHobbyGuy]

The LaserMATIC has the largest passthroughs in the industry, so yeah, you don't have to cut your wood. The difference between the 20W xTool and the 30W LM is 11W more power. The difference between the LM 30 and the xTool 40 is closer to 6.5W, so not as advertised on a power meter. BTW, WeCreat has a new conveyor, as well as a new module and model in the works. I pick the LaserMATIC 30 over the xTool 40W every day of the week; I own both. The xTool was pushed to market with all its bugs to quickly to try and compete with the LM, but they just missed too many opportunities. Support is paramount! Leo listened to folks about the fan, and they've already changed it.

[@ValleyForged]

You know I absolutely love my LaserMATIC, and it is still my personal laser (as I said). BUT, I also stand by what I said in this video. And the passthrough will not work for my use, so cutting off the ends DO make sense for me. Feel free to email me if you are confused as to why. I don't want to spend my day explaining here. You know how much I respect you, so realize I am doing my best to call it like I see it. Thanks for all you do Rich.

[@TheExtremeElementz]

Hi I couldn’t find the pass through length on the LM30, you mentioned it’s the largest in the industry? Also you mentioned the fan was fixed, does it only turn on when it’s time to cut now? Thanks! Looking into the LM30 or Lm30XW.

[@kwaks1979]

Just what I’m looking for!! Thank you. Now my hsuanbd needs to be quiet so I can listen.

[@richardalves-cd5me]

I watched a bunch of reviews before purchasing my laser. I went with the Xtool S1 as this was my first laser and knew I would have questions while learning it. There is a lot of information on them now that help with any issue or learning something new. So far its been a good machine with good support and no complaints on my end.

[@ValleyForged]

Appreciate your 'real world' thoughts!

[@KernsleatherworksVA]

I have the Xtool S1 and I'm running pretty much exclusively on Lightburn now. The Focus reminder bit me once and it sucked. You can setup a reminder in your device profile by adding a Job Checklist and putting whatever you want on the checklist. After ruining that one piece due to focus I set one up, took about 2 minutes and now everytime I push start it pops up and I have to click Yes a second time to get the job started. It does require extra setup that XCS does automatically but seems like a fair tradeoff for not using XCS.

[@franklyre]

An item that has me leaning toward the Roly is the switch that will take the 30 watt laser and turn it into a 10W for finer detail?? I'm new to this whole topic but this seemed like an overlooked positive for the LaserMatic Mk2

[@ValleyForged]

If you watch my many videos on the LaserMATIC you will get my feelings on this. If you do engraving it is probably SUPER important (I just don't). That said, Roly makes an amazing product and I see no reason not to choose it (after watching my videos).

[@mcin71]

I just started and i only want to cut plywood no thicker than 6mm and do some engraving on it. for a beginner like me which one is the better machine S1 or roly? will 10K good enough to cut plywood? do you have affiliate with both companies? thank you.

[@ValleyForged]

I do have links for both (just look at any video I did on that laser specifically). Both are fine great machines. I chose the Roly XW 30/10 and I do mostly 3mm and 6mm. I just feel lightburn is better and it does not work perfectly on the xtool. Also the xtool is more expensive for what you get. Also customer service is going to be much better. I don't recommend a 10w, and 20w is only good for 3mm really. Thanks for using my link, and keep me posted on what you decide.

[@jasonpaske2092]

Just ordered the Roly..... might have waited for the larger machine, but I'm super excited to start using it when it shows up

[@ValleyForged]

Keep me posted! Love to hear how it all goes.

[@OldGuyDesigns]

I love my Lasermatic, can't commit on the Xtool, never used one.

[@cubansli3099]

I printed out spacers to hold honeycomb in place. Not a big deal and it is fine. On the rotary I just place it in the same spot so it works just fine.

[@newyorknate6783]

which would you recommend? the xtool s1 40w or the lasermatic mk2 xw 30w.

[@ValleyForged]

Depends on the person of course, but I have the XW and I would NEVER trade it for the xTool. You can see the review I just did last week on the XW and it will explain. Whichever you chose, I would appreciate if you use my link. :)

[@newyorknate6783]

@@ValleyForged absolutely will do!, im ordering it now

[@ValleyForged]

@@newyorknate6783 I absolutely love mine. Which says something with how many lasers I have tried the past few years. I think you will love it too! :)

[@medic458]

Thanks for this comparison video! A great overview of both machines! Do you have a ball park timeframe when the larger Roly is coming out?

[@ValleyForged]

I was thinking it was next month, but I have not heard a date yet.

[@medic458]

@@ValleyForged Thanks!

[@joshuakaraffa8184]

Man I'm so torn also with xtool there's a trade in for coupon off the s1 that I haven't been able to get to work and was thinking of getting the s1 with 10 watt cause that's what I have in my xtool d1 10 watt but also heard the s1 is much safer even being a 10 watt with 600/mms. But even with the 40 watt s1 and coupon for trade in the lasermatic is still cheaper by a couple hundred bucks and but not sure is lasermatic you can chamge out you laser head power like you can with xtool s1 I don't think you covered that in this video so not sure if you know that with xtool you can change you watt heads. Other great video man xtool and lasermatic should just give free lasers to everyone lol

[@ValleyForged]

Well, the 40w module is $1,300 by itself. That is pretty close to buying the whole Roly 30w. And with the Roly it already has 30/10 so you would not need to swap it. They are both good, so whatever you decide I am sure it will be great. Everyone has their reasons for what they choose. I just try to help give my own opinion, and I hope people get other ones as well.

[@rcarroll05]

Design in Lightburn, export SVG and pull into XCS and run the job.

[@ValleyForged]

Would not be OK for me, but some may want to. Thanks

[@rcarroll05]

@@ValleyForged actually works quite well. Would it be better to just be able to always run everything from Lightburn. Absolutely.

[@Mighty_Mik3]

I disagree with that statement "get 40w".. it's all depends on what is going to be used for.. If mostly for cutting then yes you're absolutely right, but if main goal is engraving then hell no with that spot size you will lose so much details. Just try to engrave photo on aluminum or mirror(backside) with 10W and 40W. The difference between those two is night and day for 10W to be superior with small spot size of laser beam 😉 beside that sorry too say, but this is not an competition but praising Xtool product.. Forgetting about strongest points of MK2 like perfect fit of honeycomb, extra stencil platform with predrilled holes for perfect alignment of rotary tool for same result everytime. Also you can remove bottom plate and engrave directly on example - table

[@LouRao]

I had two Roly LaserMATIC. First one didn’t turned on and sent back. Second one, laser module grind when it moved along the bar and sometimes it will go everywhere. Plus, camera has too much noise to do any form of calibration, sending it back. I wish you would had stuck with your title and talked about WeCreat!

[@ValleyForged]

Well, guess you have very bad luck! I personally am not a fan of the WeCreat as I said in the video. Just doesn't seem great value for the money compared. But we all get to have out own opinions (for now). Hope it works well for you.

[@LouRao]

​@@ValleyForgedI get it! Again, don’t have a title that is going to compare xTool S1, Roly, and WeCreat, and then decide not to compare WeCreat but keep the title. I get that you’re not a fan of WeCreat, and that’s okay, but then remove WeCreat from your title; otherwise, it is misleading.

[@GuilHelmus]

Thanks again for your efforts, sir. At the moment, and after your info, I am still leaning towards the Xtool because of the WiFi issues on the MK2 in combination with Lightburn. I don't want to push cables through some walls, I think this problem with the WiFi is a missed opportunity by Roly. Now its up to me to do some more research if I will choose either the 20W or the 40W. Of course the 40W is more powerful, more speedy, etc, but I also do fine cardstock jobs for which i used a Cricut untill now, and want to do some minor engraving. And as you mentioned, sadly enough the Xtool can't be used as a 10W. Question, are your links affiliates? If so I will make sure I use that one when I am ordering.

[@ValleyForged]

Wow, great comment! They are both so amazing it really is the personal use case that makes the decision. I agree, the 20w might be better for you. I suppose you can always upgrade if you needed it. Yes, they are affiliate links. I do appreciate it since I want to keep working with BOTH Roly and xTool at this point. I believe they both have great lasers depending on what you are doing, and what your needs are.

[@GuilHelmus]

@@ValleyForged Lets not forget the "oh so important" stitching holes on those leather keychains and wallets ;). They need to be clean, mini and tidy, 20 watt it is.

[@ValleyForged]

@@GuilHelmus To be fair, I think the 40w will do great for that. I have the 70w Atomstack coming soon, let's see how that goes, LOL. Keep me posted on everything. Love to hear from the 'real world' as much as possible. :)

[@GuilHelmus]

@@ValleyForged Will do :). Let's not forget, for me it's hobbywork, not business. No farmersmarkets here etc, just fidling around, making stuff for friends and family untill they are getting tired of it :).

[@IntrexinCustom]

So one thing I think would make a good video, the real differences between Lightburn and XCS. I see youtubers saying the same as you did. Now Im coming from CNCs and 3d printers where we hear alot of the same things. I do totally get what your comfortable with is best. Granted I started recently on xcs 2.0 and I know thats better than it was. But I am not really hitting things I wish xcs could do, or roadblocks with projects, which is my experience with other 3 axis machine software. Mostly I am just saying a video going through the exact same project showing the work flow difference between the software would be interesting and helpful

[@ValleyForged]

I agree. I would not be the person to do that though. Perhaps someone like Ventauri would be perfect for it. I am not very technical, and I am busy running an business. I really don't have the time to use XCS or learn it in depth. Again, great suggestion!

[@DrgnSlyr]

My main beef with the Roly is the enormous spot size and ration of x to y at 30 watts.

[@ValleyForged]

Interesting, I have not noticed it being large at all. Seems the same as all my other lasers at that power. I suppose everyone has their thing. :)

[@cubansli3099]

I agree the WiFi works very well.

[@cubansli3099]

The green and black theme reminds me of Xbox

[@ValleyForged]

How is the dirt and plastic holding up?

[@cubansli3099]

@@ValleyForged Plastic is doing good, but I always wipe it down to keep the equipment clean. Inside though, not enough suction it seems so it gets dirty fast. I need a better vent system.

[@trainguy55-f6q]

Elegance? Really?