Best Laser for Beginners - xTool D1 10w

I recommend the 20w or 40w for maximum plywood cutting. The 10w can do engraving well, but not thick cutting.
D1 Pro: www.xtool.com/products/portab...
40w Module Upgrade: t.ly/Ohjx
(the above links are affiliates and are at no extra cost to you)
This is by far the EASIEST and BEST entry diode laser for makers In this video, I give the homeowner/diy/woodworking perspective on the xTool D1 Laser Engraver & Cutter. It's the best laser for the money! Seriously. I'll show (and tell) you what I like and what I don't like about the D1. I'll give a demo of how it works and show you a few of the things I've been engraving and cutting around the shop.
🖥 LINKS (affiliate) 🖥
🚨 If you have the D1 and want to upgrade to the 20w, here you go: xTool 20w Laser Module: t.ly/QsnRZ
Brand new xTool D1 PRO: t.ly/HCLP
xTool D1: www.xtool.com/products/portab...
xTool RA2 Pro Rotary: t.ly/1rwZ
xTool Air Assist: t.ly/r_l_
xTool Honeycomb Working Panel: t.ly/ROkK
Smoke Purifier: t.ly/kUZF
Enclosure: t.ly/R-YF
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⏱ TIMESTAMPS ⏱
00:00 Intro
02:39 First Impressions
06:39 What I Don't Like
08:43 Demonstration
11:54 Creative Uses for a Laser
14:17 Rotary Engraving
15:43 The Reason You Should Buy From Makeblock
🎥 PRODUCTION LINKS (affiliate) 🎥
Sony a6600: amzn.to/3xqz3tu
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Sigma 30mm Lens: amzn.to/3vyKnlS
Wireless Lav Mic: amzn.to/3vBlkyF
Cage: amzn.to/2S3KYyf
Shotgun Mic: amzn.to/34OYWa5
Tripod: amzn.to/3zrDOom
Gimbal: amzn.to/3fQxY8g
Key Light: amzn.to/34W4FuB
38” Quick Parabolic Softbox: amzn.to/3clTorT
C-Stand: amzn.to/3uSKEje
Safety Sandbags: amzn.to/3gwRkiZ
Best SSD Drive: amzn.to/2SY7UPN
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DISCLAIMERS:
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
This video was not paid for by outside persons or manufacturers. The xTool D1 was supplied to me for no charge for my honest opinion and review. They have not directed anything I say. All opinions are my own. I do get a commission if you use my link to purchase.
The content of this video and my opinions were not reviewed or paid for by any outside persons.

[@wittworks]

💥🦈D1 Pro, M1 and bundles: t.ly/VEXl 40w Module Upgrade: t.ly/Ohjx (the above links are affiliates and are at no extra cost to you)

[@gollypeeters4824]

have been watching tons of laser video's because thinking of buying one. Your video is something totally different and great ! Thank you !

[@DireWolfForge]

Great video, Drew! That machine looks incredible. Like the holy grail for engravers. Thanks for showing us

[@IdealtheWrapper]

Love all the ideas about packaging.

[@cybermagestudios8685]

I did some research and bought mine last year

[@jeffreysuper5236]

Love your enthusiasm

[@wittworks]

Thank you Jeffrey

[@jaykepley5238]

Great video, Drew! Creation and community over destruction and separation. True true, brother.

[@wittworks]

Thanks Jay! You watched the most important part!

[@DanDease]

awesome video. well done!

[@731Woodworks]

Very cool machine! Great job on the video too!

[@wittworks]

Thanks bro

[@Tomat0Nose]

This is plenty helpful for me! I have been considering xtool but I'm a complete beginner and don't know anything about laser cutting. The cons I can actually deal with and I will get the air assist =) thank you!

[@MsMrWiz]

Thank you for the inspiring review. I believe there is an Xtool in my future.

[@wittworks]

Thank you Brad! I love mine

[@CraftyMuse]

You almost lost me with Apple lol! Seriously, thank you so much for this video! I will rewatch when my D1 arrives. You are very thorough which is super valuable to us noobs😅

[@wittworks]

Thank you!

[@gregoryc5989]

Great vid, thx

[@wittworks]

Thank you Gregory!

[@mx3cubed453]

This device has a cool feature to replace limit switches it monitors its power draw on the motors to tell if there is physical obstructions so that's why there is none 😄

[@FixitFred]

I would love to see if you can use this to engrave power tools and batteries

[@BrunoBoy3913]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video. I've been seriously considering a laser engraver and have watched numerous KZbin videos trying to see what all is involved but yours is by far the most clearly explained one that I've seen, regardless of the brand used. After researching a mind numbing amount of brands, I'm pretty sure that I will go with the xTool but I still have questions. I'm not very computer savvy, I can get by but struggle sometimes. I'm an old guy and technology whizzes past me at light speed. Happy New Year!!

[@wittworks]

Thanks! I still love my xtool. Learning curve for sure but not as bad as cnc or 3D printing. I’ll have some woodworking specific laser videos in the new year

[@user-my2lu3bf5m]

i’m in the process of buying one very excited about getting started i love creating i’m only 79 years and so definitely need visual an audio ideas an help. I’m working to do i am busy but love love love cresting

[@scottm8285]

Want those thin cables to be heavier? Tape off the ends and spray with Plastidip or other rubberizing spray.

[@graciescandles8816]

am i able to use in house office. and yes excellent video loved it

[@wittworks]

Thank you! It makes a lot of fumes. I made the mistake of using it first in my dining room and it stunk up the house for a day. XTool is making an enclosure for it that will vent out the fumes through a filter.

[@graciescandles8816]

@@wittworks thank you for getting back to me so quickly. another reason i like this video. also i shared your like of makeblocks helping children learn and grow thought awesome it tells alot about the company.

[@wittworks]

You’re welcome! I’m here to help.

[@IdealtheWrapper]

I wonder if a lighter leash would work as a safety tether.

[@1975oldschool]

Does the lasar have an hour/energy used limit where you need to replace after 1000 hours? Like is anything consumable like a router bit would be on a CNC?

[@wittworks]

the lifespan of the laser head is 8000-10000 hours.

[@Spiffiness]

I agree, this is a really awesome laser. Thanks for the review on it. 🤗 Also, do you mind telling me what is that little LED screen displays your KZbin subs on?

[@wittworks]

Thank you! hackmakemod.com/products/youtube-subscriber-count-display

[@Spiffiness]

@@wittworks Thank you! Hopefully, they’ll come back in stock lol😅

[@je4nette]

Is the d1 pro the best machine from xtool?

[@abedlalkhawaldeh580]

is 5W good for me?

[@HeliRy]

Any idea if the RA2 would be able to etch or engrave on a wonky shape like a mason jar?

[@wittworks]

You could probably chuck it in the jaws. I would be interested in how the irregular shape does with the laser distance. You want the same distance to get consistent results.

[@HeliRy]

@@wittworks Yeah it would probably fade pretty quick as it rolled away from the laser. I’m sure there are fancy 3 axis doodads out there that could pull it off… but I’m sure they’re also bonkers expensive lol.

[@amael1224]

Great video! Question, I tried my first engraving and the laser sounded like it was hitting the metal wall or making a weird sound. Any idea? thank you.

[@wittworks]

Thank you! I’m not totally sure what it could be. I experienced the Y axis gantry run into the far left edge one time, almost like it forgot where it was in space. I unplugged and reset everything and it was fine and never did it again. I think I may have moved it after setting the framing and didn’t put it back into position. As far as the sound, I would take a look at the belt tensions and loosen them up. Maybe there is too much tension and causing friction on the motors. That’s my best guess.

[@justinhamrick1099]

Yeah same here center your product in the center and make sure you check the size and frame first using lightburn!

[@justinhamrick1099]

Also use the center function in lightburn

[@Ticktockbbk]

Can you upgrade the head on the xtool d1 10w with a 20w laser?

[@wittworks]

Hey Dwight, yes you can! I haven't done it on my D1, but here's the link to the D1 only upgrade. Make sure you get the specific one for D1 and not D1 Pro. t.ly/-R0o I have both the 10w D1 and the 20w D1 Pro and I only use the 20W now.

[@imanutnur7]

I bought a xTool D1 Pro Upgraded Laser Engraver after a frustrating connection with Makeblock after having issues with the laser quitting after about 20 minutes. I communicated with them over a 3-day period and finally sent it back to Amazon. How has yours been working?

[@wittworks]

Mine hasn’t had any issues. I have a cheaper one from comgrow that does the dropped connection thing. I suspect it’s a software/firmware thing. I’m using Mac. Xtool needs to open up a stateside customer support operation.

[@JasmineMitchell]

My favorite xtool d1 video so far!! Also, I feel like if King James can have his name on an entire version of the Bible, surely you can have your name on your copy so it doesn't get lost lol Thanks so much for the great info!!

[@wittworks]

Thank you! That’s funny! 🫡

[@tashainjena]

Dude! Never thought about doing Bibles!!! That is AMAZING!!!

[@graciescandles8816]

Have broke down I bought the dx1 laser and now I have lines going through it I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong please help

[@wittworks]

Can you send me a picture of the problem? [e-mail]

[@ms_forsaken236]

I hope I can get mine to work. I bought the air attachment with mine. Unfortunately I can’t get it to work 🤔

[@wittworks]

Does your pump not work? I haven’t had any issues with mine.

[@ms_forsaken236]

@@wittworks I cant get anything to work. I watched their videos but it seems their pc screen is different than mine. they show a cut or engrave button. i have no cut & the engrave is not pressable. it also doesn't let me pick my material. it just says 'user-defined material' whatever that is supposed to mean. The air pump thing doesn't do anything either. i had to walk away so i didn't throw the whole thing in the trash.

[@wittworks]

@@ms_forsaken236 I'm sorry. Seems like the laser isnt connected. What software are you using? Send a screen shot to [e-mail]

[@ms_forsaken236]

@@wittworks I downloaded Laserbox basic. I now have options to cut, engrave or choose the material. The laser however is not working or air pump thing.

[@wittworks]

D1 or d1 pro?

[@hawktuner11]

I watched the video on the Xtool D1. I want to engrave on wooden flags I build. I'm a beginner and no nothing about engraving. Is this a machine you recommend? Plus, I am only asking because you had a Bible in your video. That is cool.

[@cheath8018]

I have 2 nice laser but fool proof is a stretch

[@wittworks]

That’s fair. Thank you.

[@user-my2lu3bf5m]

can you cut a sketch my great granddaughter sketches dogs people offer her 100$ she is 13 i think if their is a way to custom her sketches onto wood

[@sfkid57]

I am a leather crafting Hobbies, I want to be able to etch into leather and possibly cut leather

[@SomeRandomdude857]

Mine has a limit switch…..10w

[@wittworks]

You have the pro? This was the original d1

[@ardenthebibliophile]

Uh, it was square right out of the box? Your shot @6:01 shows it not square.

[@wittworks]

It was square. The black line you’re seeing is a shadow from how I was holding the square with one hand and my phone with the other. I noticed it in real time and couldn’t get the camera view to show what I was seeing in real life.

[@robinbray]

Appreciate the video. One correction though - it’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), not STEAM.

[@wittworks]

Thanks Robin. I’ve always known STEM, but in recent years have seen many also add an A for “arts”. Makeblock uses both STEM and STEAM verbiage on their website 🤷‍♂️

[@slice1208]

If Apple , or Tesla made a laser cuter it would be like this . So it has priority software , is over priced for what it is , will break on you and wen it dose you will have to send it back to the manufacturer to get it repaired at an exorbitant price . Maybe not the best comparison .

[@wittworks]

Speaking visual design wise. But you forgot to include “and doesn’t give you the right to repair” in you’re comment 🤪

[@slice1208]

@@wittworks I did not use the words "right to repair" , but I did say you have to send it back to the manufacturer to get it repaired at an exorbitant price . Sooo I think that includes "right to repair" .

[@wittworks]

@@slice1208 very true. I was referring to the crazy legislation that Apple and John Deere employ in that scheme

[@jeffteeter501]

Apple is a total turn-off to me.

[@douggottlieb]

😂👍🤿