Choosing the Right xTool Laser: F1 Ultra vs M1 Ultra vs P2

[@PaulSinnema]

Oh man, your channel is the goto for me for these kinds of subjects. Right now the Ortur H20 is on Kickstarter. I don't know anything about lasers so I thought, Katie knows. This video helped me decide. Thanks again Katie, love it what you do.

[@joe_fabricator]

I use a 150 watt CO2 laser at work which is great, but I'd love to have a couple of these. As you mentioned, figure out what you are wanting to do, then choose your laser. Another great video Katie, thank you.

[@Ansarhun]

Nice Doctor Horrible reference, Bad Horse would be proud :D

[@handsonkatie]

😈 🐴

[@David-Serendipity]

Enchanting and edifying, teasing for more... hat off to you.

[@davidbarber6268]

Very informative and love the Welsh 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿. Hope the snow is not too bad ☃️❄️

[@handsonkatie]

Don't mention the snow, I'm trying to finish my workshop roof!!!

[@davidbarber6268]

@ That’s about typical the weather turns just as you need to sort out your workshop roof. I can sympathise ⚒️⚒️🪛

[@handsonkatie]

Too right!! Very annoying indeed!

[@stevegernetzky1675]

Love it. Now I have to get one!

[@LockStoppageSandwich]

I’m preferring the P2 because I need a woodworking workhorse 👍

[@LockStoppageSandwich]

Layering biscuits 😮 ❤

[@markburton9712]

You're terrific! Twice in one day, we are spoiled!

[@handsonkatie]

Well you were complaining about not having enough! ;)

[@JR-rp7vr]

I want to do metal and stone engraving and the Xtool F1 ultra appears to do this great yes? But my problem is, I want to cut through at least quarter inch hard wood. is there any laser that can do all three of these for me? Thanks for video! Subscribed

[@handsonkatie]

No worries, yes the F1 Ultra should munch through that fine - I can test in a week or two, but you should have no issue (eg I just did 1/4" walnut ply for my Herbus video and it had no issues with that at all, so solid wouldn't be a million miles away - just might need more passes/power). One subtle point is just remember the F1 Ultra is cutting from a fixed point, whereas the P2 cuts by moving the laser. So if you needed to cut larger pieces or needed a perfectly straight edge, then the P2 is the best.but if you're cutting smaller items, then the F1 Ultra would be perfect for you by the sounds of it

[@JR-rp7vr]

@@handsonkatie Thank you so much for the info! Be blessed. Subscribed!

[@JR-rp7vr]

@@handsonkatie Awesome to know. thank you again for the info! I went ahead and bought the F1 for Cyber Monday and got the bundle with the conveyor belt, and I really like that they have their own free art software to go with it. So maybe the conveyor belt will work out with larger items. Good videos. God bless you!

[@handsonkatie]

@@JR-rp7vr Awesome stuff! Oh I'm sure you'll love it, it's super cool!

[@Lensman64]

Yes, invest in the quality builds, customer support and innovation. Take our example: We purchased a Creality FDM V3 KE to dip our toes into the 3D market. Well, after too many tech support emails to count , 1 replacement printer, two shipments of replacement parts (all under warranty), countless rolls of filament and endless "forum" posts... 1 year later we still have a machine that doesn't produce acceptable prints/1st layers as advertised and the company will not send us a new one. We should have spend the extra few dollars and bought a Bambu (even though we don't like the proprietary model). That would have saved us so much money and time. We learned from that mistake and purchased the M1 Ultra which just arrived the other day. The "suite" is still in boxes so I hope we made the right decision this time. By the looks of all the videos and posts, I think we did. Great channel. Thanks for your insights.

[@handsonkatie]

Oh I feel you, we've all been there - but totally agree. We were chatting in my discord about Adam Savage's book that covers this. He suggests buy cheap first, so you realise what you're missing, then buy the best you can afford...! So maybe you're living proof!

[@MelissaSNolan]

Thank you for the insightful video. I also own a laser machine of another brand and had to purchase additions for my machine to function at its full capacity. I am on a search for a new laser engraver and I am debating on whether I should get the F1 or F1 Ultra. I do craft shows and I want to engrave on jewelry on site. So what is most important is a machine that engraves silver and stainless steel and portability. Which one would you recommend?

[@handsonkatie]

A pleasure! Well there's no doubt the F1 is more portable, I'd say the F1 Ultra is 'just' still in the portable range. You definitely could take it to craft shows, it's just not going to be a one hand job!! Other than that, the F1 Ultra demolishes the F1 - better laser, bigger max size, depends metal engraving, conveyor, offline storage, smart UI features (like repeat tasks) and more. Personally, I'd go for the F1 Ultra for all the extras - if your use case is absolutely precise(eg small jewellery is all you'll ever need in relatively low volumes) then the F1 is still a great machine too. Hope this helps!

[@adriansherwood9916]

Your video has helped me so much! Xtool is so much superior to another brand I almost dropped $6k on. Im a subacriber now.

[@handsonkatie]

Great to hear it was helpful - and please to email or join my discord if you have any questions, more than happy to help. Lasers are amazingly powerful machines, but they are expensive, so you definitely want to make sure all your questions are answered - so more than happy to share the knowledge! (and mistakes I've made so you don't have to!)

[@bill1047]

NOW I WANT ONE!!! 😭😭😭

[@robiam506]

Great video! ❤

[@SirRicheybee]

Would you be able to tell me the music you played at the end please.

[@Tijrah]

Great content as always! Best deailed recommendation for specific function product. Question: When writing on those cookies, do you think they will work on CheeseCake Cookies? They have this crackled paint type texture... want the laser to be far away from it. Does the laser just caramalized the surface? worried about eatimg carbonized layer ... Thanks.

[@handsonkatie]

Thanks! Yes, the lasers pretty much etch all foods really - do you know what the crackled texture you describe is made off? (Ie sugar, glaze etc). Either way, you can super easily dial the power and speed up and down to avoid any heavy charring, so you can get it perfect for your use!

[@Tijrah]

​@@handsonkatiethe cracked surface is due to thin icing sugar layer on top which cracked during baking.

[@handsonkatie]

Ah yes, know what you mean - yes, you'd just need to test different settings and pick what suits best, look at videos like this as an example: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pImTdWtpetuCmtk

[@arjunyt2607]

These lasers are still eye wateringly expensive compared to the state of 3D FDM printing. The basic mechanics are the same, except a laser vs a heated extruder element. Any decent laser cutters around the £1,000 magic price point?

[@handsonkatie]

Oh the mechanics are quite different (except for the stepper motors and x/y axes) - laser tech is much more complex than 3d printers (which are basically very cheap heaters, melting plastic!). You can get cheaper lasers - eg xTool do some starting at around £250, so you can check them out, but I would aim for your sort of price point to get all the ease of use, features and more. Check out the links in my description and browse xTool's site, the S1 or the M1 are great lasers that are very capable, but if you were quick, the M1 Ultra is heavily discounted, so around $1000 for the next day or two

[@WoLpH]

I wonder if you've ever looked at the Gweike machines, they offer an insane amount of value for the price compared to the xtool machines but I'm not sure if they're comparable when it comes to quality. Your video really makes me wonder if I should go for an m1 or p2, or both ;)

[@handsonkatie]

Yes, Gweike are great lasers too, I looked at them when I was buying my P2. If you compare their similar models - eg the Gweike Cloud 55W $3499 to the xTool P2 $4799, they're effectively a slightly stripped down version - ie smaller bed size, lower working height-210mm with riser compared with 51mm, rotary engraving is much smaller too (xTool 0-180mm vs 30mm-74mm). The big things that swing it to a 'save a bit more for the P2' are - passthrough cutting (this allows you to cut up to 3m long planks, which is a gamechanger), the curved cutting recognition in XCS, the 16mp camera vs 5mp (remember this is what you'll use to align every cut) and the suite of extras in XCS of which there are many! There's also a whole ecosystem of accessories for xTool which obviously cost more like Gweike, but are state of the art on xTool's side (air purifier, duct fan and more) But Gweike offer great value for money and certainly I don't think they're scrimping on the important stuff like many brands do (ie safety, reliability), so if you had a really specific need like only ever needing a smaller bed size and cutting fairly limited ranges of objects, then it'd be a great solution (ie where the camera, passthrough, smarter tech wouldn't be relevant). Hope this helps!

[@handsonkatie]

Had a quick google and this looks like quite a decent review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5iacqmkZtGUiJY Might need to check the reliability side as he seems to mention quite a few problems with his Gweike models.

[@WoLpH]

@@handsonkatie Thank you so much for the elaborate response, that helps a lot!

[@WoLpH]

@@handsonkatie That's a very compelling argument to go for the xTool devices instead, thank you :)

[@handsonkatie]

@@WoLpH A pleasure, as I say I don't think Gweike are a bad brand at all, but xTool just lead the market in lots of ways. As to your question of M1 or P2, you'll just need to watch the video again!! 😂 I've got a bit more detail on my site too under recommended products!

[@Neilhuny]

I emphatically agree with the 'Buy quality' message because 'cheap' invariably costs more or destroys your hopes for a new hobby because you bin the junk you bought. I say this from the point of view of someone with very little spare cash

[@handsonkatie]

Yes you're right Neil - we were just having a long discussion on this in my discord. There's so many factors that play into this sort of decision, but the effort it takes to learn a new skill is often neglected - thus tools that make it much easier really do have value!

[@Foodgeek]

The sound is a little out-of-sync :) Otherwise a great video :)

[@merodeadorNocturno]

I love your videos; they're very informative. I'd also like to commend the hard work you put into your physique. I love your arms; they look really powerful.

[@handsonkatie]

Thank you! I can't say I put much work into them, but all the projects I do keeps them busy!!

[@d1m18]

Oh my

[@PatrickHoodDaniel]

Let me address the elephant in the room, Lasers are dangerous, but they are such incredible machines. Great video.

[@handsonkatie]

Oh like any tool (and I'd rank table saws waaaay higher on this scale!) they should be treated with respect, but yes I really wouldn't advise using cheap, cut corner lasers (open frame, dodgy safety glasses, weak extraction, low fire safety and the like)

[@gavintheurquhart]

Sadness. Can’t see myself ever affording this. But I’ll enjoy watching vicariously.

[@MichaelArthur4eva]

Sharks with Freakin lazers!

[@fladder1]

Wait, no fast show references? That thumbnail really set my expectations wrong😂

[@handsonkatie]

I missed the opportunity!! Next time!

[@janklamer]

Can you build me a bike or a table with your 3D printer or laser cutter or do I still need my saws

[@handsonkatie]

Table, easy. Bike, done: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sITYgHWCi7ajo6Msi=Ef1mSqLm8aU1CMeX 😉

[@janklamer]

@@handsonkatie haha you are funny. they still had to cut the pipes to correct length and deburr parts. i'm still very hesitant to buy a 3D printer as I first need to understand and get my home assistant running. I find it not easy. many "manuals" are written in a way that you still need a lot of abbreviations and skills they assume you know , without explaining - rather then show a screen by screen instruction. i'm so afraid that with a 3D printer that will go the same way. endless clueless searching how-to...

[@handsonkatie]

Oh definitely don't overload yourself, that spoils the fun - it depends on your interests, if you're more practical, then 3d printing with a Bambu printer will be a piece of cake, if you're more theoretical/codey, then HA is simple - either way, my discord channel is full of people happy to help with anything (me included!)

[@janklamer]

@@handsonkatie guess i'm more practical. you would love my house, "infested" with coloured lighting and so far 80 devices in my home automation, but also glass floors, dance floor, speakers build in ceiling, AC disguised as painting, ..... I'll go find that discord channel and maybe do a youtube tour around my house one day.

[@handsonkatie]

@janklamer sounds amazing!!! Well worth getting your head around HA, you could have a field day with that in your house!!!

[@maconSTUFF]

Great video Katie... very "hands on"... 😄 I wonder if they'll send me some to review... I only have like 14k subscribers... 🤔

[@chrisdixon5241]

Oh My God! She's only gone and done it! I'll need to replay this video a bunch of times to crack that Welsh place name, but there it is! I am slightly disappointed that XTool don't have a shark mounting accessory for their lasers, but perhaps that is a future upgrade? Also, HomeAssistant-able?

[@handsonkatie]

😂😂 yes indeed, can't believe they missed the shark!! 🦈 Home Assistant crossed my mind, I'm not actually sure what I'd use it for as I'd always want to be near the machines when running, but I can bug them about an API if you've got any ideas!!

[@chrisdixon5241]

@@handsonkatie I was thinking monitoring, in much the same way you might monitor a 3d printer. But you're probably right that it's better to keep a close eye on them and be ready to push the big red button, as they're even more likely to set your house on fire... :D

[@handsonkatie]

@@chrisdixon5241 Yes, I've actually got Reolink cameras set up for this - so it covers both my CNC and the P2. I think it's actually a bit trickier as the camera on these devices is used for 'top down' views to see exactly what you're going to cut, so I'm not even sure if it's possible to use this whilst the laser is on, I'd need to check!! I'll ask xTool about this - it might be fun to hack around! Certainly a very simple 'job finished/percentage complete' could be handy for one idea I've got.....!

[@macintoshz]

I genuinely enjoy your content, but I have to be honest-the nonstop hand gestures make it really hard for me to keep watching. If you could reduce them and add a bit more stillness, it would make your videos much easier to follow.

[@handsonkatie]

Great to hear you enjoy and I can try, but I just get excited about things so I can't control it!!! But I'll certainly try to make some super engaging content and you never know, you might even grow fond of my crazy hands eventually... 🤣🤣

[@esrider7765]

Your audio and video is out of sync for me.

[@ArjanvanVught]

for me the same out of sync

[@patjsy1]

Who’s looking at her mouth

[@handsonkatie]

That's odd, I might have an idea on cause - is it just a tiny bit out of sync for you? (Ie how many milliseconds would you estimate?)

[@esrider7765]

@@handsonkatie it varies depending on part of video, sometime over half sec, others not so much

[@handsonkatie]

@@esrider7765 ok, good to know, I'll investigate!! (I've been trying some simpler recording approaches to make it simpler!)

[@1234clarknj]

I was watching and gonna upvote and then kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3TEoXeNnr-khLc&si=QSJm_TJVOle-Ciar - U had to throw in Welsh :) :)❤. Great job in rolling that one off your tongue.

[@handsonkatie]

Cymru am byth!!

[@1234clarknj]

@ 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿:)

[@JamesG19771]

My experience with Xtool as someone trying to be a new customer (having spent £5k on the P2) is to tell anyone who will listen to avoid them. I wont go into detail about my specific case save to say they sent me a pre owned / pre broken unit that I obviously cant use. I have serious misgivings about the size of the company and their ability to solve after sales issues. Trying to get some help from them almost drove me to tears of frustration, they didnt bother to reply, there is no UK support and when I did get some response they simply didnt seem to care. I may have a solution to my case, after days of having to shout and chase, time will tell if they come through with it. But from what ive seen I would not be sending any money in their direction again....

[@handsonkatie]

Oh do share details as I'd be happy to help - I bought a P2 before I ever started KZbin and it's been immensely reliable and support were super helpful (even when I screwed up using it initially!). I actually was using another competitor brand before that, that was problem after problem - so appreciate it does happen! Drop me a note on my site email if easier, would be great if I can help get sorted!

[@JamesG19771]

@@handsonkatie Thank you for the offer of assistance. We got there in the end and I am very impressed with the device, though I do still have reservations on their support & service. Time will tell but for now I am at least cutting!

[@handsonkatie]

@@JamesG19771 great to hear you're sorted! Glad you got it resolved and enjoy the laser, it's a brilliant bit of kit!!

[@falconhawk8064]

Miss you ❤

[@esrider7765]

Hello :-)

[@spindreams]

There is a problem with this video, i think your studio might be too warm, turn down the heating a little, it'll make all the difference.

[@Haxzyr]

Your are beautiful

[@connectedsecure]

Katie you are my dream wife

[@kdt85]

See you in a few seconds