Cutting Acrylic on the xTool M1 + Bonus tips

[@423carter]

Your videos have really helped me with my xtool! Great videos! Please keep the great work!

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@jodimaitland4811]

I just love these videos. You make everything so easy to understand!

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@Andyman66]

Thank you for going to the time of making these videos. It is very useful and great content. I’m waiting for my M1 and can’t wait to get started. Have a great weekend 👍

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Thank you for the kid words and your support!

[@arizonaheatwave4080]

Great video!! I WOULD NOT put any galvanized metal in the laser as it’s fumes are EXTREMELY TOXIC!! Just a heads up for everyone!

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Agreed. What I have shown here is definitely not recommended. Aluminum plate is the way to go.

[@quinettabrown8836]

That cut really really well.

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

It sure did. Black cuts best for me in my M1

[@samuelsanchez6180]

Awesome video. Learned a lot as I'm new to lasers

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

That is great to hear.

[@janesfavsvideos]

Thanks so much for doing these videos

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

You're welcome

[@kevinandpennylct2415]

So cool thank you for your videos!

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

You're welcome

[@denniscoddington1701]

Waiting for my M1 to arrive, I’ve enjoyed all your videos as well as all the information, hints, tips, and solutions you’ve provided on Facebook. Thanks for all the useful info Sir!

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Thank you for the kind words! I feel like this video was a bit rushed but hoping people find it useful. I hope yours arrives soon!

[@joyweber4659]

I love this and it's our daughter's married last name!

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Awesome!

[@scubajenn5]

This video is AWESOME!! You answered so many questions I had!! CONGRATS on the 1k subbies!!

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Awesome, glad it helped. And thanks for the congrats! I quietly hit it just last week!

[@ariccressey5226]

i think people forget that there is still an opening at the bottom of the base plate that the smoke escapes from on the right side. thats where most of the excess comes out of on mine

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

I agree. I know the M1 has the built-in exhaust fan but I am not sure if it pulls enough CFMs to only allow incoming air into it vs allowing the smell/smoke to escape out the bottom inlet holes. Plus the lid is not fully sealed so there is room for escape there as well (especially the hinge side of the lid)

[@ticmsw1097]

I received my M1 a few weeks ago and have found your videos helpful. The software has been a challenge to learn and i didn't expect to need to learn another software(inkscape ) . Hopefully future updates will make these tasks easier. Would you mind creating a detailed video on xcs for example converting a png to an svg in inkscape to prepare a project to be cut, scored and engraved. It's my understanding that there needs to be three layers in order to do thst?

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

I too didn't expect to learn new software beyond XCS. Unfortunately, it seems like generating SVG's is a common thing when it comes to working with engravers. I did a quick google search for "png to an svg in inkscape" and it looks like there are quite a few tutorials already out there. I do not think there needs to be more than 1 layer. From my experience, your basically using Inkscape to "trace" the image it sees and creates a 2nd layer on top of the existing image. Once created, you remove the original image and save the tracing as an SVG. That 2nd layer consists of the vector lines that the engraver will use to follow.

[@stephenbranston1588]

Hi Can the X-Tool 10w cut mirror acrylic?

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

It can not. You would need a CO2 laser to cut mirror acrylic. The M1 and D1 are both diode lasers. They can only etch on top with the help of a marking spray or marking paper.

[@schnuckbear]

Hey Michael. Just unboxed our xTool M1 today and spent the afternoon watching all your tutorial videos. Excellent work and really helped with the learning curve. Was wondering if you have a link where we can get the Galvlume sheet you were using. Thanks

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

I do not. But, if you can find a sheet metal supplier, roofing company, metal building company, steel supplier near you, they perhaps could help. Full disclaimer, you should use an aluminum plate instead since engraving zinc in that galvalume plate can be harmful. Also, i believe hardware stores sell flat sheets of aluminum. But not sure if they have a shear that can cut them to the proper size. It has to be a shear to keep it flat. Using small handheld cutters will leave lumpy edges.

[@maulion36]

Muy buen video

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Gracias!

[@sharonhobson5297]

Can you try etching on clear acrylic? Using the same method as you are using for glass? I think it will work but I can’t see any other people doing it.

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Yes, you can definitely do it. I will show a bit of it in my next video.

[@dogaer309]

So what would you say about an air assist on this machine? I think it would help alot in making it cleaner cutting and the life span of this machine.

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

I definitely think it will help. I have even seen a couple of people with 3D printers in the group coming up with their own version of an air assist. Perhaps xTool will take note and work on a version we can use.

[@deegarner-hunter6544]

Hi, can you advise how to set up to cut some memorial chairs to put pieces together with the xTool M1 10w?

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

I had to Google what a memorial chair is. That is such a sweet thing to have! Looking online they sell the patterns on Etsy so i suspect it will be a fairly simple thing to do. Making the pattern by yourself may be a bit challenging. If it were me, I would buy the pattern (paying attention to the material thickness it is designed for), load it in XCS and get to cutting!

[@partsteam2211]

What were the settings on cutting the acrylic and it was a laser cutting right? How many passes?

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

I just put the material in, auto focused the laser, and used the preset settings that Xtool provides underneath the material option. I do not recall the number of passes. Whatever that preset option was I went with.

[@williamalvarez2039]

Did you remove the plastic film that's usally on acrylic before cutting?

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

I did not. I looked online and read that its a matter of preference. I kept the plastic on to prevent scratches before we give it to the person we made it for.

[@user-ij2mg2jf2y]

Hi!!! Can you cute gold acrylic with the M1?

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

If your talking the gold mirror acrylic which is basically clear acrylic with a gold mirror backing, unfortunately, no. Colors must be opaque and on the darker side for best results. To check to see if it can be cut, go to Xtool.com and find the color acrylic you are thinking about trying. Read the description of the acrylic. If it says 'can be laser-cut and engraved by all xTool machines' then YES, you can cut it with the M1. If it says 'applicable to xTool Laserbox or P2,' then unfortunately NO, it can not be cut with the M1. That acrylic can only be cut by a saw or by using a CO2 laser.

[@juliestanley2034]

Hi, I bought a piece of acrylic and it has a paper sticker over the top. Do I remove that before I begin?

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Some take the paper off, some keep it on. I personally take it off prior to cutting it with my laser. I have had it flare up too many times and it sometimes welds itself to the plastic a little as well. All you can do is test on a small piece to make sure it fits your needs.

[@Grzzs]

What were your settings? I have the Xtool M1 and am cutting 3mm black acrylic. I used the default settings and the top side looked great, but the back side had some slight bubbling on the backside. Did yours do that?

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

If I recall correctly it was not perfectly flat on the bottom. It did bubble outward a little bit.. However that was the back side and the customer who was not worried about that.

[@danielle-lauraward4190]

Have you used clear acrylic with the machine yet? I am trying to engrave 3mm Clear acrylic but it won't work - it either burns or doesn't engrave anything. Any tips or ideas on why I'm struggling so much. Many thanks.

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

To engrave on clear, you will need to use a laser marking spray or marking paper (xTool sells the paper). I will be doing a small clear acrylic engraving how to video soon using the paper. I am still waiting for my order to arrive and I need to decide what I want to engrave.

[@yolandaruiz9435]

I’m thinking about getting this machine, but I’m worried about the toxic fumes because my apartment is so small, are the fumes toxic? Is that so Bad?

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Yes, cutting/engraving acrylic or paints (tumblers), or wood can all be bad for you and stink up your place. Xtool makes an air purifier for indoor use but I have heard mixed reviews on it. I suggest you join the Official M1 group on FB and ask there to get advice from people with the purifier.

[@Theonewhoneveranswers_8]

I am having problem with m1 cutting not sure what the problem is

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Is it with ALL materials or certain ones. I know of a couple of users that have never been able to cut anything. Turns out it was the laser causing the trouble and customer service helped them out.

[@JWPhotosanddesigns]

I’ve been doing extensive research on the x Tool brand can the M1 cut other colors of acrylics? Like pinks, blues etc This will be a deciding factor for me.

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

It can not cut blue or clear and I believe a couple other colors. It is not an M1 thing, it is a diode laser thing. Only more powerful CO2 lasers can cut all colors

[@JWPhotosanddesigns]

@@MonkeyWoodworks Thank you.

[@mustapha19908]

xTool M1 - 10W Basique What does it mean

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

I am not sure. Where do you see this?

[@BRivSr]

Where did you buy the mesh screen?

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

I picked it up at HomeDepot. 8ft long x 28" wide +/- for $20. I cut it to fit using a 4.5" grinder and a cut-off wheel. Technically, you shouldn't use it because the mesh is galvanized (it gives off fumes when the laser hits it). But since i work in my garage with the door open and fans blowing the fumes out, I feel it is safe to use in my case.

[@BRivSr]

What kind of mesh would be considered safe? I actually set up my M1 with a window moble AC exhaust window kit. I even added a another fan in-between to assist pulling out the fumes. I do like the idea of grilling foil.

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

An aluminum honeycomb is safest. I have never smelled anything from this mesh but to be safe, I do want to mention its not a recommended method.

[@Platyphanatic]

What is a good size honeycomb for the M1, and are there any online?

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

People say that a 300mm x 400mm will fit. However, most you buy online will be fairly thick so you may have to use them with the base removed.

[@ButtonBabbleCreations]

What honeycomb are you using? I didn’t see a link

[@adlygaray351]

Can it cut clear acrylic ?

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Sorry, no. Lasers like the xTool D1, M1, Ortur Laser Master series, etc. All of those are diode lasers and can not cut clear. You will need to step up to a CO2 laser for that such as the xTool P2 (which I have videos of)

[@adlygaray351]

@@MonkeyWoodworks thank you for your response 🤍

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

@@adlygaray351 your welcome!

[@craftandreviews5091]

Can you do leather engraving video?

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Once i get some, yes i will.

[@magpie1302]

I been watching your videos. It looks like mine is damaged. I don’t have that drop box to pick my materials and my machine doesn’t connect. Did you have any issues?

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

I believe that is a software bug in the latest version. Have you fully rebooted your pc and M1? Also, if you join the FaceBook group named "xTool M1 Official Group". Search the group using the search tool. You should find answers there.

[@akabunny7671]

Where did you get the wire mesh, please?

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

The mesh I use is from Home Depot. It was a large piece of mesh that i cut down using a angle grinder and a cut-off wheel.

[@akabunny7671]

@@MonkeyWoodworks thank you!

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Also, as another alternative, you can use a cookie cooling rack if you can find one that fits. I would get the kind with the small squares to make it more "honeycomb"ish.

[@akabunny7671]

@@MonkeyWoodworks I'm starting to see I need more tools, lol! I have no saws or the like, but I do have the space.

[@blueskyjax]

Thank you I am learning so much. Where did you get the galvalume? Did you cut it yourself?

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

I work for a company that has it on hand and had them cut me some.

[@blueskyjax]

@@MonkeyWoodworks Lucky!

[@pamchan3288]

Thanks for the video! May I ask if you used Air Assist for this?

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

I do not use air assist when I cut acrylic. I feel it makes more of a mess by blowing around the cut plastic.

[@miguelowen19]

I have some question can i contact you on another social media or DM i can ask you for help on cutting some stuff i need please or anyone that can help me since i’m new at this M1 specially software

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Absolutely, find me on FB or via my IG link in the video description.