Deep Dive: xTool P2 vs. Thunder Nova 35

[@ChadsCustomCreations]

“All those laser specs can get you glazed like a donut” haha you are the best Sam 😆

[@Samcraftcom]

Thanks Chad!

[@Thatguy777-nw6bw]

What can I say but well done. Your session was very informative and comprehensive. Thank you for taking the time to do this video.

[@Samcraftcom]

You're very welcome!

[@mlm7598]

Pretty cool Sam. I bet you are having some fun with those. You are set for whatever you wish to do. Awesome! Happy you have gotten into these...........endless results! Love that you did this comparison, it will help many get a closer look and perhaps nail down what they may like to go for. You are excellent at putting out the info and a teacher, if you will! Blessings

[@Samcraftcom]

Thanks so much!

[@gerritgeldenhuys2763]

Thanks for the video. I'm getting my Nova 51 next week. Can't wait.

[@fretworkpeddler]

Great video, Sam. Very creative way to compare very different lasers.

[@stlwoodworking]

Good comparison buddy. That is about the best way I could see breaking it all down

[@makeorbreakshop]

Great breakdown! Price per sq in of working space is a great idea. Thunder is just a whole other class of machine, also best support I've ever experienced!

[@Samcraftcom]

I've not needed their support yet, thankfully, but have only heard good things about them, too. Thanks for stopping by!

[@kellycarroll6829]

Blessings to you, Angela and all the family 💚

[@TheBellvueRanch]

Thank you for all the work you do sharing your projects and your knowledge!

[@paulrobart553]

I appreciate this review, and you're absolutely right. There is no comparison between the two as one is hobbyist/light commercial and the other is straight up commercial. Great video

[@scottvallie4495]

Well, I think you nailed it right on the head with your opening statement. You can’t compare the two machines or apples and oranges. I’ve got a P2 I feel it does OK. I definitely have a want for a larger more powerful laser in the CO2 version but before that happens, I’m looking for a fiber laser. I’ve watched your video on that also along with several other contributors good job on the video though.

[@derekfield4164]

Same. I love the idea of doing tumblers and flasks without a rotary and done in like a minute. Also I just really love light burn and they sold the P2 as light burn ready when it is not.

[@dgoddard]

I've been looking at upgrading from my diode laser and this is one of the best comparisons I've seen between the smaller desktop versions vs. the larger floor models. Good stuff.

[@Samcraftcom]

Glad I could help! The prosumer market is growing daily it seems!

[@markcall9695]

Dam, dude … thanks for ALL you do! I have a P2 and F1 right now but will get a Nova at some point! Appreciate all the great vids you do for us!

[@samsanderson7159]

What I take away from this is you need to consider 3 things First. How much room do you have? Second. How much will it be used? Third. Price. We recently bought a P2 and we love it. I'd love to eventually need a thunder but then I'd need another shop because we don't have the space.

[@jimc31]

The P2 has a replacement Lens for $59 and mirrors for $69 on the online store. No need to contact support.

[@marcinkuli]

Hi Sam, I hope you find a moment to answer my question. A year ago, I opened an online store, which turned out to be quite a success, something I didn’t expect. All the products I made were with the xtool d1 pro 20w with the extension kit. The laser is great, but it doesn’t allow me to scale the business. Now, I need to purchase two machines - one is a CO2 laser that will speed up work with wood and plywood and also allow me to work with laminate (acrylic). I’m receiving tons of inquiries for engraving metals, and I’ve missed out on a few great orders. I definitely need a fiber laser. I'm a bit limited on space since my workshop is at home, and for now, I’m not planning to move, so I can’t fit a large machine. Here’s my question - is the P2 laser suitable for scaling a business, or is it more of a hobbyist/DIY machine? I’ve read almost the entire internet and feel like I’m back at square one, not knowing what to believe anymore. I’m also considering the purchase of an F1 Ultra for metal needs. I’d appreciate your opinion, as the internet is flooded with paid reviews that are hard to trust. From the very beginning, you’ve been a reliable source of information for me. PS: Thanks for the material test you sell, it was the first thing I bought on day 1! Best regards, I’m happy to see you grow!

[@creamysbrianna]

@Samcraft Do you need an external chiller/cooler for either of these?

[@patberry3388]

Very good review. I have an Epilog Fusion Edge and am considering adding the X Tool I like my Epilog however I can see the advantage of the X Tool. Thanks.

[@kevinbrowne-j7v]

Hey Sam, Great video. I really would like to see just a quick update of you using "your settings & expertise" / not the reccomended ones. that way we can see if the the Thunder is any quicker e.g. its much more powerful but in the first video not so much quicker except on plastic.

[@f1hotrod527]

Is there a shipping cost on the Thunder?

[@klc7919x]

Great job, exactly what I am looking for. Have the P2 to figure out if I want go big... I appreciate all your videos.

[@Samcraftcom]

Glad to help! I appreciate you watching!

[@leviteapparel]

Amazing video As usual

[@SgtCude59]

Hi Sam, have you finished the hallway between the two shops ? I have not seen that part in your video's

[@MetalanGrain]

Perfect comparison video! Just straight facts! Thank you for this!

[@hugegizmo151]

Hello what budget lap top or tablet would be good for engraving thanks

[@racerrex777]

I see in your P2 bed that you have something that looks like it is for squaring up your material in the bed. Where could I get something like that? The sides of my bed of my P2 is not square or perpendicular to each other. This makes it hard to square up my material. Do you have something available?

[@deannaoverstreet4146]

Thanks Sam!

[@chrismonson3581]

I think it's funny that you mention customer service when talking about XTool! I have a XTool D1 that's a paperweight because it stopped working correctly and XTool's customer service is NON EXISTENT!!! Great video but I wouldn't have another XTool product if they GAVE it to me. Excellent channel, keep up the good work!

[@jd8618]

Same, to be honest diode lasers are a complete waste of money. They fit a very small niche and are extremely limited

[@LYTOMIZE_Woodshop]

Thanks for the detailed analysis. Boy are they big investments - given how your usage evolved, which of the two would you have bought yourself? I'm about to evolve out of a diode into a CO2 (and I want a fiber one as well)... but multiply those prices by 1.4 to bring one into Canada and it's quite the leap. Logically buying the bigger one (thinking long term] is the best way to go. Would you have laid out the cash to straight to the 100 watt Thunder?

[@hunterstark9556]

Awesome video man ❤❤❤

[@Samcraftcom]

Thanks 😁

[@f1hotrod527]

Can get the P2 with the riser, rotary, and conveyor that allows you to do items much larger than Thunder Nova for $5000.

[@RoseKindred]

Great breakdowns, especially when you broke it down as an average person would use it (out-of-the-box testing and all). The deciding factor for me is floor space. I would love a 35, but no room for it. Actually, I have no way to even get it into the area without it being off the crate and turned sideways.

[@mattsara2802]

Good video

[@CreativeCustomDesigns]

I know you can't compare ALL the brands, but it would have been GREAT if you had a Nova 24. That's what we are looking at for our next laser. I've been trying to find out what it would REALLY cut for thickness on Baltic Birch. We are going with the 24 because we would like to get it in our basement. THANKS for giving us some numbers on these machines.

[@Samcraftcom]

That would have been a closer comparison with the Nova 24 being a 60w. That and the new Thunder Bolt laser have been common questions on how they compare to the xTool P2. Who knows, maybe someday... With my experience with this Thunder, I don't think you will regret it. :)

[@stevesmith-sb2df]

For operation in a hot texas garage I would choose the thunder. Air conditioned garages are rare.

[@nickeltabs]

I use light burn for engraving since it starts at the bottom and flumes draw up to the top and use the P2 camera to position the work piece then switch to light burn for the work just record the X and Y to enter into light burn to position the work file

[@f1hotrod527]

Also, using the riser and the open bottom of the P2, doesn't that mean you have almost unlimited thickness of items you can work on?

[@GarlandFarms]

I have the F1 and love it but Thunder Nova is my next purchase.

[@gunracksonline]

SAM how is the exhaust fan doing if you run both lasers at the same time?

[@Samcraftcom]

My exhaust fan has no problem extracting fumes and smoke from all the lasers at once. The key is a 100% air tight duct system.

[@TTC1940]

think about doing tests on black metal business cards. Great video

[@catmondragon4815]

I have a P2 and a Thunder Bolt, get the bolt if you like engraving 😀 Get the P2 if you're thinking of cutting more :)

[@Samcraftcom]

Good to know!

[@doncaranci2547]

Love all of your videos but I sure do miss the videos with you and Angela in them and the boys

[@Samcraftcom]

Those are on our other channel, not this one. :)

[@doncaranci2547]

@@SamcraftcomI am subscribed to both Get no notifications on the other

[@jeffruffing2316]

Ok, first, let me get my first thing out of the way. Just discovered you on Steep in the Woods. It was filmed about 4 years ago. You two guys were very funny. Made me subscribe to your Green Acres channel. Now, for the laser question. I am looking for something like the X-Tool P2 all in ( means all the bells and whistles) but I’m looking for something compatible with light burn even tho I don’t know light burn yet, I’ll learn it. What machine would you recommend?

[@Samcraftcom]

The Thunder Bolt looks very interesting as an xTool P2 competitor or replacement. It runs Lightburn. But I don't have any experiences with it at this time. I would love to test one out and put it head-to-head with the P2 though!

[@jgoudey4477]

Should have compared the Tunder laser Bolt to the P2 for a more price point and desktop laser comparison

[@Samcraftcom]

I don't own a Bolt, but agree with you. Those two would be much more level on playing field.

[@kirstiegreen6557]

❤

[@joehimes9898]

Thunder is more for large size and large batches (and probably deeper cuts). P2 is more hobby and light business. At least that is what I got out of this.

[@Kimberlyn1323]

Not to mention you have to have space for thunder.

[@garyirwin4078]

could not charge same price for laser and hand cut hobby parts for sale due to burn edges ,

[@Samcraftcom]

Sure you can. It's all about marketing and your customer's expectations and desires. Either one can be made to be sold at a greater or lesser value to the other. Marketing is the key.

[@scottbyrd2157]

Sorry Sam! Is there a translator for the language you was speaking?? 😂. I am trying to learn lasers and 3D printing but there is sooo much to learn. Hoping I can grasp it!

[@lechatbotte.]

The difference for me is the laser diode vs C02. The speed difference is negligible. Yes you don’t have to buy items extra you paid for them in the price tag. Mostly it’s what are you using it for and how often. lol I live the comparisons

[@randycrisp78]

These are both CO2

[@lechatbotte.]

@@randycrisp78 understand that. My comment was one of my criteria is one vs the other. This is a similar comparison except that the one machine is larger and way more money.

[@randycrisp78]

Oh, ok

[@brendahogue5487]

Love your videos and enjoy watching them. May the lord bless and protect you and your family and working in the shop

[@Samcraftcom]

Same to you!

[@TheWoodHaven]

Nice comparison

[@pmartin6759]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@po04870487]

It's not exactly fair to compare machines with wattages that differ by a factor of two, especially when their prices also differ by the same margin.

[@Samcraftcom]

A comparison can be done on anything! What would not be fair was if I told you which was better or that one beat the other, which I did not.

[@jd8618]

Sam, you should do a video on how useless diode laser really are. Most of the videos online show diode lasers doing things that aren’t reality. It will help people that want a laser realize they need to spend the extra money and get a CO2 or fiber depending on what they are going to use it for. Also xtool is a slimmy company, they target people getting into the trade with low powered machines advertised as doing commercial level production and they have an army of KZbinrs behind them telling lies. My first laser was a D1 20w and it is by far the most regretted tool I own. The product it burns is slow and looks very amateur. Upgraded to a 60w CO2 and never looked back. I don’t even have the heart to sell it and ruin someone else’s passion.

[@1-Nice-Guy]

xTool sucks!

[@patshipp9195]

💖💖👍👍💖💖

[@gaiustacitus4242]

There are some features of the P2 that sold me on purchasing one as a hobby laser. First, the feeder attachment allows you to cut 120" length at the full 26" width. Second, the P2 can engrave on curved surfaces (such as the sides of guitars or the insides of bowls). If I were running a small laser business, then I would want a variety of lasers in order to offer greater capabilities to my customers. Also, Aeon's line of products is more comparable to Thunder's.

[@greenhiker]

Xtool service is TERRIBLE! My P2 died in January and is still broke. Under warranty and I bought extra xtool care package. Promised parts would ship 4 times but never happens. Waiting on mother board, etc. I have orders but no laser and no income for my business. Spent so much time & money launching this biz…

[@gilb6982]

They can't be compared One begin the image by the top The other begin by the botom It is unfair ! LOL !

[@quibblyguy]

Should have labeled each results from which laser. Wasn’t 100% honest

[@mikewinn1484]

Way too much boring information.