How to Cut and Engrave Acrylic with a Laser - xTool D1 10watt

How to Cut and Engrave Acrylic with a Laser. You guys keep asking, so here you go! Cutting acrylic with a laser. Engraving acrylic with a laser. Giving me a headache in the shop from fumes from the laser!
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#builddadbuild

[@albertlopez03]

I absolutely love the fact that you included all the times you messed it up. I appreaciate that more than anything else. I learn A LOT about things to prevent.

[@BuildDadBuild]

The mistakes are what get you where you need to go!

[@jarodmorris611]

Dude. That "What's in the box?" reference was so old school. Loved it.

[@jessd3012]

Wrapped in plastic! I love the humor in your videos, man! You always put a smile on my face. Like, "Yeah, I'd have a beer with this dude."

[@BuildDadBuild]

I'd have a beer with you too! Cheers

[@KarlXByrne]

The video should be titled "How to make a balls of it, but with extra steps"! I enjoyed the Warts'n'all approach, mistakes provide powerful lessons. The Logo disk at the end looks brilliant.

[@BuildDadBuild]

Glad you enjoyed it! Cheers

[@eimead]

Just wanted to say thanks for the channel... Seems like every time I'm trying to figure something new out you've got a fun and informative trial and error video to answer lots of my questions. Dipping my toes into the smelly world of acrylic now so this vid has been massively helpful

[@BuildDadBuild]

Awesome. If you ever have any questions email me [e-mail]

[@TWMTWM-eb1lw]

Ha! A bag in the wind as art. I love this guy already.

[@BuildDadBuild]

Hooty hoo!!

[@ufoquilter86]

I find you fascinating so I will binge watch the hell out of your channel!! 😂 thanks

[@BuildDadBuild]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@leannewheeler4192]

“Just kidding don’t touch me” I LOVE IT!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Exactly!

[@Fleshybitz]

Love your humour and your builds and your shirt.

[@mossfamily2000]

Love the t-shirt!!! Best band in the world!!

[@warrenking1815]

Good job, will help me when I get my laser for my sainsmart 4040

[@TheBks573]

Just found the channel and I love the upbeat energy.

[@BuildDadBuild]

Welcome to the Party, Brad! Cheers

[@SonicEchoVoid]

Try using damp paper towels under the acrylic, it works! You’ll get a very clean cut🤙🏻

[@jocool1034]

Man got my xtool ordered today brother I’m very excited.

[@BuildDadBuild]

Awesome! You'll dig it the most! Cheers

[@danightcreeper132]

That movie is great

[@keepamerica2astrong280]

Dude great vid. Love the acrylic ! You look like a mad scientist with those goggles on, love it !

[@BuildDadBuild]

Now that makes me think I should buy a lab coat! LOL Cheers

[@AndyChristianLoyola]

if you want to cut, you can try to focus the laser on the surface of honeycomb than on the top of the acrylic. Works well for me - I'm using ortur laser master 2. 100 speed 70% power 2 passes

[@geektoolkit]

Another awesome video, entertaining and educational as always! I'm really digging how well those acrylic cuts went and the logo (also that shirts hilarious). Thanks for the great content!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks, brother! Cheers

[@giraffkrzy]

I'm REALLY thinking about getting a laser cutting machine and have been watching videos to learn and I really enjoyed yours. You're very entertaining and fun. This XTool brand seems to be pretty popular and I've read some good reviews on sites that did comparisons.

[@BuildDadBuild]

There's a great user base and Facebook group too!

[@enetir999]

ya really having some fun

[@marcoss6212]

Thank you for another informative video, appreciated. On an unrelated topic, I have watched two of your videos on tumblers, in one of them you mentioned the use of Dry Molly to be wiped off with lacquer thinner, then I used alcohol and it works, to later find out that water works just fine and perhaps a little better. I drenched a magic eraser with water and rubbed a little hard few times and then voilà, it comes out right off without much of dirt, almost like a film leaving very little dirt as it does lacquer to rinse behind. Have learn from you so this is just a little contribution from my part, I hope. Thanks again.

[@BuildDadBuild]

Hey Marco! Thanks for the tip! I'll give it a try. Cheers

[@533lpunit]

Can you make another one of these 😂 Just bought this tool and planning to cut acrylic

[@berrybabe2438]

You are so fun and awesomely helpful! I wish you were my uncle and I could come craft with you!

[@BuildDadBuild]

LOL I'm much crankier in person..🤣 Cheers

[@ToddsLaserCreations]

I think you stepped on the frog 🐸😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣 top of the morning to ya!

[@DrewsTrains]

I am about to purchase the D1 (thanks to your awesome vids!) I really appreciate your great videos on the D1!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thank you. Cheers

[@lylebrown6132]

Lol love your opening

[@GETTR2024]

Ordered!! Thanks for the 8% discount!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Sure thing!

[@stuartwalsh4974]

Great video, Nick, as ever, I learnt a lot. Love the red sparkly acrylic, I will be ordering some of that!

[@BuildDadBuild]

That stuff looks good! Cheers

[@westcoastcarver4328]

Subscribed

[@MegaDwsmith]

Awesome!! I just got a bunch of acrylic to to try perfect timing for this vid!!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Sweet!!

[@loulouloucindy]

I really like your videos build dad

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks Cindy! Cheers

[@JasonCopeland]

Cheap Wyze wifi cam on my laser helps me keep an eye on my projects remotely.

[@BuildDadBuild]

Good tip! Cheers!

[@s.t.s91]

Nick those look awesome! I can't wait to get my xtool. Please keep providing great content. More "How-To" videos with the xtool please!!!

[@BuildDadBuild]

You got it!

[@OntheFarmAus]

I returned recently my xtool 20w pro. It didn’t cut colour acrylic and tried so many times to get the engraving to work also. The smell of acrylic burning is so toxic it gave me a headache. I had to sometimes run a 5 pass to get it to cut the 3mm acrylic and you could really see and smell the burnt melted acrylic. Might be an ok machine but definitely not for cutting and engraving acrylic.

[@BuildDadBuild]

It only cuts certain colors. And you have to use cast acrylic or it will melt instead of cut.

[@twinenk15]

You have a video on the wall in the background?

[@frankstoverpurebloodsaltya6441]

Very cool nick!!!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thanks brother!

[@karoblazenko]

ahahahaha what an introduction :D ("the place where...")

[@YTDumpsterBaby]

What does this guy have against Katy Perry? "Do you ever feel like a plastic bag, Floating in the wind. Ready to start again!"

[@BuildDadBuild]

Nothing. It’s a reference to American Beauty

[@ILoveAmerica2424]

I dont garage, does this type of material cutting make very bad smells to do inside a room of a home? Would an extractor of some kind be needed? Thanks in advance.👍

[@BuildDadBuild]

Yes you need to use a smoke extractor.

[@danofiremano]

I've made kites out of plastic grocery bags and cheap string that actually fly. So Piss Off M8! ~ LoL

[@graceland75]

I used Blue Acrylic and it would not cut, what other colors are you able to cut through? I have the same 10w machine with the same setting. Thank you

[@BuildDadBuild]

You can’t cut blue acrylic with a blue diode laser.

[@buzzroadguy]

Would using the lowering adjustment help to get through in 2 passes?

[@BuildDadBuild]

If you want.

[@ultraball69]

Hey, love your videos, so much to learn. Can you post a new link for the magnets you purchased. The one in the description is not working anymore.

[@meganberntson2741]

Can you try plyglass and the xtool I’m curious if it burned or just engrave with material

[@BuildDadBuild]

You can engrave on plexiglass with a transfer agent similar to acrylic. You can not cut clear plexiglass with a diode laser. Cheers

[@meganberntson2741]

So no discoloration or burn with xtool. Someone wants something added to there plexiglass then want to use a light strip to show it off

[@Jimc4007]

Like the acrylic very much. You could cut a great router template using that. Might need to cut 2 or 3 and glue them together for thickness but with the laser that wouldn't be a problem.

[@BuildDadBuild]

Yeah, I've actually seen people do that. Cheers

[@axlcrafts]

i like ur tshirt :D

[@spudhut2246]

what software are you using? what were your settings? .... projects look good

[@BuildDadBuild]

That was a while ago. I think it’s Laserbox Basic. I’ve since moved on to Lightburn.

[@Milakovic18]

Why my sculpfun s30 pro can't even a tach some milky white acrylics, is it some special acrylics or what?

[@BuildDadBuild]

Diode lasers only work on dark colored acrylics.

[@ricardorosario6320]

Awesome video . Got an xtool a while ago but was very inexperienced with it and I’ve learned so much here. Not sure if it’s the brand of acrylic that I’m using but I had to 100% on the engraving . Not sure why but 30% was rlly faded for me.

[@brianrichards6303]

Hey Nick, can you cut gold mirrored acrylic with the 10w Xtool? ive tried and can't figure it out. I've tried 100 power 1mm/sec and 3 passes. Any help would be appreciated.

[@BuildDadBuild]

I don’t think you can cut any ‘mirrored’ acrylic with a diode.

[@grumpyshorts1056]

have you ever cut mylar stencils with the diode?

[@BuildDadBuild]

I have not.

[@cintya5499]

Can you cut any type of shape on acrylic for example a graduation cap also engrave on it.

[@BuildDadBuild]

Any shape? Yes.

[@symplemedia]

Awesome Video

[@zcstrife]

What about the smokes? You don't have any ventilation, isn't it bad to breath these fumes?

[@BuildDadBuild]

Yes. It is bad to breath smoke.

[@hasher22]

Sorry, I may missed it on the video, but how thick are your black and neon green acrylic? Edit: Found it, you said 3mm. Thanks! :)

[@melissaacosta9889]

Hey love your videos. I just got my Xtool and without your vids it would still be in the box. can you send a link for the material report list. I cant find it. Thanks in advance

[@BuildDadBuild]

Try this: cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/664971419506966538/943584320055025744/Material_settings_file_for_xtool_material.pdf Cheers

[@lxxB1GB3Nxxl]

Could you recommend me a good “fairly cheap” laser to cut acrylic with? I have a super cheap $150 machine that cuts wood fine, but it doesn’t do anything for acrylic. “Unless I’m doing something wrong setting wise”

[@BuildDadBuild]

If you want to cut all colors of acrylic you really need to invest in a CO2. I think xTool has one of the cheapest CO2s on the market: www.xtool.com/products/xtool-p2-55w-co2-laser-cutter?ref=RyzFeVwU5QGEQ& But it's still gonna run you about $5K

[@ctoninelli]

Just ordered one! Of course I didn’t see the promo code and link until now unfortunately. Can’t wait to get it! I preordered the 20w too.

[@BuildDadBuild]

Noice!

[@sally969]

i used glitter 3mm and it did not work for me :(

[@stebolavirus]

How does the magnets thing work? Not clear there...

[@BuildDadBuild]

You place the magnets on top of the work piece and they hold it in place.

[@annadecorpartyrental2445]

I need to buy a machine. But it would be for craft use for laser cutting and engraving, do you suggest any please. Thanks 😊

[@BuildDadBuild]

I woud suggest the xTool D1 Pro 20W www.xtool.com/products/portable-diode-laserbox-d1-for-laser-engraving-laser-cutting-b?ref=RyzFeVwU5QGEQ& Cheers!

[@vdsl72rus]

По английски не понимаю, но визуально все информативно и интересно! Спасибо за видео!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Спасибо

[@Tracy_Grimshaw]

Can you cut abs sheet plastic with this too?

[@BuildDadBuild]

Gotta check the MSDS

[@omarpimentel5061]

Where can I buy acrylic to cut on the xtool d1 pro, and which ones can it cut ?

[@BuildDadBuild]

Houston acrylic. Dark acrylics except blue cut well.

[@throttlegoblinfpv]

so the white area is where the engraving happened? Im talking about the Red logo at the end?

[@BuildDadBuild]

Yes

[@throttlegoblinfpv]

@@BuildDadBuild nice thats pretty cool, a friend of mine are going part ways into a small little factory for making vape mod accesories, panels for billet boxes etc, will likely use a cnc for a lot of the cutting but will then engrave custom art onto them etc, ur video was really helpful in discovery,

[@sheddrickwashington8740]

I subscribed because you seem cool. 😂👍🏽

[@BuildDadBuild]

Thank you! Cheers

[@happyfuntimepewpew]

do not use ca glue for bonding acrylic. we use specific welding solvent for that purpose.

[@ufoquilter86]

Where…how…when do you use those magnets? I know this is an old video and the link to the Amazon magnets aren’t available, but do you have more info for them for me to search?

[@BuildDadBuild]

Any magnets will work. I have found that the companies come and go pretty quick. LOL

[@ainttakenanyshit]

Make sure to buy the N52 magnets in a thin thickness. I use them up close to the cut line and they are thin enough to prevent the laser head from hitting them.... These powerful magnets are your best friend as long as you don't inadvertently try to let the laser beam hit them. I have heard that the laser heat hitting a magnet will/would be dangerous - some call it a "rapid unexpected disassembly" 🙂

[@dominickichenside5862]

Do you still have a copy of the original D1 Materials settings sheet

[@BuildDadBuild]

I do not.

[@All6sand7s]

Cool video Nick! I'll have to try the acrylic! I've been making mirrors lately!

[@BuildDadBuild]

That's on the list! LOL Cheers

[@AdamzStudio777]

Have you ever been asked to do clear acrylic engraving? I have a customer that just asked me today if I could do a heart fingerprint, laser, engraving on clear acrylic I’ve never done laser engraving on acrylic at all yet any tips inside from the video?

[@drunknspike]

Can a diode laser which is actual 10w cut white polyester felt?

[@BuildDadBuild]

can cut felt. Not sure about white.

[@robertarce7272]

Great video. Is that a 10W or a 20W laser you are using?

[@BuildDadBuild]

10W

[@albinsalguero6300]

I am cutting inside my apartment and the fumes are wild 😜 🤪 but hey does a bear shit in the woods 😆 🤣 I have to make a box of some sort for the fumes.

[@BuildDadBuild]

Be careful. Some of that stuff is fairly toxic. Cheers and be safe

[@markwhite4826]

Have you tried cutting acrylic on the ts2?

[@BuildDadBuild]

No

[@tonyadalton8312]

I watched your video but I am getting completely different results with cutting and engraving. I can cut in one pass at only 80 power but when I tried to engrave at 30 power like you did, mine is very, very faint. But when I go up in power, it’s just blurry. I’m not able to get the pretty white engrave that you got no matter what I try. And I’ve been trying for 7 hours now!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Sounds like you may have a focus issue. Try running speed and power and see what settings look best.

[@SgtYnot]

basic. depends on type of acrylic for a good engrave. Cast or extruded. Cast for myself seems to work best.

[@KingersWorld]

I have the Xtool D1 Pro 20W laser. I'm trying to engrave on acrylic. Could I also do 30% power at 55 mm/s? Or should I adjust it a bit?

[@BuildDadBuild]

You need to run a speed and power grid and determine the best settings for your laser.

[@KingersWorld]

@@BuildDadBuild That’s what I figured. 😅 Does Xtool have one of those on their site or do I need to find one?

[@BuildDadBuild]

@@KingersWorld www.o2creative.co.nz/laser/lightburn_basic_generator.php

[@Tkrain]

@7:35 "we learn from our mistakes" Some more than others. :P

[@BuildDadBuild]

#truth

[@TheWhitde]

Tried today... XTOOL D1 PRO 20W ... 3mm clear. Failed big time. Went right through but couldn't get it to pop out as fused. Had paper left on both sides. Power 100% speed 3 and 3 runs.

[@BuildDadBuild]

You can't cut clear acrylic with a diode. Only darker opaque colors

[@TheWhitde]

@@BuildDadBuild Yep, confirmed that. As any setting made 0 difference basically. The 3 mm ply I have is now cutting like a boss... and the fumes are a lot better until I make a temp exhaust system. Thanks for the fast reply.

[@sninha921]

Hi dear! What kind of acril i have to buy for do this? Thank youu!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Cast acrylic

[@sninha921]

@@BuildDadBuild thanks a lot man!!! the best!

[@casade2831]

Oh, man!! I need to get out! I love plastic bags flying over green fields! 😏

[@halwalker346]

is the lighter part on the red one just a "Fill" section?

[@BuildDadBuild]

Yes

[@halwalker346]

Could you do a lesson on creating your skull logo, it’s the bomb

[@BuildDadBuild]

LOL. I paid someone to make that logo.

[@johnzill2125]

have you tried to cut glow edge acrylic or the mirror acrylic

[@BuildDadBuild]

No glow edge. Mirror acrylic doesn't cut.

[@johnzill2125]

@@BuildDadBuild thanks, was able to etch the mirror just not cut yet; but have several concepts to try

[@josephinewatkings]

Thanks for your videos...I just got my x1...I am in the garage no windows, but I let the door up. I am in the south so it's hot...my cuts keep melting badly bubbling...what am I doing wrong?

[@BuildDadBuild]

You've got to dial in your settings. You're either going to slow or using too much power, or both. Cheers

[@johnfabela1169]

Can clear acrylic be used?

[@BuildDadBuild]

No. Diode lasers can’t cut clear acrylic

[@RaTonyaBelleCreations]

My projects I have to use clear acrylic. Can clear be used?

[@BuildDadBuild]

You cannot cut clear acrylic with a diode laser.

[@RaTonyaBelleCreations]

@@BuildDadBuild is there a reason?

[@pacoesquivel43]

I would like to make a patch with leather material that you program to use to engrave and cut at the same time

[@pacoesquivel43]

I would appreciate your help

[@rustypilot2127]

What thickness are wood doors?

[@Mark-oj7yt]

Can the D1 cut White Acrylic?

[@BuildDadBuild]

I haven't tried. But I've been told it can not. Cheers!

[@dastrick01]

Great video!!! Was curious if it’s possible to etch cured epoxy resin, like SuperClear. Thanks.

[@BuildDadBuild]

No. Epoxy is on the DO NOT LAZER list...

[@jmiller17wirrcom]

Any recommendations on if something like this would work on a acrylic/plastic tumbler? Or what might work on them? Thanks and love the videos.

[@BuildDadBuild]

I'm honestly not sure. I'd have to run tests. Cheers

[@UmerKhan-mn3re]

Can you help me I need to cut golden acrylic ?

[@BuildDadBuild]

You might not be able to with a diode. Reflective acrylic can give you problems.

[@cindexarandia9477]

Hi! I have the M1 I know it’s not exactly the same machine but I really want to engrave acrylic.. I’m in a debate of whether the acrylic needs to be covered/protected in anything?? Or can I engrave directly to the acrylic?! Lol it’s the acrylic that came with the machine when I bought it

[@BuildDadBuild]

Dark colored acrylics can be engraved directly. Lighter colors and clear need some sort of marking agent.

[@MarcAndreMenard]

i have some problem with stainless steel powder coted metal bottle... what are the best setting to engrave it.. witout burning the metal....? thanks in advance

[@BuildDadBuild]

I just use the factory settings for coated metal and stainless steel (in Laserbox Basic)...no issues. Cheers

[@rachelhalfaker8477]

Way to keep moving forward with showing new things with the XTool D1. I was wondering if you can try to engrave a pair of airpods, well a knock off pair anyway. I have client that wants a pair engraved so figured I'd hit you up. Cheers

[@BuildDadBuild]

Hmmm...I'll keep an eye out for some cheapos! Cheers

[@annadecorpartyrental2445]

Please, what is the name of this machine?

[@BuildDadBuild]

The xTool D1 10W

[@mmiikkeeyy92]

What happen if you cut clear acrylic sheet? Why clear acrylic isn't on the material list?

[@BuildDadBuild]

You can't cut clear acrylic with this laser.

[@dkangel121]

What thickness is that acrylic?

[@BuildDadBuild]

3mm

[@MervHernandez]

Good morning. Are you using Laserbox or Light Burn? If using Laserbox, what setting are you using as far as where Material is chosen? Mine doesn't have one for acrylic. Thanks in advance 🤙🏽

[@BuildDadBuild]

HEy Merv! Check this out for suggested settings: cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/664971419506966538/943584320055025744/Material_settings_file_for_xtool_material.pdf Cheers

[@Dancopymus]

Hi Nick, I have a question, perhaps, out of context of the video. Have you ever cut black adhesive with your xTool D1 10watt? If so, what settings did you use to cut the first (sticky) layer of the adhesive? Thanks

[@BuildDadBuild]

I have not. Make sure to check the MSDS and make sure it’s something that is safe to laser.