How to Use an xTool M1 Laser to Engrave Tumblers

Learn how to use an xTool M1 laser to engrave tumblers of all kinds. Using the R2Pro Rotary attachment by xTool makes tumblers a breeze to engrave!
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[@pauleaconnors2711]

Thank you!! You’re like one of the only videos I watched that shows where the tray should be!!

[@joeast8223]

Just discovered your video. You make it very easy to understand. Only just bought my M1 and looking forward to having a go at tumblers 😊

[@janetjordan6208]

Very nice. I really like the way the black cup turned out.

[@momenvy]

thank you!

[@deborahasencio]

Very well explained, thank you for the video, I have to save it!

[@gerlindescreations]

Loved how you did step by step.. Have you ever done a full wrap on chuck?

[@momenvy]

Sorry for the delay! I still haven't done a full wrap on a chuck - it's on my list but I keep putting off trying it 😬 I only make things for myself/family and just haven't had a full wrap I have wanted to do yet.

[@pallana3701]

Adding lines to metal cutting what are the lines for

[@krisdesha8129]

No one has these videos for a full wrap. It is so daunting, I have messed up so many cups images, you name it. Would love for you to do one on a 30oz Quencher

[@momenvy]

I totally understand! I agree that it is daunting which has led me not to experiment with it just yet. There is a Facebook group for each of the machines and I have found some great information about full wraps for people in there!

[@krisdesha8129]

@@momenvy yeah I'm a member of one and a guy even made a template where you angle the cup and it still didn't work

[@alidadebruyn36]

There is a video on KZbin for a full wrap

[@KathyMobbs-jd3nc]

Hello Thank you so much for the detailed video from start to finish! I have had my xtool m1 for about a year now but have such a hard time with the set up. I want to try a tumbler but (please do not laugh) am not sure where or how I find the design such as the one you used on these tumblers. I think once I can figure this out I will be able to try with your in depth instructions Thank you so much Kathy

[@momenvy]

Hi Kathy! Not a bad question at all. The best type of files are SVG files. You can find lots of free files on my site! Or on other sites. Of course, you can buy some as well. All you have to do is download the files and then open a new document in xTool Creative Space, click on image on the left hand tool bar and find the SVG you downloaded. You can get the one free file here - momenvy.co/laser-engraver-for-tumblers/ And the free second file here momenvy.co/free-summer-svg-set/ Hope this helps! Email me if you need more help ([e-mail])

[@momenvy]

And the second free SVG is from momenvy.co/free-summer-svg-set/

[@melic76]

Hi thank you for the tutorial .. have u done a full wrap? If so can we wait for a tutorial😊

[@momenvy]

Thanks for watching! I haven't done a full wrap yet but definitely have plans to. I'll post it when I do for sure but it may be a bit because I have other projects ahead of it.

[@mikehummell2146]

Laura, can you tell us what is your post engraving cleaning process on these tumblers please?

[@momenvy]

I have found going over the area with a wet Magic Eraser really brings out the shine and cleans it best. I have also added a little bit of Dawn Dish soap for the ones that were a little harder to get the engraved area clean. Hope this helps!

[@cd6941]

Looks great! Thanks for posting. Do you use the air assist for the tumblers?

[@momenvy]

You don't need to, but I do. I have actually found that it helps keep soot down on ALL of my projects including engraving. I figured if I have it, might as well use it!

[@cd6941]

thanks for replying.

[@KayyLeeAnn13]

I have the same set up. I have a small business and have been using the same methods for months now. My tumblers tonight are coming out with an off line then the laser correct and goes back to where it should be. So the image looks like it “drops” have you had this issue? I have cleaned the M1 and the rotary tool. All the common trouble shoot options.

[@lauraburton5965]

Have you updated your software or firmware?? I am hearing some people are having issues with the latest update and are having to go back (where possible) to the last version instead. I haven’t updated yet because I am nervous if it will cause issues for me. I bet if that is the issue, they’ll probably come out with another update to fix it soon!!

[@lauraburton5965]

- sorry I replied from my personal account I use for my kids when they’re on KZbin, this is still Laura!

[@alidadebruyn36]

Can you laser the lower section of your black tumbler, the thinner part? As well as the bigger part

[@momenvy]

Sorry for the delay - yes, you can laser the lower section! It can do the entire tumbler even with the lower part but I've heard there is some trial and error at first to get it right. But once you get the system down, people have lots of success. In the FB group, I see people make them often!

[@PjCreationss-h8q]

so detailed!! Have you done a tapered cup yet? I have an Ozark one that has a slight taper to it and i cant seem to figure out how to place it on the roller, or should i use the chuck??

[@momenvy]

Not yet! I have plans to do one but haven't tackled it yet. In my research, I have read that it is best to use the chuck. In the one tutorial I also read it is best not to use the honeycomb because it's thickness can make it more difficult and to make sure to unite everything so it is one design vs. multiple layers.

[@latoyachantaehoward9940]

Did you use the wooden blocks?

[@momenvy]

I did not use the wooden blocks because I have the honeycomb riser base. But the blocks should work!

[@103Juanita]

Where did the green line on your screen come from?

[@momenvy]

sorry for the delay! It appears when you choose laser cylindrical in your settings in place of laser slats flat, etc. Make sure you aren't clicked on anything so those settings appear (if you are clicked on the design, you will see the design settings instead).

[@heleneflor8019]

I followed what you did but my cup jumped and the design got messed up - next try there was a differential in the color light and dark ( thought it might be a defect in cup) my cups are from Michael’s - any suggestions I’ve gone thru & tumblers

[@momenvy]

Oh no! That really stinks - especially about the cup jump. I unfortunately haven't tried a Michael's cup so I can't speak specifically for their cups. Did you clean it super well after? Sometimes it can look darker in places but after cleaning, it's okay. If that's not the issue, I know the absolute most important thing with the roller is to make sure everything is level. First, make sure that your machine itself is level on whatever table it is on. Then, once you place your cup on the roller inside of the machine, make sure it is level on the roller. I would use one of the cups that messed up to do a few more tests before starting with a new cup. The level has to engrave at the exact same level across the entire cup so if the cup has a taper and it's not level, it will engrave darker to the area closer to the laser than the area further from the laser. You can always send me an email and I can try to help you trouble shoot it with you some more!

[@JerryHowell-fl9bl]

What's with the binder clip on the laser head?

[@momenvy]

It is holding the air assist tube up so that it doesn't slip down out of place. I saw it suggested in the FB group and it has worked really well.

[@crazymangochic]

Hi Laura! Love your tutorial, can you tell me how long it took to engrave each cup? I know you mentioned that it took longer than what the machine said it would. Thanks!

[@elysajoyous]

She said 10 mins 45 seconds for the yeti and 21 mins 12 seconds for the big tumbler

[@momenvy]

Thanks @elysajoyous for answering this for me! :)

[@Andreasideregts]

I need some one to help me, my machine burns my tumblers😢

[@momenvy]

Oh no! I suggest buying an inexpensive tumbler and then doing a test grid on it to see what setting is best. If it's burning, it means your power is too high or you're going too slow (both can cause it to burn). If you have an M1 (or another xTool machine), you can get free test grids on their website!

[@Rianne201025]

The angle of your camera is not good for a tutorial

[@momenvy]

Totally understand. This is a new machine/set up for me in my garage and I didn't have the normal set up I use in my office so I just had to do the best I could.