The XTOOL F1 Ultra Laser IS a Game Changer

[@nathanwolf5547]

I’ve had the F1 for some time, but I got the F1 ultra last month. I’ve only just found the time to start learning how to use it but it is mind blowing, really good. This was a really useful video, thank you.

[@JamesManCave]

Thanks. Honestly I've not even scratched the surface of what this machine can do. The endless ideas I'm having. I'm gonna try embossed coins with colour engraving next

[@Curious_Skeptic]

Everything is a game changer. Influencers need to come up with better click bait/ I mean catch phrases.

[@JamesManCave]

@@Curious_Skeptic having never been an influencer, I'm obviously playing catch up

[@bclp52]

😂 right and it's looks like these companies are sending machines out for free all over the place.

[@JamesManCave]

@@bclp52 I'll have you know, you are correct

[@amconsole]

@@JamesManCave they sent You this multithousand dollar machine by mistake?

[@JamesManCave]

No, they sent it to me to make a review video on. I'm not paid to do so, so I can and will say anything I like about it. An influencer is paid to tell you about how good a product is, and why you should buy it

[@kenn1936]

thank you for this video. I am thinking about engraving and 3D printing, so it was interesting to see how it all works, and the software that goes with it.

[@lefroy1]

Very generous with your knowledge. Appreciated. 🙏

[@JamesManCave]

@@lefroy1 no worries, thanks for taking the time to leave a comment

[@gnrslash1987]

homelander with the side hustle tips! subbed.

[@JamesManCave]

Top man, thanks 👍

[@tomsmith2135]

James, ggod work.

[@3rprogrammer]

In the thumbail you're using the orange glasses, I'm pretty sure you mean to use the green glasses since the orange ones are not meant for the F1 Ultra. Happy lasering.

[@JamesManCave]

@@3rprogrammer amazing that that's the only thing you can comment on. You are right, but also wrong. For the 20w blue light diode laser these glasses are well within the range of the wavelengths of the blue light laser. When it comes to the 20w fibre laser then these glasses are out of the range, hence why I shut the green door on the laser. The thumbnail is just that, a picture! The laser isn't working

[@3rprogrammer]

@JamesManCave No need to start off toxic. I was just caring about you not going blind.

[@Everythings_Adjustable]

Wow that thing looks great Mate! Really love that dinosaur !! 🛠👍😊

[@JamesManCave]

@@Everythings_Adjustable cheers Tony. Can't remember if I mentioned it or not, but I looked into the fridge magnet idea you had, and when cutting the magnetic paper stuff it releases a strong chlorine gas, so Isn't advised to use a laser to cut it 😂

[@Everythings_Adjustable]

Fair enough Mate, shame really as I thought it would make some good projects

[@JamesManCave]

@Everythings_Adjustable it's a really good idea, I thought it was quite funny. I did look in to it. Now, thinking about it, this laser engraves on plastic, so maybe it could be done on thin plastic with a magnet on the back??? 🤔🤔

[@mitchec100]

How much was the cost of the electric supply to engrave the items. Everything has a cost.

[@JamesManCave]

@@mitchec100 the small chopping boards cost less then 1p of electric. I've done deep engravings that have taken 1.5hrs on chipping boards and it costs about 3p

[@StanJamesLaserPunk]

Loving mine, tested tons of materials over the last 2 months, i've also signed up to download the new XCS v2.1 beta, great having the Curve function up & running so i've cleaned up lots of glass jars & will give them a good test... Other great updates in XCS now... I've still to try out the conveyor, it's been in the box since mid July 😅 Cheers for vid 😎👍 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@JamesManCave]

I'm yet to try out the curved surface engraving, looking forward to that. This machine can do absolutely so much, I've barely scratched the surface of it. Hope you enjoy your machine, and thanks for the comment 👍

[@peterconnolly202]

loool bro made the worlds best spatchula subscribed!!

[@JamesManCave]

It's now the 2nd best spatula in the world! 👌😉

[@Zodliness]

The real game-changer is next month they'll announce the XTOOL F2 Ultra at twice the power with even more lasers at twice the price! 🤔😂

[@JamesManCave]

Watch this space! 👀

[@allisonstephens8818]

I have had mine for a week and unboxing today. Man they pack it TIGHT! 😅

[@JamesManCave]

Yea! 🤣 But on the other hand at least you know it's not gonna be broken!

[@allisonstephens8818]

@@JamesManCave I've finally got it set up. I am trying to use the desktop smoke purifier. Have you tried this? Looks like I need to get a hose adapter as it is supposed to be compatible with the F1 and F1 Ultra but my hoses are different sizes.

[@JamesManCave]

@allisonstephens8818 I haven't got that smoke extractor, but I do believe that is the case, that you need to get an adaptor. I have the big smoke extract or and it fits that fine

[@allisonstephens8818]

@JamesManCave I just exchanged it for the correct version. Their website AI was the one who suggested the smaller one but I decide to return it. Xtool was good to deal with for a return.

[@dinmorejunctionmodelrailway]

Enjoyable video. James

[@TheDavidPoole]

How about a "Steak Brand" along the lines of the makers mark, but a bit bigger, to go with the barbeque set?

[@JamesManCave]

@@TheDavidPoole excellent idea, I have to admit, I did consider much else apart from a few funny dad things, but that a great idea

[@francisharjo4417]

This is great information, I had no idea you could use the AI option to generate depth maps! Where would I find that info? I have an F1 Ultra and want to emboss black granite and marble. Have you had any success with that or plan to make a video? Many thanks!! 🌞

[@JamesManCave]

If you click on the Ai feature on XCS, then it brings depths maps up as an option to choose. It's quite simple. I'm not sure that the F1 ultra is able to embos granite and marble, (not 100% sure) but I think it's quite a dense material and for that you would need a cO2 laser

[@Pete.Ty1]

👍👍👍. Thank you James

[@JamesManCave]

@@Pete.Ty1 thank you Pete once again. Usually the first to comment 🤣 👍

[@ohhhwhale]

Is conveyor only good for cards and coins?

[@JamesManCave]

No it can be used to batch out anything, like keychains, leather patches, etc. you can also put a much longer length of material on it, and it will do a long engraving as well

[@prepped8551]

Sorry man, a couple of questions. Is this significantly faster than the d1 pro 20w? My business does a lot of bulk coasters but alignment on the D1 pro is a pain in the ass. Would this be an upgrade? I can do 6 at a time on the D1 Pro.

[@JamesManCave]

@@prepped8551 yes, it is significantly faster, and much easier to align, you can a jig that will hold 4 coasters at once, and can really zero in on repeatable engravings. However, personally I would look at the S1, that is faster then the D1 pro and much easier to align

[@prepped8551]

@@JamesManCave thanks so much for the prompt reply mate. That is very cool of you. I will go and check out the S1. Thank you.

[@JamesManCave]

@@prepped8551 it's a great laser that, I also have one. I only use the D1 now for rotary engraving because of the height it can be extended to 👍

[@owdoco5657]

HELP, will the xTool f1 air purifier work with f1 ultra

[@JamesManCave]

@@owdoco5657 I'm not 100% sure, but I don't think it does. I think it's too small.

[@owdoco5657]

@@JamesManCave Thanks for the quick response

[@nerdtowncity]

You can 3d print an adapter for it to work.

[@BrianPseivaD]

Has anyone tried putting their hand in it?

[@JamesManCave]

@@BrianPseivaD someone else in the comments has mentioned they had that misfortune

[@phillgriffith]

Thanks for the sharing your video. Nice to see a UK review, but I do wonder how long it would take you to pay off the £4K cost of the Ultra & Conveyor if it weren’t gifted to you. Cannot deny I am jealous that you and the many other KZbinrs are given these by xTool for review. Sadly I think it is difficult to come up with a negative review when you’ve received such an expensive item without any charge to the reviewer. But that is the way these units are marketed these days - so no criticism to you for the review. I did notice you have suffered the common known fault with this unit, where the protective cover doesn’t close properly. Scattered blue light radiation is dangerous and you are sitting there with the blue laser light and no goggle. They have a fix online for this and encourage owners to take it apart and fix the fault - xTool do this quite often - I had an S1 fault after a couple of week, and they expected me to replace motherboard - not great that they have these faults and firstly expect the end user to fix, and secondly don’t alter the design to fix the problem to begin with. They do have good support and try to help out their users - I’ll give xTool that.

[@JamesManCave]

Well, first of all, if there is anything that I don't like, or feel it could be done better, I would mention it in the video. All xtool ask of me is to feature the laser in a video. I can (and will) say what I want about the laser. This I also made clear to xtool which they are happy about. Now, I agree with you on how long it would take to make your money back, but that's because I'm mainly a wood worker, if you dealt with jewellery, crafts, or small metal objects then maybe it might be easier to come up with more profitable ideas. I have plenty of ideas for wood, not so much for the other materials. As regards the repairing the unit, I've had no issues with any of my xtool laser. However, I was sent a laser this year by another company, and after an hour of using it, the control board on that packed up! I was sent a replacement board and had to fix it myself. I don't know if this is the new normal regarding these companies with a base only in china/Hong Kong I'm not sure what bit I'm sat there when the blue light is escaping, (I'll have to watch it back) but do bare in mind, I'm making a video, so I may film things for an effect in the video

[@phillgriffith]

⁠Thanks for the reply. In your video we can see the fault I mention. The protective cover doesn’t close properly and so blue light can be seen leaking from below. If you push at the top of the cover ant the back the it will close properly, but it should close fully using the handle. It is a well reported fault and there are a few videos showing the fix and xTool themselves have shared an official fix as well. It requires removing the back plate of the unit exposing the electronics and the laser units. In my opinion this is not a self-repair method and they should either do the R&D to make sure they’re properly tested, or take them back for replacement. I’ve also discovered criticism of xTool and other similar companies for rushing products to market. Partly because there’s such completion and little in the way of patent protection. As for reviews, surely you cannot deny that if you were to give a negative review they’re unlikely to provide you with the next great product for review. I’m not suggested you’re biased at all; I’m just suspicious of all these positive reviews from the plethora of KZbinrs. Generally all saying the same thing - at least your review touched on some unique benefits of the device with regards to working with wood - which clearly this machine is not aimed at - as you say. Thanks again for taking the time to produce a video. However I’d love to see as detailed a review from who paid over £4000 for it :) Keep up the good work.

[@JamesManCave]

@@phillgriffith I know of the issue you are talking about with the light leak, just can't remember what part of the video it is in. Yes it shouldn't be like that, I do agree, I think the issue is that in the last 5/6 years home laser machines have exploded and there are new companies producing new laser almost weekly, so the market moves on so quickly a new idea is outdated in 6 months. If you look back at some of my tool reviews you will see I've been critical of them in the past, I think you have to be if you want to make a good genuine video. I get emails all the time asking to test out other lasers, and I say no, because I genuinely believe in xtool. I tested out another laser recently (video on my channel) and I was critical of that, have never heard back from the company since. The difference between me and other people on KZbin, is that they want this to become their new career, I don't. I'm happy with my job and career, and KZbin is a hobby, so if a company don't like what I say about something they send me, fine. It is what it is and I'll move on to the next project I'm doing. I would like a cO2 laser next, I think that would suit my needs much more, I'm not concerned if I have to buy one, but if I get sent one I will give it my honest opinion 👍

[@zoopmitty9601]

I just had to respond real quick to your “how quickly Can you make the money back?” I guess it depends on where u sell your work.. we’ve got 2 machines and accessories from xtool. The F1 and the S1 along with all the accessories total around 7K. Earlier this year, my wife attended two of the shows/cons (the awesome con and the otakon - which are pretty big shows) just from those two shows she sold close to 5K of which 90% was wood work. Not gonna go into pure profits but I would say everything could be paid off after 5 shows/con. She limited herself to those 2 BIG shows. On the flip side she attended couple of local shows (very small - maybe handful of tables) and made few hundred bucks. I think biggest thing is “who is your target, where do you sell, n what are your products. If you get into it now trying to sell engraved Stanley cups I don’t know if you’re gonna make much money (probably still can) since anybody and everybody that has a laser machine is selling those.

[@JamesManCave]

Fantastic reply and great information, thanks for taking the time to respond. People will find this info very useful 👍

[@tken93]

I really hate seeing reviews for these overpriced toys. For what you are going to spend on this piece of junk you could easily pick up a proper 50w fiber laser and an inexpensive diode one, and still have a bit of money left for a nice dinner. These reviews are little more than a way for youtubers to try and continue to get more free crap from companies.

[@JamesManCave]

You do know KZbin recommends videos based on what you watch? So I'm guessing you really really really want one of these lasers?

[@tken93]

@@JamesManCave I do watch a lot of videos for DIY stuff. That is why it was recommended. I think you did a decent job of covering the product, but it still remains that this is a grossly overpriced piece of equipment for what it is capable of. The only reason companies like XTOOL get away with it is from influencers who push their subpar products to people who might not know better. Again I thought you did a good job reviewing (which is the only reason I watched the whole video. Gotta help those analytics! Haha), but I would much rather see you review something from a reputable company that produces good products at reasonable and fair prices.

[@JamesManCave]

Well Xtool is one of the market leader (if not the leader) In desktop lasers. Other companies like creality, algo laser etc don't have the same range of lasers, or even software that is of any real use. I have tried other lasers, and whilst yes, they do a very similar job, the ease of use, the general build quality, and the software for me is a winner for the xtool. Now on this machine, where I didn't go into great detail is the absolute capabilities of the 20w fiber laser, that's because most of the things I make are from wood, and this feature is aimed a lot towards jewelry makers for fine engraving or small tool makers.

[@donkeyholmes4581]

Could you show me 50w fiber that you can sit on a small desk and take to fairs and markets to customize products for customers almost immediately… no didn’t think so. Of course there are better lasers, but they don’t offer what this one does. Buy the tool that fits your needs.

[@tken93]

@@donkeyholmes4581 I actually replied with a link to one such product, but it appears my comment got deleted 🤔

[@DanSwanson2070]

Let’s talk Steve-O into a hand tattoo with this thing

[@JamesManCave]

I have genuinely been wondering if this is possible

[@richards200]

​@@JamesManCavewonder no more me old mucka... I caught my finger (don't ask) under my 36w diode on 20% power 30000 mm/min and it put a right good line across it, hurt like hell and all I got for it was a temporary burn line 🤣 God knows what a fibre would do at full tilt

[@JamesManCave]

@richards200 🤣🤣 I'm not sure if I should laugh that you've done it, or be sad that for your troubles you weren't left with a mighty fine tattoo from it! 😔

[@CAustin582]

It's basically just a printer that uses really thick paper when you think about it

[@JamesManCave]

Not really, ink can't cut through wood

[@Thattechguy80]

I thought about it. Nope, nothing at all like a printer.

[@WiLLiW_oficial]

Please make a tatoo with it!

[@JamesManCave]

It's something I'm considering

[@mattsinibaldi7337]

For the price it had better be.

[@FassinTaak]

Hmm this has got my hairbrained get rich quick scheme gears turning, what can I engrave that nobody has engraved? Pleckdrums? Cats? Cheese? There's simply too much choice. Well back to the Amazon Fulfilment Center with me!

[@JamesManCave]

How about alloy wheels! Not seen that done yet

[@FassinTaak]

@JamesManCave that isn't a bad idea, car people do like to spend shit loads on aesthetics. How does one get the allow wheel in the engraver though 🤔

[@rayf7108]

If it's anything like any of tools other products it will last a few weeks and fail then the return process is non existent as in takes for ever

[@JamesManCave]

Not sure what experiences you have had with xtool machines, but I've had one for over 2 years, used and abused loads, still works great 🫤

[@ArztvomDienst]

Can it do tatoos? Like, upload picture, put arm under the hood - fire.

[@JamesManCave]

It wouldn't be able to do a tattoo, as obviously they involve ink. What this would do is leave you with a burn scar in any shape or writing you wish

[@nurb2kea]

Little big tip: Be careful what images and fonts you use on your products. You need to own the fonts in order to use and sell them on the products. The same for images, sayings and logos.

[@JamesManCave]

All the products I used in this video, I either have purchased the rights to use the logos, or they were made for the video only

[@nurb2kea]

@@JamesManCave good, always on the save side. you know these days are crazy with everything...

[@bclp52]

Oak is good , pine sucks

[@JamesManCave]

Neither are the greatest engraving material