Laser Engraver Shoot-out: xTool F1 vs LaserPecker LP4

[@whirlwinddocs7997]

Great comparison Michael! Thank you for putting this together.

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

It was a fun test that's for sure.

[@jamesmyers2087]

Just bought the F1 bundle. Your video was very reassuring that I got the right one.

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Great decision!

[@lindascraftsandthings915]

​​@@MonkeyWoodworksHello, have you had any issues with the air filter for the air purifier NOT lasting long and requiring you to change the air filter frequently? I saw some posts/comments in the official F1 FB group where people were commenting that the air filter doesn't last too long before you have to change it to a new one and even though you can wash the air filters they don't last long. My husband and I were considering getting the F1 to possibly use at craft shows, but are now concerned that this machine would prove very costly if we had to repeatedly replace the air filter after only short periods of time. To be more specific about one of the posts/comments I saw, someone just got the F1 in September and has had to replace the filters by getting new kits SEVERAL times. Is that normal? Could you please respond as soon as possible? We are hoping to get the F1 sooner rather than later, but we need answers to our questions before taking the plunge so to speak. Thank you very much.

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

@@lindascraftsandthings915 I do not have an air purifier. The Facebook groups are your best hope for a quick answer.

[@johnandheidikingsland1919]

Great comparison video, Michael. Thank you for taking the time to create it for us! Of course I’m a little bias because I love my “green” machine but after seeing the similarities and differences, I feel I made the best choice. I do like some of the features of the LP4, something xTool might want to consider moving forward on with their next version but again I feel I made the best choice with my purchase.

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

I too am a little biased because of my other lasers however they both work really well and I tried my best to demonstrate them in a fair way. I definitely think both companies can learn from either other because they each have their own unique benefits.

[@johnandheidikingsland1919]

@@MonkeyWoodworks you definitely were fair. You pointed out both good qualities and things that could improve on both machines. And I agree 100% that each company can take the pros and cons and make adjustments. That is up to them. I certainly know as I’m sure you do that one of the company’s do take their customers suggestions into consideration when moving forward in their pursuit to better their product. Although I don’t know much about the other company or how they handle their customer suggestions they could and should do the same. That being said, again I think your comparison was very fair and on point… have a great Labor Day weekend. We are heading out in the AM with the camper in tow.

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Fun!

[@tomhill4003]

Nicely done! Your comparison seems unbiased, and sticks to the facts. It seems that both have their upsides and downsides. I couldn't say one is better than the other though. It comes down to what the end user needs.

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

It is a tough decision. I know xTool has improved their framing feature for the F1 so that it acts similar to the LP4. While framing, you can move the object on the screen and the framing square moves with it.

[@bridgetmire2948]

I'm so glad you did this comparison. I have the Lp4 and yes, the shield is a pain & rarely gets used. In my honest opinion, I wish I would have gotten a different machine.

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

It really is! It kept getting in the way during my testing. I now see they have an aftermarket enclosure for the LP4 that the whole thing sits in. Maybe that's an option for you?

[@conniq1585]

Thanks so much for the vid. I love that you give a fair comparison. Im looking into laser engraving and these both seem like good entry machines. New subbie 🙂

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Thank you so much for your kind words and support! FYI, the LP4 now says they match the speed of the F1. Good luck in deciding which one to get!

[@merlin3921]

Thanks for posting this video - very helpful! Does the operator have to wear protective glasses when using the machine?

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

If you are not using the shield or can see the laser, yes I recommend it

[@Asif-ib3sn]

HI Michael, I was almost going to buy LP4 but now I need to do some more research, thanks for this video.

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

You are welcome! Good luck in your decision. They are both great machines

[@davidiscoolism]

Why ? Looks like they are both pretty good

[@robertc2121]

Super presentation, massively helpful thank you

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@douglasching1523]

Thx for testing , it is great comparison

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@frankfreeman2012]

Great. video. Just wish you would’ve touched on pricing, warranty lengths, customer service. Thanks for your time in this endevour. P.S. you didn’t mention your web site.

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

All great points. I was so focused on the performance and operation of the two that I totally forgot about those other items. As far as a website, we really do not have one. I mostly rely on this channel, Instagram, and our Facebook page. All of those are linked in the description of any of my videos.

[@frankfreeman2012]

Thank you, so much, for your response. You did a great job on the video. Love the name, BTW.@@MonkeyWoodworks

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

@@frankfreeman2012 Thank you so much.

[@CharlieTalmadge]

Just picked up a F1 with the deluxe bundle.. happy with my choice.

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Awesome! Have fun with it!

[@glassman20]

Thank you Michael, a great help as I'm researching at the moment. My choice would be the xTool Fi for speed and finish, also like the wifi option and having looked at other reviews I know they have the box for removing smoke and fumes, but don't recall seeing this as a Laser Pecker accessory. Also your comments regarding the shields and how user friendly they are make a difference.

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Thank you! Good luck with your decision.

[@cb5487]

Hiya great video,I've just bought the f1 don't know if it's a softwesr upgrade but on mine I can move the framing feature wherever I need it to whilst it is framing mode

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

YES! They just had a software release adding that feature. It makes it so much nicer to work with.

[@miracles1234]

Your video is great and now I having a hard time to decide! 😂 I originally was going to go with the Laserpecker mainly because the bigger working area. Speed is not a huge deal for me because it’s used for small production batches. However the problem with the shield was a big deal. Have you used the Laserpecker Laser Protection Cover - it’s supposed to cover the entire perimeter reached by the laser. Thank you very much! I love your videos!

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

I appreciate the kind words! It is definitely a tough decision. They each have pros and cons. xTool did update their software recently to have live framing like the LP4 has so thats nice. What you see in this video is all I have tested between the two.

[@miracles1234]

@@MonkeyWoodworks thank you!

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

@@miracles1234 anytime!

[@bneil4059]

Curious, what were your metal card settings on the LP4 engraving?

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

It was trial and error and I do not recall the final numbers unfortunately. You can always make a test grid and waste one card to find the perfect setting. I suggest you always run a test grid on new material to find what works best for both the material and your preference.

[@deanwarner1205]

The wrong settings thats what he had it on

[@F1lasers]

The Laserpecker seems to be able to do bigger engravings wish you compared that, also laserpecker says it does 4000mm/s now... still trying to decide and was wondering if the bigger engraving size on the LP 4 was worth it. But thanks for the video.

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

You are welcome. Good luck with your decision!

[@samiallam1668]

Thank you great detail for me to help me decide

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Glad to help!

[@America2gether]

Can you run the F1 on an inverter or do you need a generator for outside craft shows?

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

I think you mean a Portable Power Station or Solar Power Station. Yes, you can run the F1 off one of these. The size of the power station will determine how long you can run it. xTool actually teamed up with Jackery and offers 2 different size power stations on the xTool site. They even offer F1 + Power Station combos for people wanting to use them on the go such as craft shows.

[@America2gether]

Thank You!!! @@MonkeyWoodworks

[@kaiminamoto]

For a $200 difference (with F1 being more expensive), what machine do you think I should get? I'll be using it mainly for engraving wood and zinc alloy keychains.

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Honestly, I really like the F1. Both machines are very similar but they have their differences. The F1 has less wires hanging off of it. The shield is attached to the body, and I am personally more familiar with the xTool software vs the Laser Pecker software.

[@cynthiasymons]

One of the YT videos I watched (and I’ve seen them all) by Alexandria Knife Sharpening has resolved the problem of the LP 4 having to be refocused. There’s a setting in the software that will allow you to put it right back where it was.

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Good to know! I still do not like the shield but that does make it easier to switch out material.

[@cynthiasymons]

⁠@@MonkeyWoodworksMichael Atkinson just uploaded a short clear video showing how to set up the height automatically to raise and lower the shield. It turns out it’s just a matter of figuring out the software.

[@cinematic_emotion]

Good day ! this is a great test! How precise and accurate can F1 be on a tree? Can someone help me with a test engraving of a small detailed image on wood? Thank you !

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

The 10watt diode lasers (like the F1) that I have used have all been very good at engraving small detailed images. It is amazing how well they work.

[@cinematic_emotion]

Could you do a test engraving of a small detailed image for me? I will pay for it. Thank you !@@MonkeyWoodworks

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Sure thing. Feel free to reach out to me. Check out the video description on how to reach me.

[@cinematic_emotion]

Thank you ! I wrote to your mailbox! It is fantastic that you are coming to meet me!@@MonkeyWoodworks

[@marcowaters8279]

Hi. Would you be able to use the LP4 rotary tool on the F1? Please let me know! And thanks for thaking the time to review them both!

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

No, i dont think you can.

[@marcowaters8279]

@@MonkeyWoodworks Thanks. I'll get an adapter to convert the port in a usb C and update you if it works. 💪🏼

[@blaccouttv.3846]

@@marcowaters8279did it work?

[@marcowaters8279]

@blaccouttv.3846 I got the xtool rotary and inspecting the cable, is highly likely will work with adapter and/or replacing the connector. Couod not purchase the LP rotary yet to confirm it 100%

[@blaccouttv.3846]

@@marcowaters8279 ok. Yeah I know the xtool rotary works with it. I wanted to know if laserpecker rotary would work with the f1. But thanks for responding

[@johnmarcus2324]

how about engraving on hard steel ???? eg knife blade ???

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

I am still playing with the F1 and learning what it can and can't do. I believe you will need a marking spray to etch the surface. For a deeper engraving, these lightweight IR lasers can't cut it from what I am seeing.

[@goldenwonder38]

Michael, do they both engrave in silver or gold, or do I need a heavier one?

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

I know they both have the same laser power specs, so I suspect they would both affect the metals the same. What I don't know is CAN they do what you want them to do. That I do not know..

[@dr.cynthiascurry-brooklin8070]

I need you to show me the framing feature in which you are referring.

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

I show a portion of the framing in the video.

[@mkemalsimsek]

Hi please add a new video about engraving metal such as steel, silver and gold.

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Good idea!

[@joseptarrago9400]

Después de comparar, cual seria el tuyo, y otra cosa que tamaño de CORTE tiene uno y otro con los rodillos, gracias por tus videos

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Honestamente, me gustan ambos, pero mi voto es por la F1. No entiendo tu otra pregunta.

[@joseptarrago9400]

Muchas gracias, la pregunta es que medidas pueden cortar cada una de las maquinas, con sus rodillos correspondientes,

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Lo siento, no puedo encontrar esa información. Es posible que deba comunicarse con cada empresa para averiguarlo.

[@joseptarrago9400]

ok@@MonkeyWoodworks

[@근손실-l3t]

Hello I'd like to purchase F1 product cat identification tags for business purposes I'm thinking about the output Is it okay to use wood, metal materials, plastic, and acrylic (I'm going to imprint on the size of a coin)

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Most of those will be safe to use. Plastic may give off harmful fumes when engraving and it may tend to melt more than engrave.

[@jojo9608]

Can they both engrave alluminium and steel? I am wanting to engrave keyrings. Great video!

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

The IR on both of them can etch on metal. Some metals can be marked easier than others. The 2watt IR lasers are fairly weak so you can only expect it to scratch the surface of the metal (etch), not engrave it.

[@jojo9608]

Thank you so much for your reply. Could you recmend one that would be suitable to those materials please? Thank you so much.​@@MonkeyWoodworks

[@michaeladragon]

Great comparison. That is a knife or blade bed though.

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

I don't know the difference between those two. On the F1, it came with what you see in the video and those pieces are not removable. What you see is what you get.

[@gerfer6261]

What is cost difference please.!!!

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

I have links to each of them in the video description. It al depends on which bundle you go with.

[@gerfer6261]

The link is not working for me If jot it again will be really appreciated

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

​@@gerfer6261Sorry about that! Links have been corrected. Thank you for pointing that out!

[@Jmatishek]

So question, which one would you say is better between for a newbie, Xtool F1 & Xtool D1 pro?

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

The F1 and D1 Pro are quite different. It depends on what you want to do with your laser. The F1 is what it is. Small footprint with a 10watt diode and a 2watt infrared. The D1 Pro has a MUCH bigger footprint + expandable and had different laser options. I would check out the xTool support page. I believe they have a comparison chart comparing all of their laser options. Their new S1 is quite impressive as well.

[@Redthumb45]

The F1 seems to shine in the features department (typical of xTool). Too bad about the lack of support there.

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

I have had great support with xTool personally. Have you tried the FB groups? They share the best ways and people to reach out to at xTool for support. Different xTool members handle support for different machines.

[@houstonfirefox]

I returned my LaserPecker after 2 days - couldn't get it to stay connected to the app using either Wifi, Bluetooth or USB. Just put my deposit down on the xTool F1 Ultra

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

That is odd on the LaserPecker especially on the USB option. The F1 Ultra looks promising!

[@marshmallow8872]

Can xtool F1 engrave raw stainless steel?

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

As far as I know, it can

[@charleybarley914]

But with the Laser Pecker you get to say pecker alot! Good review.

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Hah! Thank you very much.

[@toddkamuf6814]

Lol, that is so funny, haha said pecker

[@fatihgul77]

Xtool has a new version, Ulta. That one can be a game changer with its speed and power of laser. In this case Xtool looks better

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

The Ultra is definitely a big step above the F1.

[@HeavenLeeMadeOnEtsy]

Aesthetically I think the Xtool beats them all hands down

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

It is a beautiful machine that is for sure. No wires hanging around, no loose cover. Just a simple yet elegant machine.

[@doctorpd1959]

I have the LP4 with all of its accessories (even ordered the exhaust machine - not yet received) but even before I watched this video that I regret getting the LP 4 and not the F1. Go buy the F1 instead of the LP 4 folks. You can thank me later.

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Sorry to hear that! I did find some featrues of the LP4 better than the F1 however i too feel the F1 is the better option IMHO.

[@lesbianwars]

Thx brother i will get the F1.

[@mauricioherrera7731]

I read a Facebook group for the LP4 a lot of posts about the system not working on the phones. And lasers ain’t working properly. I am surprised because that inexpensive unit.

[@stockstergates4061]

new laserpecker, the grave speed is 4000mm/s

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

I saw that, good for them matching the speed to get a closer comparison making it a tough decision between the two. It was not the case during the making of this video.

[@stockstergates4061]

@@MonkeyWoodworks good company, and it upgrades very quickly, and it will releases L5 this year.

[@Uper34sdfrtct]

Lp4 4000m/s обновился

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Good to know!

[@dmitrijrazenkov5456]

F1 not have control by app 😊

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

I used the XCS mobile app on my tablet to control my F1.

[@patymar80]

4000 is actually 100% more and not 200%. 😅

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

You made me double-check myself. According to Google, 4000 is 200% of 2000. However, the LP4 now boasts 4,000mm/s matching the F1 so they are now both the same speed.

[@Uper34sdfrtct]

Купил я себе такой лазер. Думал, буду в восторге. По металлу слабенький. Прожигает очень не глубоко. За те же деньги. Райкус. Работает в 100 раз быстрей. Принесли мне гравировать жетоны. Там всего лишь 2 слова потратил 3 часа. На райкусе это можно было сделать. За 15 минут. Но самое интересное, что ценники у них одинаковые. Очень жаль потраченных денег. Лазер очень медленный, очень медленный, если вы работаете по материалам, по металлу хотите глубокую гравировку. Он её не сделает. 2 вата для этого недостаточно. Этот лазер не умеет делать полировку металла после нанесения гравировки. Короче, очень дорогая игрушка. Не рекомендую тратить ребята. Для дома, для бытовых вещей его хватит. Ну, покупать за 200000 вещь для дома раз в 100 лет что-то отгравировать, по-моему, очень дорого. На видео блогеры вас обманывают. Скорость печати на видео. Ускорено раз в 50-60. В реале он очень медленно печатает. Картинка 20 на 40 см. Будет печататься часа 1, 5.

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

These types of lasers with a 2-watt IR laser can only scratch the surface of metal.

[@jyotwatchfashion872]

किमत क्या है बताओ भारतीय रुपए में

[@MonkeyWoodworks]

Looking on Amazon the basic engravers are similar in cost. 1,799USD = 149,914INR