Worth it? How the xTool P2 CO2 Laser Stacks Up Against the Competition

xTool has just entered the CO2 laser market with their xTool P2. Let's check it out, test it and see how it stacks up against some pretty strong competition.
Links (affiliate)
xTool P2 - geni.us/xtoolp2?track=5Yf6idE...
xTool D1 Pro - geni.us/xtool_d1_pro?track=5Y...
FLUX Hexa - geni.us/fluxhexa?track=5Yf6id...
OMTech Polar - geni.us/omtechpolar?track=5Yf...
Gweike Cloud Pro - geni.us/gweikecloudpro?track=...
Glowforge - geni.us/KrbIO?track=5Yf6idEGCKk

[@willn-houston8186]

Congratulations on the new space! Also a great review, and I just ordered a xTool P2 laser.

[@makeorbreakshop]

awesome!

[@sanchezcr]

Thanks for your review. Learned a lot with it.

[@wittworks]

Nice job

[@-vermin-]

Oh nice. I've been waiting for your review of this.

[@-vermin-]

Id like to see some dot size tests. Also do X-tool sell a replacement tube for when it eventually wears out?

[@makeorbreakshop]

hope its worth the wait

[@Animalwon]

Thank You for this review! - I had never heard of this laser model until your review, and was really cheering on the Diode Lasers intrusion into the CO² segment for cost cutting until Diodes flew past the $1,000 mark and still could not seriously engrave metals. I am hoping CO² Lasers will start coming down in price as a result of Xtools' competition in the market.

[@makeorbreakshop]

Fingers crossed!

[@zekezank3]

I have diode and CO2 lasers in my shop. Neither is really good at engraving metals. High powered ones can mark the metal, but it won't really engrave it. You need a very high powered CO2 laser for that or a fiber laser. I also don't recommend any laser under $1000. Thats just too cheap. Lasers are one tool that the quality of the components matter. Cheap parts will get you a cheap laser that isn't as powerful and doesn't last as long.

[@evilta711]

Z axis functionality is awesome, but not 100% how totally useful I would be for most jobs. Seems like a great machine but at its cost, it puts it right against the bigger more power co2's, which as you said, are used more for cutting than engraving. Good review!

[@emymartin8079]

thank you for the review! is it possible for you to do a vid on the rotary tool with the P2 and the riser? i saw your D1 tumbler engraving video, but im curious to see how the P2 compares. im seriously considering buying this machine, mainly to engrave tumblers, but this looks crazy intimidating.

[@awidesigns]

I ordered the full bundle package. Cant wait till it arrives!

[@davidjudkin4541]

Wondering how The machine works for you

[@lindacruz348]

how's it going?!?!

[@Stephanbitterwolf]

Awesome! Could you compare the dot sizes like you usually do?

[@techydiy]

It looks like the P2 replaces the older Laserbox co2 range. They couldn't be used with lightburn, so along with the other stuff it is a decent upgrade.

[@makeorbreakshop]

Ah dang, forgot to mention the laserbox, the whole Makeblock/xtool relationship has been a bit confusing so bringing all the lasers under xTool make sense. Any Lightburn support is a huge plus vs what was there before.

[@meng-hsuanwu4074]

Thank you so much for making this review video!! I have been watching a lot of your video and learn about the laser cutting and engraving ! I am comparing XTool P2 and OMTech Polar. Do you know if we mainly using the machine in US. Which company has better after-sale customer service ?

[@man_cave_crafts]

Awesome review of this laser! It seems like that xTool is on its way to become a premium laser manufacturer. One thing missing in the video in my opinion is a quick overview on the mechanical components. Are they using linear guides?

[@PourAwayFluidArts]

If you were cutting a bunch of fairly large shapes in 3mm acrylic and had to choose between this with the conveyor feed and an omtech 80W what would you pick?

[@Samcraftcom]

Very nice!!! I wonder how long we have until these desktop machines go into the 100 watt range? That would be wonderful! I regularly cut 6mm baltic birch plywood with my 50w CO2 but it's quite slow.. Needless to say, but again.. awesome video Brandon! You're top shelf on this content!

[@makeorbreakshop]

Thanks! The only desktop unit I know of that can do 100W is the Full Spectrum Muse Titan, it's also a 4x2 ft machine so they are able to get the longer 100W tube in the back. Hoping to test it out soon

[@vivi-tang1403]

Have you ever used Creality Falcon2 22W engraving machine? It’s very popular recently, everyone’s evaluations are good, I’m hesitating whether to buy one, but I haven’t seen your evaluation yet, I hope you can test this machine.

[@vivi-tang1403]

@@makeorbreakshop When can you review the Creality Falcon2 22W engraving machine, can't wait🥰

[@ozakiakemi]

I really wish you could review the HT-460.

[@dilliansoddsandends809]

Wow the conveyer belt feature looks awesome, very good review... Father's day gift idea.. the full 2 feet width surface is great for some bigger projects

[@CyrusHostetler]

Did you see the Elegoo PHECDA? I want to see your review on it.

[@opieapplejack52]

I’d love to see an in depth demo of the automated Z axis in action. I grave a bowl or something more extreme than a slight incline!

[@makeorbreakshop]

The quick paper demo has the z axis moving but a more extreme version is a great idea.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

How big is the work area with the conveyor installed?

[@RNMEDIC1335]

Newbie here and your comparisons were very helpful. Still doing research to see what will work best for me. I want to do both engraving on tumblers, etc and cutting so this one looks like it will do the trick. I am a little worried when you mentioned this is not as clear with engraving. Thanks

[@russellhickey9236]

My exact thoughts!

[@chrism7067]

if youre brand new why go for a5k laser? start with a 1k 20w pro and see how things go

[@katzenbaer3065]

Can you please compare the MIRA 5 with all the other desktop CO2 laser you have tested before. I would really like to hear your opinion what you think about it.

[@ajvaldez]

Great video. I am trying to figure if a co2 laser would be good for my small business. I currently own a Roland VG3-540 and was thinking about making custom foam boards cutouts. I wonder if the laser is the answer.

[@1705s]

Hello - great video! THX😀, does the Xtool P2 work with the Atomstack R1 Pro rotary - because of the larger diameter (up to 130mm)? Do the connections fit?

[@roamingscooterguy2786]

Looking at the D1 or the P2... mainly going to cut/engrave leather for patches (MANY) and 2 layers of twill for garments... Is one going to be substantially better than the other? Thanks much!!

[@willn-houston8186]

On your next review can you the test curved surface ability on engraving a tumbler without a rotary. It would be nice if it would engrave maybe a 2" wide logo on a 3.5" diameter tumbler.

[@makeorbreakshop]

Oh that's a great idea!

[@jthespiceoflife]

What is the preferred water use for the laser? The instructions say purified but can you use Distilled? Thank you.

[@D-Res]

P2 - Pass Through

[@flyingmonkeys9774]

Can the conveyor belt be used with the xTool D1 Pro with the new version of software coming out soon?

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

Glad to see your review! All things considered, the P2 seems like a step up from the OMTech Polar but one thing that I think you failed to mention in the price comparison is that the Rotary for the P2 is an additional cost, whereas the rotary is included in the cost of the Polar. In your prior reviews it seems like you are pretty high on the Polar. All things considered, which of the two would you personally recommend (I know everyone's needs are different, looking for your choice personally). To add to that, if space is not a constraint, is there are full size laser in the price range of the Polar and P2 that you would recommend above the others?

[@makeorbreakshop]

P2 is a better machine overall, but its also several thousand more in price so it's hard to say. I would probably lean the Polar route since I don't really work with large things or need a rotary. But in for the machine I actually use in my shop its the 60W manual focus laser from OMTech's mid range line. Its a good bit bigger but still less expense than the P2. You will need to use an external chiller or at least a fish pump in a bucket so it takes up a good bit more room. The workbed is what keeps me coming back to it since there is so much room to work with: omtechlaser.com/collections/mid-range-co2-laser-engravers/products/60w-co2-laser-engraver-cutter-usb-6b57-us

[@neilrisley1321]

​@Make or Break Shop my order for the P2 with riser base, RA2 rotary & automatic feeder was just under £4,300 (incuding free delivery & a free £150 material pack) To Omtech Pro would cost £3,500 for me to order (with rotary) £800 difference seemed reasonable to me (larger bed, better cameras & better auto focus seemed worth the price increase) 🤷‍♂️

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

​@@makeorbreakshop thanks for the reply. For the 60w, do you use a (lightburn) camera? I feel like having the ability to line things up with one is a big benefit.

[@kristieleigh55]

@@neilrisley1321the P2 vs the Polar is what I think they compared. In the US the polar is $2,999 and the P2 is $4,999 without the rotary or riser. Rotary add on it $299, honeycomb panel is $169 & the riser is $499 for a total of $5,966 USD vs $2,999 for the Polar. So you definitely got a great deal compared to the US as you can see here it's double the price. Of course things go on sale but still not even close to what you got it for

[@neilrisley3443]

Thanks for this video (looking forward to more videos showing the P2 which I ordered for my 1st CO2 laser from a 20w Ortur LM2) I was hoping you would be more impressed tbh. Based on current experience, if you could only keep one, which would you keep between the P2, the Flux Hexa, Gweike Pro, Omtech Polar & Glowforge Pro?

[@makeorbreakshop]

I actually was pretty impressed with it, just might not have come across on video. It would be a toss up between this and the Flux Hexa, especially if they add Lightburn support. It also depends on your budget.

[@neilrisley1321]

​​@@makeorbreakshop I got the impression you was no more impressed than the Gweike Pro or Omtech Polar. I thought the P2 looked like the best out there for a desktop CO2 that would fit in my room. The £4,300 I paid for the P2, riser base, ra2 pro & automatic feeder seemed like a pretty great price...I'm having second thoughts now tho tbh (the flux hexa does look good) Hey Ho...can't do nothing about it now tho...so hopefully the P2 will be the right choice for me 🤞 Thank you for your reply btw...I like your videos & trust your advice 😏

[@rcarroll05]

You stated you have a Thunder Nova. If I could purchase this or a used 1/yr old Thunder Nova 24/60. What would be your preference. The Thunder would cost more for sure. My use case is engraving and cutting so far on a xTool D1 Pro 20w now. I am concerned with the limited bed depth compared to what I have now.

[@jamescone6359]

I want the conveyor belt series up with the d1. Lol

[@infiniteriguy9871]

How does the ventilation work / show us where we would put the vent

[@susanepler5731]

I’d like to know what the replacement cost is for the tube as it is a consumable.

[@patberry3388]

For safety, do safety glasses need to be worn when the lid is closed? How about when using the conveyor system? Just want to make sure when people enter my space are there any safety concern?

[@protozee]

Do you know the focal length of the xtool P2 laser lens and how far should it be from the surface of 3mm wood? Is it a 1.5-inch -30mm lens?

[@austindavis3030]

I have the D1 now, and I'm thinking about this as an upgrade. What is your opinion?

[@VengD]

Kinda need "ventilation"-info , or whatever you'd call such a category, on these tabletop lasers. These are, in most cases, not gonna be in some massive warehouse with industrial ventilators running all around the walls. They're gonna be on a tabletop in an office, basement, garage or whatever. What's the ventilation like out of the box? How does the inbuilt fan handle the smoke? Can you smack a tube on it, and cut MDF without worry of what leaks through the top?

[@ShyneflowLC]

Finallyyyyyyy

[@ImaginationDesign]

Interesting. I was particularly intrugued by the way the base is so open. I can see that being a mod done to Polar units once they're out of warranty LOL. People are already putting their polars on risers so they can use the rotary with larger cups. So, my question for a future test - can the conveyor work with another machine?????

[@kimlamarca1756]

Have you compared the xtool P2 laser against the newly released Thunder Bolt desktop?

[@sarasiqueira1]

I have a question for you, I've seen the Glowforge reviews now the XTool P, if you have to buy a laser machine today which one would you buy. Give the reasons.

[@tonystobb8364]

Have you run their new S1?

[@EliteMinerZMC]

I use the Xtool m1 and feel the limit of 10w, shame there is no option to upgrade the m1 like you can the d1 up to 40w

[@LifeIsALie0]

Can you review the muse titan? It's the biggest desktop laser on the market with an area of 48x24 with passthrough on all sides

[@makeorbreakshop]

Hopefully I can get my hands on one!

[@longitudes]

What machine do recommend better to buy. I have hexa or xtool p2 in mind.

[@ChrisMN651]

Do you know if I can use Adobe Illustrator to pull my projects onto the xtool P2 software? I currently have 3 GF Pros and use Adobe for all my projects and then load right up on GF. I'm currently looking for a different brand laser because GF Pros break every 3-4 months I've had about 15 units in the last 3yrs! Thank you

[@GerForever]

Is there no chiller for the tube?

[@bestyoutubernonegraternumber1]

P1 was the makeblock laserbox.

[@callumrussell]

Can I keep this in a wood shop or is the dust going to be an issue?

[@Cheshire-Creations]

When are we getting the passthrough vid Brendan

[@michaelkim6440]

at 9:55 you show the laser cutting sample. my understanding is it was only able to cut the wood at 80% and 90% power at 100 mm/s? 3mm basswood? This is weird as I cut .110 inch mdf at 100% power and 150 mm/s. I'm currently using a glowforge pro and I'd like to swap to something that cuts wood faster (I'm mainly cutting vs engraving). Its for my classroom so needs to fit as a desktop unit and I was lookign at the p2 or the flux hexa My main interest is getting a machine that can cut ~1/8 mdf faster and it is hard to get a comparison of cutting speeds (we do alot of layered designs). I was hoping the p2 or flux hexa or other desktop style co2 lasers would be significantly faster than the glowforge pro if anyone can point to evidence for that I would appreciate, thank you.

[@NewLOL74]

Do you think the "xtool P2" laser is better than the "Muse 3d" I really like both machines because of there live 3d autofocus/scanning/ Z-achse controll. Which machine would you recommend?

[@honeybranchdecor2950]

How does this laser match up to the thunder laser?

[@mattbiek]

Would something like this be okay to engrave metal like stainless steel

[@chalkline1505]

So far this P2 model is looking like the way to go unless someone comes out with a better mousetrap. for the price with the feedthru option, rotary capabale and the camera for parts placement I thinke they've got them beat.

[@batmansmk]

What's your opinion on this? With new diodes in the 35W range, do you think we will get the same form factor with diode lasers in the next 2 years? I can imagine having 60W diode lasers in 2 years, which starts to call for very good enclosures!

[@makeorbreakshop]

I think we will hit a point were it practically doesn't make much sense to increase the number of diodes they cram in in terms of weight. Since the diode laser module is what is moving around on the gantry eventually the stepper motors won't be able to keep up. For CO2's the head weight is pretty much the same regardless of laser power.

[@zachh7375]

Have you seen the Kickstarter project for the Elegoo Phecda laser? I'm considering backing it

[@makeorbreakshop]

Yep! I've actually been talking with their reps to get a unit to review. They only have 2 total made right now but I should have a review up when they have a few more. Overall looks like a really nice xTool D1 competitor. The laser module reminds we a ton of the one from Snapmaker, and I like how the protective cover goes along the entire front and back of the laser rail versus just around the laser itself.

[@stevepoole7057]

Other desktops (like Gweike) seem to require an additional external fume extractor. Is the P2 powerful enough?

[@makeorbreakshop]

It's got pretty much the same fan setup, so you would probably want an inline fan if you are using it a good bit. But for small jobs it can work.

[@ulaB]

I am not sure how xTool and Makeblock are associated, but there was a Makeblock Laserbox 40 W CO2 machine. Perhaps that was the "P1" internally? :)

[@wdfwefzhang]

yes, Laserbox is "P1"

[@johnhansen7417]

Loved the review. Will this do a deep etch on ceramic mugs. I do sandblasting of mugs and get a deep etch. I would like to get the same with this machine. Thank you.

[@derekwright2388]

Intresting machine, don't know if I like the lock, if something catches fire I want to be able to open that lid as fast as possible

[@makeorbreakshop]

Good point, I need to see if you hit the emergency stop will it disengage the lock.

[@rango_unchained]

@@makeorbreakshop You've got the machine right there. Give it a try and tell us what happens. We'll wait.

[@matthewmutz9337]

Will 5 watt diode cut 1/16 th balsa 1 pass?, slow is OK.. The job,,,30 identical model plane wing ribs

[@HaltWhoGoesThere]

I'd like to know the CONS. What didn't you like about it as you used it?

[@Adam-jn4kf]

you never see the Cons because XTool pays for these positive reviews. Isn't it odd you can find no negative reviews? I posted my issues on here.

[@NotoriusVlad]

Got my laser off eBay, 100W tube, 900x600 huge area, Autofocus, rotary axis, 900mm/s max speed in stock configuration. Paid $2000 delivered, earned probably $6000 with it already. All these machines that you test are just fancy toy machines for people who know nothing about technology really. Hardly upgradable too. That tiny area is probably barely going to cover needs of a housewife, and don't even get me started of how much these companies are charging hamsters for their K40 $300 equivalent toys. If I wanted to spend a $3000+ on a CO2 laser, I would just build a freaking servo driven 150W 1m2 monster. They way people waste money is just hilarious. I mean, same people buy carton sheds in usa for $500000, what can you expect from them after that lol. The only thing I truly hate about all industrial lasers is a very stupid controller and a software, RUIDA controllers absolutely suck and they are supposedly the best around, so everything else is even worse apparently. I'd love to have some opensource FW options to be able to tinker and add more features to industrial lasers.

[@rickhoguerealtor]

I have been trying to find out about the pressure rollers. What thickness of wood can you put into the machine? I was thinking of making some door panels and the wood would be 24" wide, but maybe as thick as 2". Primary to engrave but I would probably also use it to cut some half-inch wood for some big wall art.

[@makeorbreakshop]

I’ll have to test it out

[@rickhoguerealtor]

@@makeorbreakshop thank you on the response. The glow forge is limited on the pass through thickness and just wanted to be sure the thickness, and now that I think about it, the power of the pressure motors as they may slip if the weight is too much.

[@rcarroll05]

@@rickhoguerealtor xTool website says maximum thickness for automated roller is .55” or 14mm. That passthrough does allow for 4.5” but manual.

[@rickhoguerealtor]

@@rcarroll05 I saw that and heard it from another reviewer, however that reviewer said if it is above 10mm you have to do something to elevate the back of the machine or it catches on the lip in the back. But I do not know that for sure, it could have been his wood was a little warped.

[@tegancheney1627]

I wonder how this new machine would go with plain thick cardstock for wedding invitations???

[@charlesschneider27]

i need to laser cut petg what laser do i need? 1mm thick

[@LordBelakor]

seems very expensive to other lasers like the Omtech

[@Phantomick]

What type of environment does this need to be kept in? Will be ok out in a garage with no climate control?

[@adolfocabral9420]

ive been looking at this p2 as well as the omtech polar havent decided on which one since im a first time user my budget is like 5k which would you reccomend

[@ateam043]

Just laser out a bunch of squares. Glue them together. There you go, got risers. No need to spend the extra $1k.

[@Shopping974]

What is the size of the passtrought? Thank

[@ulaB]

"Maximum processing area" for the automated conveyor is 3m x 0,5m

[@nicholascheadle]

How are you getting it for $4200?!

[@chipsmith6486]

How compatible is it with Lightburn?

[@makeorbreakshop]

Works with it!

[@vivi-tang1403]

Have you ever used Creality Falcon2 22W engraving machine? It’s very popular recently, everyone’s evaluations are good, I’m hesitating whether to buy one, but I haven’t seen your evaluation yet, I hope you can test this machine.😄

[@selimsaim]

What kinda maintenance is required for this laser? Mirrors look hard to get to get to clean and adjust frequently. Or don’t they need cleaned is that only on the bigger non desktop versions. Don’t know much about co2. Just heard the are a lot of maintenance. I own a d1.

[@slimanus8m]

14:34 "Do you need eye protection for CO2 laser? When working in the laser industry, the Co2 laser is one of the most potentially dangerous because of the invisible radiation it emanates. This requires a special type of eyewear protection that's essential to prevent permanent eye damage."

[@PhxSt0rmz]

Everyone underestimates this. Invisiable wavelength lasers are the absolute most dangerous of any lasers, as you have no idea if your goggles are TRULY blocking it, if the window on the machine is TRULY blocking it, etc. You're just trusting the company did the right thing. I say this, because my local maker space got a china 2' x 4' cutting area 100W CO2 laser, and the viewing window was uncoated, no film, pure basic glass. It did NOT block the CO2 wavelength and people used it without that knowledge and thankfully got lucky any material they cut wasnt blasting refractions up at them. I typically refuse to operate a laser, even these closed units, without ANSI certified & tested glasses for CO2 and Fiber. To the industry, even an enclosed unit like the XTOOL is, a shop would still require laser glasses when operating. I too had a "Wait wait wait, what did he just say???" moment and had to re-listen when he mentioned eye protection with CO2. Just cuz yeah, 55W is invisible to us, but its a blasting light out behind the scenes and I'm sure that window blocks it.. Depending how tinted ( darkness ) it is, I may kick mine out for a US-made window thats film coated to be high VLT ( 80%+ ) but full CO2 blocking

[@coalakida]

you always forget about the sound factor. on every machine your review. Many of us use it in the Kitchen .

[@Werdna12345]

Good clickable title

[@Adam-jn4kf]

Just so everyone knows this product is only in China. There is no way to get any parts or get it fixed under warranty unless you send it back to China. Mine has issues and they send me parts to fix it myself. This will shut your business down during the months it takes to get it back. If you have critical failure they will replace once you send yours back and get the replacement. This will take several more months. They will let you give them $2500.00 refundable deposit if you have a spare $2500.00 to give them for several months.

[@ronsone8373]

Don't understand why something like a 3d printer drops in price pretty fast but these co2 stay so expensive. Of you compare the hardware on these machines co2 is so overpriced. This machine could easily be made for under 1500$ if voron can do it so can these larger companies

[@makeorbreakshop]

Yeh when your looking at 3D printers they seem to be on the higher end in price. Individually the glass co2 laser tubes are pretty pricey but hopefully those prices will come back down.

[@ronsone8373]

@@makeorbreakshop cloudray selling tubes for 200$ slapnin some rails and mirrors housing and your done well under 1000$ for bigger companies

[@BGIS2000]

So mant affilate videos of these brands boost their price up which is acfually not the value of the product. So youtubers actually help companies not the viewers.

[@wilmaswart9283]

Hi! if you tired off playing with the machine and decide that you are not going to use it anymore could you please please donate it to my hubby. He love this machine but it is so soooo expensive. 😊

[@Protocol-X]

I'll admit, the features are great, but as usual, they are extremely overpriced for consumers. Sadly, they are still using low quality laser tubes and mirrors. You are basically paying 2000$ for shipping software. The cooling system is sub par, and being locked into their software to use the features is a gimmic. If this company really wanted a consumer audience, they would work with the popular sw companies to integrate the support they provide and also sell a product with better hardware. This laser is being sent out in hopes to nab a few 1 off customers but geared at businesses that do not know better or want a mini laser farm. Not including the software or time, an identical laser built with better quality parts would cost about 2k currently. Yes it would not look as nice, but 3000$ extra just so you don't have to alignment your work is insane. Also any business that would be using lasers, will definitely be concerned about time and ensure to align everything well to get the most bang for their buck. In short... great idea, horrible price, wrong targeted market. Use better hardware and reduce the price by 50% and then you will be in the right audience and market.

[@ulaB]

How do you know the cooling system is sub par? Do you have one of these? According to Lightburn devs, they are atively working with xTool to support the machine. I am not sure I understand your alignment part of the comment. Are you asking for a dot to frame the project before starting to cut?

[@Kopsu87]

1st!

[@makeorbreakshop]

quick

[@untitledstuff]

Lol copying thumbnails I see

[@makeorbreakshop]

Ha, had the same idea before all the other videos came out. Might as well go with the fun idea

[@user-ts9bx6gg4d]

Why do KZbin video makers think they are comedians or actors? Just give the review. Like a professional.