The ALMOST perfect laser: The xTool S1 Laser Review

[@ChadsCustomCreations]

Great review as always Brandon, I am always amazed by your production value and editing skills. You definitely have inspired me a lot with my own channel.

[@makeorbreakshop]

I appreciate that!

[@terryclair2914]

I have a Xtool D1 and that has been a great machine but since purchasing the Roly Lasermatic 10 I'm sold on fully enclosed machines. I have also got use to using the camera for placement of art work. Although alignment has been a on going issue as it usually takes a sacrificial piece to fine tune the placement before starting customer work. WeCreat machine sure looks nice!

[@tishadillard9732]

Thanks for saving my tail end while laser shopping!! You helped me find EXACTLY what I needed- I have the power and capability for my business application without needing a herd of people to get it in my house!!

[@danthemakerman]

Great video its really cool to see how laser companies keep raising the bar on what diode lasers cad do.

[@makeorbreakshop]

thanks!

[@Basement_CNC]

yeah agree, but the keep raising the prizes as well.... its about 2500€ dollars wichbis incredibly close to the first c02 lasers, like the gweike cloud, wich still is more powerfull and faster..so yeah

[@jolenenelson8813]

Thank you for your thorough review. I was on the fence for this laser and you answered so many questions about the options and what I would need/want and the "why's". I have added this laser to my cart using your link, so if I do get it, I hope you will get kickback. Consider me subscribed so I can learn! Thanks for all of your hard work educating us!

[@crochetingmemorieswithcj6408]

Please do a demonstration on a full wrap 40 oz tumbler

[@jackhelm9852]

One thing the camera helps with that the positioning will not help with is when I take a piece of wood that has already had a large piece cut out of it, to cut small things like earrings and such. Since it will only show the full size of the initial board and not where things are already cut out, it will not work for this. I use this a lot so this is a no starter for me. But still very impressive machine.

[@makeorbreakshop]

good point on the used material. it's not quite as fast but the image trace feature using the red cross hair can let you move around whatever you are cutting and engraving pretty quickly. But nothing beats a camera in terms of raw speed.

[@K40Keller]

Hey. Have you really tested Lightburn well? I do not have it yet. I am curious how well everything will run with Lightburn. But the S1 is really a very great machine. I love the S1.

[@makeorbreakshop]

Yep, I ran all my test files through Lightburn

[@Jeffdoeswhat]

Good to see an enclosure with it. Hopefully i will be able to check one out.

[@frankalviso3147]

I love love love my lasermatic. And the customer service is top notch!!!

[@makeorbreakshop]

Yeh they seem to be the real deal.

[@tonystobb8364]

Would LOVE to see a side-by-side comparison of the S1 and P2. Understand 2 different laser types but would be helpful for anyone looking to purchase & torn between the 2.

[@commentsonthetube14]

Strongly considering the S1, but I would really have preferred a camera. It seems conspicuous in its absence. I may wait for a camera model. I donno how much I need CO2 and it is so much larger and more expensive. Plus I don't have the option of the IR module if I got a P2

[@YaaLFH]

One important thing you didn't mention is that the conveyor is not available in Europe and the riser base for European market is slightly different. They explain that it's due to keeping it a class 1 laser (but they've been known to powder the truth in the past). The WeCreat machine you reviewed was created to be a competitor to M1, not S1, and yes, they are both meant for the crafter segment. Sadly xTool decided to pretty much abandon M1 users with no upgrades or new features since they released air assist and riser base over a year ago.

[@thetechpastor]

After all the "fun" I had setting up a sculpfun camera on my Falcon 2 - 40 watt, I am not sure it was a huge advantage, and it was a major pain to get even close to workable. It will be nice to see the differences once the S1 I ordered arrives. I have a feeling that the 2 coordinate alignment system will be my preferred method... though being able to drop shapes randomly and have it do what the P2 could do would be nice. Looking forward to joining the S1 family... just 3 more days!

[@justinwtolbert]

How is it now?

[@thetechpastor]

@@justinwtolbert I have been using the S1 for the last 2 months, and with the recent updates to allow multi-point positioning, I am extremely impressed. I don't miss the camera at all. I do have to create templates for some things, like easily repeatable coasters, money clips, and business cards, but those were a one-time creation. I regularly do black acrylic photo-graphs with the 2W IR laser, then switch heads to the 20w and cut them out. It all works well. To say that I am happy with the S1 is an understatement. I am VERY happy with the unit.

[@batmansmk]

I don’t use camera yet, and I dislike having to move from Lighburn with my Atzr, so the main feature for me is to be able to grab the laser head and move it.

[@makeorbreakshop]

yep, totally works to just move the head with this one too.

[@RocketMagnetUK]

I suppose a disadvantage of an integrated compressor is they tend to vibrate and attaching that to the chassis for such a relatively small machine mass wise could potentially cause accuracy issues and cause things to loosen etc?

[@SirLovestain]

I'll buy this without hesitation if they mentioned if they were working on more powerful laser(60W, 80W) modules that are also swappable with this system.

[@makeorbreakshop]

It will be fun too see how far they go in terms of power with diodes.

[@Basement_CNC]

but why ??? just get a co2 then, you can get decent ones for 2500$ and they can work in a lot more materials have a bigger workare and so on and at 80w thats 16 laser diodes wich needs A LOT of glass to properly focus in one point, and the laserhead will become incredibly heavy , so you cat even use all that power since it wont gonas fast anymore

[@SirLovestain]

@@Basement_CNC because a diode laser can be manufactured faster and cheaper.

[@grahamclements-turner1148]

Thank you for a detailed report, very helpful indeed. I’m very new to the laser world, am I correct in saying that diode’s do not etch on glass.

[@LollipopWoodworks]

Great review! Thank you! How does focusing and 3D probing for uneven pieces work when using Lightburn? Or do you need to switch to LCS for those projects?

[@makeorbreakshop]

I'm pretty sure that probing function doesn't work in Lightburn, its specific to xTool's software.

[@daveswoodshop782]

You said that you were running your S1 in Lightburn. Just received my XTool S1 40w Laser. In Lightburn the only way I can move the Laser with the Move arrows, Auto Focus, or Frame is if I have the lid closed. It is a real pain to have to open and close the lid when Framing and re-positioning the wood. When I use the S1 in Xtools Propriety XTool Creative Space software I can perform these tasks with the lid open. Is there a setting or something in Lightburn that will enable me to perform the above tasks with the lid open? Any help would be appreciated.

[@kenm2679]

I'll wait for the camera feature so that this is comparable with a GlowForge for the kids.

[@JosephBegley-gf5rn]

Hi there, I am wanting to get a photograph engraved on stainless steel using the X-tool S1 with the 2w IR laser. I am based in the UK and wondering if you are able to do this? if so please reach out to discuss further. Many thanks, Joe

[@tomzphone]

After installing the riser base, how the hell am I supposed to use the laser now? It won't measure the distance, because everything that I want to cut/engrave is sitting too low.

[@MakerDan55]

Thanks so much for the great information. How does this compare to the Creality Falcon2 40 watt?

[@ksfirman9215]

I am looking to buy my first machine but cant decide which is better . The XTool s1 or p2 orrr, should I go all in on a larger thunder laser ? Do you have any wisdom I can use to make a final decision? Love your content by the way. Thank You

[@sebumgold3108]

Why do they use Green laser shield, but everyone buys orange glasses? Is the green really safe? Do you have an understanding of this subject? Thanks.

[@shivamlaxmi4012]

Green can block both 20/40w and IR lasers. Orange is for IR only.

[@mcotter11]

Thanks so much for the videos. They have been really helpful in helping me decide which laser to buy. I tried to use your code for the s1 - 200S1 - and it said invalid code. Is that because the machine is on sale right now?

[@keithsmith1642]

I had up until last Sunday a Full Spectrum 40 watt CO2 laser. It was about 6 yrs old and the startup board crapped out and FS wont answer my request for support. So, looking at my options, I really like the S1 based on what I do, but I cant decide if the 20 or 40 watt is the way to go. I do cut some wood, but usually thin basswood. I do more along the line of engraving signs. With this, which is better, the 20 or 40? Thanks!

[@AnnButts-y7y]

I have the xtool S1 40 W. the machine works great but I have an issue with the xcs program. any chance ( have you had a problem with the vector not showing the setting for Power % / Speed & pass count) ? this is with XCS program

[@gingersnapmedia1794]

I struggle without a camera and stopped doing laser work only 3d printing then the we creat came out and I bought it along with the s1 and honestly I’m a little worried I’ll end up selling the s1…. Really wish it had a camera or atleast a way to add one ….. maybe I should have just not gotten the we creat or s1 and just got the p2….. would love some advice in a video on how to to off shape items with the s1 like coaster and triangle diamond objects and what not cause seems like square stuff be easy that’s about it

[@proudcanadianeh4663]

Would love to see a video on how to frame and engrave on non square/rectangle objects as well!!

[@makeorbreakshop]

For non square items you could still use the image trace feature that would outline the are on your object you want the graphic or cut to go.

[@court2379]

It terrifies me a bit not having an enclosure. What happens if it passes over something reflective? Perhaps most materials are not to those wavelengths. It isn't something I have researched.

[@YpsilonTM]

I see on the website they say acrylic would be possible, Would you say it really not ?

[@dwahnaslowdown8887]

Very. Informative. Thank. You.

[@makeorbreakshop]

Your. Welcome.

[@maarteneswart]

Hi, I am considering the Xtool S1. What I would like to know is the engraving quality in detail of the Xtool S1. Does it depend on the power, is the power of the laser adjustable (f.i.10 W, 20 W) or is it fixed at 40 W? What would you advise? And for thicker products and the rotary module, can one use it f.i. with extra feet to make the laser base higher? Thanks in advance for your extensive reply!

[@Tearstank]

I would like to know if Europe will get the feedthrough option. Its not on the website currently

[@Ipsissimus]

Just bought an Ikier 48w. Building my own enclosure for it from MDF. You'll need to wear glasses around the laser either way. That lid is not enough safety when dealing with Diodes.

[@billm1651]

No glasses needed with the S1.

[@Ipsissimus]

@@billm1651 Wrong.

[@glynburnett7364]

​@@Ipsissimusrecently purchased the s1, don't you trust the new lid design? Would you suggest further eye protection?

[@Ipsissimus]

​@@glynburnett7364 Never trust Diodes. It only takes a split second for something to go wrong and the laser can permanently blind you. I got caught with indirect light once from one as the laser started in error with the lid open as I stood there adjusting a wooden board. But luckily the after image in my eyesight faded and no lasting damage was done. Since then, I can only recommend you use the utmost safety around them. So yes, no matter the enclosure, just wear a pair of glasses when directly operating it.

[@justinwtolbert]

do you guys think that I will be okay with a s1 instead of a thunder? I feel like I will be yearning for a 30 watt Bolt if I get this. Its like spending a fraction of cost for a slower machine

[@CREATEFOTO]

There's no shipping to Greece 😢....

[@AVSpotter1]

What was the new machine you mentioned coming soon?

[@makeorbreakshop]

The OMTech Pro, review coming soon!

[@AVSpotter1]

@@makeorbreakshop wow that thing looks like a spaceship! any idea the price point?

[@riccardogregorini4401]

Hello, to engrave and not cut the 20W model okay. Which 20W or 40W is more precise? Help me please

[@danielthomas3236]

Do you have the Genmitsu L8?

[@revtoyota]

Great video man. I have a question for ya. Will you ever do a test/review of the Ikier K1 pro max 48/24 w? I need a 3rd machine for odds and ends and have yet to find a decent review.

[@makeorbreakshop]

I've got a version of it in my shop, but not the one that switches between 48/24. Hoping to check it out in the future!

[@johndoe6032]

I second this! I like the idea of being able to switch from 24w to 48w with the same laser. Seems like something xTool could do, but maybe they just want to sell more lasers. I also like that the Iker has auto air assist and the motorized Z axis with auto focus and auto step-down for better cutting. I'm currently in the fence between that one and the much cheaper Atonstack A40 that also has the 24/48 switch, but doesn't have the motorized Z axis.

[@revtoyota]

@@johndoe6032 Exactly man... The Ikier pro max or the Atomstack x40 max are the 2 I am stuck on.

[@Ipsissimus]

@@revtoyota I took the 48w Ikier. Just cut your own enclosure and add a camera.

[@allthegearnoidea6752]

That laser gave me a Semi. Cry I bought a falcon 2 last year.

[@rcarroll05]

I am actually tired of companies telling me how to use my machine. Give me the options or at least make them available for me to add on if I want it. The camera isn’t even available to use with it. So that’s a big deal as they are saying the 2 point measuring is “better”. But better for who? There are times when a camera is better. So right now it’s worse because I don’t have the option of the camera. I have a D1 Pro, F1 and P2 from xTool. All have there advantages and disadvantages. But like the S1 on the P2 they are telling what is important to them and not for me as the customer. Why not have a red dot laser pointer? Why not allowing me to frame? They say camera is better, however the fish is not that accurate. The 2nd close up camera is better, but still mediocre+ at best.

[@I-LOVE-EARTH]

They should of included a camera...period! If they needed to charge more, so be it, leave it up to us.

[@ThewoodhutCoUkwoodengifts]

I was advised by XTool support that the S1 with the IR module + rotary could engrave inside rings however I have found this impossible - has anyone worked this out yet?

[@NMayhem]

I have an M1 and have enjoyed it a lot. The camera, however, I have found is just simply not precise. It is a fish eye view that becomes nearly useless when trying to position anything that is not dead center right under the camera.

[@myndmap]

I wonder what is the new laser that's coming up in the same segment...

[@PencilParasite]

Maybe Atomstack A24 Pro ?

[@EliteMinerZMC]

I have a M1 and even though its fully enclosed it still does bleed light. Caught myself a few times with goggles where i saw a blue flash in the corner of my eye when i was turning to walk to my laser. Honestly will probably upgrade to this, just for better safety but need to save up first the m1 already broke the bank and honestly dont feel as safe with it any more I do really like the camera on the M1 however and its useful for auto focus and potitioning the work piece and designs as i have my pc wirelessly connected in another room. Having to manually measure and probe when i want to get in a specific spot seems like a downside but ill take better safety to be honest.

[@makeorbreakshop]

Always good to have glasses regardless around these things.

[@EliteMinerZMC]

@@makeorbreakshop yup dread to think what would have happened if I had not been wearing some at all. Might look for some better than the xtool Goggles or at least ones that snug against my face more

[@Bubbletopsea1]

Code is not working for d1

[@Slo151burnouts]

Can these engrave curved surfaces? Like cups?

[@makeorbreakshop]

yep!

[@AnderOlson]

How do you turn off the beeping? It's incessant.

[@aaronsastronomy9236]

for 2200 bucks + the few hundred bucks per accessory you're better off getting a CO2 laser at that point that would have all that included and could cut clear acrylic and includes air assist. What is the draw here over a CO2?

[@noelv1976]

So you can't engrave multiple items at once? That's weird

[@jl9782]

can you not cut vinyl with laser on low power?

[@makeorbreakshop]

There is some you can but a lot are made from PVC which will make toxic fumes if you cut it.

[@jl9782]

@@makeorbreakshop cool thanks

[@johndoe6032]

I feel like a provided enclosure is somewhat overrated. The only benefit versus making a basic one yourself is the auto shutoff if you have kids running around or something, but that can also be added to a homemade enclosure also without much trouble. Seems a bit sus that xTool pulled the 40w D1. Seems like they're trying to push people into buying this new unit. It would also be nice if they offered the ability to step down the 40w laser to 20w for finer engraving like other laser diode makers are doing, but it seems like they're more interested in getting their customers to buy an entirely different laser module... another upsell. What would be nice is to see a comparison of this unit to your favorite budget CO2 laser. It feels like this is getting expensive enough that it would be easy to jump to a goob budget friendly CO2 instead.

[@makeorbreakshop]

The OMTech Polar and this are getting super close in price, that's a great idea of a comparision. I would still say the enclosure is pretty big upgrade, most people will just want a machine that pretty much works right out of the box. Plus the touch probe is really nice. But like you I do wish the laser modules could switch between this and the D1. Or do the diode flipping that iKier is doing and let you drop from 40 to 20W within the same unit.

[@I-LOVE-EARTH]

Nice laser, but will pass because they didn't include a camera for quick positioning.

[@jgoudey4477]

I disagree with cost a fully kitted S1 is the same price as a P2 with the advantage going in the P2's favor with the fact that its a CO2 that can cut most things. I don't see where the S1 fits in the grand scheme of things at the price point its at. I see it more as a gensis laser, a combination of all the things the D1 should have been. I'll be putting my money on a Thunder Bolt and skipping this one at its price point

[@bloopbleepnothinghere]

An S1 with the air purifier and all the goodies is $3798 Similar all tricked out P2 is $5995 So, I don't agree with what you are saying.

[@robertfousch2703]

Check your math.

[@briannajazmin7144]

no camera = no go for me 🤭appreciate your reviews!

[@makeorbreakshop]

Thanks for watching!

[@cedarandsound]

They aren't paying you to do a review, but this is a paid review. Free machine and affiliate links is a form of payment. You're just not as highly motivated to be overly nice to them as if you were directly funded to do the review.

[@gaigeredd]

True but he is completely transparent about it, which I appreciate. Aside from that, it’s a very informative review.

[@sabrinahernandez7217]

If he only reviewed one brand it would be more of an issue. He reviews a good selection of brands.

[@marktiller6194]

No Camera is a no go for me. WeCreat....OH YA!

[@ThantiK]

2200 when you can get a K40 for $400. Nah.

[@makeorbreakshop]

true, K40 is still great especially if you love to tinker

[@2380MG]

use inches not mm plz

[@DCX_V2]

Why would you use inches? Mm are easier for smaller sizes.