Why I Sold My Xtool S1 Laser: Honest Review & Reasons | Brett's Laser Garage

In this video, I share why I decided to sell my Xtool S1 diode laser. Despite its impressive features, it didn't fit my business needs. Watch to learn about my experience and see if it's the right laser for you. Start your next project with the best tools in hand! Shop now and use CODE Brett10 to get 10% off Monport lasers and accessories at bit.ly/3VUoFXt.
Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:45 - Initial Impressions
2:30 - Engraving & Cutting Performance
5:00 - Software Compatibility Issues
6:15 - Final Thoughts
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This video is about Why I Sold My Xtool S1 Laser: Honest Review & Reasons. But It also covers the following topics:
Xtool S1 Honest Review
Xtool S1 Pros And Cons
Why I Sold Xtool S1
Video Title: Why I Sold My Xtool S1 Laser: Honest Review & Reasons | Brett's Laser Garage
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Hey there! Welcome to Brett's Laser Garage - your go-to place for everything lasers, CNCs, and creative projects. Get into my garage, where my wife and I turn ideas into reality using laser engraving and CNC routing. I've covered you, from cool DIY guides to detailed reviews of the latest tools. Join me as I explore the ins and outs of running a home-based business with these amazing tools. Whether you're here to learn or just for fun, there's something for everyone. Remember to subscribe and be part of my journey!
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[@WyldeWillow]

Our stories are so similar. Started as a wood work business about 3 years ago and then got a laser to enhance my wood working projects. Quickly figured out that there was way more money in just doing laser work so now I do pretty much only laser work with a little bit of wood working. My husband also helps me out with my laser business and is actually going to be quiting his full time job to help me full time. We got the S1 and were not happy with it due to it compatability with Lightburn, would always cut triangles when I tried to cut squares along with other issues. I also struggle with XCS due to the same reasons you mentioned, small things but its just isnt nearly as good as Lightburn. I started out with a D1 as well. I actually prefer the D1 over the S1, I did a whole video on it. I feel like you are telling my story lol. Look forward to more of your videos.

[@LaserGarage]

That’s so awesome, I’m glad you two are doing so well. Thank you so much, love your channel as well!

[@cubansli3099]

Thanks, this was informative.

[@LaserGarage]

Thank you for checking it out!

[@N8zwn]

This is quite interesting as my experience has been the opposite. It engraves great and has even done so on small text. I have held off on learning lightburn though as the S1 is my first laser so I cannot speak to others. I knew of the issues and have gone in on XCS 2. It has been working great and the flow is similar to Carbide Create in my opinion. I actually found your channel based on your CNC work and now watch the laser stuff as well. I compare this with Vcarve Pro vs CC in the XCS vs Lightburn. I will eventually move over once Lightburn supports all the features. Though I can see a CO2 in my future once business on that side gets busier.

[@LaserGarage]

Thanks for watching! I’m glad everything’s working out for you. Everyone has their own personal preferences that’s for sure. I’m just trying to give my thoughts to help people make informed decisions. Thanks for sharing your experiences, this helps others when they are deciding what lasers to get.

[@nancy2371]

Thanks for the info. Was considering purchasing the 40w module. Now that you have shared this info I feel I should just save the$1500 and wait to buy a bigger Co2 laser.

[@LaserGarage]

Glad I could help. It’s a tough choice but if you’re in a similar situation as us I would definitely do that.

[@wallaceworkshop]

I’m just trying to get into the laser cutting side of woodworking. Lots to think about

[@LaserGarage]

100%. You have to try your best to envision what you’re going to be making now and in the future. Then pick a machine that of course fits in your budget. Do your best to research then pull the trigger and get started.

[@zouzou9948]

Thanks for sharing your personal experience! I'm curious, which machine did you end up choosing to replace the S1? I had a similar dilemma to yours, wanting both a 40W machine and a smaller spot size. My solution was to buy the 10W S1 and then the 40W laser head when they released it separately.

[@LaserGarage]

Thank you very much. I ended up purchasing a 2nd Thunder bolt that you see in the background. The RF tube creates awesome engravings and it cuts better than the S1 40w. Double the cost though…I couldn’t be happier.

[@zouzou9948]

@@LaserGarage Great choice! But that's way out of my budget for now, lol. Thanks again for your reply. I couldn't find any info about the spot size on Thunder's website, but I assume the spot size is much larger since it's a CO2 machine?

[@LaserGarage]

@zouzou9948 I’m not sure of spot size measurement either. But subjectively I can say it’s very small. It will engrave up to 2000dpi. I don’t get anywhere close to that with what we make but our engravings come out extremely crisp. The kerf is also very noticeably smaller than any of my other machine when cutting. I couldn’t be happier with the Bolts.

[@rcarroll05]

@@zouzou9948 on the Thunder Laser Knowledge Base it states using the stock 1.5" lens the spot size is (0.050mm)

[@daniellehalliday150]

I am looking to staring glass engraving etc and wonder what lasers you would recommend for a beginner?

[@LaserGarage]

Tough question, really depends on your budget mainly. Any co2 laser will engrave glass. Diodes will work on glass but you’ll need marking spray, this is the cheapest option to get started. Best imo is a UV galvo laser but those are a pretty penny and not really beginner friendly.

[@daniellehalliday150]

Have you reviewed any LaserPecker LP2?

[@LaserGarage]

No I haven’t sorry

[@drogsy000]

Hello! I am working on pokemon cards with really small letters... card dimension 12 cm x 8 cm and currently i am using low budget atomstack x7 pro and works really well and i wanted to upgrade to xtool s1 but ur video kinda stopped me from buying it what do u suggest me to buy for a detailed small letters becouse atm with atomstack is painfull to wait 1+ hour to cut the card should i get 20w version or just some other machine my bugdet is 2300 euros... help me out :D

[@LaserGarage]

Hey there. The S1 still may be an option for you, but you may want to go with the 20w module for finer engraving.

​@@LaserGarage I think the 1064nm IR laser module would get you better engraving also. My plan is to get all in a kit with a 40W module and a 1064nm IR laser module.

[@LaserGarage]

The IR module is great but it’s for marking metal not wood.

[@musicj]

That’s why I got the 20W

[@LaserGarage]

Sweet! I think 20w is is the best of both worlds, engraving detail and cutting ability.

[@chuckstrunk3746]

@@LaserGarage I was just going to ask about the 20w. I have the F1 but I want to do bigger projects with the blue and red lasers.

[@LaserGarage]

Take a look at the Roly Lasermatic machines. They have a 30w but it can also be switched to 10w output for engraving detail.

[@acethrashin]

If they made the 40w module priced realistically people wouldn’t do this. I know several people that love this machine but the problem isn’t even the machine but the company that sells it doesn’t look at the compition such as Creality selling a 60watt fully enclosed for $2400 Atom stack selling 70w And ikier with their 70watt pro max. Some of these machines have the same features as the s1 but the company is pricing based off the competition and innovation

[@LaserGarage]

There’s definitely a lot of new technology out there currently and more to come in the future. I’m sure Xtool will be be on to 70w or higher soon.

[@ginamariegarcia9461]

What laser do you have

[@LaserGarage]

I have two thunder Bolts, a Monport 80w c02, Monport GI60 fiber, and Algolaser Alpha 20w diode. One more being delivered this morning coming up but it’s a secret for now…

[@jppalm3944]

Tool trying to kill LIGHTBURN

[@LaserGarage]

Don’t worry lightburn’s not going anywhere

[@chrisfalcon9804]

Xtool is utter shite! Dont waste your money.

[@LaserGarage]

I wouldn’t go that far. It’s well made and does work pretty well, just not for us.