xTool P2 55W Desktop CO2 Laser Cutter: PRACTICAL Review and Test - Is it worth it?

[@JTMakesIt]

Get it here: hobbylasercutters.com/go/xtool-p2/ Use my coupon code "xToolJT" to get 10% off your order at xTool! Or you can read more about my tests in my detailed website article here: hobbylasercutters.com/xtool-p2/ All my laser reviews: hobbylasercutters.com/laser-reviews/ Download my test patterns: hobbylasercutters.com/download-test-files/ Links can be are affiliate links. I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This enables me to keep make review videos like this to you for free!

[@donpa08]

That was an excellent review in every respect - especially for P2 owners that want to get a handle on their machine’s true capabilities. Kudos to you.

[@JTMakesIt]

Thanks! I really appreciate it 👍

[@balusamys3515]

Awesome bro! Lovely ❤🎉

[@808paks]

So what is the optimal focal distance?

[@JTMakesIt]

Optimal distance is the one that machine automatically adjusts when entering the correct material thickness in the software

[@cookiedragon5661]

hi i was curious if your test files worked with xcs or if theyre only for light burn? ty for the video was great info =]

[@JTMakesIt]

Only for Lightburn. You can try the trial version of Lightburn, it is 1 month free and test your machine.

[@NewLOL74]

hello do you know, if the issue with the lightburn software is already fixt? (Autofocus+ Camera)

[@JTMakesIt]

Hi, I always use this machine with the xTool software (I find it good enough) so I am not as up-to-date with Lightburn features.

[@arigumundsson3263]

here's a boring thing nobody thinks about when buying a laser, but everybody should: Maintenance. You really should be factoring those in your comparison.

[@KublaProductions]

Question… is it possible to cut a 3mm deep inlay to fit some LED rope for a neon sign, inside of the groove, if I have an 8mm thick sheet of acrylic… and how do I do that?? #ThankYou #Newbietothegame

[@JTMakesIt]

That would be quite tricky. Maybe if doing many many engraving passes but that would be slow. The other way is to use two acrylic sheets - one top sheet and you cut the channel through the bottom one. Third option would be to use CNC router.

[@KublaProductions]

@@JTMakesIt Thank You for your reply! grateful for your time and attention!

[@meistudiony]

Can this laser cut though metal?

[@lupeters213]

No. Metal is too reflective at the CO2 laser wave length.

[@meistudiony]

@@lupeters213 Thanks for the reply. I have an infrared laser that does engraving on shiny surfaces...and will cut thinner metals (

[@1-Nice-Guy]

The P2 produces a lot of charring, you shouldn’t have to use masking tape. Masking tape on detailed cutting is a nightmare. The Gweike produces much cleaner cuts and engravings.

[@JTMakesIt]

I think you mean smoke stains not charring? Charring occurs on the edges and they both produce very clean cuts on plywood.

[@thepbref]

great review as always, but how do you rate the air assist say compared to the s1 by xtool?

[@JTMakesIt]

It is better, because the nozzle on the laser head is closer to the material surface and it is more effective this way.

[@1-Nice-Guy]

The P2 produces a lot of SMOKE STAINS, you shouldn’t have to use masking tape. Masking tape on detailed cutting is a nightmare. The Gweike produces much less SMOKE STAINS, according to your samples.

[@JTMakesIt]

Sorry for the late reply. Meanwhile I found out that I had a slightly misaligned optical path on my machine.(beam was not in the center of the lens). I have adjusted the deflection mirrors according to the xTools video tutorial and now the machine produces far less smoke stains and cutting performance is even better!

[@protozee]

Thanks for the great review!!! and file-- I have the P2 could you give more info on useing the P2 for deferent material thickness I am afraid of crashing into it

[@JTMakesIt]

Thanks! Just make sure that you set the material thickness before each engraving and you will be safe

[@fmixthings]

Awesome test. Could you try some 1/8 inch mild steel and see how many passes would be needed to get through it, if it is even possible?

[@JTMakesIt]

Hi, Steel cannot be cut by this laser. You would need much more powerful and much more expensive machine for cutting steel.

[@fmixthings]

@@JTMakesIt not even in the slightest?

[@JTMakesIt]

@@fmixthings maybe you can cut very thin strips like 1/10th of a millimeter thick which I have successfully cut with 20+W diode lasers

[@stevegood3224]

I am struggling to get the Z-axis working correctly in Lightburn. I followed the setup procedure from xTool but I have to manually move the Z every time or it will not move during the engrave/cut. Did you experience any issues with Lightburn and the Z-axis? Thanks for a nice video.

[@JTMakesIt]

Yes you need to adjust it everytime. The Gweike works the same. If you add the required G code (as seen in the video) in the "device settings->Gcode" it will automatically adjust the Z axis after you start engraving every time. But if you change the thickness of your material you need to update the number manually

[@stevegood3224]

@@JTMakesIt Thanks. I spoke to the support at Lightburn and they said they are working on it. Hopefully, they get it corrected. xTool creative space is not bad but Lightburn is just too powerful to be without.

[@JTMakesIt]

@@stevegood3224 I agree. But I was genuinely impressed by the xTool software. Initially I thought it would suck, but when you get the hang of it its pretty cool :)

[@stevegood3224]

@@JTMakesIt xTool software has layers that are critical. The curve mapping works utility works well and after I made a flat black board to cover the bed the smart fill works great. It just needed better background contrast. The laser path is not as good as Lightburn but I can get around that most of the time. Compared to any of the other software that comes with international lasers xToll software is fantastic. Even better, I feel like they will continue to update it. They are very responsive. All that said I am still a Lightburn guy. Lightburn is just too powerful.

[@JTMakesIt]

@@stevegood3224 I totally agree with everything you said!

[@thatonegamer2709]

glowforge is dead now