xTool P2 vs xTool S1: Comparing side by side ACTION!

[@MKLaserWorks]

Great comparison video Justin! Thanks for taking the time to film and produce this. My next upgrade will likely be the P2 and this content helped to confirm my assumptions between the 2 machines. Both great units but for different purposes. Cheers!

[@thetinkerverse]

Not sure if it's been said in the comments, but the shorter time is usually due to the difference in acceleration. The laser head needs more room to ramp up to 500mm/sec than it does to get to 240mm/sec so you end up with more traversal movement. Depending on the job, faster feed rate can actually add significant time to the job if there are a lot of direction changes.

[@SimonHollandfilms]

just got a S1 ...can you explain what the 'scoring' function is used for? cut and engrave makes sense...score? no idea.

[@justinlaser]

Scoring is essentially the same as “cut” except you run it faster and with lower power so it just leaves a score line on the surface instead of cutting all the way through. For instance if you had a design that had a large outline of a rectangle drawn on the surface it would be a million times faster to use Score instead of engraving it.

[@ggavati9809]

Thanks for the video. The S1 clearly engraved way better on the slate and leather, but I really think the camera is better for beginners.

[@LemonLimes99]

Your review helped me to settle on the S1. It seems to be a really nice yet not too basic machine for those trying to start at a shop.

[@alejandramiergonzalez9612]

Hello, I really liked the comparison, have you tried the machines for cutting paper? I am mainly interested in this use. Paper wont be bigger than 40x40 cm but I would like a fast machine... Doubting between the M1/S1 and P2

[@sash-v7i]

Not so sure but think diode lasers are more good for paper cuts,paper is not a heavy material as acrylic or basswood so you can increase the speed almost to maximum.

[@philipershler420]

Where using the initial release of the XTOOL Creative Space or the latest update. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think you need a jig for multiple pieces in the same job. However, one has to mark the position of each piece. But if one wanted to make multiple runs, the jig would definitely win out. Thank you for a very fair and comprehensive review. But don’t forget that the laser in the S1 can easily be swapped. The 20 watt obviously has less power, but it also has a smaller spot size. In addition XTOOL also sells a 1064 nm IR laser. Changing lasers is roughly about a 2 minute job.

[@justinlaser]

Do you mean with the "mark processing area" functionality? If so, yes I believe that would work on each individual one. Never thought about trying it on multiple items thats a good test. Im so used to the old school jig system I would probably use it even if there were only 2 items haha.

[@w.taylor2789]

This is a great comparison video. I ahve been looking at getting a laser machine for a couple years now and haven't been able to make up my mind. Over the past few months I have watched I don't know how many videos on a variety of machines and always drifted back to the xTool offerings. This is the first video I have seen with a true side by side comparison and it was awesome. I I just ordered the S1 and am looking forward to learning how it all works. Thank you this great demonstration.

[@justinlaser]

Thanks! The S1 is a great starting point you will enjoy it. Easy to get up and running but still powerful enough to do some cool stuff.

[@kittyvonrosco8116]

I wish I saw this review before I purchased a couple of weeks ago, would have opted for the P2 vs S1. Didn't know what I didn't know about acrylic and S1's limitations on clear or other colored acrylic. As I'm exploring the types of creative projects I'm interested in, acrylic versatility would have been the deal sealer. Ah well - guess I'll have to save up for the upgrade.

[@justinlaser]

Yeah I wish they were a little more upfront about that drawback. They mention the colors you can cut but dont mention the issue with clear.

[@sdmoller]

Question, I see you engraving one item at a time. Does the engraving not allow you to engrave everything that is on the x-axis? Working with other lasers in the past I had them engrave all the way across every item that is on the job screen.

[@brendafogerty1685]

What kind of maintenance is needed on the P2? Do you have to replace lenses/mirrors often? If so, how difficult is that to do? Great video, thank you.

[@sash-v7i]

For CO2 lasers most difficult part is replacing the gas tube, cleaning and replacing the mirrors is more easy.Just search in KZbin for CO2 maintenance videos. Regards

[@brendafogerty1685]

Thank you

[@craftingwithjean5599]

Thank you for the comparison, one of the best I’ve seen. As a P2 owner I liked seeing the comparisons.

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks for the mention… good comparison

[@justinlaser]

No problem!

[@TheBornfree83]

you can square and align the jig if u score a cross hair on the jig templace.

[@justinlaser]

A great method! I did that for the patches jig. Much faster than full cut outs.

[@julieta203]

21:30 can the P2 really process all the materials the S1 can? I thought that Co2 cant engrave/cut metal and Diode lasers can?

[@viacheslavdobrovolskiy]

I believe that the p2 runs at the same speed as the s1 did. No matter what speed you have setted. In addition, the faster the speed of engraving, the more the head makes a flight the the right and left (to compensate the inertia). It adds extra time as well.

[@sash-v7i]

I think P2 have very big overscan trough the engraving, this up the work time.

[@GoCreateSomething]

If you have objects too close to the left edge, XCS will automatically lower the speed to keep from slamming the laser into the side of the case. I suspect there was a message when you ran the coasters on the P2 that said it wasn't going to run at 500 mm/sec. The P2 has a smart assist feature so you can line up one of your objects and then it will automatically align the other objects automatically even if they are at different angles. The S1 has an optional 2W infrared head that will cut materials that the 40W diode head can't cut or engrave.

[@carolyngray8008]

If you want to engrave metal, though, there is no option with the P2. With the S1, you could add the optional 2 watt IR module to engrave metal, right?

[@LemonLimes99]

Great video Justin! After owning the S1 for a few days, (after owning a Glowforge that broke 2 weeks in), the S1 was refreshing! I thought I needed the camera, but I really didnt.

[@keithclark8030]

I thnk both would work for screens for Screen Printing.

[@RyanMahoney1]

Great video. Finally someone put the two side by side for comparison. I have one question. I’m really considering buying the p2 and air filter because of all the features but I live in a co-op and worried about the noise factor and that’s the only thing holding me back. Do you think the noise would be too much to run in an apartment type of setting?

[@justinlaser]

Honestly, it might be tough depending on how close your apartment neighbors are. Not only the noise factor but also the smell. The Air Filters work up to an extent but even with that there is always some residual fumes and smells that will linger in the area especially after you are finished. I have a $4,000 air filter system for one of my lasers and even that isnt perfect. If noise is the biggest hold up the S1 might be a better option if it can process the materials you want to work with.

[@RyanMahoney1]

@@justinlaserthat’s definitely something to consider. Thanks for the info

[@ogthebarbarian641]

I appreciate your mentioning of the fact that Xtool don't employ or finance you. Whenever I hear the words 'paid promotion' I immediately think: 'compromised review'.

[@justinlaser]

Yeah I wouldnt review anything that didnt allow me to be critical of parts I didnt like. Thats why I select carefully so Im only promoting things I think are good.

[@Duncwoods]

Extremely helpful! Going with S1!

[@Vintauri]

Nice comparison of the two lasers. I'm very curious about the job completion times as I would have expected a larger gap on some of those jobs. I agree with your assessment that if you want to engrave, a diode laser will almost always produce a sharper result.

[@justinlaser]

The one result between the 240mm/sec and 500mm/sec really confused me. Im assuming the travel distance was longer on the P2 otherwise I dont know how to explain it. I didnt have any thick materials to cut but I think thats where the P2 would really kill the S1 on time.

[@fabriziomezzari5551]

Hi and happy new year, the maintenance of the P2 such as the alignment of the lenses is more complicated and expensive than the S1... I would have been very pleased to have information on this aspect before purchasing. Thank you very much for your kind reply

[@justinlaser]

The P2 is a more complicated machine yes but not sure about the more expensive part? P2 has many more moving parts.

[@fabriziomezzari5551]

Ok in any case you undoubtedly recommend the P2? Thank you very much

[@livelandings747]

Great video including all the important things, timings, sound levels etc thank you

[@rationalistinanev]

Excellent video! If you had calibrated the P2 would it have resolved the slate color issue or the leather engraving issue?

[@justinlaser]

Probably wouldve helped with the coasters for sure. The leather issue was more settings issue. Too much power or too slow speed.

[@johnathanraney9959]

Great video. Really appreciate the points of interest. I think another deciding factor might be the location you will be using the laser. I think if you're in a shop that isn't climate controlled and have freezing temps the diode is probably the best choice since the CO2 has a glass water filled tube. I think

[@justinlaser]

Very true!

[@khaldeyahawwad3557]

It is true, someone said their laser was ruined bc it was in a freezing cold garage. When my husband saw the size of the p2 in a picture he said in the garage. Leaning towards a s1 but I still really want a p2.

[@CoffeeJake]

Wow I was ready to pull the trigger on P2 but the output on patches was surprising. Woulda thought the defaults would be a little more dialed in than tje S1.

[@fabriziomezzari5551]

Hi, I really like the style with which you make the videos... congratulations! My attention go on the S1 but I have doubts because I'm new...I would start my business at home in a room with the possibility of ventilating without problems by placing the hose outside the window...but on the one hand I was struck by the ease of have a camera with the P2 but on the other hand do you think the P2 can be used in an apartment building or would the S1 be more suitable? Thank you very much in advance for your kind reply

[@justinlaser]

Thanks! Both are enclosed and come with built-in exhaust fans and hoses so you would be covered there with both lasers. The P2 is substantially larger and heavier than the S1 so if you have a big flight of stairs or might need to move it around to different places a lot its its something to consider. The S1 is more maneuverable so if I were in an apartment I might consider it first.

[@fabriziomezzari5551]

Thanks for your kind reply

[@JSR_Design]

I just purchased the S1, because it’s half the price of the P2 Never done anything with a laser so I think it’s a good starting machine.

[@justinlaser]

Its a great choice to get started. Will take you far.

[@bb8luke221]

thanks for the video! i would really like to see a comparison of howhow it cuts leather?

[@rickmoore]

Nice shout out to Clack! Makes a lot of sense to not double up content just for a video when someone else already has one. Then you can focus on video's like this one that are "new" content. Thanks

[@justinlaser]

He said it all perfectly no need to reinvent the wheel haha. Thanks for watching!

[@viacheslavdobrovolskiy]

Man, I really love the way you make videos. Please keep doing it.

[@justinlaser]

Thank you much appreciated. Had a little less time to do this one than normal otherwise I wouldve added some more stuff.

[@viacheslavdobrovolskiy]

@@justinlaser can't wait to see one of your "day of the laser shop business" videos. It really inspires me!

[@ReputationWoodworking-go3ro]

Just ordered a P2 and Filter System using your link, based on your informative video. Thank you

[@justinlaser]

Thank you much appreciated! If you are doing woodworking (based off your username) the P2 will be.a great addition. Remember masking tape is your friend for nice engravings!

[@khaldeyahawwad3557]

Is the filter system sufficient or venting out of window needed? Also if the garage is not insulated, would it be ok to store and use the lasers in it?

[@ChadsCustomCreations]

Great video Justin, I think what’s most interesting is the time comparisons. I am not sure how we can measure it but it seems acceleration is a big factor when it comes to engraving speed. There is a balance between the size of the engraving and the selected speed where the faster you push it the longer it will actually take. It’s like as laser reviewers we need our own benchy boat like with the 3D printers.

[@justinlaser]

That explanation makes sense. Would be cool if there was a tool that factored in all the different machine defaults for acceleration, etc and would make somewhat accurate estimations. Also wish XCS had estimated run time like Lightburn does.

[@tonystobb8364]

Did you explore the batch processing option on the P2? Seems easier than manually aligning each one.

[@justinlaser]

I did but couldnt get it to fill correctly. I think its because the materials I was using were so dark it was getting confused. I will have to revisit.

[@Inglismachining]

Great video, but I have one question about the P2 as I am currently considering purchasing my first laser. Being that the P2 is a CO2 laser, does the CO2 have to be refilled? Where does the machine get the CO2 from for the laser tube in back? Thanks!

[@justinlaser]

Eventually after a long time the tube will die and need to be replaced. At that point you have to order a new one from the company. Ive had my larger co2 laser for going on 6 years and still havent needed to replace the tube so it takes a lot of use.

[@viacheslavdobrovolskiy]

I agree with Justin: I've been using my co2 tube for 4 years already and it doesn't have to be replaced (refilled) yet

[@darrellv8187]

Hey Justin. I put a lot of trust in your opinion. Would you recommend the P2 as an entry level CO2 laser? We currently have a D1 Pro and are considering adding a second laser. I'm also looking at new (or reconditioned) OM Techs. Many thanks!

[@master-gbig1140]

I just purchased an S1 through Amazon, and it's good to know that I can upgrade to the 40w module. However, I am very disappointed to learn that I won't be able to cut Plexiglass. "What about Lexan?"

[@tkenney3540]

Can you not add jig in P2! Is the alignment all visual, No option to select all design elements and center?

[@justinlaser]

I havent come across any good resources on using jigs with the P2 yet. Not saying they're not out there though. Im sure you can put a jig inside of the P2 to hold your items but Im not sure how to make that even between what the camera sees and what the actual position is. Im less trustful of cameras.

[@suebeers1106]

question: so with the S1.. you have to cut the jig everytime?

[@sgtserginsky]

Thank you for sharing this info. Its very informative to help make the decision on which model to buy.

[@justinlaser]

Thanks for watching!!

[@katness05]

Thank you!! You helped me answer all my questions and make a decision on what to get!!

[@believingintheblood8540]

What are the power requirements for each machine? Would a standard plug in a house or garage work or would you need an electrical upgrade?

[@justinlaser]

Ill check the back of each laser when I go to the workshop today. I used the S1 plugged into a standard 15A that has other devices on as well. The P2 I had running on a 20A breaker but not sure it requires it.

[@hermancircus]

Thanks for the video! Very nicely done! I just got my S1! Where did you get the blank Granite slabs?

[@justinlaser]

Thanks! I got those from Johnson Plastics Plus.

[@vvillarreal1880]

Hi. New soon to be laser owner. So if I go with either machine, if something doesn’t work or it needs replacement parts, does xtool sell them? That part always gives me anxiety since the machines are not cheap.

[@ericdepangher7547]

So I have a unique use case that I hope you can answer. We are engraving glass slides using data from a database. My question is can we use the S1 or do we have to go with the P2? The thickness of the glass slides won’t change, so we at least have the option to just lock off focus if that is part of the issue with a diode laser and transparent materials. The other thing is since this is a non-creative application, we basically need to have this be seen as a printer on a Mac or PC so we can let the database do the formatting along side the data generation. We have a an old epilogue laser that the tube just died, so we need a replacement quickly. And most of the bells and whistles of the P2 just aren’t going to be used, so I was hoping for the simplicity and 1/2 cost of the S1. Also coating the slides in something isn’t going to be an option either.

[@justinlaser]

If coating the slides isnt going to be an option you will have to go with a co2 or maybe a low watt fiber laser. The diode laser beam will pass right through uncoated glass. If the slides are small I would definitely reach out to some fiber laser companies and see if if there is a use case for you.

[@ericdepangher7547]

Thank you! That’s what I’ve found. The other question is the software/how the laser is visible to the OS. Do most of these only show up in the design program? I need something that can be talked to like a normal printer (in ways), as there isn’t any way to do it in a custom way in the database

[@NiktheBooksmith]

​@@ericdepangher7547 I'm not Justin, but I'll chime in. Unfortunately, I'd have to say no, the OS won't be able to speak to XCS. Of course, I'm no software engineer, maybe there's some new voodoo out there that can translate seamlessly between the two?

[@ericdepangher7547]

@@NiktheBooksmiththank you, that is unfortunately what I’ve found as well since buying the P2. But I found a way to print a png so I can just open that right up and hit print. Thank you for posting!

[@srenskjoldandersen5821]

Where did you get those honeycomb material pins you are using? They look nice and flat!

[@justinlaser]

Those came with the new S1 honeycomb panel. They are awesome!

[@vernoncostello6495]

Thanks for the video. I have an amada 3015aj fiber laser, can cut anything I need, but I would like to evolve into photo engraving or etching. Unfortunately, for the cost of this laser, education is very limited (I did not have involvement in the purchase process), could you offer any direction on what this laser is capable of and what program may be needed for engraving? Thanks

[@tkenney3540]

Could you paint both sides black of the acrylic with the S1 to enable to cut?

[@justinlaser]

Ive seen people paint the back of clear acrylic to do this. I think it "works" sometimes but the cut edges are probably going to be less than ideal compared to the beautiful flame-polished edges of a co2 laser.

[@khaldeyahawwad3557]

I’ve read it doesn’t really work.

[@garycox1046]

Hey Justin.......just saw your video on the variety of lasers! well done.. I have an Epilog Legend laser, 40 watt, 32 bit. I upgraded my Corel draw from x5 to x17 and the x17 dosn"t have the print drivers for the 32 bit Epilog machine I have! i can draw on 17, save it as x5, switch to my x5 and print the file. New drivers or new machine??????

[@dennisszakacs4899]

First time engraver here.. was thinking about hey this s1 40wat as my first laser engraver. But like the fact of color engraving with the d1 20wat. Does the s1 40wat color engrave on stainless steel also?? Thank you..

[@NightmareFoundry]

The Jig thing is worth spending an extra $2000 on the P2. Lol

[@-NOMROH-]

i want to buy the p2 but i also want a fast and good fiber laser. did xtool has a good fiber laser to? or what brand can somebody recommend me.

[@rickwhite3112]

Justin, I want to engrave a 3/4” band around the outside of a 7” diameter wood candy bowl that I’m making on my wood lathe, with a hummingbird pattern within the band. I’m considering buying a new P2 for this. If I leave the tenon on the bowl bottom, flip it sideways and grip the tenon with the jaws on a RA2 Pro rotary tool with RA2 base reversed on its backside and bolted down, (to hold the bowl weight) is there room below the P2 stacked on top of a riser base to slowly rotate the 7” bowl and do the engraving? Has anybody used two riser blocks stacked together to make extra clearance under the P2 to engrave wide projects turned sideways like this before? Would the Creative Space program settings allow for something twice as wide as a tumbler to be engraved like this using the RA2 rotary tool? Thanks for any advice you have. Woodworker Rick Northern California.

[@chrisoliver3851]

Please tell me where you bought the granite

[@cliffordmoon]

Hi, You made a comment about processing time on the granite and how you could setup the file to run line by line vs. the time that it took when it was doing letters one at a time. How do you setup the file so that it engraves line by line? I'm using XCS on a p2 btw. Great video by the way. Thanks so much.

[@justinlaser]

If you design everything in XCS it will probably do it for you if its on the same layer. I use Adobe Illustrator to do my designs and import the SVG file to XCS which can cause the problem I had. If using Illustrator or Inkscape or other vector design programs you have to select everything and make a "compound path" before importing. I dont know why you cant do this in XCS its a very important task.

[@tc7574]

@@justinlaser Would using the "group" function serve that purpose? If so, you're right. I believe that it turns several objects into one for processing unless I'm understanding that wrong.

[@samanntyrrell]

Do they both need the Air purifier hooked up?

[@justinlaser]

No. They both come with built-in exhaust fans and hoses to route outside. If you cant exhaust outdoors from your location you would need to look into the air purifier system.

[@HenriettaBarresi]

Awesome comparison, love the insights! 🙌

[@edwardolivares5038]

Love the comparison !!! Great video 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@justinlaser]

Appreciate it!

[@debp4537]

Thank you, I’ve been looking for this video. That being said…. rAster not rOster. 😊

[@TubeDaLube]

Great video,thank you for this 👌Do you happen to have any info on the new Snapmaker ray 40w ? that also look like an interesting option in regards to the S1...not much info on that one so far.......

[@justinlaser]

Looks like those arent shipping until at least mid-December so unfortunately I havent heard much yet either. I think if you get a good price on the 40w with enclosure it could be used similar to the S1, but, the S1 is more of a complete unit than the Snapmaker. Will be cool to see how it performs when its out.

[@TubeDaLube]

@@justinlaser Wow that was fast 👌😊Thank you....I am really tempted to go for the S1,but im in Norway and Xtool do not sell the conveyor/extender here,not in europe at all I think.And that would be a great addon to have.But they do for some strange reason have this available for the P2.I do find the work area of the S1 a bit small,a bit bigger on the Snapmaker.But i must say i like the sleek (dare i say sexy) look of the S1,and also the features and the XCS seem to work good.I already have the F1 so i know of the software,and also the general quality of Xtool....Ohhh all these choices,not easy hehe🙃

[@proudcanadianeh4663]

thanks justin, love your channel!!

[@justinlaser]

Thank you!!

[@AmaderChapakhana]

How can i Buy P2 from India

[@caneloANDRETTi]

As far as software goes, would you recommend the P2 over your Boss laser?

[@justinlaser]

There would be a couple other considerations I would have to weigh (bed size, speed, etc) to make that choice. I use Lightburn with my Boss Laser and really like it a lot. The P2 software (Creative Space) is good to use and keeps getting better but for me its not a Lightburn replacement yet. For work, the Boss/Lightburn is what Id keep using. For fun I dont mind using the P2/Creative Space.

[@caneloANDRETTi]

@justinlaser we have a FSL laser and their software is ok. I've heard great things about light burn and when we upgrade machines I would like to get one that has better software. I do like the features of the P2 though, wonder if you could use light burn with it?

[@derekwright2388]

​@@caneloANDRETTiyes you can use lightburn with xtool machines

[@Tallaron]

I knew that coaster would be off before you did it cause the alignment moved when you released it.

[@abstractflo3739]

Hey Justin, I'm still fairly new to the laser business and bought the S1 20W when it was released. I am absolutely happy with the laser but one material is causing me extreme problems. Beech plywood with 6mm, no matter how or what I adjust, the edges are always burnt. Do you have any ideas or advice on what I could do? I have tried everything from 1mm/s - 10mm/s and 60 - 100% laser power without a satisfactory result. Keep up the good work, I enjoy watching your videos :)

[@justinlaser]

Hey! Do you mean the actual edge (the 6mm height of the piece) or around the top surface of the cut edges?

[@abstractflo3739]

@@justinlaser i mean the actual edge. The top surface is very clean (depends on the very good air assist from xtool)

[@CowsGoMonkey]

@@abstractflo3739 Maybe adjust the material thickness / focal depth setting in XCS.

[@abstractflo3739]

@@CowsGoMonkey thats not possible with the s1 you can only auto adjust and there is no thickness Parameter

[@CowsGoMonkey]

@@abstractflo3739 Distance (mm) and the crosshair symbol

[@thereshoudbelight]

Actually, when it comes to leather patches' batch engraving, you can do Smart Fill within P2's XCS software. You dont need to drag the pattern one by one.😂

[@johnscustomvinyl]

Where did you source your polished granite?

[@justinlaser]

Johnson's Plastic Plus.

[@mycreativeescape]

Thank you!

[@kalikid4life]

Great video! I watched your "choosing a laser" video and was wondering if space was not an issue why would anyone purchase a desktop CO2 versus the larger CO2 lasers that you suggested in the other video? The Monport for example seems to be more powerful and cheaper than the Xtool P2. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks

[@TheAndrewforbes88]

I'm hoping someone that knows a little bit more about CO2 laser engraving machines than I do will see this comment and answer. I want a machine that will allow me to engrave decanters and rocks glasses. I know this unit does glass but I don't know if it's large enough to fit a whiskey decanter in. Does anyone know if this unit is large enough for that and if not can you suggest some brands for me to look into? These tools seem really hard to do research about. They're all rebranded machines from China and I can never really tell what the capabilites and capacities of the machines are. Thanks!

[@GuyInaQ]

Excellent video - thank you

[@justinlaser]

Thanks for watching!

[@EvilErnie999]

The S1 finished faster probably because of the P2's jog time.

[@jackjfb8439]

Yay, Roscoe!!!

[@justinlaser]

😂😂😂

[@ltrick2387]

Thanks for doing this!

[@justinlaser]

Thanks for watching!

[@ajnagyptian2012]

s1 it issss

[@cirquemedia]

RIP Roscoe >>> you left us too soon!

[@Fleshybitz]

He was a good boy

[@CowsGoMonkey]

.