xTool S1 First Project and XCS tutorial

[@samanthacasey5716]

Fantastic Tutorial. Very simple to follow and I learned a ton just off this short video. Thank you for getting down to the basics and not adding 100 extra things. Definitely gained a new follower!

[@ckindle760]

I just got my first laser engraver, the S1 xtool and can't thank you enough for this video! Thank you for explaining so clearly for us newbie's :)

[@SarahVanderkooy]

I'm so glad to hear that, thank you!

[@shufflex704]

Just installed my S1 and this is by far the best tutorial I have seen. Liked and subbed

[@SarahVanderkooy]

So glad you found it helpful, enjoy your machine!

[@ronkellis769]

Sarah, thank you! I had no inkling the instructions meant to grab and physically move the laser head. I got very frustrated trying to figure out where the movement controls were. Just didn't think of the simplest thing. This is a perfect tutorial. I did 27 years in the Army, and have seen a lot of training! You described where you were moving the courser, and generally did it slow enough to follow. I informally taught Excel for many years, and bicycle maintenance as a volunteer. It is so easy to forget that the user interface is completely new and if the teacher doesn't go slow, the student is all too quickly 3 steps back trying to figure out what happened because the instructor went too fast. The nomenclature is often new, and a teacher has to go slow and ensure the student is following along. If I thought I needed to double check, usually before I made changes to my Creative Space work, your speed made it easy to hit pause, back up and be clear on what you were doing. One very minor suggestion. Assuming you are using a Windows interface, sorry I don't use Apple at all, for a lesson go into your mouse settings and temporarily increase the mouse size. It does make it easier for students to follow. Again, thank you Looking forward to looking over your other videos.

[@SarahVanderkooy]

Thank you for your kind words, I am so glad you found this helpful! Great suggestion on the cursor, I will definitely try that.

[@CandiceNeal]

thanks for the short and informational video, the info that comes with the system and software kind of left me hanging on where to actually start so of course I had to get on youtube to figure it out myself; I just finished setting up my S1 and within 5 minutes was able to start my first project! I'm a longtime silhouette portrait pro studio user so I'm hoping the software to run the laser is similar enough for me to start using.

[@nickjm007]

Same as others-just got my S1 and needed exactly this video. Concise, clear, and it cut to the chase. Thanks!

[@SarahVanderkooy]

Yay! I'm so glad it was helpful.

[@angiemartin7919]

Thank you! Yours was the absolute best in communicating how to make my first X-Tool cut with its software! I appreciate you!

[@carriegooch9410]

Thank you for the tutorial. I just made my first project following you. Appreciate it greatly!

[@BrianLeBoeuf]

THANK YOU! This was perfect. I could not get going on my own or with the X Tool info.

[@Jmont5-]

Excellent instructions. I just completed my first project with your help. Thank you!

[@Jmont5-]

Do you have any videos for engraving tumblers?

[@mandygeyer9100]

Thank you I just got my s1 and struggled tonight making an avg file

[@boydstongrove]

Excellent tutorial, thanks!

[@ToniaChambers]

Thank you!!! This made my first experience an A+!

[@SarahVanderkooy]

I'm so glad to hear that!

[@aaa1540]

Very Nice video thnx Question : I have the software on my IMac intel. Starting up I only see a with screen on the working space area No rulers no vertical or horizontal lines !!! How do I get a working grid on my screen? When I delete something I see a grey shadow of a grid after that the working area becomes with again Sorry for my bad English, I am from The Netherlands 😅

[@SarahVanderkooy]

I only run my software on a PC so I don't have experience with an iMac. I did a quick search of a couple xTool groups and I don't see this topic anywhere. But if you are having the issue I bet someone else is too. I would recommend joining one of the xTool groups and asking the community, they are incredibly helpful. facebook.com/groups/193275955867186

[@aaa1540]

Thnx I still have the issue and keep on searching

[@crieveman]

Im in the Uk but cannot get the same results as shown,....I'll try the Creative Space 2

[@TheAn2418]

I've been trying and not getting the outcome. First the XCS is a little different from your image and when I go to engrave the image turns red. Also the dropdown menu for material only shows user define material. I tried process and just got a dark engraving and no cutting. Help I'm trying my first project which is not going well.

[@JoBurge]

Incredible tutorial!!!

[@lynnspode2097]

Hi, im having triuble with my S1. Im new to laser cutting and it’s a new machine. Im finding that the laser doesnt cut all the way through the material. Ive used 3mm basswood and 3mm plywood. Ive tried various settings finding 100% power and 3mm speed the mist effective but still nit great snd it scorches the wood. It’s a 40w laser head.

[@SarahVanderkooy]

There's a couple things you can try, because it should definitely be easier than that. Make sure your are auto focusing every time for your material and that your material is completely flat on the slats or honeycomb. Turn on air assist for the least amount of char. Basswood should cut easily at those settings, some plywood can be tough if there is glue in it and it won't cut all the way through. You can also check your lens and see if it needs to be cleaned.

[@michaellinda3349]

Love how you teach, thanks. QUESTION how do you get the selection panel along the top of your xcs platform page? Mine is down the RH side and I want it horizontal across the top. 😊

[@SarahVanderkooy]

That's probably a difference in the version of the software we are using. In the newer version everything is along the sides and the options change depending on what you are working with. Thanks for watching!

[@stuartpool1113]

I have read in some places that the 2W IR can be used for good leather engraving, but can it be used for cutting leather as well? The IR bundle is very affordable $599 and with the swapping feature you’ve showed with the S1 make this potentially the best option as I primarily work with leather currently. Any thoughts?

[@SarahVanderkooy]

The IR cannot cut anything, but it does do some beautiful engraving on metal and acrylic. I don't work with leather often and have not engraved it with the IR so I can't speak to that material specifically.

[@mandod6869]

Thanks for taking the time to show a newbie like me. I have a question thats a little more ambitious. Can you tell me where i can go to find a resource or can you show us ho to engrave mutiple items like small boxes at the same time?

[@SarahVanderkooy]

Search for batch processing here on KZbin. I'm working on a video for that process that will be up next week. Essentially you can add multiple items to your laser and mark each one then place your design.

[@ReyUrban-d6e]

Hi! I just have a question, when I open up creative space it doesn't show the options under where my machine is listed on the right hand side?

[@SarahVanderkooy]

This is an older version of the software, some of those options have moved to the top. You can take a look at my most up to date XCS tutorial, this might help. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3-ZZ4WEpbCnesU

[@nancywhite2402]

Great video. I just got an xtool s1 and was looking for some instructions. I was feeling a little overwhelmed and afraid to use the laser. This was perfect. I can't wait to try to make this. I do have a question about the air purifier. Do you have to vent that outside? Everytime I try to do the auto focus distance button my machine beeped loudly. I reset the guide but had to manually insert the distance to the material. Any suggestions on how to fix this problem?

[@SarahVanderkooy]

For the air purifier it depends on which one you get, you can opt for the xTool version or another brand. Some just vent into the purifier and have a filter, some have to be vented outside. Auto focus is measured using the little pin on the side of the laser. I had issues when I didn't place my pin correctly. I had to get up close and personal and make sure it was inserted correctly. If you mess with that piece at all, turn the machine completely off then back on again so it can reset. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching.

[@JanieMorris-pl8xu]

What do I do for material is the options don’t pop up for me?

[@SarahVanderkooy]

When you are choosing a material, there is a blue link under all of them that directs you to more xTool materials. It's a full and really inclusive list of everything you can cut and engrave. There will be settings there. This option is in the newer version of the software.

[@mik98911]

Is it easy to center an image within a cutting board? That’s the only thing I worry about with no having a camera

[@SarahVanderkooy]

It took some getting used to, but I really like the positioning system on the S1. It's very accurate and I have no issues centering designs. You are able to use multiple points to mark your space, whatever shape it is, then center the design within that space.

[@mik98911]

@@SarahVanderkooy do you just center it using xtool creative space?

[@benjaminwood4950]

I bought the S1 package with the IR included. So the IR doesn’t work with the S1? Why did they sell it as a package with it? Thanks!

[@SarahVanderkooy]

Yes it does, but this video was made before it came out. I have a video on this channel all about the S1 interchangeable modules if you want more detail

[@DavidStratton-c1h]

The IR 1065 NM does work very well with the S1. I changed out my 40W with the 2W IR 1064 NM a few days ago and the projects and the quality that it produces is excellent. I just bought the S1 about 3 weeks ago.

[@InsightfulLivingwithMary-hz2zs]

When do you use the honeycomb? I’m trying to do a similar project but it won’t cut all the way through. My machine didn’t come with the prisms either so what should I use instead?

[@SarahVanderkooy]

If it's not cutting all the way through you should first adjust your settings. The honeycomb (or prisms) are best used when cutting so you get good air flow and less charring. If you ordered the honeycomb with your machine they typically don't send the prisms. If you don't order the honeycomb, the machine should come with them. You can reach out to customer support they might send you a pack.

[@fancreations713]

How do I import my own designs?

[@SarahVanderkooy]

In the software click on the bottom that looks like an image. It allows you to import any file. An SVG will work best.

[@fylith6378]

i followed your tutorial but when I did the framing part it drew the wrong size and wrong spot.

[@samanthacasey5716]

I had the same problem and realized it was the way that I had the object in the box on XCS. Hope this helps!

[@SarahVanderkooy]

I would try setting focus again, then marking the area and placing your design in the box then frame. Also, make sure there are no other designs on the canvas outside of the marked box, or it will assume you want to cut or engrave those too and frame around them.

[@fylith6378]

@@SarahVanderkooyThat is exactly what was going on I had a design of the screen so it tried to do it all :)

[@Sonictech66]

What version is yourXCS software?

[@SarahVanderkooy]

This is an older version, don't know exactly which one. There is a new video with a tutorial on 2.1 which is the current version. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3-ZZ4WEpbCnesU

[@TheWorldIsMineForTheTaking]

Am I missing pieces? What triangular prisms? I'm at a loss 🤣

[@SarahVanderkooy]

They should come in a green box tucked into the packaging. They are great if you don't have the honeycomb. If you don't have them reach out to customer support.

[@bigtexuntex7825]

so nothing in this video is on my creative space. None of the options she is using exist in my version. The tools on the left of the screen look the same, but the right side my machine is at the top, then nothing until the framing button. If this video is no longer relevent it should be removed.

[@SarahVanderkooy]

The version of the software I am using here is listed in the video, I keep these up because many people wait to upgrade and often don't use the newest version. Check the description of the video for a link to a walkthrough of XCS 2.1

[@dclamby60]

I'm considering this xTool. Your video was really easy to follow, as I have no clue what to do. Your video definitely makes it look easy. I'm sure it gets far more complicated as the projects get far more detailed... Thanks for the video.

[@SarahVanderkooy]

Glad it was helpful! Yes it can get much more in depth but you have to start somewhere. Build up to the more detailed and layered projects.

[@GroteMerlin]

0105 Payton Hills