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The XTool company sent the M1 smart laser engraver and vinyl cutter over to me to try out. I love it actually. You can also use code: xToolPartner for $80 off orders over $999. Now lets get to the important part, the details.
- The M1 is a 2 in 1 laser and blade cutting machine (a laser & cutting machine in one)
- Ultra fine laser engraving directly on stainless steel
- Laser engraves and cuts colored acrylic
- Rotary engraving on cylinders ( for tumblers)
- The Size: 22/17 inches – perfect for the crafter with limited space.
- The Price: $1,099 – Affordable for a laser machine.
- Its a 2 in 1 machine. It has a laser and a blade for cutting.
- This is a Diode laser (so it does not cut clear and mirror acrylic) You’ll need a CO2 laser for that.
xTool does have a C02 laser as well, its called a P2
You can view the unboxing of the machine here.
So lets start with the unboxing. The machine is packed really well and is easy to set up. You literally take it out of the box, blug it in, vent it out (see YouTube tutorial for how I vent mine out the window) and its ready to go. The only thing you’ll have to do is insert the blade when you’re ready to cut. And its really simple, the same as adding the blade in a Cricut cutting machine.
The deluxe package comes with a lot of materials for you to work with, which includes:
- Stainless steel dog tags
- Jewelry set
- Metal cards
- Card holder box
- Stone coaster
- Laser making colored paper
- Wood coaster
- Wooden phone stand
- Wood tag
- 3mm basswood plywood
- 3mm black walnut plywood
- Kraft paper
- PU heat transfer vinyl
- Self-adhesive pic sheet
- White sticker paper
- PU leather
- Colored glossy pvc sheet
- Transparent frosted pvc
- Canvas tote bag
Unboxing & Set Up
On of the first things I’ve noticed is that this Machine isn’t heavy. Im storing mine on a simple desk, close to the window.
You’ll receive the little hood (that’s not the official name but that’s what Im calling it) and the screws to go along with it. You dont need any tools, you just tighten them with your hands and you’re good to go.
If you dont have space near a window to vent the machine out, you can purchase their purifier as well.
Size
This laser doesn’t have a large bed size but you can also purchase riser for taller materials. I put my measuring tape in the bed of the M1 to get an accurate gauge of what size it is, and I got 15/11 inches. Theres more room in there but im not sure if the camera will get those corner areas, Ill have to try it out later.
The outside of the machine is about 21 /17 inches. Perfect for small spaces.
Software
The xtool software is called xTool Creative Space. It looks similar to Cricut’s Design Space but not as much features. Its fairly easy to navigate. Once you choose which part of the laser you’ll be utilizing, the drop down menu has all of the compatible materials to choose from. I just used some shapes that were already in the program to try my first projects with. In time Ill try out the other features as well.
Projects: Cut, Score, & Engrave
For my first project, I just wanted to use each feature and see how it turns out. So I put the 3mm bass wood that came with the machine to be scored, engraved, and cut. And it did pretty well. When I did it at first, I just layed the wood flat on the bed (I dont recommend that) put the rod risers down first before cutting. When I didn’t, the laser cut into the bottom of the machine, no damage but you can see a heart cut on the bottom.
After that I engraved on a metal dog tag and cut on a piece of vinyl, both of which comes with the standard machine. I was impressed with both projects, especially the dog tag because the engraved name is so smooth.
From the little that Ive tried with this machine, I love it so far. Im going to try our other projects and see how it does and let you know.
If you have any suggestions you’d like me to try, feel free to add them in the comments and Ill work on it for you.
