The xTool M1 is an innovative hybrid laser engraver and vinyl cutter that allows you to easily create personalized gifts, decorations, accessories, and more. With its versatile cutting and engraving capabilities, excellent precision and ease of use, the xTool M1 opens up new creative possibilities for makers and crafters. But is this machine really worth the investment? Let’s take a closer look at the key features and capabilities of the xTool M1 laser engraver to find out if it’s the right choice for your projects.

Overview of the xTool M1 Laser Engraver

The xTool M1 Laser Engraver is the world’s first desktop machine that combines a 10W laser engraver with a blade cutter in one compact device. This 2-in-1 design provides the versatility to cut and engrave over 300 different materials.

Key Features:

• 10W laser engraver and blade cutter in one device
• Dual laser technology for better cutting capabilities
• Laser power: 10W or 5W options
• Laser wavelength: 455nm
• Laser spot size: 0.08 x 0.08 mm
• Engraving accuracy: 0.01mm
• Max laser cutting thickness: 8mm basswood
• Max blade cutting thickness: 1.5mm
• Built-in 16MP camera for live view and image extraction
• Auto focus and AI features
• Compact size: 22 x 18 x 9 in (557 x 453 x 230 mm)
• Weight: 21.6 lb (9.8 kg)
• WiFi and USB connectivity
• Class 1 laser safety rating

Materials It Can Cut and Engrave:

• Woods, acrylics, paper, leather, fabric, cardboard, PVC
• Coated metals like stainless steel and anodized aluminum
• Glass, stone, tile, ceramics
• Food safe coatings like ceramic coating spray

Software:

• xTool Creative Space software included free
• Compatible with other laser software like Laserbox, LightBurn, etc.

Applications:

• Home décor like wood signs, coasters, boxes
• Accessories like phone cases, wallets, bags, keychains
• Apparel customization like shirts, hats, shoes
• Awards, plaques, trophies, name badges
• Custom drinkware like mugs, glasses, flasks
• Pet tags, collars, bowls, toys
• Labels, invitations, banners, stickers
• And so much more!

xTool M1 Benefits and Advantages

So what makes the xTool M1 stand out from other laser engravers in its class? Here are some of the key benefits and advantages of this machine:

1. Hybrid Laser & Blade Cutter

The xTool M1 is the only desktop laser engraver that also incorporates a blade cutter, allowing you to cut and engrave with the same machine. The laser is great for materials like wood, acrylic, coated metals, leather, and glass. The blade allows you to cut delicate materials like paper, cardstock, vinyl, and thin fabrics that could burn or melt from the laser. This hybrid technology makes the xTool M1 Laser Engraver incredibly versatile.

2. Powerful 10W Laser

With a 10W laser tube, the xTool M1 provides stronger cutting and engraving abilities than comparable 5W or 7W laser engravers. The higher power allows you to cut through thicker materials in less passes. For example, it can cut through 8mm basswood in one pass compared to just 3mm for a 5W laser. The 10W laser can also engrave faster than lower powered lasers.

3. Dual Laser Technology

The xTool M1 10W model utilizes a unique dual laser technology that combines two 5W laser beams into one high intensity 10W spot. This provides better cutting power than a single 10W laser alone. So you get superior cutting precision and speed.

4. Excellent Precision

Thanks to the ultra small 0.08mm x 0.08mm laser spot size and robust mechanical design, the xTool M1 Laser Engraver delivers professional grade precision up to 0.01mm engraving accuracy. This allows remarkably fine details in your engravings.

5. Auto Focus & AI Technology

The built-in camera and auto focus feature makes using the xTool M1 Laser Engraver as simple as placing your material in the machine and pressing go. It will automatically focus for you. And the AI system can detect materials and suggest good cut settings too.

6. Large Working Area

The xTool M1 Laser Engraver has a generous 15 x 12 inch (385 x 300 mm) work area, substantially larger than mini desktop laser engravers. This allows you to create larger projects or engrave multiple smaller items in batches.

7. Rotary Attachment Available

An optional rotary attachment called the RA2 Pro allows you to engrave on cylindrical items like cups, glasses, bottles, etc. This greatly expands the capabilities of the xTool M1 Laser Engraver.

8. Riser Base for Taller Items

You can increase the max workpiece height from 1.6 inches to over 4.7 inches with the optional riser base accessory. This allows engraving on taller objects.

9. Built-in Ventilation System

The exhaust fan and port efficiently removes smoke/fumes from laser cutting and engraving materials like wood, leather, acrylics, etc. This allows safe indoor use without setting up external ventilation.

10. Class 1 Laser Safety

The xTool M1 Laser Engraver complies with FDA regulations for Class 1 laser safety. This is the safest laser class that minimizes hazards with design features like the viewing window that blocks UV/blue laser light.

11. User-Friendly Software

Designing your projects is easy with the feature-packed xTool Creative Space software included free with the laser engraver. Or use popular 3rd party laser software like LightBurn.

12. Hundreds of Materials Supported

With the combination of laser engraving and blade cutting, the xTool M1 Laser Engraver supports engraving on over 300 materials like wood, acrylic, metal, leather, glass, marble, tile, etc. The blade can cut delicate materials the laser can’t.

13. Great for Small Businesses

The xTool M1 is an affordable option for starting a small laser engraving business out of your home. The superior precision and work area allow creating quality custom products for sale.

14. Improvement Over Glowforge

The xTool M1 Laser Engraver improves upon leading 3D laser printer Glowforge with more cutting power, thicker material capability, faster speed, standalone offline use, and an onboard blade cutter. And it comes at a fraction of the price.

15. Excellent Technical Support

xTool is praised for their excellent customer service. You get a 1 year warranty and can purchase an extended warranty for longer coverage. Many users report quick helpful responses from technical support.

What Materials Can You Cut and Engrave?

One of the best things about the xTool M1 Laser Engraver is the huge variety of materials it can cut and engrave using the laser module and blade cutter. Here are some of the most common materials with examples of projects you can make:

Wood – Signs, décor, coasters, boxes, plaques, jewelry

Acrylic – Signs, boxes, cases, lithophanes

Coated Metals – Stainless steel, anodized aluminum, painted metals; engrave drinkware, accessories, signs, jewelry, decor

Glass – Engrave drinkware like beer mugs, wine glasses, flasks; etch mirrors

Marble & Stone – Pet urns, coasters, plaques, home décor

Leather – Wallets, bags, coasters, pet collars, key fobs, bracelets

Fabric – Apparel like t-shirts, hats, bags, sweatshirts; blankets

Paper/Cardstock – Invitations, greeting cards, stationery, paper flowers

Vinyl – Stickers, labels, decals, stencils

PVC – Signs, letters, decorations, sheet plastic projects

And so much more! From home goods and gifts to jewelry, decor, and apparel, the xTool M1 Laser Engraver handles almost any hobby crafting material with ease.

What Software Does xTool M1 Support?

The xTool M1 Laser Engraver comes with xTool Creative Space, user-friendly design software created specifically for the machine. xTool Creative Space is compatible with Windows and Mac and has tons of great features like templates, elements, and project ideas to get you started.

One advantage of the xTool M1 Laser Engraver over some competitors is that it also supports 3rd party laser cutting and engraving software:

• LightBurn – Very popular software for laser engravers. Works on Mac, Windows, and Linux. Has more advanced features than xTool Creative Space. One-time purchase fee.
• Laserbox Basic – Free cloud-based laser software that runs in your web browser. Less powerful than paid options but usable for basic designs.
• Inkscape – Free open source vector graphics program. Can generate laser cut lines but has a learning curve.
• Illustrator, CorelDraw, Freehand – Paid vector programs like these can also output laser files.

So you have lots of software options to achieve different effects and customizations using the xTool laser engraver.

What Can You Make with an xTool M1?

Thanks to the hybrid laser engraver and blade cutter technology, you can make just about anything using a wide variety of materials with an xTool M1 Laser Engraver. Here are some cool project ideas to spark your creativity:

• Custom wood signs, coasters, boxes, jewelry
• Personalized glasses, mugs, flasks, Yeti cups
• Pet collars, dog tags, pet urns, feeding bowls
• Engraved cutting boards, cookware, utensils
• Notebook covers, rubber stamps, bookmarks
• Wedding decorations – cake toppers, signage, invitations, favors
• House number signs, door hangers, wall art
• Trophies, awards, plaques, medals, name badges
• Leather goods like wallets, watch bands, luggage tags
• Custom popsockets, phone cases, Airpod cases
• Greeting cards, postcards, announcements
• Engraved pens, jewelry, watches, flasks as gifts
• Labels, stickers, magnets for organizing
• Apparel customization – t-shirts, hats, masks, shoes
• Paper flowers, origami, kirigami designs

Anything that fits within the 15 x 12 inch work area is possible to create with the versatility of the xTool M1 Laser Engraver hybrid laser machine. It opens up lots of possibilities for DIY projects and handmade crafts.

What Comes in the Box?

xTool includes everything you need to get set up out of the box with the M1 laser engraver. Here is what is included:

• xTool M1 laser engraver / vinyl cutter
• Power cord
• USB cable
• Two cutting mats – strong grip & light grip
• Basic material starter kit – 10 samples
• Exhaust fan & ducting kit
• 5 replacement blade holders
• User manual & toolkit
• Free xTool Creative Space software license

The basic package comes with just the M1 machine with the above accessories. But there are also bundled options that add useful extras like the rotary attachment or an upgraded material starter set with better variety and quantities for the same price as purchasing separately.

xTool M1 vs Glowforge Pro

The Glowforge Pro is one of the most popular small format laser engravers, so how does the new xTool M1 Laser Engraver compare? Here is a rundown of the key similarities and differences:

As you can see, the xTool M1 Laser Engraver holds up very well against the pricier Glowforge Pro. The M1 actually exceeds the cutting thickness and has better precision. It has a built-in camera instead of needing your smartphone. And it works offline without requiring an internet connection.

The Glowforge does have a larger work area and higher peak power at 40W. But for most hobbyists, the 10W xTool M1 Laser Engraver offers more than enough cutting ability at a fraction of the price. Overall, the xTool M1 Laser Engraver clearly beats the Glowforge Pro in value.

Is the xTool M1 Worth the Price?

With prices starting at $1199 for the xTool M1 10W model, this machine is very competitively priced compared to other 10W or higher laser engravers. Considering the excellent precision, powerful cutting ability, huge material capacity, and overall user-friendly design, the xTool M1 Laser Engraver certainly seems worth the investment for makers, hobbyists, and small business owners.

You simply won’t find another desktop laser that combines 10W power with a built-in blade cutter at this price point. The versatility to cut and engrave acrylic, wood, leather, coated metals, paper, vinyl, and so many other materials makes the xTool M1 Laser Engraver a real problem solving powerhouse perfect for so many applications.

Overall, the xTool M1 earns rave reviews from most owners as an affordable laser machine that punches far above its weight class. For under $2500 fully equipped with accessories, it’s hard to find a better value laser cutter and engraver than the innovative xTool M1 Laser Engraver model.

Optional Upgrades and Accessories

To enhance the capabilities of the xTool M1 even further, the manufacturer offers some very useful optional upgrades and accessories:

Rotary Attachment

A rotary tool allows you to engrave on cylindrical items like mugs, glasses, bottles, and other curved surfaces. As a result, you may now personalize a far wider variety of things.

Riser Base

Raises the laser engraver by several inches to accommodate larger workpieces up to 4.7 inches tall.

Air Assist

The air assist compressor helps blow away smoke and debris when laser cutting to reduce scorching.

Lens Focuser

An optional electric focus attachment replaces manual focusing for even greater engraving precision.

Exhaust Fan

A more powerful exhaust fan improves ventilation and filtration when laser engraving materials like wood, acrylic, and leather that produce dust or fumes.

Material Sample Pack

Get a wide assortment of popular engraving materials like acrylic, wood, fabric, etc. to test with your new laser.

Replacement Consumables

Additional laser tube units, cutting mats, blade holders ensure you can maintain your xTool M1 Laser Engraver properly.

Final Verdict

The xTool M1 earns our recommendation as one of the best value laser engraver and cutters on the market. For around $1200, you get professional quality results and an amazing ability to cut and engrave hundreds of materials out of the box. Ease of use features like the built-in camera, auto focus, and user-friendly software make this an ideal laser machine even for beginners. Yet it still meets the precision and power demands of experienced makers.

If you are looking for an affordable, versatile, and high performance laser engraver capable of professional quality results for hobby projects or small batch jobs, the xTool M1 Laser Engraver delivers an unbeatable mix of value, quality, and capability.For everybody from hobbyist craftsmen to owners of small businesses, we believe this cutting-edge device is well worth the investment.

:FAQs: