Thank you for this video. I have been contemplating this machine for a while. Ive had a big operation and find my job too physically demanding now and i really want to attempt a business from home. But i lack the confidence to make the jump. X
Sorry to hear about your operation and the changes to your job. I loved that my equipment over the years has allowed me to push my creativity into new ways, whilst also supporting myself and my family. It's not been easy, but I believe it has all be worth it. Best of luck, keep me updated! x
Hi there! I have this Laser now and I've found it great, although having a few teething problems. I'm finding that when I engrave pictures such as a recent one of the grinch I tried to do, that they are coming out too light! I've tried increasing/decreasing power and speed settings but it hadn't helped. I'm finding limited help available online. Any ideas? X
@@HanmadeDesigns I think it's pretty great so far. It was really easy to do my first engraving (I did the dog tag as well) and it came out looking really nice. Nothing too exciting yet, I just engraved the dog tag and the back of a journal with my channel's logo. A local hobby store has a lot of cutting boards, coasters, etc done up and ready to be engraved so I've considered giving those a go. I've also been looking into the logistics of turning engraving into a business but can't decide if it's worth it. Any thoughts on whether it is (if that's not too much of a nuanced question)?
@@makernova8160 The tags come out great don't they! It's a difficult question to answer. Personally, I love that my business was able to support me and my family, however, it took a few hard years to get it up and thrive at the rate I needed it to, in order to support us. I would suggest looking at it as a side hustle, and slowly growing it with a few items until it builds enough for you to reach a crossroad and see if it's viable or just a hobby. Hope this helps 😊
@@HanmadeDesigns Yeah, the tag is great! I can't stop staring at it! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It would be great to be able to make a living off of it but it's definitely understandable that it may take years to get to that point. I like the idea of easing into it as a side hustle and maybe be able to at least make enough to pay for the machine. My big worry is that I will spend a lot of time on it with very little payoff, but I suppose easing into it would be a good way to manage that. Anyway, thanks again for your response :)
I've been researching laser cutters for quite a while now because I want to start my business. I've been set on the Glowforge, but the xTool M1 seems to do the same thing at a much lower price point. Plus it cuts like my Cricut? Wow.
Hello, my best advise is to have a look into what designs you’d like to make and the materials to use. I believe the M1 is a 5w power (my other one is around 40w so much more powerful). That being said, I actually only ever cut 3mm materials or card, so don’t actually need as much power that I have with the other machine. I think the glowforge is a higher power from what I’ve read. I’d probably look into the specifications, and weigh up what works best with the materials you want to work with. There’s also all the attachments, adding air filtering and a honeycomb base can produce even better results, but are extra. Hopefully this helps, any other questions, let me know ☺️
I have a Glowforge for my small business, it's been a game changer for sure. Each laser has their pros and cons. This laser looks amazing but has a lot less power than most lasers and I believe they are not American so that could be why they have excellent prices.
Hi Hannah, can you tell me why you can't laser white acrylic with the xTool m1? Are you cutting your white acrylic with your other laser? Warm greetings
Hi, from the best of my knowledge and understanding of the lasers, the xTool M1 is a blue diode laser. Therefore it can't cut certain colours of the acrylic, because of the frequency it is running at. People have success with black acrylic for example, but not the white or clear. On the xtool facebook group, some people have found a work around using different coatings, but i haven't tried this as I primarily cut wood for 95% of what I do. In terms of the other laser, that one is a co2 laser machine, and this can cut through any colour acrylic as it is much more powerful. Hope this helps :) Best Regards Hannah
It doesn’t no. This is a diode laser, for metal you’d need something much more powerful. (I’m sure of what the exact power requirements are, as I’ve never done it). Hope this helps 😊
Thankyou for the Tutorial. I would like to know if m1 can cut and engrave clear acrylic? If not what are you using to cut and engrave clear and colored acrylic. Please advise
Hi Andy, from what I know and understand the M1 is unable to cut/engrave clear acrylic as the material on it's own. On their facebook page, I have seen that other people have done a work around by using tempera paint. I don't really cut much acrylic, if I do, I use my co2 machine but it's very rare as 99% of the time I'm using 3mm plywood. Hope this helps
Thank you. I haven't personally cut acrylic yet (but is on my list this week!). From what I know and understand, blue diode lasers like this one cannot cut clear acrylic, only engrave. But can cut opaque acrylic (solid colours), like black, red etc (all to do with the light frequency of the material). Hope this helps 😊
Hello Hannah. Do you have an air extractor ? If yes, can you maybe recommand one? I have a laser machine but I am putting the pipe outside my window for now but I am looking into buying one soon so if you happen to know a good one that will be helpfull. Thank you very much 😘
Hi, I don’t for the xTool, but I do have one for my other machine. It runs externally outside and is turned on when I turn the laser on, to ensure a clean and fume free cut.
Hi Evie, this is the solution: lasersuppliesonline.co.uk/laser-cleaner-pro/ I spoke to them not long ago, and they have created a coupon code HANMADE10 for 10% off 😃
Hi Penny, I don't have the air assist, so can't comment. I do have one for my other laser which I recommend having. The best thing to do is join the facebook group, search air assist and there will be lots of other people asking a similar question 😊
Hi Saidy, not sure on the exact size but for the dog tag, I engraved really small and it had great results. The machine, allowed me to size it down further, but I haven't tried, since I didn't need to. Is there a particular size you are looking to engrave? - Hannah
I was so excited to get my xTool but i have quickly found out that the customer service is terribly lacking. You cannot get ahold of the company by any other means than email and it takes hours, and I mean HOURS, for them to respond. Im not sure I would recommend based off cuatomer service alone.
Oh no, sorry to hear you had a bad experience with the customer service. I've always find them super helpful whenever I have had a question need answering.
Thank you for a great review! I'm loving your videos ❤ I have a question, hope you can help... I've seen that the max cut measurements are 385mm x 300mm.... do you know if you can then cut a 30cm circle/hoop with no problems? Also I would need it to cut out 6mm thick MDF, do you think it could easily do that on this machine? Thank you! x
Hi Louise, Good question, I would need to double check the size parameters. (I know with my other machine, I have to come slightly under that). In regards to 6mm, again I haven't tried it. I currently only cut 3mm basswood. My best solution would be to join the Xtool users group on facebook, lots of members join that haven't got a machine yet to ask other owners questions. A lot of the time their questions get answered :) x
Thank you! How are you getting on with the M1 now that you've had it for a while? Can't wait to see more videos to see what you can make with it! Do you have the Air Assist? If so would you recommend it? x
@@louisemurphy5149 Hi Louise, I've been using it everyday within my business (if you follow my instagram, I try and put little snippets on as much as possible). I don't have air assist, but from what I've read in the forums, it is worth having :) (I have a similar system on my other laser machine). I'm in the studio today, and have orders to make using my M1 :) - Hannah x
Thank you for your replies! I am following you on Instagram 😀 I now have the M1 and am getting familiar with it... I can see it being addictive 🤣 Thanks again for your help! Xx
@@louisemurphy5149 Congrats on the purchase!! It really is, isn't it!! Literally anything I think of, I'm like straight over onto it to make something. I love the 3mm basswood 😍😍 You'll have to keep me posted on all the wonderful things you make!
Thank you for this review. I’ve wanted a laser engraver/ cutter for ages. After watching this video last week I ordered one. I’m loving it so far 😊
You’re welcome. Congrats on the new laser machine. What exciting things have you been making? 😃
Hope all is well these days! The steps feels cool to watch. Thank you so much for sharing! 🌈
Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment 💕
Thank you for this video. I have been contemplating this machine for a while. Ive had a big operation and find my job too physically demanding now and i really want to attempt a business from home. But i lack the confidence to make the jump. X
Sorry to hear about your operation and the changes to your job. I loved that my equipment over the years has allowed me to push my creativity into new ways, whilst also supporting myself and my family. It's not been easy, but I believe it has all be worth it. Best of luck, keep me updated! x
Hi there! I have this Laser now and I've found it great, although having a few teething problems. I'm finding that when I engrave pictures such as a recent one of the grinch I tried to do, that they are coming out too light! I've tried increasing/decreasing power and speed settings but it hadn't helped. I'm finding limited help available online. Any ideas? X
Thanks for the demo! I just set my M1 up and was looking for a quick start on the software so this was perfect!
You’re welcome. How are you finding it? What exciting things have you made so far?
@@HanmadeDesigns I think it's pretty great so far. It was really easy to do my first engraving (I did the dog tag as well) and it came out looking really nice. Nothing too exciting yet, I just engraved the dog tag and the back of a journal with my channel's logo. A local hobby store has a lot of cutting boards, coasters, etc done up and ready to be engraved so I've considered giving those a go. I've also been looking into the logistics of turning engraving into a business but can't decide if it's worth it. Any thoughts on whether it is (if that's not too much of a nuanced question)?
@@makernova8160 The tags come out great don't they! It's a difficult question to answer. Personally, I love that my business was able to support me and my family, however, it took a few hard years to get it up and thrive at the rate I needed it to, in order to support us. I would suggest looking at it as a side hustle, and slowly growing it with a few items until it builds enough for you to reach a crossroad and see if it's viable or just a hobby. Hope this helps 😊
@@HanmadeDesigns Yeah, the tag is great! I can't stop staring at it! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It would be great to be able to make a living off of it but it's definitely understandable that it may take years to get to that point. I like the idea of easing into it as a side hustle and maybe be able to at least make enough to pay for the machine. My big worry is that I will spend a lot of time on it with very little payoff, but I suppose easing into it would be a good way to manage that. Anyway, thanks again for your response :)
I've been researching laser cutters for quite a while now because I want to start my business. I've been set on the Glowforge, but the xTool M1 seems to do the same thing at a much lower price point. Plus it cuts like my Cricut? Wow.
Hello, my best advise is to have a look into what designs you’d like to make and the materials to use. I believe the M1 is a 5w power (my other one is around 40w so much more powerful). That being said, I actually only ever cut 3mm materials or card, so don’t actually need as much power that I have with the other machine.
I think the glowforge is a higher power from what I’ve read. I’d probably look into the specifications, and weigh up what works best with the materials you want to work with.
There’s also all the attachments, adding air filtering and a honeycomb base can produce even better results, but are extra.
Hopefully this helps, any other questions, let me know ☺️
I have a Glowforge for my small business, it's been a game changer for sure. Each laser has their pros and cons. This laser looks amazing but has a lot less power than most lasers and I believe they are not American so that could be why they have excellent prices.
Try Amazon they have great deals
Hi Hannah, can you tell me why you can't laser white acrylic with the xTool m1? Are you cutting your white acrylic with your other laser? Warm greetings
Hi, from the best of my knowledge and understanding of the lasers, the xTool M1 is a blue diode laser. Therefore it can't cut certain colours of the acrylic, because of the frequency it is running at. People have success with black acrylic for example, but not the white or clear. On the xtool facebook group, some people have found a work around using different coatings, but i haven't tried this as I primarily cut wood for 95% of what I do.
In terms of the other laser, that one is a co2 laser machine, and this can cut through any colour acrylic as it is much more powerful.
Hope this helps :)
Best Regards
Hannah
Thank you for the reply, that was a great help. Best regards
Hi, thank you for your video, does this machine cut metal such as brass sheet? Thank you!
It doesn’t no. This is a diode laser, for metal you’d need something much more powerful. (I’m sure of what the exact power requirements are, as I’ve never done it). Hope this helps 😊
Thankyou for the Tutorial. I would like to know if m1 can cut and engrave clear acrylic? If not what are you using to cut and engrave clear and colored acrylic. Please advise
Hi Andy, from what I know and understand the M1 is unable to cut/engrave clear acrylic as the material on it's own. On their facebook page, I have seen that other people have done a work around by using tempera paint.
I don't really cut much acrylic, if I do, I use my co2 machine but it's very rare as 99% of the time I'm using 3mm plywood.
Hope this helps
Thanks for the video. Does this cut through acrylic?
Thank you. I haven't personally cut acrylic yet (but is on my list this week!). From what I know and understand, blue diode lasers like this one cannot cut clear acrylic, only engrave. But can cut opaque acrylic (solid colours), like black, red etc (all to do with the light frequency of the material). Hope this helps 😊
Hello Hannah. Do you have an air extractor ? If yes, can you maybe recommand one? I have a laser machine but I am putting the pipe outside my window for now but I am looking into buying one soon so if you happen to know a good one that will be helpfull. Thank you very much 😘
Hi, I don’t for the xTool, but I do have one for my other machine. It runs externally outside and is turned on when I turn the laser on, to ensure a clean and fume free cut.
Great video. What is the cleaning solution that you are using for the residue?
Hi Evie, this is the solution:
lasersuppliesonline.co.uk/laser-cleaner-pro/
I spoke to them not long ago, and they have created a coupon code HANMADE10 for 10% off 😃
Would you recommend air assist for this?
Hi Penny, I don't have the air assist, so can't comment. I do have one for my other laser which I recommend having. The best thing to do is join the facebook group, search air assist and there will be lots of other people asking a similar question 😊
Did the new update kill your ability to cut with the software ?
That’s a cut question, I haven’t updated any software since I got the machine. But at the time didn’t have a problem with the blade feature. 👍🏼
Whats the smallest font size this can engrave on stainless steel materials? Can it engrave on 1.3x0.7cm stainless steel pendant?
Hi Saidy, not sure on the exact size but for the dog tag, I engraved really small and it had great results. The machine, allowed me to size it down further, but I haven't tried, since I didn't need to. Is there a particular size you are looking to engrave? - Hannah
I was so excited to get my xTool but i have quickly found out that the customer service is terribly lacking. You cannot get ahold of the company by any other means than email and it takes hours, and I mean HOURS, for them to respond. Im not sure I would recommend based off cuatomer service alone.
Oh no, sorry to hear you had a bad experience with the customer service. I've always find them super helpful whenever I have had a question need answering.
Thank you for a great review! I'm loving your videos ❤ I have a question, hope you can help... I've seen that the max cut measurements are 385mm x 300mm.... do you know if you can then cut a 30cm circle/hoop with no problems? Also I would need it to cut out 6mm thick MDF, do you think it could easily do that on this machine? Thank you! x
Hi Louise,
Good question, I would need to double check the size parameters. (I know with my other machine, I have to come slightly under that). In regards to 6mm, again I haven't tried it. I currently only cut 3mm basswood. My best solution would be to join the Xtool users group on facebook, lots of members join that haven't got a machine yet to ask other owners questions. A lot of the time their questions get answered :) x
Thank you! How are you getting on with the M1 now that you've had it for a while? Can't wait to see more videos to see what you can make with it!
Do you have the Air Assist? If so would you recommend it? x
@@louisemurphy5149 Hi Louise, I've been using it everyday within my business (if you follow my instagram, I try and put little snippets on as much as possible).
I don't have air assist, but from what I've read in the forums, it is worth having :) (I have a similar system on my other laser machine).
I'm in the studio today, and have orders to make using my M1 :)
- Hannah x
Thank you for your replies! I am following you on Instagram 😀 I now have the M1 and am getting familiar with it... I can see it being addictive 🤣 Thanks again for your help! Xx
@@louisemurphy5149 Congrats on the purchase!! It really is, isn't it!! Literally anything I think of, I'm like straight over onto it to make something. I love the 3mm basswood 😍😍 You'll have to keep me posted on all the wonderful things you make!
xTool M1 - 10W Basique What does it mean
The 10W is the power of the laser 😊
Is the software free?
Yes the software is free to download from the website 😁
❤