xTool Buyer's Guide
Learn all about lasers before you get one.
xTool Buyer Guide
Learn all about lasers before you get one.
xTool Buyer Guide
xTool Buyer Guide
Learn all about lasers before you get one.
Your first time here? New to laser machines, but want to make it a side hobby or make money out of it? We have prepared this guide page for any laser beginner like you, to walk you through all the necessary knowledge you need before starting your laser engraving/cutting journey with xTool.
This page is for people who belong to one of the groups below:
• You are completely new to the laser machine;
• You are wondering which xTool machine is a perfect choice for you;
• You already own an xTool machine, but need detailed guidance for starting your first laser project;
• You already have an xTool machine, but need a list of laser engraving ideas to practice your skills;
• You already have an xTool machine, but need instructions on the software part to bring out the best of the machine.
4 lasers types: differences explained
Blue laser
The blue diode laser is a popular choice for beginners. It can engrave/cut wood, leather, paper, etch paint, but is less effective on white paint, certain blues, and clear acrylics. It has a 455nm wavelength and is the cheapest of the 4 types.
4 lasers types: differences explained
Blue laser
The blue diode laser is a popular choice for beginners. It can engrave/cut wood, leather, paper, etch paint, but is less effective on white paint, certain blues, and clear acrylics. It has a 455nm wavelength and is the cheapest of the 4 types.
Blue laser
The blue diode laser is a popular choice for beginners. It can engrave/cut wood, leather, paper, etch paint, but is less effective onwhite paint, certainblues, and clear acrylics. It has a 455nm wave length and is the cheapest of the 4 types.
6 considerations:
before buying a laser machine
Budget and price
How much you can afford
Laser engraver prices vary from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Blue lasers are the cheapest, while fiber lasers can cost over $10,000. The xTool D1 Pro 10W, costing $1,000, is recommended for beginners.
Size and weight
Portability and flexibility
Desktop lasers are about 610mm x 610mm (24" x 24") with a working area of 400mm x 400mm (15.75" x 15.75"). They are lightweight (~5kg) and portable. Larger CO2 and fiber lasers may require special equipment or multiple people to move and won't fit through standard door frames.
Extensions and accessories
How versatile the machine can be
Accessories can be crucial for engraving/cutting larger or taller objects. Brands that don't provide extensions/accessories should be avoided. xTool provides solutions for potential pain points.
Laser types and materials
The major materials to work on
Before purchasing a laser, determine the type of operation you intend to perform. CO2 lasers work best with clear acrylics, blue diode lasers are great for wood, while galvo or fiber lasers are needed for engraving metals or faster operations.
Software
The extra cost of time and money
Software is a key consideration when buying a laser. Most lasers don't come with software, so you may need to download third-party software or purchase it separately like LightBurn. Consider the cost and the learning curve, especially if you're new to laser technology. xTool lasers come with free, beginner-friendly software (XCS).
Learning curve
How fast you can get business rolling
Start your laser side hustle journey with a desktop diode laser. These machines are lightweight, easy to use, and have low maintenance. CO2 and fiber lasers are more maintenance-intensive and require specific skill sets. Progression usually goes from desktop laser to CO2 to fiber.
6 considerations: before buying a laser machine
Budget and price
How much you can afford
Laser engraver prices vary from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Blue lasers are the cheapest, while fiberlasers can cost over $10,000. The xTool D1 Pro 10W, costing $1,000, is recommended for beginners.
Size and weight
Portability and flexibility
Desktop lasers are about 610mm x 610mm (24" x 24") with a working area of 400mm x 400mm (15.75" x 15.75"). They are lightweight (-5kg) and portable. Larger CO2 and fiber lasers may require special equipment or multiple people to move and won't fitthrough standard door frames.
Extensions and accessories
How versatile the machine can be
Accessories can be crucial for engraving/cutting larger or taller objects. Brands that don't provide extensions/accessories should be avoided. xTool provides solutions for potential pain points.
Laser types and materials
The major materials to work on
Before purchasing a laser, determine the type of operation you intend to perform. CO2 lasers work best with clear acrylics, blue diode lasers are great for wood, while galvo or fiberlasers are needed for engraving metals or faster operations.
Software
The extra cost of time and money
Software is a key consideration when buying a laser. Most lasers don't come with software, so you may need to download third-party software or purchase it separately like LightBurn. Consider the cost and the learning curve, especially if you're new to laser technology. xTool lasers come with free, beginner-friendly software (XCS).
Learning curve
How fast you can get business rolling
Start your laser side hustle journey with a desktop diode laser. These machines are lightweight, easy to use, and have low maintenance. CO2 and fiber lasers are more maintenance-intensive and require specific skill sets. Progression usually goes from desktop laser to CO2 to fiber.
</