The Incredible xTool S1 Laser - The Future of Diode Lasers Arrives
Вставка
- Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
- Diode lasers have come a long way from simple extruded aluminum frames and meager 5W laser modules, and today, open-frame lasers sport ample power and appealing aesthetics. So why would we change?
In this video, I will introduce the new xTool S1 laser - an enclosed laser boasting up to 40W of power, support for other laser module options, and many features not found in any other diode laser. It is truly a leap forward in technology, but the most important feature is the S1's class 1 safety certification. So, you no longer need to worry about the dangers of scattered laser light.
Join me as I highlight the xTool S1's capabilities
If you want to buy an Xtool S1 and help the channel, please feel free to use my affiliate link for your region:
US Store: bit.ly/3M7nWzr
EU Store: bit.ly/46DZWfr
UK Store: bit.ly/46zwHdG
DE Store: bit.ly/3rQ5Mvj
►►►► SOCIAL MEDIA
• Channel Membership ➭ www.youtube.co...
• Instagram ➭ @slicedpidesign
• Facebook ➭ / slicedpidesign
• my business site ➭ www.slicedpi.d...
• my Etsy store ➭ slicedpidesign...
• email ➭ stevemakeseverything@gmail.com (business inquiries)
►►►► SAVE MONEY NOW! (I may earn commissions)
• Get your materials fast with Amazon Prime free for 30 days ➭ amzn.to/3xhXn0Q
FTC Legal Disclaimer - Some links found in this description may be affiliate links, meaning I will make a commission on sales you make through my link. This is at no extra cost to you to use my links/codes; it's just one more way to support me and my channel.
►►►► MY MAKER SPACE
Laser/Vinyl Cutters
SP-3624 90W 36"x24" self designed laser
Full Spectrum Laser Muse 3D
xTool D1 Pro Diode Laser: www.xtool.com/...
xTool M1 Laser/Blade Cutter: www.xtool.com/...
Cricut Maker 3: amzn.to/3s8j7i0
3D Printers
Sliced-Pi ]|[ CoreXY (self-designed)
Sliced-Pi ][ CoreXY (self-designed)
Prusa I3Mk3 with MMU 2
Creality CR-10 (massively upgraded)
Creality Ender 3 V2 amzn.to/3oLz7kc
AnyCubic Photon S SLA Resin Printer amzn.to/3wtSVvo
CNC Router
OneFinity Woodworker. onefinitycnc.com
►►►► SOFTWARE I USE
DaVinci Resolve 18 www.blackmagic...
Autocad Fusion 360 www.autodesk.c...
Inkscape inkscape.org
Gimp gimp.org
#stevemakeseverything #xtool #xtools1#diodelaser #laserengraver #laserengraving #laserengravingmachine #laserbusiness #lasercutting #maker #makersgonnamake
New subscriber here, also just around the corner from Peggy's Cove, just down in Hubbards 👋🏻
Welcome!! “Almost” neighbor 😁
Thanks for the great review! I especially like the two point alignment/framing feature, very easy to use.
It’s definitely more accurate than most cameras I’ve tried. I’m actually growing to like XCS better than Lightburn for a lot of things now too.
@@SteveMakesEverything ,although I haven't had the pleasure yet of testing this myself I have to agree with you on the accuracy. It will not have the drawback of being most accurate only in the center of the bed. With this system it will be spot on at each position on the bed. Really like that.
Another thing that Xtool could make use of, as the software is registering it's actual position on the bed by dragging the laser head manually, is when you would like to run a design again from a certain point. You would then be able to just set the laser to that exact coordinate and press run. I would love to also see something like that incorporated into the software.
@@jewijk I’d love to have a way to start jobs at a certain point. Xtool could do this with XCS, but not Lightburn of course.
I got the stool s1 and used the basswood provided to make a test cut, and it worked beautifully. I tried cutting 1/4 inch MDF and it did not cut at all. The machine acted like it was cutting but did not even leave a mark on it. I used the settings 100/4/1. Any suggestions?
MDF is notoriously hard to cut with a diode laser. The problem could be the type of MDF you have. It is basically a bunch of sawdust and glue compressed together and some types are very dense whiles others use glue that can prevent cutting. Both will bring you disappointment if you are trying to cut them.
Funny thing is they market it as you can just get the different modules. But say you bought the 20w s1 machine I see nowhere on their sight where you can buy the 40w module for it.
I specifically asked xTool about this when the S1 was released, and they claim that the 40W will be available as a separate accessory once they have inventory for this. I believe I heard Q1/24 but don't quote me on that because my brain is old and full of holes.
Great machine but unfortunately I would need to be an influencer to own one as it's currently out of my budget. Until I can afford one I'll just have to drool. I already have the xTOOL F1 on my 'To Get' list so this will definitely have to wait. Having 40 watts at my disposal would certainly allow me to bring some ideas I have to fruition, though, that's for sure. Very nice, indeed.
I would say the S1 is a great unit for a small business or a home user with a flexible budget. It’s realistically not a first laser for most people. Xtool lasers are typically the limousine of lasers and that comes at a price.
@@SteveMakesEverything Sure, it is an outstanding machine, but my first machine was the 10 watt D1 Pro, and I am using that to gain experience and to increase my budget. I want to mark metal, though, so the F1 will be next. Assuming all goes to plan with that, I will have a better budget and I can consider this at that point.
I'm certainly not knocking the higher price but right now it's out of my reach. I do have good credit but using that now when I have lots of other costs to consider wouldn't be too smart. When I have the cash in front of me and I don't have to use credit, I will revisit this.
@@budgetmerch sounds like you started down the right path. The F1 is an excellent machine if the small work area works for you. Keep in mind that you can put the same IR laser in the S1 and mark metal too.
I think it’s responsible to stick to a budget, but always keep your future needs in mind too.
Great review Steve the S1 is so great, I was sad about the camera but now that I am using it I don’t miss it. Looking forward to software updates on the two point I can see a lot more potential with it.
Definitely, there are lots of things they can do with this. The game changer is that the S1 always seems to know where it is, even if you move it by hand.
BTW I loved the Atari sign you made😀
@@SteveMakesEverything yes that was an unexpected surprise for me too I think in the CNC terms it’s the closed loop steppers that allow it to keep track of where it is. All my other machines if you bump you must re-home to get your absolute coordinates back.
Hi, have seen many videos especially the one Xtoolt put out there. They put that it cuts clear acrylic but I have seen many video and they are saying it doesn't confess because why would Xtool put in there infomercial that it does. Please clarify and I am a beginner got the M1 sending back because it doesn't cut clear acrylic, can you recommend one that is budget friendly. Thank you.
The xTool P2 can definitely cut clear acrylic because it’s a CO2 laser, but none of Xtool’s other lasers or any other diode laser can
@@SteveMakesEverything Thank you for your respond back.
Is the S1 appropriate for a beginner? If not which model/brand would you recommend? Thanks
Certainly, a beginner could use the S1, but from a budget perspective, it may not be the best first laser. A true beginner laser is something like a Wecreate Vision, or if you want an open-frame laser, maybe an xToolD1 Pro or AlgoLaser Delta. I have reviewed all of these on the channel, so you can check the Product Reviews playlist to compare them.
I’m looking at this pretty seriously. Do you think the 20 watt would be reasonably powerful enough for most applications? I’m looking at etching and engraving as being a big part of the use. I’m not sure the ability to cut a 3/4” piece of material is important to me.
Yes 20W will be fine for your application. Even if you did want to cut 3/4” material it should be possible with the right settings.
you´ll have a smaller spot size with a 20w so more details for you. anyways... just get a co2 instead. really no reason to go for this one if you ask me
@@yibberrino3002 Well, I have both CO2 and diode lasers, and they certainly both have a place. If I want to do big grunty cutting jobs or work with acrylic, I will use my CO2, but for engraving, it's always a diode laser.
Try engraving a grayscale photo on a CO2 or engraving stainless steel without having to jump through hoops with expensive spray (though I will use a fiber laser for most metal engraving). Of course a diode laser won't cut most acrylic.
Unfortunately, we don't have a perfect laser, so you need more than one to cut/engrave everything. But if you want to get started, then I would confidently tell people their first laser should be a diode laser.
Every other week a new laser comes out, “latest and greatest on the market”. I bought the Algolaser Delta, and am very happy with it. The Delta has taught me I don’t need the strongest laser, it does what I need. May look at this down the road, but by then there be another latest and greats.
There does appear to be a flood of new products and with an AlgoLaser Delta you should be happy for sure. I have a project video or two coming up where I will highlight the Delta. It’s one of my favourites
@@SteveMakesEverything I look forward to it.
Do we have to dismount the 40 W diode head and then mount the 2 w IR head in order to engrave, or does it engrave while cutting with 1 head just like the F1?? I am confused, because on S1 it says additional IR module sold separately
In the S1 you swap the whole module
Thanks Steve! 🌟@@SteveMakesEverything That's a bit of a hassle, given that I got used to the F1 all-in-one easy switch Between IR and Diode. Love that 40 w power, but changing modules not so much. Appreciate your honest review !👏
@@fruitloops68 It's not too bad, but if it's something you would will do often, then the F1 is probably a better option.
To swap modules in the S1 you do need a screwdriver, and if you want to cut with the blue laser then engrave with the IR, I doubt the S1 would get the alignment exact between the two modules (not to mention the effort you'd need to avoid touching the material)
Cool
I recently bought the xTool S1 20W with plans to buy the 40W. XTool recently told me they have no current plans to sell the 40W laser separately. Any suggestions??
Hmm, that's interesting. It seems dumb to not want to upgrade users. I'll have to ask about this.
@@SteveMakesEverything exactly what I said, I even replied with asking “what if you just need a replacement?” The answer was that the 20W is perfectly capable of getting most of the work done (which is fine), my most recent reply back from them said that to keep an eye out and in the future they may have them on their website…
@@SylvanParkDesign So I've taken the liberty of shooting this message to xTool to see if I can get an official reply from them. I'll keep you posted.
@@SteveMakesEverything Hey Steve just wondering if you heard back from them yet? I also ordered the 20w version with the intent to order the 40w module next summer.
They priced this decently but I imagine with the conveyor and rotary it is quite a bit more. However I will say they are definitely innovative here and you just cannot get some of the features on other lasers… yet. They did a good job for sure.
Agreed. A few people have expressed concern about the price, but this one is worth it if you have a small shop or side hustle that would most benefit from it. The S1 is quite different from most previous (and much cheaper) lasers, so xTool has a tougher Sales job to show people why they would want to spend more.
Is there important costs to Canada for laser machinery?
Not an import tax. There is some duty which based on my experience is in the
Thanks for the review.
A question about the provided software. I normally do not use this kind of devices as often as you do. So I expect that I want to use them a lot longer than you do.
Is the software it cloud based? I personally do not like cloud based software; if Xtool decides to quit the access to this application , or the company does not excises anymore I lose functionality; I still can use lightburn or other software; but miss the nice features like using a curved object. (One of the selling points of buying this laser above an other 40 Watt).
For the same reason I prefere not to use an app on a phone (they can remove the app from the AppStore); same story with USB; we all have had the problems that we needed to buy a new printer or scanner; not because the device was defect; but there where no drivers available any more for the next operating system.
So I prefer software I can install on my local PC/Mac without internet connection and if possible a standard network cable.
Long story short can it run without internet connection?
Thanks
XCS doesn’t lock you into a cloud offering the same way something a Glowforge does. If a network connection is there you can tap into AI design and the Xtool library. With lightburn you are totally standalone
it also supports using light burn if you want. you just lose the additional functions thier software gives you
How does this compare to the WeCreat Vision?
Hmm, the same but different 😁. Xtool lasers tend to be borderline commercial products where the Vision is more of a high end consumer unit. Both are great so you would be happy with either
Great review! Thank you. How thick of a piece of wood can it handle without the extra riser base?
Good question, I’ll have to measure it but it’s at least 30mm I’d guess. Keep in mind that the honeycomb is about 25mms thick on its own and it can be removed as well as the bottom of the laser, so the material can be just about any thickness.
Thank you.
@@SteveMakesEverything
is that the Peggy's Cove light house?
It is indeed 😁
We visited there several years ago ... from Vermont@@SteveMakesEverything
Beautiful scene!@@SteveMakesEverything
@@patrickmahoney1056 Vermont is very scenic itself. Been there a few times, though I'd probably have enjoyed it more if I were a skier
Nice review and nice laser, but they totally missed the mark by not having a camera. The two point system is beyond inefficient for multiple simultaneous cuts on previously used material or odd shaped material.
Not sure I agree. The two point system works better than any Lightburn camera and it take seconds to set up. The only potential downside is that it only works in XCS. I think the Lightburn folks are starting to hold back innovation. If you are using Lightburn you could probably cobble a cheap camera in here though
@@SteveMakesEverythingI bet LightBurn will make something to work with this minus the curve mapping it seems like it’s just math and reference points. It’s the first I have seen like this so they may just need some time to adapt and XTool may have not shared this with them.
@@TheChanceFam xTool says they keep asking Lightburn to make specific improvements to LB, but so far no interest.
I personally think that Lightburn needs some sort of plug-in framework where they a provide a function called "Focus" for example, and then allow laser manufacturers to supply a plug-in to focus their specific product. If they don't do something like this, LB is going to quickly become a dinosaur, because lots of lasers have specific functionality now.
If I have a previously used piece of wood that I cut out random items, and now I want to cut out multiple small items out of it, with a camera I would just update my screen either in XCS (lets say the P2) or Lightburn, and place these new small objects all over the place, anywhere with an available spot, and then I could engrave/cut them all at once. With the 2-point system I would have to map out each specific area...it would take forever. What do you think? Oh yeah, if the 2-point system is superior to a camera (doesn't need to be a lightburn camera, can be XCS) why didn't they incorporate the 2-point system on their P2? @@SteveMakesEverything
Thanks for the review!
I hope it was helpful
Glowforge is having a cow right now.
Call it competition 😁
so did you buy this or is it another infomercial
If you’re asking if I paid for this laser, the answer is no. And if you’re asking if I was paid the answer is also no. Given the effort that it takes to create videos, I only review thing that I think are worthy, and the S1 lives up to the hype.
If I was legitimately buying a diode laser, would I buy an S1…Yep, in the blink of an eye.
£1,499.00 It feels like these reviews on UA-cam are more like sales pitches these days.
Sorry. FWIW I create review videos only for products that I would actually use. In this video, I certainly didn’t tell you to buy one - I only explain what the product does and highlight unique feature. No UA-camr has the ability to set prices.
@@SteveMakesEverything I didn't mean you in particular. It just seems that honest guys making content are eventually wooed by slick marketing, and some of them just end up blatantly kissing ass for free stuff to BS about.
I'm sure that doesn't describe you at all. It was a general observation. Apologies if it looked like I was making a specific attack on your content. I wasn't.
@@95Gabe Well, I think "adult" UA-camrs try to avoid that trap. It can be difficult, though, if YT is the only source of income for some.
While UA-cam is a chunk of my full-time workshop job, I will stand by my ethics and not promote things because they want to pay me - that just leads to the "dark side". 👽
@@SteveMakesEverything Well done. I wish there were more like you.
One of my favourite DIY YTubers has just gone down the rabbit hole of giving lovely reviews of everything that he gets his hands on. Which is such a pity because previously I valued his channel. Such is life.
@@95Gabe Well, my wife reminds me how far I am from perfect, but I'll keep trying to do the right thing. I usually don't accept sponsorship deals because I don't want to be influenced, and if I do (e.g. the Kittl video I did recently), it's because I'm actually using the product on a day-to-day basis, which I think gives me more basis to express my honest view of something. And FWIW, any feedback (even harsh) I have provided to Kittl has been met with very positive responses because they genuinely want to keep improving their product. I wish there were more companies like them.