Introducing the xTool S1 Laser Cutting Machine!

This post may contain affiliate links, sponsored content and products received at no cost.

6:00 AM

Introducing the xTool S1 Laser Cutting Machine!

I've got a new tool in my craft arsenal, say hello to the xTool S1 20W Laser Cutter!

The S1 is a dedicated laser that has changeable laser heads for different watts of power for different projects or types of materials.

It has some awesome features, expanding capabilities and more power than my last machine.

I'm going to share everything I know about the xTool S1 in this post!

I've had a week or so to play with my new laser and want to show you all the fun things about it.

Previously I have been using the xTool M1 for laser cutting, it is a hybrid machine, so it has a cutting blade option as well as the laser. (see this post)

I use my Cricut for cutting, so having a dedicated enclosed laser is awesome.

My xTool S1 is 20W and can be switched out to the 40W laser head when the individual module becomes available next year.

LASER TYPE:

The xTool S1 is a blue diode laser, this means it has a pretty long life span, but has some limitations.

It can't cut clear, white, blue, translucent or mirrored acrylic.

If you are hoping to cut clear acrylic, you will need a CO2 laser, which has a shorter life span and a much higher price tag.

I've had a week or so to play with my new laser and want to show you all the fun things about it. Previously I have been using the xTool M1 for laser cutting, it is a hybrid machine, so it has a cutting blade option as well as the laser. (see this post) I use my Cricut for cutting, so having a dedicated enclosed laser is awesome. My xTool S1 is 20W and can be switched out to the 40W laser head when the individual module becomes available next year. LASER TYPE: The xTool S1 is a blue diode laser, this means it has a pretty long life span, but has some limitations. It can't cut clear, white, blue, translucent or mirrored acrylic. If you are hoping to cut clear acrylic, you will need a CO2 laser, which has a shorter life span and a much higher price tag.

Step 1: Set Up xTool S1

Set up for the xTool S1 was pretty simple and straightforward.

My husband and I built a shelf with storage to hold the machine after I got it.

xTool S1 measures 30 inches wide, 22 inches deep and 7 inches tall.

Then I needed to get a 50 foot cable (USB A to USB C) to connect the machine to my computer, because literally lazy.

I didn't want to move my laptop from my desk and take it into my craft room. Lol. I believe it can connect through wifi after initial set up, but I haven't done it yet.

Machine set up is actually very easy and xTool walks you through it step by step here.

Step 1: Set Up xTool S1 Set up for the xTool S1 was pretty simple and straightforward. My husband and I built a shelf with storage to hold the machine after I got it. xTool S1 measures 30 inches wide, 22 inches deep and 7 inches tall. Then I needed to get a 50 foot cable (USB A to USB C) to connect the machine to my computer, because literally lazy. I didn't want to move my laptop from my desk and take it into my craft room. Lol. I believe it can connect through wifi after initial set up, but I haven't done it yet. Machine set up is actually very easy and xTool walks you through it step by step here.

I love that the xTool S1 is an enclosed laser, it plays a part in the S1's high safety ratings.

I love the green lid and the green glow from the lid when the laser is in action.

I did have some troubleshooting to do when I started up my machine and it took me a long time to find the answer, like no one else had ever had the same issue:

The booklet included or the user guide videos show how to properly install everything, especially the laser head module and the distance sensor.

I had issues with my distance sensor and it took an hour of troubleshooting, where it kept giving me exceptions on start up.

**NOTE**

I figured out that the sensor pin has to be in the exact right setting or the laser module will release it immediately upon start up.

Once I twisted the pin (just like twisting in and out a screw) and make the nub at the top just high enough to kick out for depth measurement and low enough not to kick out on start up, I was good. (see picture above with red arrow)

xTool S1 Accessories and Add-ons

The xTool S1 comes with integrated air assist, which is so nice, but it still needs the pump to plug into the back. It can be set to Auto, so it kicks on and off when the laser starts up.

The honeycomb baseplate is super nice too and highly recommended.

So if you are going to make this purchase, at least get the BASIC KIT because it comes with the air assist pump, honeycomb and a materials pack.

Other optional accessories:

2W Infared Laser Module Head ($599) for engraving metals (I have this but have not tested it yet)

Automatic Conveyor Feeder ($400+ for preorder) for large projects that are conveyed under the machine. (I do not have room for this)

Air Purifier ($999) is good if you cannot vent the machine out a window, I use my window.

xTool S1 Accessories and Add-ons The xTool S1 comes with integrated air assist, which is so nice, but it still needs the pump to plug into the back. It can be set to Auto, so it kicks on and off when the laser starts up. The honeycomb baseplate is super nice too and highly recommended. So if you are going to make this purchase, at least get the BASIC KIT because it comes with the air assist pump, honeycomb and a materials pack. Other optional accessories: 2W Infared Laser Module Head ($599) for engraving metals (I have this but have not tested it yet) Automatic Conveyor Feeder ($400+ for preorder) for large projects that are conveyed under the machine. (I do not have room for this) Air Purifier ($999) is good if you cannot vent the machine out a window, I use my window.

S1 Ready to Rock!

Here's where my xTool S1 20W Laser Cutter ended up in my craft room.

I have my xTool M1 underneath and still useable...but I'm not sure how much it will get used with the S1 above it.

I tested out the xTool S1 on some cardboard and cut out a star from the shape selector in xTool Creative Space (xcs).

I love xTool Creative Space, it's easy to navigate and doesn't cost anything additionally.

xTool S1 Workable Area:

Instead of housing an in machine camera like the M1 (which was slightly off anyway) the S1 has you set the vectors.

Select the "Start Marking" button on XCS software.

Then move the laser head manually to the top left corner of the available work space, the red cross hair will appear.

Click the button.

Then move the laser head manually to the bottom right corner of the available work space and click the button.

The available work space will appear on the XCS and you can work your design in that space.

S1 Ready to Rock! Here's where my xTool S1 20W Laser Cutter ended up in my craft room. I have my xTool M1 underneath and still useable...but I'm not sure how much it will get used with the S1 above it. I tested out the xTool S1 on some cardboard and cut out a star from the shape selector in xTool Creative Space (xcs). I love xTool Creative Space, it's easy to navigate and doesn't cost anything additionally. xTool S1 Workable Area: Instead of housing an in machine camera like the M1 (which was slightly off anyway) the S1 has you set the vectors. Select the "Start Marking" button on XCS software. Then move the laser head manually to the top left corner of the available work space, the red cross hair will appear. Click the button. Then move the laser head manually to the bottom right corner of the available work space and click the button. The available work space will appear on the XCS and you can work your design in that space.

Helpful Tips:

Join the xTool S1 official facebook group

The admins are xTool employees, and are quick to respond.

The other people in the group are AWESOME at all the tips and tricks--so be sure to search the group for specific questions about test grids, cutting acrylic and anything that comes up.

I always search my project or materials before beginning a project and get the scoop on what others have done.

Check out xTool's Material Settings Guide for the S1 too!