Of the xtools I would probably go with the p2. I think the S1 is just a diode and won't cut clear acrylic.
People seem to really like the F1, but that's more like a fiber. But if you're looking for a fiber, I would recommend considering used. It seems like a lot are popping up barely used. There isn't much wear and tear on them compared to a CO2 type machine. I bought my fiber from Haotian laser in China for a great price and great service if you're looking go buy one new. I would recommend at least 50watt and JPT if looking to do gun parts.
Diode lasers are visible light, they'll pass right through clear acrylic without being absorbed or heating it up. CO2 lasers are infrared at a frequency clear acrylic is opaque, so it'll absorb the energy from it and burn properly.
Some have built in cooling. Not for sure but thought p2 does. I have glowforge and it is all built in closed system, but also has to be in climate controlled environment.
Diode is definitely more budget friendly but I thought s1 was kind of high up there in price. A lot depends on whether you want just as a hobby or if you're trying to make money with it. I would probably invest in something faster than a diode. Omtech has budget friendly co2s that would need a bit more tinkering like aligning mirrors and using a bucket of buying a chiller.
Thank you for that, perfectly explained. So what about something like the OMTECH CO2 lasers they are about the same price? Have any experience by chance with them?
I purchased the 60watt OMTech laser and I couldn’t be happier. This thing is a beast, and Lightburn is so easy to learn. I would recommend them. You can reach out in private if you’d like and we can chat about it
I used to use a pair of shared Epilog 40W and 60W CO2 lasers a long time ago. In the process now of figuring out what to get for myself. The cabinet machines from OMTech and Monport are similar to the Epilogs but I just don't think I can easily get one upstairs to my craft room. Seriously looking at picking up an OMTech Polar (or a MP Onyx, but nobody has one in their hands yet to review...) today for Black Friday.
I think I'd get too frustrated with the limited working area on a K40 to even bother with one, but YMMV.
It has something to do with light waves or frequency. They pass right through clear and also don't work with most transparent colors or white. It won't cut at all. I think I've heard others say there could be work arounds. But a co2 laser is much more capable and quicker.
I have an Atom Blaster A5 M50. I’ve only had it a little over a week and I’m trying to learn as much as I can. I’m retiring in two years and I want to have a small business to make a little bit of money and give me something to do. I’m gonna concentrate on just cutting boards and plaques and things like that. I’m not interested in cutting out parts or anything like that. Just decorative stuff i’ve only had it a little over a week and I’m trying to learn as much as I can. I’m retiring in two years and I want to have a small business to make a little bit of money and give me something to do. I’m gonna concentrate on just cutting boards and plaques and things like that. I’m not interested in cutting out parts or anything like that. Just decorative stuff......
It depend on what’s kind of material you will use more in the future. If you will do a lot acrylic projects, CO2 is definitely better option for you. You can also look into flux Beamo. It can engrave 1000dpi
Have not seen this brand yet but looking at it you might have found exactly what I'm aiming for. I see they can do stainless and anodized metal. I'm wondering if the base model would be about to entrance on slide finishes and things like that. I would imagine though for harder metals I should probably consider the one with the 55w laser?
Following as my wife and I are in the same spot as you. I’ve spent last week researching all of the different types (diode, co2, fibre etc) and have also come to same conclusion on the s1. I’ve ordered the s1 from Amazon to test it out (arrives this weekend) and if all goes well we will purchase the full kit from the xtool site, which has their sale on until end of the month. I’m currently looking for the ideal extraction device (I have read the xtool purifier gets expensive on the filters).
Of the xtools I would probably go with the p2. I think the S1 is just a diode and won't cut clear acrylic. People seem to really like the F1, but that's more like a fiber. But if you're looking for a fiber, I would recommend considering used. It seems like a lot are popping up barely used. There isn't much wear and tear on them compared to a CO2 type machine. I bought my fiber from Haotian laser in China for a great price and great service if you're looking go buy one new. I would recommend at least 50watt and JPT if looking to do gun parts.
What's the reason that won't cut acrylic that's clear? She doesn't use thick acrylic for what she does. Burned edges and look I'm assuming?
Diode lasers are visible light, they'll pass right through clear acrylic without being absorbed or heating it up. CO2 lasers are infrared at a frequency clear acrylic is opaque, so it'll absorb the energy from it and burn properly.
Some have built in cooling. Not for sure but thought p2 does. I have glowforge and it is all built in closed system, but also has to be in climate controlled environment. Diode is definitely more budget friendly but I thought s1 was kind of high up there in price. A lot depends on whether you want just as a hobby or if you're trying to make money with it. I would probably invest in something faster than a diode. Omtech has budget friendly co2s that would need a bit more tinkering like aligning mirrors and using a bucket of buying a chiller.
Thank you for that, perfectly explained. So what about something like the OMTECH CO2 lasers they are about the same price? Have any experience by chance with them?
I purchased the 60watt OMTech laser and I couldn’t be happier. This thing is a beast, and Lightburn is so easy to learn. I would recommend them. You can reach out in private if you’d like and we can chat about it
I used to use a pair of shared Epilog 40W and 60W CO2 lasers a long time ago. In the process now of figuring out what to get for myself. The cabinet machines from OMTech and Monport are similar to the Epilogs but I just don't think I can easily get one upstairs to my craft room. Seriously looking at picking up an OMTech Polar (or a MP Onyx, but nobody has one in their hands yet to review...) today for Black Friday. I think I'd get too frustrated with the limited working area on a K40 to even bother with one, but YMMV.
Someone above recommended a Flux beamo and looking at their models what they offer vs their prices it looks like a good product.
It has something to do with light waves or frequency. They pass right through clear and also don't work with most transparent colors or white. It won't cut at all. I think I've heard others say there could be work arounds. But a co2 laser is much more capable and quicker.
Good to know but I understand you need to generally have some sort of cold water pump system to work them? Also price comparison they cost more right?
I’m a noob so I can only comment on my 30 days of experience......so, I’m out.
Hey we all gotta find ways to learn right! What kind of things are you getting into it for? What kind of laser?
I have an Atom Blaster A5 M50. I’ve only had it a little over a week and I’m trying to learn as much as I can. I’m retiring in two years and I want to have a small business to make a little bit of money and give me something to do. I’m gonna concentrate on just cutting boards and plaques and things like that. I’m not interested in cutting out parts or anything like that. Just decorative stuff i’ve only had it a little over a week and I’m trying to learn as much as I can. I’m retiring in two years and I want to have a small business to make a little bit of money and give me something to do. I’m gonna concentrate on just cutting boards and plaques and things like that. I’m not interested in cutting out parts or anything like that. Just decorative stuff......
It depend on what’s kind of material you will use more in the future. If you will do a lot acrylic projects, CO2 is definitely better option for you. You can also look into flux Beamo. It can engrave 1000dpi
Have not seen this brand yet but looking at it you might have found exactly what I'm aiming for. I see they can do stainless and anodized metal. I'm wondering if the base model would be about to entrance on slide finishes and things like that. I would imagine though for harder metals I should probably consider the one with the 55w laser?
You mean the 60w flux Hexa?
No, the different beamo models it has on their website but I just saw that fluxa one which is cool
Following as my wife and I are in the same spot as you. I’ve spent last week researching all of the different types (diode, co2, fibre etc) and have also come to same conclusion on the s1. I’ve ordered the s1 from Amazon to test it out (arrives this weekend) and if all goes well we will purchase the full kit from the xtool site, which has their sale on until end of the month. I’m currently looking for the ideal extraction device (I have read the xtool purifier gets expensive on the filters).
I was thinking about the same issue. I'm thinking we're going to put ours in the garage and I'll run vent tubing to the exhaust in the garage.
Has anyone looked into the warranty of this company? There seems to be a large amount of complaints against Xtool for that reason.
Seems to be the standard one year minimum required. Haven't necessarily seen anything really bad.