XTool D1 Pro Laser Engraver & Cutting Machine - Setup, Playtest, and Review
Get an XTool D1 Pro Laser at https://jennifermaker.com/xtoold1 (Amazon) or direct from the manufacturer at https://jennifermaker.com/xtool (affiliate link) -- tip: use discount code Jennifer80 to save $80 off orders over $999 purchased directly from the manufacturer
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Today we're going to unbox, setup, and playtest an X-Tool D1 Pro laser cutter and engraver. This is the least expensive of the Xtool line of laser cutters -- we got this one for just $399 during the Black Friday sale and we've been saving it to set up with you!
For those unfamiliar with laser cutters and engravers, these machines use a thin, focused laser beam to cut away material, unlike something like a Cricut Explore or Maker, which uses a blade or rotary tool. And when you use a laser to cut, you can typically cut harder and thicker materials than you could with just a blade. So when you're ready to step up to cutting things like wood with fine detail, a laser cutter and engraver is the best tool.
Because we know many of you are on budgets, we're starting with this bottom rung on the XTool ladder -- the XTool D1 is inexpensive diode laser, but it's also just 5 watts, which is not a powerful laser -- it's capable of detailed engraving and cutting through things like basswood at up to 3 mm thick in one pass, which is just a little over 1/10th of an inch. You CAN get the XTool D1 with higher watt lasers -- 10 watt and 20 watts are available, but they are also more expensive. We are curious what an inexpensive laser cutter can do, and we know you are too!
We are unboxing this live and in real-time, so you can truly see what the experience to set it up is like -- so this won't be a polished video that glosses over issues and makes it all seem super simple. Our goal is to show you what it is really like to set up an inexpensive laser cutter like this and get it going. It's important to note that while we've been using laser cutters for years, we have not ever set up or used an XTool, so this is an authentic unboxing! Our goal is to be able to do a successful test run before we finish. Will it work? Keep watching to find out!
So the XTool D1 is marketed as a good laser engraver and cutting machine for those are just getting interested in laser crafting. This is a DIODE laser cutting machine, which is essentially an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that is SUPER bright and powerful -- the light is pushed through a lens where it is focused to a very narrow point. The XTool D1, for example, has a .06mm ultra-fine compression and can do detailed engravings. Diode lasers can cut solid wood, MDF, leather, cardboard, and some dark acrylics -- diode lasers cannot cut through nor engrave clear acrylics.
Safety - There is an anti-UV filter acrylic that filters 97% of UV rays to protect your eyes and those around you. The engraver machine head is also equipped with a buzzer, which is supposed to sound an alarm when a fire is detected during operation. It will also auto-stop if it is moved or tipped during operation.
The XTool comes with it's own software called Creative Space, and it works on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. The software is free to download and use, so it's a great way to get familiar with laser engraving and cutting before you invest in an Xtool machine. You can get the software at xtool.com/pages/software
