Engraving with the xTool F1 Ultra is an easy process. But, be sure that you’ve read my last article on the xTool F1 Ultra before you start this tutorial.
What Materials Can the xTool F1 Ultra Engrave?
With two different types of lasers in the xTool F1 Ultra, you’ll be able to engrave many different products:
Wood
Paper
Leather
Gold
Brass
Silver
Glass
Rock
Tile
Stainless steel
Acrylic
Ceramic
Platinum
Titanium
Rubber
Food
… and more!
Tutorial: Engraving with the xTool F1 Ultra
Create your design. You can create a design in xTool’s XCS (xTool Creative Studio), or your favorite design program and import it. Then, open it in XCS.
Turn on the xTool F1 Ultra and connect your machine to your computer.
Enter the thickness of the material. You can either manually add the measurement, or use the auto measure function by clicking the ruler icon.
Click on your design to bring up the processing panel, then click the ‘EasySet Panel’. From here, you can choose a built in setting, or add your own.
These are the settings I used:
Turn on your smoke purifier, and click the ‘Process’ button.
The next screen shows you how the laser will move around. I haven’t found a reason to change it – yet. Now, click the ‘Start’ button.
Finally, click the green xTool button on the touchscreen controller.
It took 16 seconds to engrave these coordinates on my wood keychain. I’ve had a handful of lasers in my crafting career, but WOW(!) this is fast – and portable!
If you’ve been around Cutting for Business for a while, you know that I love all things easy and efficient. I was surprised at how easy and efficient the xTool F1 Ultra makes replicating products.
There are two ways of (easily!) replicating products with the xTool F1 Ultra.
Batch Processing with the xTool F1 Ultra L-shaped Positioning Piece
Included with the xTool F1 Ultra is an L-shaped positioning piece. Here’s how it works and why I love it:
The base of the xTool F1 Ultra has screw holes that the L-shaped positioning piece screws into. You line up your design one time using the positioning piece and process it, then you switch out the blank and rerun the job. It’s that easy.
A close up look at the base of the xTool F1 Ultra with screw holes:
Screws on the L-shaped positioning piece:
The L-shaped positioning piece screwed into the xTool F1 Ultra base:
The L-shaped positioning piece works with a variety of blanks and can be moved around on the xTool F1 Ultra base.
A slate coaster positioned using the xTool F1 Ultra positioning piece.
A coin blank positioned in the xTool F1 Ultra using the L-shaped positioning piece.
A keychain positioned in the xTool F1 Ultra using the L-shaped positioning piece.
Using the L-shaped positioning piece is great if you are doing a small batch of orders.
Set the laser focus on the first blank material. There are two lasers (one red and one blue), when the laser dots overlap each other – the focus is set.
Head to the XCS software, and open your design, and choose your engrave settings. Select ‘Use conveyor – batch’ from the processing panel.
On the pop up window that appears, click the ‘Frame out material’ button. This step allows the machine to recognize your blank as it moves across the conveyor belt.
Click process in the XCS software to process the job, then click the xTool button on the touchscreen controller.
The machine will process the the batch. As the conveyor moves from right to left, you can continue adding blank materials. When the conveyor moves 5 times and cannot detect a blank, the machine will stop.
The conveyor belt in action:
As the materials are processed across the conveyor belt, they fall off on the left side. I let them fall onto my table, but you could place a container at the end for them to fall into.
Want to see the conveyor belt in action? Take a peek at my Instagram Reel.
Using the xTool F1 Ultra Conveyor Belt: Tips & Things to Know
When framing, I had better luck with getting the machine to recognize the material on the conveyor belt when I expanded the bounding box. The software wraps the blank tightly, but expanding it slightly made sure the machine recognized it.
The conveyor belt only works with engraving at this time.
Since you are engraving with the green shield open when using the conveyor belt, you’ll want to pick up a pair of goggles that can shield laser beams of 455 nm and 1064 nm wavelengths. (I wish these were included, but I picked up this pair on Amazon.)
When using the conveyor, the machine can only process one design element at a time.
Do not stack or overlap your materials on the conveyor belt.
Do not use paper, cloth, or other thin materials on the conveyor. You might laser through the materials and damage the conveyor.
You can also use the conveyor to process larger materials, but I haven’t experimented with this yet.
When I receive products to review, I like to take my time with them. I use them more than once or twice before I post anything about them here on Cutting for Business or on social media. Why? Because most products are great the first time you use them. I find that you only notice the faults after using them over and over again.
Over the summer, I received the xTool Heat Press system for no charge in exchange for sharing my thoughts with blog readers. As always, my thoughts are my own and are not influenced by xTool.
Today, I’m going to introduce you to this new heat press system.
What is the xTool Heat Press System?
The xTool Heat Press System is a heat press device that allows users to use it as a portable press (similar to Cricut’s EasyPress), as a swing away heat press, and also includes a mini press.
What Does the xTool Heat Press Look Like?
The xTool heat press is a portable press with two handles on top. To use it, you manually apply the necessary pressure based on how hard you push down on it. The xTool’s heat press platen measures 12″ by 10″. Included with the heat press is a wireless Smart Controller and a heat proof holder. A pressing mat is available – but not included in all packages.
What is the xTool Heat Press Smart Press Platform?
The xTool Heat Press Smart Press Platform allows you to mount the xTool Heat Press to make it into a traditional swing away heat press. When mounted, this allows you to easily adjust the pressure. I’ve found that it doesn’t take much effort to push down on the press and use it.
Mounting the xTool Heat Press is easy, there is a bracket you attach to the top of the heat press and it slides and clicks into the Smart Press Platform. It takes about 3 seconds to mount and unmount the press on the Smart Press Platform.
Once mounted, the xTool Heat Press functions as any other swing away heat press. It swings both left and right without much effort.
The xTool Heat Press adjusts from 212° Fahrenheit to 400° Fahrenheit. This allows crafters to use most heat transfer vinyl products, as well as also do sublimation and DTF transfers. The xTool Heat Press heats up to 400 degrees in about 5 minutes.
How Does the xTool Heat Press Smart Controller Work?
The xTool Heat Press Smart Controller connects wirelessly to the heat press. It features controls in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. Additionally, it is convenient that you can create three presets. The presets are nice, because if I routinely press the same brand HTV and use the same settings, I can store them in the controller.
What is the xTool Mini Press?
Included in the xTool All-in-One bundle is the xTool Mini Press. It weighs less than a pound and it perfect for awkward or small projects – like shoes, keychains, earrings, and more. One thing that I like about the xTool Mini Press over the Cricut EasyPress Mini is that the handle is open. It feels like I have more room for my (big!) hand.
The only thing I don’t love about the xTool Mini Press is that it has an auto shut off after 11 minutes. If I’m using it for a quick project, no worries – but it kinda drives me batty when it turns off. Luckily for me, it heats back up within just a few minutes.
Would I Recommend the xTool Heat Press System?
Yes! I would wholeheartedly recommend the xTool Heat Press System. I actually sold my Cricut EasyPress, my EasyPress Mini, and my standalone heat press. Now, I have more room for… more craft supplies!
I’d recommend the xTool All-in-One bundle, which includes: The xTool 12” x 10” Portable Smart Press, xTool Mini Press, Smart Press Platform, xTool Smart Control, and the xTool Smart Press Mat. You can purchase it directly from xTool or from Amazon. At the time of writing this review, the All-in-One Bundle is $299 through either link.
If you’ve been wanting a portable, tabletop laser (perfect for taking to craft fairs and shows) – xTool just released the F1 Ultra Laser. And, it could be the answer to your crafty dreams.
What Type of Laser is the F1 Ultra?
The xTool F1 Ultra contains two different lasers: a 20 watt fiber laser and a 20 watt diode laser. The fiber laser handles metal engraving, while the diode laser handles everything else – including rock, acrylic, leather, and more.
Is it Really Portable? How Big is the xTool F1 Ultra?
Yes, the xTool F1 Ultra really is portable. It measures 10 inches x 14 inches x 19 inches. The xTool F1 Ultra weighs just over 32 pounds.
What Materials Will the xTool F1 Ultra Engrave or Cut?
The xTool F1 Ultra can engrave stainless steel, aluminum, brass, silver, plastic, titanium, gold, wood, acrylic, leather, glass, rock, paper, rubber, food, and more.
Additionally, the xTool F1 Ultra can cut up to .4mm brass, .3mm stainless steel, .2mm aluminum, 12mm acrylic, and 15mm wood.
How Large is the Engraving/Cutting Area on the xTool F1 Ultra?
The engraving/cutting area on the xTool F1 Ultra is 8.66″ by 8.66″. Compared to competitors, this is up to 115% larger.
What is the Difference Between the xTool F1 and the F1 Ultra?
The xTool F1 Ultra is a much anticipated upgrade over the xTool F1 machine. xTool provides this handy chart of differences:
What Accessories Does the xTool F1 Ultra Have?
The xTool F1 Ultra works with several accessories, including:
Does the xTool F1 Ultra Require Internet or a Computer?
If you are wondering about the logistics of taking the xTool F1 Ultra to your next craft show, you do not have to have internet or a computer to run it. Instead, you can store up to 7GB of project files on the touchscreen control panel. This control panel then allows you to control the xTool F1 Ultra without a computer or internet.
How Much Does the xTool F1 Ultra Cost?
Ready to order your own xTool F1 Ultra? The xTool F1 Ultra retails for $4799, but is currently available for $3,999 as a special prelaunch deal – limited to the first 1000 orders. Also, xTool offers several financing options.
Project Sneak Peek
Next week, I’ll have plenty of xTool F1 Ultra projects to share with you. But, here’s a sneak peek of my first project. And, it took 5 seconds to engrave. Yes…. 5 seconds!
The xTool P2 Automatic Conveyor Feeder allows you to cut or engrave materials and projects up to 118 inches long (that’s almost 10 feet! ), 19.6 inches wide, and 14 mm thick (a little over a half an inch).
And, as the name suggests, the feeder automatically pushes the material forward and backward.
How Does the xTool P2 Automatic Conveyor Feeder Work?
Notice that the conveyor goes through the front and back of the riser base, as shown in the photo:
Once installed, the Automatic Conveyor Feeder is easy to use:
Load the material to be cut or engraved.
2. Adjust the pressure on the rollers according to xTool’s guidelines (listed in the instructions and online). Basically, you turn a knob to adjust the tension on the material. In this case, I took the tension from green, past yellow, to red.
3. Adjust settings in the Creative Space software.
4. Process the job.
5. Admire your finished product.
What Else Do You Need to Know About the Automatic Conveyor Feeder?
The maximum thickness and length varies by material:
Plywood: 14mm, 118″
Acrylic and Fiberboard: 12mm, 96″
You can cut soft materials like EVA board, felt board, cork board, and kraft paper.
Additional conveyor rails can be added/subtracted based on your project.
Who Will Want to Buy the Automatic Conveyor Feeder?
Thanks for following along with my articles and discussions on the xTool P2 for the last week.
I think it’s a pretty awesome machine that outperforms many of the other lasers on the market right now.
I feel that xTool has spent time innovating their product to include unique features like the Riser Base and the Rotary Attachment; while other companies are focused more on software and subscriptions.
An xTool P2 is a great addition to any craft room, workshop, or studio.
I recently detailed the differences between the xTool P2 and the Glowforge. Today, let’s look at a quick xTool P2 tutorial to create wooden Christmas tags.
Setup of the machine is incredibly easy. I am not going to go over it – because the instructions included are pretty awesome. The one quirky thing is that you have to fill the internal tank with water before your first use. If you follow the instructions, it’s a 10 minute, one time thing. Then, you will be off and cutting!
2. I’d prefer rounded corners on the tags. Select the rectangle you made, then adjust the ‘Corner Radius’. This adjustment is in millimeters. I used 10mm.
3. Add a circle for the hole to attach the Christmas tag through. Again, I used the ‘Insert Shape’. Remember to hold down the SHIFT key to make a perfect circle.
4. I want the hole lined up in the middle of the tag, so select both the tag and the circle. Then, navigate to ‘Align’, then ‘Vertical align center’.
5. Select both the tag and the circle, then select ‘Group’. This will lock them together.
6. Duplicate the tag and circle by selecting ‘Array’, then set the parameters. You can choose how many duplicates to make and the spacing.
7. Now, add the names for the tags using the text tool. After adding the names, you can weld them right in the same window!
8. Set up the tags for cutting and engraving by clicking each element and selecting whether to score, cut, or engrave it.
9. Load the material (I’m using a sample of xTool’s plywood), turn on the (optional) smoke purifier, and fire up the laser!
You’ll notice that the xTool P2 has a slatted tray rather than a honeycomb. The slats are moveable and repositionable. I have a feeling this will come in handy.
10. To cut and engrave 8 tags took a little over 9 minutes. After a quick wipe down with paper towel and water, they are already on presents from “Santa”. Since my kids are old enough to know what my handwriting looks like, these are perfect!
My Thoughts on xTool’s Creative Space
I consider myself a competent designer in both Adobe Illustrator and Silhouette Studio. While you can import designs from other programs, I decided to design directly in xTool’s Creative Space.
I found Creative Space easy to use – and quite intuitive! I was able to easily draw shapes, resize, weld, align, and more.
XTool’s Creative Space program is free. Before you order your xTool P2, download it and see for yourself how easy it is to use: Download Creative Space.
Read more on Cutting for Business about the xTool P2.
Earlier in the year my Glowforge started having problems. It started barely being able to cut through materials – including Proofgrade materials.
Unfortunately, my Glowforge is pretty old – I ordered it in late 2018. And, it’s got thousands of hours on it. It is well beyond the warranty. I am not willing to send the machine to Glowforge for several hundred dollars to replace the laser tube.
Since I have been very happy with my xTool M1, I decided to try out the xTool P2 – which is a direct competitor to Glowforge. Now that I have had the xTool P2 for several months, I’m sharing my opinions on the xTool P2 vs Glowforge all week long.
xTool P2 vs Glowforge: What Are The Differences?
I created a comparison chart of the xTool P2 and Glowforge features. But, I’m also going to expand on some of the key differences and similarities below.
xTool P2 vs Glowforge: Size
The size differences between the two machines are negligible. The xTool P2 is slightly larger.
xTool P2 vs Glowforge: Weight
The xTool P2 weighs nearly 30 pounds more than the Glowforge. Honestly, the weight difference is also negligible because neither machine can be safely carried or moved by a single person. And, if your table or workspace will support a 70 pound machine, it should also support a 98 pound machine.
xTool P2 vs Glowforge: Laser Type
Both the xTool P2 and the Glowforge are CO2 lasers. The xTool P2 is a 55W machine; the Glowforge is available as either a 40W or a 45W.
The higher the watts, the faster the machine cuts. Faster cuts lead to increased productivity. (Yay for more work done in less time!)
xTool P2 vs Glowforge: Cutting Area
The cutting area of the xTool P2 is slightly larger than the Glowforge.
While not included on the chart, xTool P2 has a conveyor belt that automatically feeds materials up to 19.6″ and 118” inches long. The Glowforge Pro has a passthrough slot where users can manually feed materials up to 20″ wide, 1/4″ thick, and infinitely long.
xTool P2 vs Glowforge: Cutting Height
The xTool P2 and the Glowforge have similar cutting heights (this means the height of the material in the machine). The cutting height of the xTool P2 is 2.7″ and the Glowforge 2″. However, the xTool P2 has a riser base that can extend the cutting height to 8.46″. Glowforge does not.
Now, before the critics come in: Yes, you can cut off the bottom of the Glowforge and increase the cutting height. However, for the average user – this isn’t practical. And, it voids your warranty.
xTool P2 vs Glowforge: Warranty
The warranty is the same on both machines: 12 months.
xTool P2 vs Glowforge: Miscellaneous Features
While not listed on the chart, the xTool P2 also features some advanced safety features: an automatic lock, in machine water tank, and an emergency stop button.
The xTool P2 has a rotary attachment (perfect for cups!), and the ability to engrave curved surfaces. Glowforge has neither of these features.
xTool P2 vs Glowforge: Software
The xTool P2 runs on software installed on your computer, while the Glowforge uses a cloud. Using a cloud means that usage can slow down during peak periods – or Glowforge can prevent use at all.
xTool P2 vs Glowforge: Price
Finally, the xTools P2 costs $4999 versus the Glowforge at $4995 (Plus) or $6995 (Pro). Discounts available: Save on xTool or Glowforge.
Today, let’s talk about the xTool P2 riser base. It’s one of the unique features of the machine (and one I really love).
What is the xTool P2 Riser Base?
The xTool P2 riser base is an optional accessory stand that your xTool P2 sits on top of. It allows you to increase the height of the materials inside the machine.
Without the riser base, the xTool P2 can engrave materials up to 2.7″ thick. With the riser base, the xTool P2 can engrave materials up to 8.5″ thick.
How Does the xTool P2 Riser Work?
Once installed, the xTool P2 riser allows you to have a moveable floor (called the base plate). This accommodates taller materials, and is perfect for engraving.
The front door of the riser base opens (flips down), and moving the bottom is as easy as sliding it into one of the nine positions.
Here are some pictures:
How Do You Know Which xTool P2 Riser Setting to Use?
Included with the xTool P2 riser base is a measuring tape. You simply measure the item to be engraved, note which riser base setting, and move the base plate.
In the photo below, I’d move the base plate into level 5.
Fun fact: You can insert the base plate right side up or upside down. Both are noted on the tape measure.
What Else Do You Need to Know About the xTool P2 Riser Base?
The right side of the riser features a door that opens to an open space. It’s a great place to store accessories like xTool’s rotary attachment!
My Recent Engrave
I engraved the bottom of a tumbler that measured 7.75″ tall. How cool is that? What a perfect way to add branding custom made tumblers.
Do I Think You Need the xTool P2 Riser Base?
Yes! I think that the xTool P2 riser base is a must buy. It opens so many possibilities of projects.
Whether you are a fan of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or not, it is here to stay. As a early adopter, and big AI fan, I was delighted (and honestly, surprised!) to see AI built right into xTool’s Creative Space called xArt.
As I mentioned in previous xTool posts, Creative Space is free for everyone. Today, let’s take a look at Creative Space’s AI feature.
How Does xTool’s Creative Space AI Work?
On the left hand side tool bar of Creative Space, there’s a button for xArt. Click it, log in, and you’ll be taken to xArt.
Here’s a screenshot:
Using xArt is as easy as typing in a prompt.
One of my girls is obsessed with mushrooms and forests, so I figured I’d create a piece of mushroom wall art for her room.
Prompt used: Forest of mushrooms.
Here are the results of my first attempt:
Let’s try another style.
I’ll use the same prompt, but change the output to ‘Line Art’ with an aspect ratio of 7:4 (horizontal).
Here’s the result:
I’m going to use the third image with a basswood engrave on the xTool P2.
To select an image, click on it and click the ‘Import to Canvas’ button.
Scale the image as needed to bring it into xTool’s Creative Space.
Resize your image, choose your settings, load material into the xTool P2, turn on your smoke purifier, and fire up the laser.
Photo while engraving:
Finished engrave:
Close up view:
Framed and ready to gift:
xArt AI Modifiers
There are several options inside xArt:
You can use a text prompt or a text and image prompt.
There are 10 different styles ranging from line art to gothic and realistic to silhouette.
You can generate up to 4 images at the same time.
There are three aspect ratios: 1:1 (square), 4:7 (vertical), and 7:4 (horizontal).
You can add negative prompts, which are elements you don’t want included.
You can add a seed number, which is helpful when creating a series of images.
You can adjust the CFG scale. The higher the setting, the more artistic freedoms the AI will produce.
How Much Does xArt Cost?
All users receive 500 free credits the first time they use xArt.
Images cost 5 credits per image. If you choose to generate 4 images at a time, that’s 20 credits.
You can earn more points by posting in the xTool community. Full details are available on xTool’s website.
Would I Recommend xTool’s AI?
Absolutely! I went from not having a design to having an engraved and framed, giftable project in less than an hour.
