WHY YOU NEED A LASER ENGRAVER (Specifically the xTool D1)
I should just start this blog by saying “because they’re cool”. The End.
But, I won’t because, I mean, word count. Duh!
Laser engravers are far more versatile than I ever would have considered. I used to hear “laser engraver” and I would think “Personalized Cutting Board”. And that was about the extent of it. I didn’t know that a diode laser could cut wood or acrylic. It just wasn’t something that was on my radar.
About 9 months ago now I was contacted by a company called Made The Best who asked if I would review the Ortur Laser Master 2 Pro. I didn’t know anything about lasers. But I was looking for a way to personalize products to sell. This seemed like a good fit. So I agreed.
When I got the Laser Master 2 Pro (LM2P) it was kind of a bear to put together. There were a ton of parts. The videos I watched about how to assemble were just OK. And all in all it took me a little over an hour to put together.
I bumbled my way through set up and threw up a dozen or so errors in Lightburn (the laser software) before I got everything hooked up correctly. Keep in mind most of this was user error, but frustrating nonetheless. At this point I am still unimpressed. I’m exhausted. Things don’t seem like they’re working right. Was this worth it?
And honestly? If I hadn’t committed to making a video about the LM2P I might have back-shelved it right then and there. But, I had made a deal so I trudged on. And once I dialed it in and got my first decent engrave, I was hooked. Possibilities filled my head. So many projects! And to date I’m still jotting things in the margin, “can I laser this?”
So laser engraving and cutting. Check! Then I had Sculpfun reach out and ask if I would review their laser, the 6S Pro. Naturally, I couldn’t help but say yes. That unit was a little easier to put together, but still kind of a pain. A lot of moving parts to be assembled, etc. But, since I had assembled one laser, this one was a little easier to get up and running. Less issues getting the software to find the unit, etc. But I could still see a barrier to entry. You had to be decently mechanically inclined to assemble the machine. And tech savvy enough to get it up and running in Lightburn.
Then I was contacted by xTool to demo their new modular diode laser, the D1. And I almost said no! The only thing that piqued my interest was the laser module was 10 watt instead of 5. And man! I am glad I said yes. The modular design made it much easier to assemble (about 15 minutes), it had it’s own easy to use proprietary software and damn if didn’t look sexy too!
I mean…look at it!
Now we were talking. A machine that you could have up and running in less than an hour? Sold. And that’s when I put out this video.
Since that time I have assembled a reviewed about a half dozen other diode lasers. And I’m still convinced that the xTool D1 is the best entry level diode laser on the market. Other units have failed to evolve, using the same exposed railing systems, etc. The D1 checks all the boxes. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to assemble it. The proprietary software (while simple) gets you engraving almost immediately. And that gets you learning how to dial in your settings that much quicker.
And xTool continues to innovate with their production of the first 20watt diode laser! That thing is a beast. You can watch me demo it here:
Their addition of the Rotary Attachment 2 Pro (RA2P) makes this a worthy machine for all types of rotary engraving.
Coming soon is the xTool enclosure for the D1 and extension rails to enlarge your engraving area.
Not to mention a great support group on Facebook. If you’re having issues getting things set up or working correctly there is a great group of folks over there willing to help!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/xtoold1
I have to say, I’m very impressed with the xTool D1’s capabilities. And further impressed with the continued progress in innovation.
If this blog has convinced you that you need your very own diode laser, check out their website below. At this time they are having a Father’s Day Sale (now through June 20th). Great deals! If the sale has ended at the time you’re reading this blog, no worries…try my promo code: BDBXTOOL for 8% off.
Father’s Day Sale: https://tinyurl.com/2fwtdr5d
Until next time…stay whiskey my friends.
Cheers!