XTool F1 Portable Laser Engraver Review

Many users think a small portable laser engraver cannot mark metal. The XTool F1 proves that wrong, it engraves metal while CO2 lasers cannot. It uses two lasers, a blue diode laser and an infrared laser, plus a galvo laser system for high-speed engraving.

The unit has a built-in enclosure and an emergency stop button for safety, and it handles wood, leather, tumblers, and jewelry customization.

This review draws on the xTool F1 Dual-Laser Engraver review dated February 26, 2024, by Eric Griffith, a senior editor with over 30 years in tech journalism. I test speed, engraving accuracy, material range, xtool creative space and Lightburn software support, and real use cases like craft fairs and metal business cards.

Key Takeaways

xTool F1 packs a 10W blue diode and 2W IR laser with a galvo scanner hitting 4,000 mm/sec over a 115×115 mm engraving area.

It delivers 0.00199 mm motion accuracy, 0.000248 mm repetition accuracy, and photo detail up to 1270 dpi.

It works with xTool Creative Space and LightBurn (LightBurn $150 license), handling over 300 materials including anodized aluminum, wood, acrylic, leather.

Max cuts: 8mm wood, 5mm acrylic; shielded class 1 operation, open class 4, includes emergency stop, and air purifier costs $499.

The unit weighs 10.1 lbs, measures 13.1×7×9.2 inches, sets up under 15 minutes, and the review quotes Eric Griffith on Feb 26, 2024.

Key Features of the xTool F1 Portable Laser Engraver

XTool hobby laser engraver in a workshop setting with accessories and packaging boxes.

The xTool F1 portable laser engraver pairs a diode laser and an infrared laser with a galvanometer for high-speed galvo marking. It includes a built-in enclosure, an emergency stop button, and support for xTool Creative Space and LightBurn software.

Dual-laser setup: Diode and IR lasers

xtool f1 packs a 10-watt blue diode laser and a 2-watt infrared laser. Infrared laser enables effective engraving on metals, so you can make jewelry engraving and metal business cards.

Dual lasers let this portable laser engraver process about 300 material types, including wood engraving, leather engraving, and anodized metal marking.

This setup handles cutting and detailed marking.

Dual galvanometer galvo lasers deliver high-speed engraving and better engraving accuracy than X/Y plotter systems, and you can drive jobs with xtool creative space or Lightburn software.

F1 Lite ships with only the 10W diode laser, so it lacks the IR module. Shielded use makes the unit a class 1 laser; lifting the shield makes it a class 4 laser, increases price and complexity, and adds need for an emergency stop button and a desktop air purifier for safe laser cutting.

Galvanometer (galvo) system for high-speed engraving

After the dual-laser setup, the F1 switches to a galvo scan head for high-speed engraving. The ultra galvo system reaches 4,000 mm/sec and covers a 115 x 115 mm engraving area. It hits motion accuracy of 0.00199 mm and repetition accuracy of 0.000248 mm.

The galvo laser can mark 0.3 mm characters on wood, leather, and metal for precise jewelry engraving and metal business cards.

This galvo boosts engraving speed for bulk jobs and live event customization. Pair the system with xTool Creative Space or LightBurn software for fast laser marking and top engraving accuracy.

Galvo parts remove large motion rails, lower mechanical failure, and shrink the portable laser engraver footprint. Angled cuts may appear away from center of the work area, so align pieces inside the active field for precise cuts.

Built-in enclosure for safety

High-speed galvo scans need tight containment, so the xtool f1 portable laser engraver ships pre-assembled with a fully enclosed cover. The cover blocks smoke and laser leakage and enforces Class 1 laser safety during operation.

A safety shield locks the unit; it will not run unless the shield is down or safety is disabled. A USB-A security key acts as a lockout, and the laser will not operate when the key is removed.

The lid triggers automatic shutdown if opened, and a fire detection system stops engraving on excess heat. A built-in fan vents smoke, and you can add a $499 desktop air purifier that runs at 66 dB for smoke and odor control.

Compact and portable design

After the built-in enclosure, the xTool F1 keeps a compact, mobile profile.

The portable laser engraver measures 13.1 inches high, 7 inches wide, and 9.2 inches deep.

It weighs 10.1 lbs, or 4.6 kg, and fits on a small table or in a mobile booth.

The galvo system and two lasers, blue diode and infrared, pack into the chassis.

No assembly is required; you can start engraving within 15 minutes.

You can power the unit from a power bank or a computer during craft fairs and markets.

Slide extension and rotary tool add functions without increasing the core footprint, and the removable bottom plate fits larger frames and boxes.

It fits a dedicated space in small workshops or mobile setups.

Performance and Versatility

Laser engraver machine with geometric animal design on a black acrylic surface, positioned on a wooden worktable; used for precision engraving and cutting in DIY tech projects.

The xTool F1 uses diode and infrared lasers with a galvo scanner to give high-speed, high-detail engraving on wood, leather, and metal and works with xTool Creative Space or LightBurn—read more.

Engraving on various materials like wood, metal, and leather

XTool F1 portable laser engraver pairs a 10W blue diode laser with a 2W infrared laser.

A galvo laser head provides high-speed engraving and fine detail.

It engraves anodized aluminum, stainless steel, wood, acrylic, leather, and more.

xTool Creative Space (XCS) and LightBurn software handle file prep and laser cutting settings.

XTool supplies recommended settings for metal engraving in the included documentation.

You can cut up to 10mm wood and 6mm non transparent acrylic.

Glass needs a painted coating for laser absorption before engraving.

A rotary attachment lets the F1 mark tumblers, dog tags, and jewelry with high engraving accuracy.

Use infrared laser for engraving metal and blue diode for wood engraving.

It can engrave on over 300 materials for metal business cards, wood blanks, ornaments, and jewelry customization.

High precision for detailed projects, including photos

Moving from wood, metal, and leather, the xtool f1 keeps ultra-fine detail in photos and text. It delivers 0.00199 mm engraving accuracy and supports HD photo printing up to 1270 dpi.

The dual-laser setup, a blue diode laser and an infrared laser, plus the galvanometer system, reproduces 0.3 mm text and fine lines at high speed. Photo engravings finish in about 10 minutes, while intricate artwork takes about 20 minutes.

3D resin printer with green cover, featuring XTool branding, on a wooden workbench alongside colorful stickers and a laptop, showcasing a high-tech crafting environment.

Advanced algorithms in xTool Creative Space (XCS) and LightBurn software raise clarity and produce professional results for jewelry engraving and metal business cards. Users see higher satisfaction as they learn to tweak settings on the portable laser engraver and match engraving speed for creative projects.

Limitations: Deep cutting and transparent materials

After high precision photo work, the xTool F1 shows limits for deep cuts and clear materials.

The portable laser engraver uses a blue diode laser and an IR diode with a galvo system for high-speed engraving. Control runs through xTool Creative Space and LightBurn software. Max cutting depth is 8 mm in wood and 5 mm in acrylic.

Reviewers rarely use the cutting function because a cut can take about 2 minutes per project. It cannot cut transparent acrylic and it leaves only shallow marks on metal, clear plastics, and glass without coating.

The 4.53″ × 4.53″ engraving area blocks larger items unless you remove the bottom plate. Galvo cuts can angle away from center, which lowers depth and accuracy on thicker objects.

Not suitable for users who need extensive laser cutting or deep metal engraving.

Ease of Use and Software Compatibility

The xTool F1 portable laser engraver pairs with xTool Creative Space on a MacBook and opens LightBurn files on an iPad. The UI lets you set blue diode and infrared laser power and tap the emergency stop button when a job must stop.

xTool Creative Space and Lightburn compatibility

XCS is free and user-friendly for the xtool f1 portable laser engraver. xTool Creative Space (XCS) detects the device automatically and loads material presets and project templates.

Wi-Fi lets phones and tablets send jobs and manage projects. Blue outline projection shows a preview for fast alignment. A design store offers designs, and some downloads need credits.

You can import new materials from xTool’s online library. A user forum lets people share and download projects inside the app.

LightBurn software supports the xtool f1 and offers deeper control for galvo laser and blue diode laser tasks. It runs under a 30-day free trial. License costs $150 after the trial for continued use.

Many geeks use LightBurn for engraving metal, leather, and high-detail photos. XCS stays free and fast for quick presets and mobile printing.

User-friendly setup and operation

Setup takes three steps: remove packaging, plug in power and computer, and focus the lens. Manual focus uses two spot lights and a focus knob for fast overlap. A dedicated height knob recalibrates the galvo when material height changes for blue diode and infrared laser jobs.

The xtool f1 portable laser engraver works with xTool Creative Space and Lightburn software, and the learning curve remains modest and easier than competitor tools for most users. Connect via USB-C, USB-A, or Wi-Fi to send jobs from laptop or iPad.

An activation button acts as an emergency stop, and the air purifier is plug-and-play but may need a manual start. The package includes practice materials so you can engrave wood, leather, and metal samples right away.

Ideal Use Cases

Connect the xTool F1 to XCS or LightBurn on a laptop and run batch jobs fast. Carry the unit with the slide extension and use the blue diode laser and galvo to mark metal, wood, or leather on site.

Craft fairs and on-site customization

The xtool f1 hits engraving speeds of 4,000 mm/sec for live custom work.

It weighs 10.1 lbs and measures 13.1″ x 7″ x 9.2″, so you can carry the portable laser engraver to craft fairs.

Run jobs from xTool Creative Space or Lightburn software over Wi-Fi and print receipts at checkout from iPads.

Framing and preview save setup time and improve engraving accuracy on wood, leather, slate, and metal.

Slide extension and the rotary accessory let you engrave bottles and cylindrical items in real time.

The galvo laser pairs with a blue diode laser and an infrared laser for jewelry customization, metal business cards, and laser cutting of acrylic signs.

Use the emergency stop button and built-in enclosure and follow class 1 laser and class 4 laser safety rules at public stalls.

Carry a desktop air purifier priced at $499 to keep air quality safe while you run high-speed engraving and crafting tools at events.

Next, check small businesses and hobbyists for workflow tips and accessory lists.

Small businesses and hobbyists

Geeks running small shops use the xTool F1 portable laser engraver for on-demand work. It pairs a blue diode laser and an infrared laser with a galvo laser system for high-speed engraving.

Hardwood, plywood, plexiglass, leather, bamboo, MDF, and stainless steel handle wood engraving, leather engraving, and engraving metal projects. Engraving accuracy measures 0.00199mm and photo detail reaches 1270 dpi.

A rotary tool accepts items up to 4 inches in diameter for jewelry engraving and metal business cards. Compact size fits small workshops and home studios, and maintenance stays straightforward for frequent business use.

Beginners set up fast with xTool Creative Space and LightBurn software. Owners make custom business cards, ornaments, and branded products quickly at craft fairs and on-site.

Pros and Cons

The xTool F1 pairs a galvo laser with diode and infrared beams for fast, precise engraving on wood, leather, and metal. It works with xTool Creative Space or LightBurn, includes an emergency stop button and slide extension, but it cannot cut as deep as bigger laser cutters.

Pros: Speed, precision, portability, material versatility

xtool f1 hits 4,000 mm/sec with a galvo laser and a dual-laser setup, including a blue diode laser and an infrared laser. It delivers motion accuracy of 0.00199 mm and repetition accuracy of 0.000248 mm, and it prints HD photos at 1270 dpi.

Weighing 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg), the portable unit needs no assembly and sets up in under 15 minutes. You can use xtool creative space or LightBurn software to drive the diode laser for rapid engraving, laser cutting, or jewelry customization.

The F1 can engrave and cut over 300 materials, including wood, metal, acrylic, and leather for metal business cards and wood engraving projects. Slide extension and the rotary accessory add flatbed and curved workpiece support for photo prints and jewelry engraving.

Built-in safety features include a shield, USB-A key, fire detection, enclosure, and an emergency stop button, and the class 1 enclosure makes it safe for public or home use while class 4 mode exists for open operation.

Pair it with a desktop air purifier for smoke control at on-site events or a small shop.

Cons: Limited cutting depth, reliance on external devices

The xtool f1 cuts up to 8 mm for wood engraving and 5 mm in acrylic. Deep cutting runs very slow and engraving metal yields shallow marks, not deep etching for metal business cards or jewelry engraving.

The diode and infrared galvo lasers cannot cut transparent acrylic. Engraving area is 4.53″ × 4.53″ or 4″ × 16″ with the slide extension.

This portable laser engraver needs a computer or smart device and runs via USB or Wi?Fi. XCS and LightBurn handle files, so you cannot run jobs standalone. Accessories raise cost, the desktop air purifier is $499 and a rotary plus slide extension increase total investment.

New users face a steep learning curve for design and layer management in XCS. Safety features include an emergency stop button and class 1 enclosure use, with class 4 risk outside it.

Find the final verdict in the conclusion.

xTool F1 Laser – Does It Make The Cut

xTool F1 proves a fast, portable laser engraver for makers and small shops. It uses 2 lasers, a diode laser and an infrared unit, plus a galvanometer system for high-speed engraving.

You can run xTool Creative Space software or LightBurn software on a laptop for control. The kit includes 1 set of test materials, an emergency stop button, a removable base, and a slide extension to handle ornaments, tumblers, and metal business cards.

Expect slow metal cuts, about 2 minutes for small parts, and use a desktop air purifier for fumes.