I got a new craft toy! The xTool M2!
Today I'm sharing my initial thoughts on the M2. I'll go over the features.
Coming soon I'll share a some tutorials for my first projects using the M2.
I received the xTool M2 in exchange for a review post. All opinions are mine.
XTOOL M1 REVIEW & PRODUCT FEATURES
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SETTING UP THE XTOOL M2
I will say that this machine was even easier than my xTool S1 to set up.
All I had to do was take it out of the box, take off the plastic, remove the supplies from the interior and plug it in to a power source and connect it to a computer with the supplied cords.
There is a calibration to do to begin, but it's very simple.
FEATURES OF XTOOL M2
The xTool M2 is a combination printer and laser cutter/engraver.There are three options when purchasing.
- The Standalone - this is just the laser cutter/engraver.
- The Color Print & Cut Bundle - this includes the laser module as well as the inkjet printer module.
- The Deluxe Bundle - this includes the laser & inkjet modules as well as the RA3Lite which allows engraving on cylinders & spheres.
If you are on the fence about what option you need. I would think seriously about at least getting the print and cut bundle. It includes the printing module for a cheaper price than buying it separately.
If you plant to engrave water bottles or tumblers then the Deluxe bundle is for you.
Features of the M2
Below are many of the features of the M2 at a glance.
Dual Camera System
Two cameras give a real-time preview and accurate positioning. It is so easy to print or cut exactly where you want to.XTool Studio
A user-friendly software that does not require design experience.
I am not a graphic designer. I have no experience.
But I can find files to use on x-tools database, or purchase them from other designers and upload them into XTool Studio.
It's easy to do with professional results.
Built In Air-Assist Pump
Air-assist is crucial for professional cuts with a laser.
Without air assist, there are usually scorching marks around the cuts. I love that this machine has it built right in.
Print then Cut with one Machine
The main draw of this machine for me is the print then cut feature.
In the past, with other models of cutting machines, I have tried to print (from my printer) and then use the cutting machine to cut the designs out. I could never figure out how to get it to work, no matter what tutorials or specialty files I tried.
The M2 makes it so easy!
AND you can print on much more than just paper! Wood, stickers, temporary tattoos, fabric, leather, and more.
(Note: The ink is water-based. So any item that will be washed is not recommended to be printed on.)
Other xTool products:
WHAT MATERIALS CAN THE XTOOL M2 CUT?
Below is a list of the materials you can cut and engrave with the M2:- Wood
- Leather
- Acrylic*
- Paper
- Rubber
- Silicone
- Fabric
* Due to the blue wavelength the laser utilizes, you cannot cut clear or blue acrylic. Other colors work fine.
Note: I have heard that if you purchase acrylic that has the brown backing on it, then the laser will cut it. I have not tried this yet.
Check out xTools material settings page for the details on what settings to use for the different materials.
Tip: For inexpensive wood to cut or engrave check out your local dollar store. I found large 10" snowflakes, stars and circles that I could use. You can engrave on the shape as it is, or you can cut out completely different items from it.
WHAT I'M MAKING WITH THE M2
The two features that I'm trying on the M2 is cutting fabric and the print then cut feature.See how I used the M2 to cut out fabric and paper for English Paper Piecing.
I try out the print and cut feature, making stickers and wooden Christmas tags.
In the future, I also would like to try cutting fabric with iron-on adhesive on it for easy applique.
So what are the cons of this machine?
So far, I've only noticed one major con. The laser tends to get hot and takes time to cool down before it will let me continue.
This happened on my very first practice cut. I used the piece of wood provided to cut out a pretty intricate coaster. (This was one of the three "learn how to use your machine" projects that xTool provides.) It was nearly finished, when the program stopped to allow the laser to cool.
Since then, when cutting paper, there have been no problems.
But cutting fabric, I would have to wait between cuts for the laser to cool.
This is a major irritation if you plan to cut often for long periods of time.
For the weekend crafter, it may be just a minor annoyance.
It is good that the machine automatically detects that the laser is too hot and will not proceed until safe to do so. It seems that they could design the laser to either tolerate higher heat, or to cool itself in some way as it's working to avoid downtime.
(I have never had this problem with my S1 and I've run that thing for hours on end, so it was surprising to me that using the machine for such a short time would result in the laser being too hot to continue.)
MORE LASER CUTTING AND ENGRAVING PROJECTS
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