Home Creators Posts Import Register Favorites Logout
haven't archived this post yet. have a subscription? use the importer!

Content

Ok, I've tried to answer as many as possible of the common questions you've raised here to help you get to the right laser for your own hobbies and interests!

This is a bit a refresh of my video from last year given all the new lasers that xTool have released since then - it's pretty dizzying keeping up with them all!

Hopefully this'll help demystify some of these devices!

Files

Previews only

xTool Laser Buying Guide — Find The Right Machine For You

If you're thinking about buying an xTool laser, let me walk you through every model so you can confidently choose the right one for your needs. I compare the S1, M1 Ultra, P3, F2, F2 Ultra and F2 Ultra UV, explain the differences between diode, IR, CO₂ and UV wavelengths and break down exactly which materials each machine can cut or engrave. Whether you're a crafter, a small business or a hobbyist upgrading your workshop, this guide helps you understand what each laser is really designed for before you buy. If you're interested in any of these devices, then check out xTool's Christmas Wrap-up Sale starts 8th Dec and runs through to 26th Dec! Lots of discounts - up to $2758! This is their final deal period of 2025. **As several of you have asked about seeing these lasers in real life - if you’re heading to CES 2026 in Las Vegas (January 6th–9th), MAKE SURE you check out the xTool booth. It's their largest booth ever at over 400㎡—with a full display of all their products! So if you're interested in seeing their machines in person and getting some hands-on experience, this is well worth a nosey. Don't miss it!** ⏱️ HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Intro 00:49 - Choice #1: Brand 02:47 - Choice #2: Form Factor 07:03 - Choice #3: Laser Type 09:29 - Matching the machine to you ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📦 PRODUCTS MENTIONED AND USED (AFFILIATE LINKS ❤️) Grab the gadgets and help support the channel at the same time! Visit xTool's site for your country to find your ideal machine! * UK: https://uk.xtool.com/?ref=HandsonKatie&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=goaffpro&utm_term=5306 * US: https://uk.xtool.com/?ref=HandsonKatie&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=goaffpro&utm_term=5306 * AU:https://au.xtool.com/?ref=HandsonKatie&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=goaffpro&utm_term=5306 * FR: https://fr.xtool.com/?ref=HandsonKatie&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=goaffpro&utm_term=5306 * EU: https://www.xtool.eu/?ref=HandsonKatie&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=goaffpro&utm_term=5306 * JP: https://jp.xtool.com/?ref=HandsonKatie&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=goaffpro&utm_term=5306 * DE: https://de.xtool.com/?ref=HandsonKatie&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=goaffpro&utm_term=5306 * CA:https://ca.xtool.com/?ref=HandsonKatie&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=goaffpro&utm_term=5306 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🔨OTHER FAVOURITE PRODUCTS & 🎁 GIFT IDEAS: * See my latest recommendations at: https://handsonkatie.com/recommended-products/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎬 OTHER VIDEOS YOU MIGHT LIKE: * https://youtu.be/_Oiv13piP6U * https://youtu.be/HUII4zLK7wA * https://youtu.be/YQTTxi5bwuY -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🔗 STAY CONNECTED: ••• Follow me on your favourite Social Media! ••• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handsonk80/ YouTube (SUBSCRIBE!): https://www.youtube.com/@handsonkatie/ My website: https://handsonkatie.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 👍 SUPPORT MY CHANNEL: Your support fuels the madness and keeps the projects coming! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HandsonKatie/membership YouTube Membership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLqQ5m7AXj_oyUvLZPsts0Q/join -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🔔 STAY UPDATED: Hit the bell icon to get notified about my latest videos and join me on my maker's journey! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Comments

David Stone

All ready have the F2 Ultra on order - it’s been a busy few weeks with also a Bambu Labs H2D arriving to start the creative journey - although still waiting for the Eufymake E1 running late from Kickstarter - huge learning curve - no grids yet

Hands on Katie

Wow, that's an amazing set up you're going to have!! I was thinking about this a few weeks ago - whether to do a video at some point on the 'dream maker setup' for each price point. I have to say with those three, you can tackle pretty much anything! You're going to love all of them!

Bazza McSpleen

Ahhhhh! Stop making me want a laser! 🤣

JAMIE LEIGH SCOTT

Hi Katie. Thanks so much for this video. Wish I had watched it a few weeks ago lol before I made my purchases. 🤪. I just received my P3. And xtool laser welder is on the way shortly. I have been loving the P3 so far for my woodworking projects. But, I am also a sewist and fabric project lover. I’ve been trying to use the P3 to engrave on denim and cotton jersey for embroidery etc. But, I am having mixed results. Seems to make fabric very weak and it usually rips on the first wash. I am considering the F2 ultra as a different option for fabric design. Any thoughts? Have you used your lasers for fabric projects very much? Any helpful hints or tips would be much appreciated. Thanks as always for all your inspiration.

Paul Holstein

The problem is that I want it all. I'm afraid I'd buy one laser and find out that it doesn't do what I want it to do. What do you get when you don't know what you will use it for? With inexpensive tools, it's feasible to purchase them and keep them handy in case you need them. However, with an expensive laser, that's not something you want to buy on a whim just to keep handy.

Hands on Katie

Oh I know, Paul!! Although if in doubt, the UV is the broadest range by some distance. If I had to pick two, it'd be the P3 and the F2 Ultra UV! As you say, these sorts of tools aren't a whim purchase!

Hands on Katie

Hey Jamie! Oh I know, there's never a perfect time! 😂😂. The P3 will be amazing for woodworking (and things like clear acrylic). It's also really good with synthetic fabrics if you're sewing - because it melts through as it cuts, you get these perfect cuts and the edges get a microscopic melted edge, so no fraying at all! As you've experienced, it's less effective at organic fabrics (although it can be done). The UV laser is astounding at etching fabrics (moreorless everything!) so etched denim looks amazing instantly - I haven't tried cutting cotton yet with it, I'll need to give that a shot. It 'might' struggle to cut cleanly given it's chemical reaction, but I'll test!

Hands on Katie

Bazza, everyone wants a laser.... they're awesome. I mean, even the name, laser. It's just cool. 😎 😂

TB

Awesome video - really breaks it down well- just getting into this and gave a lot to think about and get the right one

Rick Sotomayor

Great video easy to follow and lovely as always. Still haven’t bought one it’s on my list this year. In the mean time I’ll keep learning g from you