XTool F1 Ultra Review: The Portable Laser Engraver You Need?

The xTool F1 Ultra has been taking the laser engraving community by storm, and with good reason. This dual-laser powerhouse boasts the precision of fiber lasers and the flexibility of diode technology. After thoroughly testing this machine for a week, I’m ready to share my detailed impressions.

The F1 Ultra has a good first impression. For a 14.7 kg, it is heavy but not back breaking. The fully enclosed design looks slick and adds a welcome layer of safety. Easily set up and taken down in less than 10 minutes. Great so far.

Honestly though, the results are evident. Or in this case, the engravings. I’ve tested the xTool F1 Ultra on everything from delicate jewelry to chunky wood blocks. Sure it has been tested through and through Well, is it worth all the excitement? Let’s find out.

First Impressions and Setup

The xTool F1 Ultra immediately impresses. At 14.7 kg, it’s heavy but manageable. It arrives ready-to-use, which is great for those who prefer creating to assembling.

Setting up the F1 Ultra is simple. Just attach the exhaust, insert the key, and connect the touchscreen. I was ready to start in under 10 minutes.

The build quality is excellent. The F1 Ultra feels sturdy and well-made, unlike cheaper options. The enclosed design looks great and provides added safety when working with lasers.

The Dual Laser Setup

The major feature of the xTool F1 Ultra is its two-laser system. Your 20W fiber laser and your 20W diode laser in one machine. Nice combo, very unique in the field of desktop lasers that allow for a lot of path’s to be taken.

The 20W fiber laser is perfect for metals. I tested it on stainless steel, aluminum, and even some brass coins I had lying around. The results were impressive – clean, deep engravings that would make any jeweler smile. The fiber laser also excels at creating color changes on certain metals, which is a cool effect if you’re into that sort of thing.

Switching over to the 20W diode laser, I put it through its paces on wood, acrylic, and leather. The power boost compared to the original F1 is noticeable. Engravings were faster and deeper, and I was able to cut through thinner materials with ease.

One of the coolest features is the ability to switch between lasers mid-job. I created a few designs that used both lasers, engraving metal components with the fiber laser and adding wooden accents with the diode. That effortless switch between the two really opens it up for some creativity.

Speed Demon: Is It Really That Fast?

The xTool F1 Ultra is said to be capable of 10,000 mm/s by xTool. Those are some quick figures on paper, but what does that mean in the real world?

My tests exceeded my expectations. A simple engraving on a slate coaster that would have taken a few minutes on my old machine was done in just 42 seconds. More complex designs obviously take longer, but the speed increase is noticeable across the board.

The galvo system, a mirror-based laser beam director, is the key to rapid movement. This system outperforms traditional gantry systems in terms of speed. For small business owners or hobbyists who do a lot of batch processing, this speed boost could be a real game-changer.

Work Area and Precision: Bigger and Better?

The xTool F1 Ultra has a build area of 220 x 220 mm (approximately 8.6 x 8.6 inches). This is double the size of most desktop fiber lasers and a big jump up from the F1 where it all began. This extra space comes in really handy in practice. Being able to engrave many parts in one shot is fantastic for efficiency.

But a bigger work area is only useful if the machine can maintain precision across the whole surface. I decided to put this to the test with a finicky project – engraving a grid pattern across the entire work area. The results? Impressively consistent. Even at the edges, where some machines start to lose accuracy, the F1 Ultra held its own.

The built-in camera system adds another layer of precision. It’s great for aligning projects, especially when you’re working with pre-existing designs or oddly shaped items. That said, I found the framing function, which projects the design outline onto your material, to be even more useful in many cases.

Software and Usability

The xTool F1 Ultra is compatible with both xTool’s Creative Space software and LightBurn. The majority of my time was spent on Creative Space, and it has to say, this is one impressive piece of work. The interface is simple and the brand new project tabs are very convenient when you are working with a lot of designs together.

One key feature is the Library of materials. It is easy to use this software, and it presents you with many pushed settings for various materials, making the process almost entirely guesswork-free. Besides pack-and-go features, you can also filter by laser and import settings directly into your projects. I have wasted many precious hours adjusting settings! so, this was a nice edition.

The auto-focus feature works well for most projects, but I did find myself making manual adjustments for some trickier materials. It’s easy enough to do via the touchscreen, but I do wish there was an option to input focus distance directly in the software.

Rotary Engraving: Cylindrical Success?

I recently acquired the RA2 Pro rotary attachment, and it’s been a revelation for working with cylindrical objects. Easy Setup, I had the tumbler engrave in minutes as a beginner with mugs and even a glass bottle. You NEED it if you have to support cylindrical-shaped items.

The speed of the xTool F1 Ultra is there in rotary engraving. I was able to finish a full wrap design on a stainless steel tumbler within 5 minutes. It was real, that’s for sure– crisp lines and consistent depth all the way around the curve of the cup.

One minor gripe: when working with larger tumblers (like the popular Stanley cups), the F1 Ultra falls just short of achieving a full wrap. It is not a big issue but if you are planning to do major tumbler engraving then you need to account for this.

Material Versatility: Jack of All Trades?

Over the course of a week, I threw everything I could think of at the xTool F1 Ultra. Here’s a quick rundown of how it performed on various materials:

1. Metals: The fiber laser is a champ here. Stainless steel, aluminum, brass – all came out beautifully. I was particularly impressed with the depth I could achieve on harder metals.
2. Wood: The diode laser handled wood like a pro. From intricate designs on thin plywood to deeper engravings on hardwood, the results were consistently good.
3. Acrylic: Clean cuts and crystal-clear engravings. The F1 Ultra had no trouble with different colors and thicknesses of acrylic.
4. Leather: The variable power control allowed for some beautiful etching without burning through the material.
5. Glass: With a bit of tweaking, I got some nice frosted effects on glass. It takes some practice, but the results can be stunning.
6. Slate: Deep, crisp engravings that really pop. The speed at which it can engrave slate is impressive.
7. Plastics: Results varied depending on the type of plastic, but overall, the F1 Ultra handled most plastics well. Just be sure to check if the material is safe to laser first!

One cool feature I discovered was the new “embossment” mode. Using depth map images, you can create relief engravings that add a whole new dimension to your projects. I tried it out on some wooden plaques, and the 3D effect was really striking.

Batch Processing and the Conveyor System

For those looking to ramp up production, the optional conveyor system is worth considering. I set it up for a batch of wooden coasters and was impressed by how smoothly it worked. The camera system recognizes the shape of each item and automatically advances the conveyor.

It wasn’t perfect – I had a few items slip through unengraved on the first pass. But a second run caught these stragglers, and overall, the time saved was significant. For small businesses or Etsy sellers doing large batches, this could be a real time-saver.

Air Assist and Ventilation

The xTool F1 Ultra comes with built-in air assist, which is crucial for getting clean cuts and engravings. I noticed a significant difference in quality, especially when cutting acrylic or engraving wood, compared to machines without this feature.

Filtering always is a problem with lasers engravers, xTool offers an effective air purifier as optional upgrade. I tested it, and it does a great job of sucking in smoke and exhaust. It had a variable speed control and ought to increase the suction of smellier stuff.

To save money, clean your filters with compressed air or a leaf blower. It’s a bit messy, but it’ll help your filters last longer.

Photorealistic Engraving

I wanted to see how the xTool F1 Ultra would handle photorealistic engravings, so I tried it with some AI-generated images. Using black scratch paper and the infrared laser, I was able to create stunning engravings at 300 dpi.

Playing around with different settings, I found you can trade off some quality for speed if you’re in a hurry. But when you really let the F1 Ultra take its time, the level of detail it can achieve is remarkable. I can see this being a hit for custom photo gifts or memorials.

Connectivity and Control

The xTool F1 Ultra offers both USB and Wi-Fi connectivity. I tested both, and I’m happy to report I didn’t experience any dropped connections – a pet peeve of mine with some other Wi-Fi enabled lasers I’ve used.

The mobile app is a handy tool for checking in on running jobs or starting new projects away from your computer. It’s simpler than the desktop version but offers a convenient way to stay connected.

The included foot switch and push button are great quality-of-life additions. Being able to quickly restart a job without fiddling with the touchscreen or software is more useful than you might think, especially when you’re in the flow of a big project.

Safety Features: Keeping It Secure

Safety is paramount when working with lasers, and the xTool F1 Ultra doesn’t skimp here. The fully enclosed design means you’re protected from stray beams during operation. There’s also an emergency stop button prominently placed on the machine – always a reassuring sight.

One thing to note: F1 Ultra supposed to be closed system, but will also run in open That puts it at a Class 4 level, so you’ll still need to wear goggles. These are supplied by xTool, but be sure you have the correct ones of the laser you work – the fiber and diode lasers use different goggles due to their wavelengths.

Capabilities and Performance

In real-world testing, the xTool F1 Ultra demonstrates impressive versatility and power across a range of applications:

Target Audience

The xTool F1 Ultra caters to a diverse range of users, making it a versatile choice for various applications. Its primary target audience includes:

1. Serious Hobbyists: For those who have outgrown entry-level laser engravers and are looking to take their projects to the next level, the xTool F1 Ultra offers professional-grade capabilities in a compact form factor.
2. Professional Crafters: Artists and craftspeople will appreciate the F1 Ultra’s ability to work with a wide range of materials, allowing them to expand their product offerings and explore new creative avenues.
3. Small Business Owners: The machine’s speed, precision & versatility make it an excellent choice for small businesses looking to offer customization services or produce unique products in-house.
4. Jewelry Makers: With its ability to engrave and cut metals, the xTool F1 Ultra is particularly well-suited for creating custom jewelry pieces and personalized accessories.
5. Makers and Inventors: Those who frequently prototype or create custom parts will find the F1 Ultra’s dual laser system invaluable for working with various materials.

The xTool F1 Ultra excels at tasks such as deep engraving on metals, creating intricate wooden designs, personalizing everyday objects, and even cutting thin metal sheets. Its versatility makes it an attractive option for those looking to expand their creative capabilities or streamline their production processes.

Community and Support

xTool boasts a vibrant user community of over 20,000 members, providing a platform for sharing ideas, troubleshooting, and showcasing projects. The company also offers customer support and resources to help users get the most out of their machines.

Pricing and Purchasing Options

As of the time of writing, xTool offers several purchasing options for the xTool F1 Ultra:

1. Standalone Machine: Starting at $3,999 (regular price $4,799.99)
2. F1 Ultra + Conveyor: $4,399 (regular price $5,399.98)
3. F1 Ultra Deluxe Bundle: $5,199 (regular price $6,695.80), including the conveyor, RA2 Pro rotary attachment, and smoke purifier

xTool also offers a trade-in program where users can save $200 on the xTool F1 Ultra by trading in an old laser machine or vinyl cutter. Financing options are available starting at $194/month with 0% APR through Affirm.

Comparison with xTool F1

The xTool F1 Ultra represents a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the xTool F1. Key improvements include:

1. Increased Power: The jump from a 2W fiber laser to a 20W fiber laser allows for deeper engraving and even thin metal cutting, greatly expanding the range of possible projects.
2. Larger Working Area: The F1 Ultra’s 220mm x 220mm workspace is a substantial increase from the F1’s 110mm x 110mm area.
3. Improved Speed: With a maximum speed of 10,000mm/s, the xTool F1 Ultra is significantly faster than the F1’s 4,000mm/s.
4. Enhanced Camera System: The xTool F1 Ultra introduces an intelligent camera system for easier project setup and positioning, a feature not present in the original F1.

comparison chart xTool F1 Ultra vs xTool F1

Feature	xTool F1 Ultra	xTool F1
Exclusive Tech	Auto Streamline Production 3D Curve Engraving Pixel Algorithm for HD Photo Printing	Pixel Algorithm
Working Area	220220mm (8.6 inches8.6 inches) 220500mm (with conveyor) (8.6 inches19.6 inches)	110*110mm
Laser Power and Source	20W Fiber Laser + 20W Diode Laser	2W Infrared Laser + 10W Diode Laser
Focus Adjustment	Auto Focus with Camera Manual Focus (Two dots Alignment)	Manual Focus (Two dots Alignment)
Max. Working Speed	10000mm/s	4000mm/s
Laser Spot Size	0.080.1mm (20W Diode Laser) 0.030.03mm (20W Fiber Laser)	0.080.06mm (10W Diode Laser) 0.030.03mm (2W Infrared Laser)
Preview	Camera Preview High-speed Light Live Preview	High-speed Light Live Preview
Preview Speed	Rect: 24000mm/s Outline: 16000mm/s	Rect: 12000mm/s Outline: 8000mm/s
Software	xTool Creative Space / Lightburn	xTool Creative Space / Lightburn
Pre-assembled	Yes	Yes
Built-in Camera	Yes	No
Product Size	273373492mm, 14.7kg	179235334mm, 4.6kg
Connection	WiFi & USB	WiFi & USB
Support File	SVG / DXF / JPG / JPEG / PNG / BMP, etc.	SVG / DXF / JPG / JPEG / PNG / BMP, etc.
Support Systems	Android / iOS / iPad / Windows / macOS	Android / iOS / iPad / Windows / macOS
Input	24V 5A	24V 5A

Final Thoughts

After a week of non-stop engraving, cutting, and probably annoying my neighbors with the constant hum of lasers, I’ve got to say: the xTool F1 Ultra is impressive. It’s not perfect, mind you, but it’s pushing the envelope of what we can expect from a desktop laser engraver.

The dual laser setup is the real star of the show here. Switching between the 20W fiber laser for metals and the 20W diode for everything else is seamless, and it opens up a world of creative possibilities. The speed is no joke either – this thing can zip through engravings faster than I can come up with new project ideas (and trust me, that’s saying something).

But it’s not all sunshine and perfectly etched roses. The lack of manual focus control in the software is a head-scratcher, and while the camera system is neat, I found myself relying more on the good old framing function for precise alignments. These aren’t deal-breakers, but they’re definitely on my “room for improvement” list.

With the F1 Ultra priced at $3,899, this ultra course is not exactly pocket change. But when you consider you’re essentially getting two high-powered lasers in one compact package, the math starts to make sense. For small business owners or serious hobbyists, the versatility and speed could justify the investment.

Is it perfect for everyone? Nah. If you are new to laser engraving or do a lot of thick material cutting, then this is not the machine for you. However, if you are among those people who need to get the best of both worlds and still have a premium on speed and precision as well, the Xtool F1 Ultra should be at the top of your list.

The F1 Ultra offers a tantalizing preview of desktop laser engraving’s future. While not perfect, it’s a major leap ahead in terms of flexibility and power. With ongoing software improvements, xTool’s machine could soon become an indispensable tool.

A word of caution: Once you start engraving with the xTool F1 Ultra, you may find yourself seeing every surface in your home as a blank canvas.

FAQs

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