Xtool Creative Studio

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Otilia Mojarro

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Aug 3, 2024, 10:08:54 AM8/3/24

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A laser cutter is a device that creates patterns, shapes and designs in materials such as wood, glass, paper, metal and plastic, by cutting into them with a high-power laser. The precision of a laser makes for a clean cut and smooth finish. Laser cutting has been used for many decades in large-scale manufacturing, but more recently laser cutters have become more affordable and are increasingly used by hobbyists, schools and small businesses.

The same laser in the device can be used to engrave imagery onto various materials such as card, wood, leather, various metals, some acrylics, glass and sometimes stone and concrete. The more powerful the laser, the thicker the material it can cut. If you only want to engrave, a less powerful and therefore cheaper laser might fit the bill.

There are three main types of laser cutter. CO2 laser cutters use electrically-stimulated CO2, and are typically used for cutting, boring and engraving. This is the most common laser cutter to be used by hobbyists and makers. Crystal laser cutters use nd:YVO and nd:YAG, and are high powered, so they can cut through thicker materials. Fibre Laser Cutters use fibreglass and can work with both metal and non-metal materials.

Not so much any more. The new Glowforge Aura is regularly below $1,000 on the Glowforge website; while the rival, xTool M1 is also often around $999. Both are excellent machines, aimed at home crafters.

One thing of note too, is xTool has a new machine trade-in system so you can replace your old xTool laser cutter and engraver and upgrade to a new one for up to $500 / 500 less. You needn't send back your old diode laser machine either, just proof of ownership.

There are certain materials that you should never cut with a laser cutter. These include PVC vinyl, pleather or faux leather, and ABS polymer, which is commonly used in 3D pens and 3D printers and can emit chlorine gas when cut. Never cut laser-cut polystyrene foam, polypropylene foam or HDPE (a plastic used to make milk bottles), as these will all catch fire. There are many other materials that should not be laser-cut, so always read the instructions carefully. You might also want to see our pick of the best vinyl cutter machines.

A laser cutter or engraver is a great addition to any creative studio. It will give you the ability to create unique objects for clients, prototype your ideas in a physical format, make interesting promotional or marketing materials, or cut bespoke items to integrate with your crafting projects.

The xTool P2 offers a powerful laser and fully encased metal frame. We found it to be accurate and reliable, and it can be upgraded to include an auto feeder passthrough and base riser.
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We found the Glowforge Pro to be a well-made, easy to use and powerful laser cutter. We love the macro camera and autofocus, which make this one of the best for a small business.
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The Glowforge Aura is a small encased engraver and cutter aimed at home use. It's powerful enough for crafting, and it features autofocus, live preview and works with Glowforge's superb design app.
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This unique option provides a laser and blade cutter in one box, which means it can work like a Cricut Maker and then engrave. It's easy to use and can handle most craft tasks.
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With a similar dual-laser setup as the xTool F1, this has a larger workspace and is designed as a handheld tool as much as a desktop device. It provides excellent results, but LaserPecker's software isn't as good as xTools.
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Ian Dean is Editor, Digital Arts & 3D at Creative Bloq, and the former editor of many leading magazines. These titles included ImagineFX, 3D World and video game titles Play and Official PlayStation Magazine. Ian launched Xbox magazine X360 and edited PlayStation World. For Creative Bloq, Ian combines his experiences to bring the latest news on digital art, VFX and video games and tech, and in his spare time he doodles in Procreate, ArtRage, and Rebelle while finding time to play Xbox and PS5.