Getting Started With The xTool M1 Laser & Blade Cutting Machine

When xTool reached out to me about trying out their M1 Laser & Blade Cutting Machine, I was excited to give it a go. I’m happy to report that I’ve had some great results with this versatile machine. It features a powerful laser and blade combination that can easily slice through even the most rigid materials with precision and accuracy. And, because it’s easy to use and requires minimal setup time and maintenance, it’s perfect for novices and experienced professionals.

I’m just at the beginning of my M1 journey, but so far, I’m impressed, and I can’t wait to start making free files for you. It’s incredibly user-friendly, and the safety features give me peace of mind that I work in a secure environment.

This article will cover all of the research I did before deciding to use the xTool M1 Laser & Blade Cutting Machine, so you can make an informed decision if you’re looking for a reliable cutting tool. Hope you find it helpful if you’re unsure about buying this machine!

Overview of the xTool M1 Laser & Blade Cutting Machine

The xTool M1 is a revolutionary hybrid laser and blade-cutting machine, the world’s first desktop hybrid laser to unite all three techniques – Laser Engraving, Cutting & Blade Cutting – into one powerful unit. Now you can work with an unprecedented range of materials more efficiently than ever!

The xTool M1 Laser & Blade Cutting Machine can handle a wide range of cutting tasks. It’s equipped with a large laser and blade combination, making it capable of slicing through a wide variety of materials – wood, acrylic, bamboo, fabric, vinyl, leather, and so much more.

It also features a simple design and user interface that make it easy to use, even for novice users. The machine is designed with safety in mind, offering a range of safety features to ensure safe operation at all times. I’ll go into more detail about the safety features later in this article.

What’s in the box?

The xTool M1 Laser & Blade Cutting Machine‘s basic package has everything you need to start. There are different packages depending on your needs, but the basic package includes the following:

• xTool M1 Laser & Blade Cutting Machine
• Exhaust Pipe Kit
• Replacement cutting blades (5)
• Light Grip Cutting Mat & Strong Grip Cutting Mat
• Basic materials sampler
• Triangular Prism Risers

Watch my quick unboxing video below to see what exactly comes in the xTool M1 – 10W Deluxe (RA2 Pro + Smoke Purifier) package. I’ll have a more detailed (and slower!) video on YouTube later this week. 

Benefits of using the xTool M1 for cutting operations

If you’ve read this blog any time, you know I’m a devout Cricut fan. Because of this, I’m mostly excited about the laser function on the M1. However, it wouldn’t be fair to my amazing readers if I didn’t also review the cutting part.

If you’re tight on craft space, having two machines that do two different things can be a big hassle. The M1 is the perfect solution. With just one device, you get both laser and blade cutter capabilities, saving time and money in setting up multiple tools and reducing clutter in your workspace.

Another factor that plays into the usefulness of the M1 is if you’ve got projects in which you want to incorporate multiple cut materials. For example, if you’re making a wood sign with vinyl lettering, the M1 can cut both the wood and the vinyl, eliminating the need for multiple machines.

If craft space isn’t an issue, the M1 will be a perfect addition to any Cricut machine. Using the laser cutting function, you can easily create intricate designs or cut out detailed lines that would be difficult to do with a blade. Then, utilize your favorite Cricut machine to add the final finishing touches.

Safety features included

• Class I (FDA Certified) Safety Rating – Compared to Class II and III devices, these gadgets present minimal risk of harm for users and are often much simpler in their design.
• Ventilation System – Built-in fan with an exhaust pipe. It can be upgraded to a powerful Smoke Purifier (more on that below).
• Protective Lid – Has a blue light-filtering lid to protect eyes while in use.

xTool was kind enough to send one of their xTool Smoke Purifiers to try out, and I’m happy to report that this filter works like a charm! It was incredibly easy to install, and the three-layer filtration system ensured that 99.97% of the dust and toxic fumes were filtered out. The other option would have been to run the exhaust pipe out the window when in use which works if you’ve got a window available. If not, the xTool Smoke Purifier is a must!

Quick setup process

Before setting up the machine, let’s discuss the dimensions necessary to store the M1. The xTool M1 is 22″ W x 18″ D and 9″ H (557x453x230mm) in size. Yet, to account for the exhaust hose at the back side of this machine, you’ll need approximately an extra couple inches in depth – up to 24″.

Additionally, accounting for the hinging door on the top will require a total height of 24″. At the same time, more vertical space would be necessary if you incorporate the rotary tool or riser base into your operation. This laser cutter offers sizable cutting and engraving capabilities despite its relatively small 15″ by 12″ working area – making it one serious desktop powerhouse!

To begin setting up the xTool M1, scan the QR code on the welcome letter to be taken to the Quick Start Guide. You can also click on this link to go directly there as well.

You can download the xTool Creative Space software from your laptop or computer. At the time of writing, there is no option for iOS or Android tablets or phones, but I’m sure that’s coming down the line, and I will update this article when it’s available.

I recommend watching the Unboxing and First Use video found in the Quick Start Guide. It’s an excellent overview of what comes in the box and how easy it is to set up. I prefer to link to my machine with the wi-fi, but you can also connect via the USB cable included with the purchase.

Finally, if you have any questions or need more help with the xTool M1 Laser & Blade Cutting Machine, their customer service team is available via their website to answer all your questions!

First projects to get started with the xTool M1

After downloading the software and going through the setup process, it’s time to start using the xTool M1!

One of the best ways to get acquainted with this machine is by doing a few simple projects. These easy projects will allow you to familiarize yourself with the controls and settings before taking on more intricate designs.

The software suggested I start making an easy coaster, so I uploaded a logo file for the nonprofit grocery store I’m opening up in El Paso and pulled out the granite coaster that came as part of the Premium Materials Package.

All I had to do was use the preset materials setting, and a few minutes later, my customized granite coaster was ready! The high-resolution camera included in the M1 made placement super easy and precise. The smart camera is essential to batch processing as well.

From there, I moved on to engraving the store’s logo into a bamboo journal cover. I had to adjust the setting to “User Defined,” but this project also worked like a charm. I love it when a craft machine works like it’s supposed to!

In all honestly, all of my initial projects weren’t 100% successful. I had some issues with the setting for the metal business card holder, but it’s mostly a user error. With a few more tries, I’ll get the hang of this machine and be able to tackle even more complex projects.

Where to buy xTool M1 Laser & Blade Cutting Machine

You can purchase the xTool M1 directly from their online store or through Amazon. You can choose from different packages – depending on what kind of materials you want to use.

Remember that the basic package comes with the following:

• xTool M1 Laser & Blade Cutting Machine
• Exhaust Pipe Kit
• Replacement cutting blades (5)
• Light Grip Cutting Mat & Strong Grip Cutting Mat
• Basic materials sampler
• Triangular Prism Risers

The standard package includes a few essential tools and supplies, while the premium package features advanced accessories such as a rotary tool, riser base, and more. Here’s the breakdown of each box and the cost:

• xTool M1 5W Basic (all items listed above) – $899.00
• xTool M1 10W Basic (all items listed above) – $999.00
• xTool M1 10W Deluxe (all items included in Basic PLUS Premium Materials Package, Rotary Attachment 2, Rotary Attachment 2 Pro, Raisers, Additional Cutting Mats) – $1299.00
• xTool M1 10W Deluxe + Air Purifier (All items included in Deluxe PLUS Air Purifiers) – $1899

Conclusion

With the xTool M1 Laser & Blade Cutting Machine, you can easily create projects from metal business cards to engraved wood plaques. It’s easy to use and has many safety features to ensure safe operation for novice users and experienced professionals. Plus, it offers quick setup times and low maintenance costs, making it an ideal choice for any business looking for reliable performance in their cutting operations.

I look forward to creating fun, free files that you can use with your xTool M1 Laser & Blade Cutting Machine in the future. Leave me a comment if you have any suggestions of what files you’d like me to create. Hope this article helped you learn more about this exciting machine!