I'm a production manager at a small custom engraving shop that cranks out 200+ rush orders a year. In my role coordinating quick-turnaround projects for event clients and product launchers, I've used the xTool S1 for everything from last-minute nameplates to prototype acrylic parts. And I'll say it straight: the xTool S1 is not the best laser engraver for everyone. That's not a flaw—it's a feature. Because the best tool depends on what you're actually doing, and pretending otherwise helps nobody.
Why Most Reviews Miss the Point
If you've watched any xTool S1 reviews, you've heard the usual praise: multi-material, modular, portable. All true. But what they don't tell you is where the S1 should not be your first choice. I learned this the hard way in March 2024, when a client needed 100 engraved metal tags for a trade show—36 hours before doors opened. The S1 handled the batch beautifully, but only because each tag required marking, not deep engraving. Had they wanted cut-out metal badges? I'd have had to turn them down.
That's my starting point: I can only speak to small-batch, quick-turnaround work. My experience is based on about 200 orders where speed mattered more than volume. If you're running a high-volume production line, the calculus changes—and I'll tell you exactly where.
Argument #1: Batch Engraving—Good for Small Sets, Not Mass Production
The xTool S1 can batch engrave—yes, the software supports array layouts and the rotary attachment lets you do cylinders. But here's the honest limit: it's a diode laser, not a CO₂ or fiber system. Engraving metal requires a special marking solution (like CerMark or LaserBond), and even then, the speed is moderate. In a recent batch of 50 stainless steel labels, each 2×3 inches, the S1 took about 4 minutes per label. That's fine for 50. For 500? You'd want a fiber or CO₂ system.
“What most people don’t realize is that 'batch' in a desktop diode laser often means 10–50 pieces, not hundreds. The work area (430 × 430 mm with the 20W module) limits how many you can fit per session.”
Argument #2: Can It Cut Acrylic? Yes—But With Caveats
One of the most-searched questions: “Can the xTool S1 cut acrylic?” The answer is yes—but not all acrylic. Clear acrylic (cast) cuts beautifully with a diode laser; extruded acrylic tends to craze and leave frosty edges. I've cut up to 8 mm clear cast acrylic consistently (the manual says 10 mm, but I've found 8 mm is the sweet spot for clean edges without rework). For thicker material—or colored acrylic that's often extruded—a CO₂ laser is still better. So if your main business is 6 mm+ colored acrylic signs, the S1 will frustrate you.
Here's something vendors won't tell you: air assist (which is essential for clean cuts) adds cost and noise. The S1's included air pump works, but after 50 hours I upgraded to a quieter, higher-flow compressor. That's another $80. Again, not a dealbreaker—but be prepared.
Argument #3: Engraving Metal—It Works, but Only for Marking
“How to engrave metal” is a top keyword. The S1 can indeed mark metal—if you apply a marking spray or use the 40W laser module with infrared (IR) diode. The 20W module scratches the surface on anodized aluminum nicely, but for bare stainless steel or brass, you need that added compound. I've done hundreds of metal tags, but they're surface marks, not deep cuts. For deep engraving (like stamping tools or molds), you want a fiber laser. Period.
The numbers said go with the S1 for its multi-material flexibility. My gut said I'd need a fiber later for metal clients. Two years in, I've kept the S1 for 80% of jobs and subcontracted the deep-metal work. That's the honest trade-off.
Anticipating the Obvious Pushback
I can almost hear someone saying: “So you're saying the xTool S1 is limited? Why recommend it at all?” Fair question. Because for the right buyer, those limits are invisible.
- If you're a maker creating small-batch merch, custom gifts, or prototypes—the S1 is ideal.
- If you're a small business needing portable setup for events or on-site engraving—the S1 is a game-changer.
- If you're looking to learn laser cutting without a massive investment—the S1's modular upgrades let you start at 10W and grow to 40W later.
The opposite side is also true: if you're cutting thick wood daily, producing hundreds of identical parts, or engraving metals at depth, the S1 won't meet your ROI. And that's okay. No single tool does everything.
Final Take: Honesty Builds Trust
I've seen too many reviews pretend every machine is perfect. In my experience—with 200+ orders, including those nail-biting 36-hour turnarounds—the xTool S1 excels within its lane. Outside that lane, it's a different story. My recommendation: buy it if your work fits its sweet spot (small batches, diverse materials, moderate thickness). Otherwise, rent one first or look at CO₂/fiber options. That's not weakness—that's knowing your limits, which is the most practical skill I've learned in this business.
As of January 2025, the xTool S1 pricing remains around $1,200–$2,000 depending on the bundle. Verify current prices at the official store—they change with promotions. And remember: FTC guidelines remind us that all product claims should be substantiated (ftc.gov/advertising-marketing). I've done my best to keep it real.
