If you're staring at the xTool S1 product page wondering whether the 10W module is enough for engraving metal or making earrings, here's the short answer: for bare metal engraving, start with at least 20W — and if you're planning any deep engraving or production work, go straight to 40W. The 10W module is fine for painted metals, anodized aluminum, and non‑metal materials, but it won't touch raw stainless steel or brass.
I'm saying this after two years of coordinating rush orders for a small laser‑engraving business. Last March, a client called me at 10 a.m. on a Thursday — they needed 150 custom metal earrings for a Saturday evening event. Their original order with another shop had fallen through. Normal turnaround was 5 business days. We had 36 hours. We used the xTool S1 with a 20W module and the rotary bundle, and we delivered at 6 a.m. Saturday. That experience taught me more than any spec sheet. And it's why I want to save you the same trial‑and‑error I went through.
Why I Don't Recommend the 10W Module for Metal (Unless…)
When I first started with the xTool S1, I assumed a 10W diode laser could handle any metal engraving — after all, it says "engraves metal" on the box, right? Eight wasted hours and a batch of ruined stainless steel coasters later, I learned the hard way: diode lasers can engrave metal, but only if the metal has a coating or anodized layer. For raw, bare metal, you need enough power to ablate the surface — and 10W just doesn't cut it.
Based on our internal data from over 200 rush jobs (I keep a spreadsheet), here's what actually happens with each module:
- 10W module — best for painted/coated metals, wood, acrylic, leather, and glass. It'll mark anodized aluminum, but the contrast is light. For earrings, if you're using pre‑coated metal sheets, it works — just don't expect deep engraving.
- 20W module — the sweet spot for most metal jewelry and small parts. It can engrave bare stainless steel, brass, and copper with good contrast. I've done hundreds of stainless steel dog tags and earrings with this module. Depth is limited (maybe 0.1–0.2mm per pass), but for decorative work, that's plenty.
- 40W module — overkill for earrings, but a lifesaver when you need deep engraving or cutting thin metals (like 0.5mm brass sheet). We upgraded to 40W after losing a $15,000 contract because the 20W couldn't cut through 1mm stainless steel blanks.
So if your primary question is "what power laser to engrave metal" for earrings and other small items, the 20W is the most cost‑effective choice. But if you ever plan to do metal cutting or heavy industrial marking, the 40W saves you from a future upgrade headache. (And yes, the xTool S1's modular design lets you swap modules later — I've done it mid‑job on a rush order when a client suddenly demanded deeper engraving.)
The Rotary Tool Changes Everything for Earrings
Let's talk about the xTool S1 rotary bundle, because it's not an optional accessory — it's practically mandatory if you're making earrings at any scale. The first time I tried engraving cylindrical metal earring posts (those little studs), I did it manually. Positioning was a nightmare, and 3 out of 20 pieces were misaligned. With the rotary tool, the job takes one‑third the time and yield jumps to near 100%.
One thing I wish someone had told me: the rotary bundle isn't just for cylindrical objects. For flat earring blanks, it can provide a consistent rotation feed that improves edge quality. We use it for batch earring production even with flat pieces, just for the repeatability.
Real‑World Case: The 36‑Hour Earring Rush
Going back to that Thursday morning call — the client needed 150 earrings (75 pairs) with a detailed filigree design on brushed stainless steel. Each earring was about 1.5" x 0.5". The design required deep enough engraving that the brush finish would show contrast. With the 20W module at 90% power, 0.08mm per pass, and three passes per earring, we could do about 12 earrings per hour. That's roughly 13 hours of print time — feasible within 36 hours if we ran the machine overnight. But without the rotary tool? Each piece would have needed manual positioning and re‑alignment, adding at least 10 seconds per earring — that's an extra 25 minutes of labor on a tight timeline. The rotary bundle automated the entire process, and we finished with 8 hours to spare.
Where the 10W Module Still Shines
Don't write off the 10W entirely. If you're making earrings from materials like acrylic, wood veneer, or leather — which cover a huge portion of the Etsy earring market — the 10W is more than sufficient. I've used it to cut 3mm acrylic earring shapes (two passes) and engrave intricate patterns on 2mm birch plywood. The 10W module is also lighter, which means faster acceleration on the gantry — that actually reduces job time for small, detailed cuts.
But if you search for "laser cutter earrings" and find yourself drawn to metal designs, the 10W will disappoint. That's the boundary condition: the 10W module is perfect for non‑metal crafts, but lacks the thermal energy for bare metal work. Your mileage may vary if you're only doing coated metals — but in my experience, even anodized aluminum engraving is noticeably better with 20W.
Final Advice: Start with 20W + Rotary, Upgrade If Needed
Here's what I tell friends who ask about getting into laser earring businesses: buy the xTool S1 base with the 20W module and the rotary bundle. That combo handles 90% of what a small business needs — metal earrings, wooden tags, acrylic charms. If later you find yourself consistently needing deeper engraving or want to cut thin metals, the 40W module is a drop‑in upgrade that takes 10 minutes to swap. The 10W module is really only for hobbyists on a very tight budget who stick to non‑metal materials.
One last thing — don't forget proper ventilation and a honeycomb workbed. I've seen too many rush orders ruined by smoke residue on the piece (that's a story for another day). The xTool S1's enclosure and air assist help, but if you're doing production runs, add a small exhaust fan. Trust me on this one.
Prices as of January 2025: 20W module ~$599, 40W module ~$899, rotary bundle ~$199. Check xTool's official store for current pricing.
