xTool S1 Buying & Budgeting Guide: Is the Rotary Kit Worth It for Leather Engraving?

Getting the Full Picture on the xTool S1

When I first started looking at the xTool S1, I almost made a classic mistake. I focused entirely on the base unit price. The marketing is slick—modular design, swap between a 20W and 40W laser diode module, desktop footprint. It’s a compelling package. But if you’re running a small workshop, the real question isn't just the sticker price of the machine. It’s your total cost of ownership for the first year.

I've been managing procurement for a small custom-goods shop (about 8 people) for 6 years now. We do a lot of work with laser engraving and cutting. In Q1 2024, we were evaluating the S1 to replace an older, less precise desktop unit. After comparing quotes and running the numbers for our specific use case—heavy on leather and cylindrical items—I realized the decision came down to three distinct scenarios based on what you actually make.

So, here’s a breakdown of what the xTool S1 costs when you factor in the add-ons, and how to decide if it's the right tool for your budget.

The Three Buyer Scenarios for the xTool S1

There’s no single answer on whether the xTool S1 is a great value. It depends entirely on your product mix. I see three main types of buyers:

• Scenario A: The Flat Surface Creator (Cuts wood/acrylic, engraves flat leather goods like coasters or journals).
• Scenario B: The Cylindrical Engraver (Wants to engrave tumblers, bottles, or wine glasses).
• Scenario C: The Multi-Material Shop (Needs to switch between flat and cylindrical work regularly).

Let’s walk through the costs and ROI for each.

Scenario A: The Flat Surface Creator (Stick with the Base Unit)

If 90% of your work is flat—cutting acrylic signs or engraving wooden coasters—the base xTool S1 kit is a solid, professional-grade tool. The modularity becomes less critical for you, but the large working area (432 x 406 mm with the base unit) is a big selling point.

The Cost Calculator for Scenario A:

• Base Unit (S1): ~$1,500 (pricing as of mid-2024; verify current rates).
• 20W Laser Module (included): Perfect for cutting up to 8mm wood and engraving.
• Must-Have Accessories: Honeycomb work table (~$60), air assist kit (~$70 from third-party).
• Total Entry Cost: ~$1,630.

For this scenario, don’t buy the xTool S1 Rotary Kit. It’s a specialized add-on. If you don't need it, that $300+ is better spent on a more powerful 40W laser module (if you start cutting thicker materials) or more raw materials. When I audited our 2023 spending, I found that my biggest line-item regret was buying a rotary tool for a laser that we used exactly twice in six months. It felt like a 'future-proof' purchase. It wasn’t. It was a $300 paperweight.

For leather engraving settings on flat goods, start with 100% speed and 80% power on the 20W module for dark leather. Every leather type is different—test on scrap. A mistake here results in burning through the material, which is wasteful. The 'free laser cut files' you find online for flat designs are easy to adapt for this setup

Scenario B: The Cylindrical Engraver (The Rotary Kit is Essential)

This is where the S1’s design shines. If your business is built around engraving cylindrical items—like custom tumblers, promotional beer mugs, or personalized pet bowls—the rotary attachment is a must. The 'standard' engraving bed won't work for these items.

The Cost Calculator for Scenario B:

• Base Unit (S1): ~$1,500.
• 20W Laser Module (included): Plenty of power for engraving coated metal and glass.
• Must-Have Accessories: xTool S1 Rotary Tool (~$350).
• Hub & Roller Extension (for larger items like 30oz mugs): (~$50).
• Total Entry Cost: ~$1,900.

Suddenly, the price jumps by $350+. But for a specialized shop, the ROI can be extremely fast. If you charge $15 per custom tumbler and sell 30 per month, the rotary pays for itself in about 8 months. (Should mention: we assumed a 25% markup on materials on top of that.) The question isn't just the price; it's: 'Can I get a dedicated rotary laser system for a lower price?'

I compared costs across 4 vendors in Q3 2024. The budget alternatives were all bulkier, had less precise rotary mechanisms, or required manual height adjustment for each item. The xTool S1 rotary system is 'set it and forget it'—the auto-focus and rotary integration save about 5 minutes per setup. Over 200 orders per year, that time savings pays for the price premium.

For leather engraving settings on a leather-covered flask or journal with the S1 rotary, you'll need to slow the speed down to about 60% and drop power to 60% to avoid scorching the leather. The material is curved, so the focal length changes slightly. The rotary tool’s software compensates, but it’s worth testing on a scrap piece first.

Scenario C: The Multi-Material Shop (The Sweet Spot for the S1)

This is the user the S1 is designed for: someone who makes wooden signs on Monday and engraved travel mugs on Tuesday. The modularity saves time and money compared to buying two separate machines.

The Cost Calculator for Scenario C:

• Base Unit (S1): ~$1,500.
• Rotary Kit: ~$350.
• 40W Laser Module (upgrade): ~$700 (for cutting thicker acrylics/wood).
• Total Entry Cost: ~$2,550.

You’re looking at a $2,550 investment. That’s a lot for a small workshop. But compare it to the alternative: buying a dedicated flat-bed laser for ~$1,500 and a dedicated rotary marking machine for ~$2,000. You’re spending $1,000 less with the xTool S1 and occupying half the works space. For our shop, space is a premium—in a 400 sq ft workshop, saving 2 sq ft of bench space has value.

I’ll be honest: a colleague from another shop told me the S1 was 'pricey.' He was comparing the S1 with the rotary to a base Xtool D1 ($400). That’s a mistake. The 'pricey' thing often ignores the total packages. The D1 is an open-frame, open-air unit. It’s not safe for unattended use and isn't as precise. The S1 is an enclosed, professional-grade system. I didn't fully understand the value of the enclosure until I saw the difference in cut quality on acrylic—no more edge scalloping from air drafts.

How to Know Which Scenario You Are

Here’s a simple test. Look at your last 20 orders:

• Are 15 of them flat items? You’re Scenario A. Skip the rotary. Save your $350.
• Are 15 of them cylindrical items? You’re Scenario B. The rotary is not an option; it's a requirement. The base S1 is a necessity for the job.
• Is it a 50/50 mix? You’re Scenario C. The xTool S1 is a great fit, provided your budget allows for the accessories.

The 'free laser cut files' trend is another factor. If you're downloading free SVG templates for flat projects, the S1 works perfectly with LightBurn. The workflow is standard. If you're finding free rotary wrap files, check that they are calibrated for the S1's specific roller sizes. I once spent an hour adjusting a free wine glass template that was designed for a different brand’s rotary tool—a hidden cost of 'free' resources.

As a final tip: for any leather project, indoor air quality is a concern. Per OSHA guidelines, proper ventilation is essential. The xTool S1 has a fume extraction port. Budget for a small inline fan and a window vent kit (~$80). That’s a cost that applies to all three scenarios, but it’s one every new buyer forgets. After tracking 150+ orders on our previous laser cutter, 20% of our 'budget overruns' came from missing safety or setup fees. Don't let that be you.