xTool F1

The 4000 mm/s engraving speed is no joke. I engraved stainless steel dog tags live in under 10 seconds each. Perfect for on-demand personalization at fairs.

Having both 10W diode and 2W IR laser gives flexibility. The IR module engraves metals and the diode handles wood, acrylic, etc. Frequently switch during projects.

At ~4.6 kg and a 100×100 mm working zone (expandable), it's easy to transport. But for bigger plates or signs, you’ll need to stitch jobs or use slide extension.

XCS (xTool Creative Space) is fine for basic jobs and auto focus, but for deeper control I prefer LightBurn. Sometimes XCS bugs during firmware updates.

I cut 3 mm wood sheets and 5 mm black acrylic in one pass using the 10W diode. Thick materials require multiple passes, but it's solid for its class.

Support is responsive but shipping of spare parts (especially for IR module or mirrors) can take a while. Buy spare optics if you rely on uptime.

The F1 is expensive compared to basic diode lasers, but the dual-laser, speed, and portability justify it for serious makers and show-goers.