xTool F2 Ultra Single Laser

The speed is just incredible. I can engrave dozens of metal business cards in minutes, a job that used to take hours. The MOPA laser's ability to create vibrant colors on stainless steel is a huge selling point for my Etsy shop. The camera system makes lining everything up foolproof. A huge investment, but the return in productivity is already paying off.

This machine is a beast for engraving. The 3D embossed effect on aluminum is stunning. The diode laser handles wood and leather well. My only complaint is when cutting thicker materials, the edges aren't perfectly square because of the galvo system. It's an engraver that can cut, not a dedicated cutter. For my needs, it's a 4.5/5.

The marketing is misleading. It claims LightBurn compatibility, but it's practically non-existent. You can't use the camera or any of the advanced features. You are completely locked into their XCS software, which is fine for beginners but lacks the professional control I need for my workflow. I feel handcuffed by their proprietary ecosystem. For this price, it's unacceptable.

The machine arrived with a faulty lid that wouldn't stay closed, making the safety features useless. I had to tape it down. Trying to get help from customer support has been a complete disaster. It's been three weeks of automated email loops and unfulfilled promises. The machine is a paperweight, and I'm losing money every day. A production machine needs reliable support, and xTool doesn't have it.

I bought the F1 Ultra just a few months ago, thinking it was their top-of-the-line model. Then they release this, which is vastly more powerful, with almost no warning. My 'flagship' machine is already obsolete. The tiny discount they offered for an upgrade feels like a slap in the face. This predatory product cycle makes me not want to invest in their ecosystem ever again.

I bought this specifically for its metal cutting capabilities to make custom jewelry parts. It cuts through thin sheets of brass and stainless steel cleanly. This has opened up a whole new product line for me that was impossible with my old diode laser. The initial cost is high, but the capability is unmatched in a desktop machine.