The xTool F1 is a portable desktop laser engraver that packs two lasers into one compact, fully enclosed body.
Introduced in 2023, it was the first machine to combine a 2W 1064nm infrared (IR) laser with a 10W 455nm diode laser, letting makers engrave everything from bare metal and plastic to wood, leather, and glass on a single device.
If you are weighing the F1 for a small business, a craft studio, or on-the-go engraving, this guide covers exactly what it is, what it costs, what it can make, and how to set it up.
Key Takeaways
- The xTool F1 is a portable, fully enclosed dual-laser (IR + diode) engraver, fast at up to 4000 mm/s.
- It handles 300+ materials and cuts up to 8 mm wood.
- Its standout is engraving shiny metals that most diode-only lasers can’t mark.
- Pricing starts around $449 for the F1 Lite.
What is the xTool F1?
The xTool F1 is a compact, fully enclosed laser engraver built for speed and portability. Its standout feature is the dual-laser system: an infrared laser for marking metals and plastics, and a blue diode laser for engraving and cutting organic materials.
A durable metal handle and a 4.6 kg body make it easy to move between a workbench, a craft fair, or a customer site.
Under the hood, F1 uses an industrial-grade galvanometer instead of a moving gantry, which is how it reaches engraving speeds of up to 4000 mm/s with 0.00199 mm precision. A built-in fan and air-purification path plus the enclosed cover keep smoke and the 1064nm/455nm laser light contained during use.
| Spec | xTool F1 |
|---|---|
| Released | 2023 |
| Lasers | 2W 1064nm infrared + 10W 455nm diode |
| Max engraving speed | 4000 mm/s |
| Accuracy | 0.00199 mm |
| Work area | 115 × 115 mm (up to 115 × 400 mm with the slide extension) |
| Max object height | 113 mm |
| Dimensions / weight | 179 × 235 × 334 mm / 4.6 kg |
| Supported materials | 300+ |
| Enclosure | Fully enclosed with built-in fan & air purifier |
What is the pricing of the xTool F1?
xTool sells the F1 in several configurations, and prices move with regular promotions (mid-year and new-year sales), so treat the figures below as a guide and confirm the live price on the official xTool F1 page. Pricing shown is in USD as of July 2026.
| Configuration | What you get | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| xTool F1 Lite | Entry-level, diode-only version for wood, acrylic, paper and leather | from $449 |
| xTool F1 (standard) | The full IR + diode dual-laser machine | list ~$1,499 (often on sale near $1,019) |
| xTool F1 Deluxe Bundle | F1 plus accessories that expand the work area and workflow, at a bundled discount | bundle pricing on xtool.com |
| F1 + RA2 Pro Rotary + Desktop Smoke Purifier | Adds cylinder engraving and stronger fume filtration | ~$2,149 |
If you mainly engrave flat wood and acrylic, the F1 Lite is the budget entry point. If you need to mark metal, jewelry, or tumblers, the standard dual-laser F1 (or a bundle with the RA2 Pro rotary) is the version to look at.
What can the xTool F1 engrave and cut?
Because the F1 carries two different lasers, it covers a much wider range than a single-laser engraver. The two beams split the work like this:
- 10W diode laser (blue) — engraves & cuts: wood, MDF, bamboo, leather, paper, cardstock, dark acrylic, fabric, slate/rock, ceramic, jade, marble, dark/coated glass, and stainless steel.
- 2W infrared laser — engraves: bare and shiny metals (gold, silver, brass, aluminum, stainless steel), most plastics, and clear/black acrylic. This IR beam is the reason F1 can mark precious metals and slick surfaces that diode-only lasers struggle with.
- Cutting: the diode laser cuts up to 8 mm wood and 5 mm acrylic.
All told, xTool lists 300+ compatible materials, which is what makes the F1 popular for mixed product lines — jewelry, tumblers, coasters, signage, and keepsakes from one machine. For step-by-step material presets, see the F1 project gallery.
Where can you buy the xTool F1?
- xTool official store (xtool.com) — best place for the latest bundles, warranty, and sale pricing.
- Amazon — the F1 is listed on Amazon (Arts, Crafts & Sewing) for fast shipping.
- Authorized resellers — retailers such as MatterHackers, Swing Design, and other maker stores carry the F1 and its bundles.
Buying direct from xTool usually gets you the newest bundle deals and the full accessory ecosystem (rotary, riser, smoke purifier, honeycomb panel).
Real projects people make with the xTool F1
The best way to understand the F1 is to see what real owners create with it. Here are a few community projects made on the F1, straight from the xTool F1 project gallery:
1. German Shepherd Dog Coaster
A detailed German shepherd portrait engraved onto a round wooden coaster. It shows off the F1 diode laser’s grayscale depth — fine fur texture and soft shading that make pet-portrait coasters a popular, quick-selling F1 product.
Get this design →2. Couple Matching Engraved Pendant Set
A pair of matching metal pendants marked with the F1’s infrared laser. Engraving shiny, bare metal like this is exactly the job diode-only machines cannot handle — making personalized jewelry one of the F1’s signature use cases.
Get this design →3. “Merry and Bright” Glass Christmas Ornament
A holiday greeting engraved onto a glass ornament, leaving a frosted, light-catching finish. The crisp lettering here highlights the F1’s 0.00199 mm accuracy — ideal for small, giftable seasonal keepsakes.
Get this design →4. Jack Daniel’s Engraved Whiskey Glass
A logo engraved around a curved whiskey glass using the F1 with the RA2 Pro rotary attachment. Personalized barware like this is a high-margin favorite for makers, and the rotary lets the F1 wrap artwork cleanly around cylinders.
Get this design →5. “Not All Who Wander Are Lost” Leather Keychain
A quote engraved into a leather keychain fob — a fast, low-cost F1 product that shows the diode laser’s clean text on leather. Keychains like this are ideal market-stall impulse buys and easy to personalize per customer.
Get this design →6. Lighthouse & Ship Wooden Coaster
A detailed lighthouse-and-ship scene engraved on a round wooden coaster. The fine linework and shading here highlight how the F1 renders intricate illustrations on wood at speed — a staple coaster style for gift sets.
Get this design →How to set up the xTool F1
The F1 is designed for a fast, out-of-the-box setup — most users are engraving their first piece within 15–20 minutes. Here is the full process:
- Unbox and check contents. The box includes the F1 machine, power adapter, USB-C cable, a focus accessory (spacer/ruler), test materials, and an exhaust hose. Inspect everything before powering on.
- Choose a stable spot. Place the F1 on a flat, hard surface with a few centimeters of clearance around the vent and handle. Position it near a window or the desktop smoke purifier so fumes can be exhausted.
- Connect power and data. Plug in the adapter, then link the F1 to your computer with the USB-C cable, or connect it to your Wi-Fi network for wireless jobs.
- Install xTool Creative Space (XCS). Download the free XCS software for Mac or Windows (a mobile app is also available), then open it and let it detect the F1. Run any prompted firmware update.
- Set the focus. Use auto-focus by entering your material’s thickness in XCS, or set it manually with the focus knob and the included spacer for precise distance.
- Add accessories if needed. Attach the slide extension to reach the 115 × 400 mm work area, the RA2 Pro rotary for tumblers and rings, a riser for taller objects, or the honeycomb panel for cutting.
- Run a test. Load a scrap piece, use the framing preview to check placement, and run a quick test engraving to confirm your settings.
How to use the xTool F1
Once the F1 is set up, the day-to-day workflow all happens inside XCS. A typical job looks like this:
- Design or import your artwork. Add text, upload an SVG or image (PNG/JPG), or import a DXF in XCS. Built-in tools let you trace photos, outline shapes, and arrange multiple pieces on one sheet.
- Choose the laser source. Select the infrared laser for metal, plastic, and shiny surfaces, or the diode laser for wood, leather, acrylic, slate, and glass.
- Pick the processing type and material. Choose engrave (fill), score (outline), or cut, then select the matching material preset — or set power, speed, and passes manually.
- Position with Live Preview. The F1 projects a harmless blue-light outline of your design directly onto the material, so you can see the exact size and placement and nudge it before committing — no wasted material.
- Close the lid and run. Confirm focus, close the enclosed cover (the machine will not fire while open), and start the job. The built-in fan and air purifier pull smoke away as it works.
- Unload and finish. When the job ends, remove your piece, wipe off any residue, and repeat. For acrylic or wood, a layer of masking tape can reduce scorch marks.
What materials does the xTool F1 support?
The F1 supports 300+ materials across its two lasers. A quick reference:
| Category | Examples | Laser |
|---|---|---|
| Wood & paper | Basswood, plywood, MDF, bamboo, cardstock, kraft paper | Diode (engrave + cut) |
| Leather & fabric | Genuine & faux leather, felt, denim, canvas | Diode |
| Acrylic | Dark acrylic (diode), clear & black acrylic (IR) | Diode + IR |
| Stone & ceramic | Slate, marble, jade, ceramic tile | Diode |
| Glass | Dark/coated glass, tumblers (with rotary) | Diode |
| Metal | Stainless steel, gold, silver, brass, aluminum, coated metal | Infrared |
| Plastic | Most plastics, anodized surfaces | Infrared |
Always test on a scrap first and follow xTool’s material settings; reflective metals and certain plastics (like PVC, which should never be lasered) have specific safety guidance.
The F1 is one of five machines that share the F name, and the beams differ far more than the wattages do. Materials for the xTool F series sets what each one marks and cuts side by side.
xTool F1 alternatives
The F1 isn’t the only compact engraver worth a look. Here are five alternatives — three from xTool and two competitors — and where each fits.
xTool F2
The newer F1
The F1’s successor: stronger lasers, a built-in 50MP camera, and color-on-metal marking. The natural step up if you want more speed and detail in the same portable form.
Compared with the F1, the F2’s 15W diode and 6000 mm/s speed cut and engrave noticeably faster, and the built-in 50MP camera makes placing designs on odd-shaped items far easier. It keeps the same portable form, so it’s the natural pick when you want more speed and precision without changing how you work.
Pros
- Stronger 5W IR + 15W diode
- 50MP camera for easy placement
- Fast 6000 mm/s
- Same portable form as the F1
Cons
- Pricier (~$1,499)
- Overkill if the F1’s speed is enough
xTool F2: the speed-and-camera upgrade in the same portable body.
See more details →xTool S1
Enclosed step-up
An enclosed diode machine with far more cutting power and a larger bed than the F1. Choose it when you outgrow the F1’s small work area and want to cut thicker material.
Its 20–40W diode and larger enclosed bed handle thicker cuts and bigger projects the F1’s compact area can’t. You trade the F1’s grab-and-go portability for a full desktop machine, so choose it when cutting power and work size matter more than travel.
Pros
- 20–40W diode cutting power
- Larger enclosed bed
- Handles thicker material
Cons
- Not portable
- Pricier (~$1,699)
- No fiber metal-marking
xTool S1: the step up when you outgrow the F1’s small bed.
See more details →xTool F1 Ultra
Metal all-rounder
A dual fiber-and-diode machine that marks metal far faster and deeper than the F1’s small IR laser, while still cutting wood and acrylic. The pick for metal-focused makers.
The dual 20W fiber + 20W diode setup marks metal far faster and deeper than the F1’s small 2W IR, while still cutting wood and acrylic. It costs several times more, so it’s aimed at makers whose work is genuinely metal-focused rather than occasional.
Pros
- 20W fiber marks metal fast & deep
- Also cuts wood and acrylic
- Serious production capacity
Cons
- Expensive (~$3,799)
- Overkill for hobby use
- Larger footprint
xTool F1 Ultra: the metal-focused upgrade when the F1’s IR laser isn’t enough.
See more details →LaserPecker 4
Portable dual rival
A competing portable dual-laser that also marks metal and non-metals. Compact and travel-friendly like the F1, but pricier and with a smaller ecosystem than xTool.
Like the F1 it’s a portable dual-laser that marks both metal and non-metals, so it’s a real cross-shopping option for travel work. It runs pricier than the F1, though, and its smaller ecosystem means fewer tested material presets and accessories.
Pros
- Portable dual diode + IR
- Marks metal & non-metal
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- Pricier than the F1 (~$1,999)
- Smaller ecosystem
- Fewer tested presets
LaserPecker 4: the portable dual-laser rival, at a higher price.
Ortur Laser Master 3
Budget open-frame
A low-cost open-frame diode engraver. Much cheaper than the F1, but open-frame (less safe/enclosed), diode-only (no metal marking), and with fewer tested materials.
At around $500 it’s the cheapest way into laser engraving, but it’s open-frame rather than enclosed, so it needs more safety care and setup. Its 10W diode is diode-only — no metal marking — and it has fewer tested material profiles than the F1’s XCS ecosystem.
Pros
- Very cheap (~$500)
- Open-frame flexibility
- Fine for basic diode work
Cons
- Open-frame (less safe)
- Diode-only, no metal
- Fewer tested materials
Ortur Laser Master 3: the budget entry if metal and an enclosure don’t matter.
How to choose a compact laser engraver
Match these to your projects, then pick the machine:
| Priority | What to check | Points to |
|---|---|---|
| Portability | Small, carry-anywhere body | xTool F1 / F2, LaserPecker 4 |
| Metal marking | An IR or fiber laser | F1, F2, F1 Ultra, LaserPecker 4 |
| Cutting power | Diode wattage & bed size | xTool S1 (enclosed diode) |
| Budget | All-in cost | Ortur (cheapest), F1 (mid) |
The xTool F1 is a great portable engraver that also marks metal. Move up to the F2 for more speed and a camera, the S1 for bigger enclosed cutting, or the F1 Ultra for serious metal work.
A LaserPecker 4 is the closest portable rival, while an Ortur wins on price if you only need open-frame diode engraving.
Final thoughts
The xTool F1 earns its reputation as a fast, truly portable engraver that punches above its size — largely because the dual IR + diode setup lets one small machine mark shiny metal and engrave or cut wood, leather, acrylic, and glass.
For makers who want to sell personalized metal jewelry, tumblers, and mixed-material gifts without buying two machines, it is a strong pick. Browse real builds in the F1 project gallery, then check current bundles on the official xTool F1 page. If you want more speed and full-color metal marking, the newer xTool F2 builds on the same portable format.
Where this machine fits
If you are cross-shopping, the closest comparisons are the MetalFab.
For the wider view of portable and metal-capable machines, see the best laser engravers for beginners.
Whichever machine you choose, the design side is the same job: artwork the machine can follow. Atomm AI generates craft-ready files, and the community projects are free to open and adapt.
For the brand-level comparison at this end of the market, see xTool vs Glowforge.
Frequently asked questions about the xTool F1
Can the xTool F1 engrave metal?
Yes. The F1’s 2W infrared laser is built to mark bare and shiny metals — stainless steel, gold, silver, brass, and aluminum — which most diode-only engravers can’t touch. Its second 10W diode laser handles wood, acrylic, leather, and other non-metals, so one compact machine covers both metal marking and everyday material work.
Can the xTool F1 cut, not just engrave?
Yes. Alongside engraving, its 10W diode laser cuts up to 8 mm wood and 5 mm acrylic, so you can make finished pieces — coasters, ornaments, keychains — not just surface designs. For thicker or faster cutting you’d move up to an enclosed machine like the S1, but for small projects the F1 cuts cleanly.
Is the xTool F1 good for beginners?
It’s very beginner-friendly. The body is fully enclosed for eye safety, it runs the free XCS software with ready-made material presets, and auto-focus plus a Live Preview let you see exactly where the design lands before you start. That combination means new users get clean, correctly placed results without much trial and error.
What is the difference between the F1 and F1 Ultra?
The original F1 pairs a 2W IR laser with a 10W diode laser. The newer F1 Ultra steps up to a 20W fiber laser and 20W diode laser for faster, deeper work — at a higher price. See the F1 Ultra project gallery.
Is the xTool F1 portable?
Yes. At 4.6 kg with a metal carry handle and a fully enclosed body, it’s one of the most portable desktop engravers available — easy to move between a desk, a workshop, and craft fairs. The enclosure also means you can run it safely in shared or home spaces without a separate vented setup.
