xTool M1 Ultra – 4‑in‑1 Desktop Laser for Makers
Cut • Engrave • Blade‑cut • (Optional) Print & Pen — all in one compact desktop unit.
What Is the xTool M1 Ultra?
The xTool M1 Ultra is a compact, desktop craft machine that combines a diode laser with blade cutting and optional add‑ons (print / pen / rotary) so you can engrave, cut thin woods & leather, score acrylic, slice vinyl, and prototype gifts without a full workshop. It ships with built‑in camera alignment, making placement on scraps and odd shapes far easier than on many hobby lasers.
At‑a‑Glance Specs (check Amazon listing for current details):
| Spec | xTool M1 Ultra (10W Diode) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Type | Diode (blue) | Safer & lower cost vs CO₂; slower on thick clear acrylic. |
| Output Power | 10W (optical) | Good for 3 mm craft woods in 1‑3 passes. |
| Bed Size | Desktop footprint | Fits most 12” craft sheets; passthrough for longer stock (jig needed). |
| Camera | Yes | Drag‑&‑drop design onto real material preview. |
| Software | xTool Creative Space | Beginner friendly; import SVG/PNG. |
| Add‑ons | Rotary, blade, print modules | Expand as you grow. |
Who It’s For
- Crafters & hobby laser beginners who want to try wood ornaments, signs, tags.
- Etsy / small shop sellers making custom name gifts, keychains, pet tags.
- Teachers / makerspaces needing safer‑feeling desktop gear.
- Pinterest DIY audience who already design SVG cut files and now want physical products.
If you’ve been downloading or designing SVGs from Creative Fabrica and wished you could make and sell the physical version — this is the bridge.
What Can It Cut / Engrave?
Always run a material test grid; diode lasers vary by batch & focus. Typical community results:
| Material | Cut? | Engrave? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 mm Baltic Birch | ✅ (2–3 passes) | ✅ | Mask for cleaner edges; light sanding. |
| Basswood Sheets | ✅ (1–2 passes) | ✅ | Softer; great for ornaments & test cuts. |
| Cardstock / Paperboard | ✅ | ✅ | Use low power; watch for flare‑ups. |
| Veg‑Tan Leather (light) | ⚠ light cuts | ✅ | Ventilate well; strong odor. |
| Acrylic (opaque / dark) | ⚠ score / mark | ⚠ mark | Diode doesn’t couple with clear acrylic—consider paint mask. |
| Metal (bare) | ❌ cut / ❌ engrave | Can mark w/ laser marking spray. |
Safety: Never cut PVC / vinyl with chlorine content; releases corrosive & toxic fumes.
Recommended Starter Accessories
Below are the same helper items I use / recommend in my Starter Setup guide.
1. xTool M1 Ultra Laser
2. 3 mm Baltic Birch Craft Sheets (12”×12” or similar)
3. AC Infinity RAXIAL S4 – 4” Inline Booster Fan (exhaust assist)
4. Christmas Ornament SVG Bundle
Christmas Ornaments SVG Bundle
5 Easy First Projects (All Cuttable)
Pick one, cut it, post it — sell the 2nd one to start paying off the laser.
- Name Ornament Discs – Personalize round blanks w/ names or dates. Use 3 mm birch. Import font from your Pinterest pins.
- Layered Christmas Ornaments – Grab multi‑layer SVGs (see bundle above). Paint & stack for depth.
- Earrings & Keychains – Small scraps become products. Engrave initials; add hardware.
- Stencil Letters for Signs – Cut stencil fonts, paint farmhouse‑style wood signs.
- Bookmark Strips – Engrave quotes; great low‑risk test material.
Basic Setup & Safety Checklist
Before first cut:
- Update firmware & install xTool Creative Space.
- Focus the laser height according to manual.
- Run the built‑in material test.
- Ventilation: connect rear port to window or to an inline fan + 4” ducting. (See recommended fan above.)
- Keep a spray bottle or Class ABC extinguisher nearby.
- Never leave the machine unattended during a burn.
Quick Power Test Recipe (Birch 3 mm)
Start conservative—your material, optics cleanliness, and local voltage all matter.
| Pass | Power | Speed | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100% | 6 mm/s | Deep score; maybe thru thin spots. |
| 2 | 100% | 6 mm/s | Full cut on most 3 mm sheets. |
| 3 | Optional cleanup | Use if edges not released. |
Mask with low‑tack tape to reduce char.
FAQ
Is a diode laser strong enough? For thin craft woods, leather, paper, engraving coated items — yes. For thick acrylic or production‑speed cuts, a CO₂ laser is faster.
Ultra vs Original M1? Ultra bundles often include upgraded modules, smarter alignment, and accessory support; check current listing details on Amazon.
Do I need ventilation? Yes. Even small cuts produce smoke and odor. Use window vent or inline fan.
Can I engrave tumblers? With a rotary add‑on (sold separately). Check compatibility before buying.
Ready to turn your digital SVG library into real products?
Get the xTool M1 Ultra on Amazon
Or explore project files: Christmas Ornaments SVG Bundle
Visit the full Crafting Tools page for all our recommended gear.
