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Want to get into the wild and crafty world of laser cutting and engraving? Are you thinking about, or have you already purchased an xTool M1 machine? Whether you’re looking to set up an xTool M1 or researching if you want one, we’ve got you covered!
I got an xTool M1 Hybrid Laser and Blade Cutting machine and I’m so excited about this crafty/techy journey I’m going to be making in the coming weeks. There are literally dozens of tutorials I have in my head for some of the neatest laser cutting projects… now I just have to find the time to make them all!
But today we’re going to start by laying the important info down to get a machine ready to actually make my awesome projects! I’m going to show you how to set up an xTool M1 from unboxing, venting, powering, connecting to your computer, and connecting to WIFI.
I’m really hoping that you’ll be just as excited as I have been to set up and use a new xTool M1 cutting machine!
Machine provided by xTool. All opinions are my own.
What is an xTool M1?
Launched in 2021, the xTool M1 is a powerful hobby-sized crafting machine that can do a whole lot and fit on your desktop! Combining a laser and blade cutter in one unit, the xTool uses the laser to cut thicker materials like wood and the blade to cut thin materials like vinyl. Plus the laser can also engrave materials, like metal. This means you can craft with a ton of materials and only need space in your craft room for a single machine! Basically it’s a lot like a Silhouette or Cricut cutting machine with the added bonus of a laser making it a more versatile cutting machine!
Is the M1 cutting machine beginner friendly?
My new xTool is the very first time I’m dipping my toes into the world of laser machines and I’m super excited. I’m going to be honest though, I’m also a little bit anxious. I call it my “new tech jitters” and it happened when I got my first Silhouette, and my first Cricut, and my second Cricut… you see where I’m going with this?
So I totally know that any new piece of crafty tech is intimidating at first. And honestly lasers sound a bit scary just because they are LASERS, right? But as one anxious crafter to another let me tell you, the xTool M1 has a super user-friendly design and lots of safety features making me a whole less anxious and a whole lot more excited. For example, the laser works inside of a totally enclosed machine and if the lid opens, there is a safety that won’t let the laser run while the lid is open. And that’s not all… if you’re interested in learning more about safety, check out this M1 Safety First article.
So at the end of the day, even as a a total laser newbie, is the xTool M1 beginner friendly? Yes! I’m so pleased to say it absolutely is. Put your fears aside and get ready to make some seriously cool stuff!
What kind of materials can you use with an M1?
This is one of the coolest reasons I really wanted an M1 – it can work with OVER 300 materials. THREE HUNDRED! If you have a Silhouette, Cricut, or Brother cutting machine that uses a blade, you can also cut the same materials with the M1. But the addition of lasers brings in so many more materials you couldn’t even dream of using in a blade only machine.
Three hundred is an awful lot to list here in this post but here are some I’m most excited about and potential uses…
What kind of materials can you not use?
Luckily this list of materials you can’t use with an X1 is shorter. Do not attempt to cut or engrave PVC, ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), Polycarbonate, Polystyrene and Polypropylene Foam, HDPE, and Coated Carbon Fiber. Basically these materials can release dangerous fumes or catch fire making them a no go.
How to know which materials are okay to use with a diode laser?
Since I’m a total newbie I figure the best possible way to ensure I safely use my machine is to start working exclusively with xTool Selected Materials. As I get more comfortable with my M1 perhaps I can dive into my craft stash and use some materials I already have on hand.
What Kind of Accessories are Available?
Oh my goodness, there are so many that are on my wish list! I definitely want the riser base with a honeycomb panel that will speed things up for cleaner laser cuts and the Air Assist that will also help keep clean cuts and extend the life of my M1. And honestly, I’m sure I’ll find a dozen more things I want but let’s get back to setting this baby up!
How big is the xTool M1?
I’m historically and famously not good with sizes. Before my xTool machine arrived I needed to make sure I had the space for it and so I took a good look into its size. So how big is the xTool M1?
The tool itself is 21.9″ wide and 17.6″ deep. But when you add the vent tube to the back of the tool you’ll need to add another 4″ or so inches to account for that. So as far as desktop space, you’ll need about 22″ x 22″ area to fit your M1.
The height of the tool is about 9″ but with the top lid open you’re going to need more than 24″ clearance above the machine to be able to properly use it.
The M1 weighs 21.6 pounds so you’ll need a sturdy surface that can support the weight.
Since desk space is at a premium in my small craft room/office I am currently, and temporarily, using a rolling cart that folds out into a table that I have when I need extra work surface during projects. Eventually I will find something more sturdy and solid feeling but with a weight limit of 140 pounds my Kensington cart will work great for the time being…
xTool M1 Size: 21.9 x 17.6 x 9.1 inches, 21.6 pounds.
Who makes xTool M1 Machines?
xTool machines are made by Makeblock Co., Ltd. based out of China and founded in 2012. Fun fact… Makeblock started out as a company creating for STEAM education using robotics for fun and learning. In 2020 the company started developing the xTool cutting machines that are the hot new craft tech we’re talking about today! Learn more about xTool.
How much does the xTool M1 Laser and Blade Cutter Cost?
The xTool M1 10w has an MSRP of $1499. But keep your eyes peeled because xTool has sales all of the time! In fact, right now you can purchase an xTool M1 10w for only $949!
How much are replacement blades?
There are 2 different blades you can use in your xTool M1, the 45° blades which run around $19/5 blades and the 60° blades which run around $30/5 blades.
What Comes in the Box?
Inside of your xTool M1 box you will find:
- xTool M1 10w Machine
- User Manual
- 4 Wood Risers
- Rotary Attachment (comes in 2 boxes)
- Rotary Tool Manual
- Sample Material Bundle
- Light Grip Cutting Mat
- Fabric Grip Cutting Mat
- Five 45° Replacement Blades
- Vent Exhaust Pipe
- Vent Pipe Connector
- Vent Pipe Clamp
- Four Vent Pipe Hand Screws
- 10w Power Supply (2 parts)
- USB Cable
- Triangle Prisms
- 10g Tube of Peng Sheng (I have no idea what this is or how to use it, yet!)
- Sample Material Package
Today we’re just going to set up our xTool M1 and you’ll only need the bolded items in the above list to get started.
Is the xTool M1 Cutting Machine difficult to set up?
Actually setting up your new machine is a breeze and takes hardly any time at all. Conveniently the xTool M1 is mostly assembled and ready to go. Any set up that is required takes absolutely no tools of any kind! Get your M1 laser and blade cut-ready in only 2 steps!
But first, does the xTool M1 need to be vented? Yes.
Smoke and odors that are not safe to inhale are created when you use a laser to cut or engrave. Venting allows the fumes and odors from your machine to escape through an open window. Honestly before really looking into an xTool I had no idea it would need to be vented but it totally makes sense.
No worries, though. Venting all of those odors and fumes to the outside is super easy.
How to Vent your xTool.
Step 1 – Install the Smoke Exhaust Pipe.
Take the exhaust pipe connector (on right) and match up with the vent and four screw holes on the back of your M1. Attach the connector by screwing into place with the hand screws until finger tight.
On the left you will see your pipe clamp. Hold by the two handles on the outside of the ring and squeeze toward one another to open the clamp. Grab the black tube and stretch out. Slide the clamp over the end of pipe about 2 inches from the end.
Slide the pipe over the connector until the end of the tube meets the back of the machine. Holding the pipe in place, squeeze the clamp open and push over toward the machine to clamp the exhaust pipe into place.
What to Do with the xTool Vent Tube!
Now that you’ve got this long tube attached to the back of your xTool what happens next? It’s time to run the end of the pipe out of a window so the fumes, odors, and debris can escape the room.
The xTool M1 Vent Pipe is 6 feet in length (approximately) when fully stretched out. When venting you do not want to have any severe kinks or bends in the pipe. You also don’t want the tube stretched out to the max because that could pull on the machine.
If necessary move your machine closer to a window. Open the window frame and pop the end of the vent tube outside of the house. If you have a window screen, you might need to pop it loose to get the cord outside.
With the window open your vented out bad business could easily come back into the room. Fill the gap in the open window with a blanket. I’m using a king-size duvet cover. It’s large enough to fully block all around the tube in my 34″ wide window easily.
Don’t use anything that would mind getting messed up, like an heirloom quilt or linens you still use, because they can easily get dirty.
How to Set Up your xTool.
To set up your xTool M1 you’ll need a sturdy work surface larger than the xTool itself (21.9 x 17.6 x 9.1 inches) close to your computer or laptop and a window.
*Note – After initial set up of your xTool M1 Cutter you can connect wirelessly via WIFI. The first connection, however, will be to your PC. After set up you don’t have to worry about your machine being so close to your computer.
Step 1 – Unpack and Take Your xTool M1 and Other Parts Out.
Remove all tools, boxes, foam and set aside.
Quick Tip * I went ahead and also removed all of the protective plastic meant to prevent scratches only because I won’t remember to take it off later! If you prefer, leave it on until after you get everything situated to prevent scratching the cover or base as you twist your tool all around to get everything connected!
Step 2 – Install the Point Blade.
Open the lid on the top of your machine. Inside you’ll see the housing for the laser and the point blade. The point blade holder is on the right side of the housing and it is connected by a magnet. To remove grab the housing and gently pull down. It should easily come right out of place.
Remove a blade from the packaging. You’ll see a red silicone cap on the end. This is covering the sharp part of the blade which is really sharp so be careful.
The top of the blade housing has a cylinder that pushes down like a button. Push that down and slip the non-pointy end of the blade into the hole on the other end. Release the button and the blade will hold in place.
* Quick Tip – The blade will not properly seat inside of the housing until the silicone protector is removed from the end. For the sake of my fingers while photographing I left the cap on but removed it to fully seat the blade.
With the blade end pointing downward, place the blade back into the housing. The magnet should grab the blade and hold it in place. You’ll hear a little satisfying “click” to let you know it’s properly fitted.
Step 3 – Connect the Supply and Power Adapter.
The power cord comes in two parts. Connect the parts together and then plug the power into the back of your M1. Flip the power toggle to on, also on the back side of the machine.
After connecting to power and flipping the power toggle, the round button on the front of the machine will blink with a white light. When the circle stops flashing the inside of the machine will light up. We’re now ready to connect your M1 to a computer.
Step 4 – Connect by USB Cable to your Computer.
The cord to connect your xTool M1 to your computer on one end has a printer connection and the other a USB. Plug the printer end into the back of the machine and the USB into a port on your computer or laptop.
* Quick Tip – If your computer does not have USB ports, you may have to purchase an adapter similar to this one.
Download and Install xTool Creative Space Software.
If you’re wondering what software for xTool M1 I’ve got great news for you! xTool has a custom software solution that is really user friendly for you to design and create using your M1 machine. It’s a free program that is easy to download and install. And that is the next step in our xTool M1 Setup Process!
Go to the xTool Software page to download the free xTool Creative Space program for your operating system. Download the program executable file to a location you can easily find, like the desktop. Once downloaded start the executable file to begin the installation.
Follow the on screen prompts to install xTool Creative Space. When the program launches, follow through the prompts. You may need to update your firmware. Once your program is fully installed you’ll see in the right hand corner of your program screen “Device not connected” with a button to “Connect device”.
Click the “Connect device” button and in the pop up select your new M1 machine.
How to Connect the xTool M1 to WIFI.
Once your M1 has connected to your computer by the USB cord, you’ll be able to switch to access via WIFI.
With the Creative Space Software still active, select the gear in the green box that shows your recently connected xTool via USB (upper right of the screen). A pop up screen will come up showing info for your M1. Click the “Setting” button next to the Wi-Fi setup.
Find your WIFI network and enter the password.
*Fun fact – that is not the name of my network. It belongs to an unidentified neighbor :)
With the correct network and password, you can now use your xTool M1 though WIFI rather than having to run a cord from the machine to your computer.
More xTool M1 Tutorials and Info to Come!
This is just the very beginning of my laser cutting journey. In the coming weeks you can look forward to more informative xTool M1 posts. As I learn about my new M1 cutter, so will you! Stay tuned because we’ve got lots of laser engraver and laser cutting tutorials to come!
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