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As an proprietor of each a Glowforge and an xTool, I’m in a terrific place to have the ability to share the professionals and cons of each machines, together with a comparability of the machines. This text highlights my expertise and technical specs of the Glowforge Plus and the xTool M1.
Earlier than we get began, know that there is no such thing as a ‘one dimension suits all’ answer to which machine you should purchase. Which machine works higher for you’ll significantly rely in your wants.
Glowforge vs xTool: Measurement and Weight
Glowforge: The Glowforge measures 38 inches by 20.75 inches by 8.25 inches. It weighs 55 kilos.
xTool: The xTool M1 measures 22 inches by 18 inches by 9 inches. It weighs 21.6 kilos.
When you have a small workspace or want to have the ability to transfer across the machine by your self, the xTool M1 is a more sensible choice.
Glowforge vs xTool: Laser
Glowforge: Accommodates a CO2 laser. It’s a 40W within the Fundamental and Plus fashions, and 45W within the Glowforge Professional. Glowforge’s laser engraves at 1000 dpi.
xTool: Accommodates a diode laser. Out there in a 5W or a 10W model. xTool’s laser engraves at 500 dpi.
There isn’t any better option between the lasers, as a result of they’re several types of lasers. CO2 lasers are extra highly effective and are sooner, however diode lasers have an extended lifespan.
As an apart, xTool additionally makes a CO2 laser – however I don’t have any expertise with it.
Glowforge vs xTool: Mattress Measurement
Glowforge: The mattress measures 20 inches by 12 inches, and the usable dimension is about 11 inches by 19.5 inches. For Glowforge’s Professional model, the passthrough slot permits you to reduce infinitely lengthy supplies.
xTool: The mattress measures 15 inches by 12 inches with the usable space barely smaller. Nonetheless, you aren’t restricted to utilizing solely the mattress. The xTool’s backside plate is detachable which lets you engrave on objects that don’t match within the machine.
It’s a tie between the Glowforge and the xTool for mattress dimension. Whereas the Glowforge is bigger, the xTool’s capability to (simply!) take away the underside for bigger engraving must be acknowledged.
Glowforge vs xTool: Supplies to Minimize and/or Engrave
The Glowforge and the xTool can deal with many, lots of the similar supplies.
Each: Leather-based, paper, wooden, cloth, cardstock, cardboard, MDF, stone, rubber stamp materials, cork, steel, leatherette, and so forth.
Now, let’s check out the variations:
Materials Thickness: The Glowforge can reduce via supplies as much as 6mm in a single move. Thicker supplies might be reduce utilizing a number of passes, or by flipping the fabric over. The xTool M1 can reduce via supplies as much as 8mm in a single move. Once more, thicker supplies might be reduce utilizing a number of passes and flipping the fabric over.
Acrylic: The Glowforge can reduce and engrave acrylics. Nonetheless, the xTool can’t. This isn’t a fault of the machine, quite a circumstance of the diode laser (blue gentle). Sadly, the diode laser passes via the fabric. I used to be in a position to get pink acrylic to chop – however if you wish to reduce all colours of acrylic you’ll need to persist with a CO2 laser like a Glowforge.
Vinyl: Vinyl shouldn’t be reduce in CO2 lasers. Nonetheless, xTool’s M1 additionally has a blade that can be utilized for vinyl chopping.
Curved Surfaces: The Glowforge can engrave on curved surfaces offered they’re lower than 2 inches in top – like a pen, flask, or shotglass. Utilizing the rotary attachment, the xTool M1 can engrave on bigger merchandise like tumblers, baseball bats, and rolling pins.
Each Glowforge and xTool have a supplies retailer the place you should purchase their personal label supplies.
Glowforge vs xTool: Noise Stage
Whereas noise ranges aren’t an enormous issue for me (I imply, I can barely hear the machines over all these youngsters screaming! 😂), I used to be shocked at how quiet the xTool was when working. I’d evaluate the noise of the Glowforge to a vacuum cleaner and the noise of the xTool to a hair dryer on low or medium.
If you happen to dwell in an condominium setting, you could have to go for the quiet machine – the xTool M1.
Glowforge vs xTool: Software program
I’ll be trustworthy, designing advanced designs in both the Glowforge App or the xTool Inventive House isn’t splendid. I’ll assume you be designing elsewhere and importing into the software program. Each software program packages settle for a wide range of file codecs.
Moreover, each firms supply a undertaking catalog. Glowforge’s undertaking catalog is bigger than xTool’s. I assume you’ll see the catalog develop over time.
Glowforge vs xTool: On-line Sources
Glowforge: The Glowforge has a sturdy neighborhood stuffed with useful solutions, loads of YouTube tutorials by each Glowforge and their customers, and many free assist via creators that personal and use the Glowforge.
xTool: xTool has a small neighborhood that doesn’t appear very energetic. Not as many creators are presently utilizing xTool’s machines. Nonetheless, I see such a big push from xTool to get their machines on the market – I count on you’ll see extra assets accessible within the coming months.
If neighborhood assets are necessary to you, Glowforge has the sting.
Glowforge vs xTool: Value
Glowforge: Three fashions – Fundamental, Plus, and Professional which price $3995, $4995, and $6995.
xTool: The M1 prices $1299. Nonetheless, the bottom mannequin is presently on sale for $899.
Moreover, each firms supply third celebration installment plans. Or, purchase on Amazon and make the most of 0% curiosity utilizing your Amazon Prime card: Glowforge on Amazon and xTool M1 on Amazon.
Glowforge vs xTool: Reductions
Glowforge: I may give you a coupon for as much as $500 off. Click on right here to make use of it.
xTool: Has been repeatedly working gross sales. Click on right here to test the present promotions.
Glowforge vs xTool: Which One to Purchase
I discussed on the very starting of this text that whether or not you select Glowforge, xTool, or one other model altogether – it might be primarily based in your wants. Listed here are a couple of of my opinions.
- On a funds? Select the xTool M1.
- Need to work with acrylic? Select a Glowforge.
- Need to engrave tumblers? Select the xTool M1.
- Operating a enterprise the place you might want to replicate merchandise shortly? Select Glowforge, nonetheless, I’ve seen many creatives develop previous Glowforge shortly as their enterprise scales.
- First laser? Select xTool M1.
- Need to have the ability to select premade designs from a big catalog? Select Glowforge.
- Fellow content material creator on the lookout for a machine? Select xTool M1. Since there’s not a variety of content material printed about xTool, you’ll have the ability to shortly soar within the dialog.
- Simpler to cover from partner? Select xTool M1. You need to have the ability to stash it in a closet on brief discover.
It doesn’t matter what machine you finally select, I feel we will all agree: Competitors is sweet for shoppers. As extra lasers come onto the market, the present firms are compelled to innovate. And for shoppers, that’s nice!