15 XTool M1 Projects to Inspire You!

Let’s take a look at some xtool projects! There are so many ways to use the desktop laser engraving and blade cutting machine.

If you follow my YouTube channel, then I’m sure you’ve seen my fun new toy! I have been making some fun projects with my new XTOOL M1 laser engraving machine but haven’t mentioned it over here yet.

Since I’ve been seeing a lot of my fellow crafters start to make laser cut crafts with the XTOOL cutting machine, I thought I’d round up some amazing projects you can make with an Xtool machine.

Don’t get me wrong, I still love my Cricut machine and use it all the time, but when it comes to wood projects, the Xtool is definitely the winner!

I will just go over some basics of the machine and then you can browse through a list of xTool M1 projects to see if one inspires you to start crafting!

What is an XTool M1 Machine?

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links from Xtool, Creative Fabrica, and Amazon.com. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my links (purple text). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Xtool has a line of different laser engraving machines that you can check out here. The M1 definitely differs from the more expensive Glowforge, but it’s nice to have a laser cutting machine in a lower price bracket.

The Glowforge uses a C02 laser (much for powerful and faster) while the Xtool M1 uses a diode laser (last longer, less powerful, and therefore cheaper).

I have the Xtool M1 10W. The M1 is a desktop laser engraving machine that also doubles as a blade cutting machine. It is a 3 in 1 machine: laser cutting, laser engraving, and blade cutting.

The xTool M1 is a rectangular shape that can sit right on top of a desk or table. I have mine on an IKEA long drawer stand and it fits perfectly!

Then I store all the supplies like wood boards, vinyl sheets, thick paper, and the triangle prisms in the drawers below.

I love the xTool hybrid machine for laser wood cutting and engraving. Honestly, I haven’t tried the blade cutting because I much prefer Cricut Design Space software and the accuracy of my Cricut. (I have heard mixed reviews on using it to cut vinyl).

What I do love about the xTool M1 is that it can cut up to 10mm wood in one pass and the accuracy of engraving (my favorite is on rock coasters!) and there are accessories you can buy to engrave painted or coated tumblers and mugs (RA2 Pro found here).

Using the xTool M1

XTool has it’s own software called xTool Creative Space Software. It’s still pretty new so features are being added all of the time. It’s definitely not my favorite to design in, but it’s getting better and pretty straightforward.

It’s easy to import a SVG or PNG file and size it. I get the majority of my digital laser files from Creative Fabrica, they have a huge assortment! Just search “laser”.

If you’d like to check out Creative Fabrica for free, grab a month’s (or 10 credits) for free here! (Just make sure to cancel if you don’t want to continue the subscription!). Or you can purchase a full year here (that’s what I do!)

Then on the right side you can pick whether you want to Score, Engrave, or Cut. The color of the image will change depending on what you select!

Then a great thing about the M1 is the camera it has.

When you place your material down inside the machine, the software takes a picture so you can drag and place your cut images where you want! An awesome feature for using scrap wood!

On the right side is where you’ll choose your material settings. I have had the most success cutting 3mm Basswood Plywood which is Xtool brand. (You can find on Amazon here)

When you choose a material from the drop-down, the Power, Speed, and Pass will automatically populate with the best settings for that material.

You’ll want to make sure to use the triangle prisms or honeycomb base to raise the wood that will be laser cut so the smoke can escape underneath. Make sure to use it in a well-ventilated area, it’s smelly!! Place the exhaust pipe out the window.

I also place a piece of foil shiny side down under the prisms for easier clean up!

Once you have your image, material set and placed in the machine, you’ll follow all on screen prompts to press the Go button. And the machine does the rest! But you never want to leave the machine, just in case a fire starts!

I do have a full YouTube video of making a few projects from start to finish, so make sure to check that out if you need more instruction vs laser cutting project inspiration!

XTOOL M1 Air Assist

A quick note about using an air assist with the M1 machine. The majority of the xtool project ideas I have listed are made without the use of the air assist.

But I have a new YouTube video showing you the differences between cutting an intricate earring before and after I installed the air assist, and I have to say wow, what a difference it makes!!

The air assist helps get clean smooth cuts without the burnt marks. Read more about it here!

Ok, now let’s check out some of the amazing custom projects you can make with an M1 machine!

If you are looking for a more portable machine, make sure to check out the F1 laser engraver and how to use it to engrave on wood!

Need even more project inspo or help with using your xtool machine??!! Make sure to join this awesome Facebook group!

I hope you found a new XTool project to make! Have fun!

Thanks for stopping by and have a creative day!

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