There are three versions of F1 lasers: F1 original, F1 Lite, and F1 Ultra. I thought I would do an xTool F1 comparison for you to discuss what is the same and what is different. Then you can decide which xTool F1 laser might be right for you.
If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready for a laser and which laser is right for you, check out my free Laser Buying Guide.
You can watch me compare the xTool F1 Lite and F1 Ultra side by side by pressing play on the video below or just keep reading!
xTool F1 Comparison
I have full tutorials on both the xTool F1 Ultra and xTool F1 Lite. If you want more information on those specific machines, be sure to check them out.
As we go through the xTool F1 comparison, we’ll look at what each of these lasers can do and how they’re different. Hopefully, this will help you figure out the right laser for you.
What is the Size Difference?
xTool F1 Ultra is larger than the xTool F1 Lite and the original F1. The F1 and F1 Lite have a handle on the top, making them easier to transport.
The F1 Ultra is larger and heavier, but it is still portable. If you want the increased capabilities of the F1 Ultra, don’t let the size deter you.
How Big Can You Cut and Engrave?
The workable area for these lasers is fairly small. The F1 and F1 Lite area is about 4.5 square inches. On the F1 Ultra, that size almost doubles to about 8.5 square inches.
For each laser, you can purchase an optional conveyor-type accessory that increases the working size.
The conveyor accessory moves the blank back and forth, allowing you to work on larger-sized blanks.
The bottom of the F1 and F1 Lite can be removed, allowing you the ability to engrave on larger surfaces like table tops and even inside boxes.
Just because the set working area is small doesn’t mean you can’t make larger projects with these lasers.
What Type of Laser are the xTool F1 Lasers?
All of the xTool F1 lasers are Galvo-style lasers. That means the laser head doesn’t move; the laser itself moves across the surface as it cuts and engraves.
The advantage of Galvo-style lasers is the ability to engrave inside things like boxes. Another benefit of this style of laser is that it can come in small packages. You don’t need a large laser bed for the laser head to move in.
What is the Power of these Lasers?
Depending on the F1 laser you get, it may have a Diode (blue-light) laser and/or an IR (infrared) laser.
A diode laser can engrave and cut certain materials. It is a lower-power laser and does not work on things that are clear. You cannot cut or engrave something like clear acrylic, and it may also struggle with lighter colored blanks.
This is not specific to xTool F1 lasers, any diode laser is going to have those same restrictions.
An IR laser is great at engraving. You can engrave a lot of different materials including many metal materials.
The F1 Lite has a 10-watt diode laser head, and that is the only one it has.
xTool F1 original has a 10-watt diode laser head and a 2-watt IR laser included. This expands the materials you can cut and engrave.
When you move up to the F1 Ultra, you get a 20-watt diode laser and a 20-watt IR laser. This is by far the most powerful of the three.
You can cut and engrave more materials and complete projects faster if you have the Ultra.
How Fast are xTool F1 Lasers?
All of the xTool F1 lasers are extremely fast. Whether cutting or engraving, you’re going to be impressed with how fast projects are completed.
The speed makes these a great option for on-site customization.
Can You Use F1 Lasers Indoors?
Yes, you can use any of the xTool F1 lasers indoors. You can either vent out a window or purchase an optional air filter accessory to use the laser indoors without venting it.
What Accessories are Available for F1 Lasers?
You can purchase a rotary accessory to use with any of the F1 lasers. This would allow you to engrave on tumblers and other curved surfaces.
Another accessory that I mentioned before is the slide conveyor. The conveyor expands the surface area you can work on and it allows you to do multiple blanks.
On the F1 Ultra conveyor, for example, you can place multiple blanks, and as it goes through, it will engrave each blank. This is a great option for production if you’re making a lot of the same thing.
What safety features do these lasers have?
All of the lasers have built-in safety features, including the drop-down screen that protects your eyes and fire detection that will stop the laser if it detects a fire.
If you need to operate the laser with the screen open, be sure to wear laser safety glasses.
What software is required?
xTool Creative Space is what you will use to load your designs and send them to the laser. It is very easy to use and you use it with all of these lasers. If you’re new to laser crafting, Creative Space will not give you any trouble.
Who is an xTool F1 Laser Right For?
While doing this xTool F1 laser comparison, I considered who these lasers are right for.
All of these lasers are small and portable enough that they would allow you to customize items on-site at craft fairs or other events. This will differentiate you from other small business owners.
Engraving is where all of these lasers shine. The engravings look really good.
While you can cut certain materials, you are more limited on size than you are with the engraving function.
If you have the F1 Ultra, you can get deep, even, embossed-looking engravings because of the IR laser.
Which xTool F1 Laser Should You Purchase?
Which F1 laser is right for you will depend on what you want to do with it.
The F1 Ultra has more power, and you can do more things with it. It also has a touchpad that is very convenient. You can see what you’re cutting right on the touch pad, and I really like that feature.
If you want the deep-embossed-looking engraving, the xTool F1 Ultra is the laser for you.
For on-site personalization, I would purchase the F1 or F1 Lite. They are smaller and more portable.
If you personalize jewelry or other metal blanks, you will want the original F1 or the F1 Ultra. You need the IR laser for those blanks.
Personalization on wood can be done with the F1 Lite. If you have wood ornaments, frames, or other blanks you want to personalize, check out the F1 Lite.
The F1 Ultra is going to give you more options than the other two F1 lasers, but if you’re just starting out, you may not need all those features. Decide the projects you plan to make and see which laser can do everything you need it to.
Where to Purchase an F1 Laser and Accessories
You can use the links below to head to the xTool website to purchase the items mentioned in this post.
- xTool F1 Lite or Original
- xTool F1 Ultra
- xTool Accessories
- Laser Safety Glasses
- Free Laser Buying Guide
I hope this comparison has helped you decide which of the xTool F1 lasers is right for you. I was really impressed with each of them. You’re sure to be surprised at just how fast they engrave.
I know it’s tempting to purchase the biggest, most powerful laser out there. If you have the budget and space, the xTool F1 Ultra is an amazing laser, but you may not need everything it offers.
It can get overwhelming having a lot of features you don’t need. This is why I recommend dialing in what you want to do with your F1 laser and getting the laser that can do those things.
I hope I’ve answered any questions you have with this xTool F1 Laser Comparison. If you have any additional questions, leave them in the comments, and I’ll be happy to answer them for you.
