Is it Worth It to Buy a Laser Engraver & Cutter? (xTool D1 Engraver Review)
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As a blogger and YouTuber, we frequently receive requests from companies to test their products in exchange for creating content on our platforms. It's quite amusing how they present it as if they are doing us a favor by providing us with "free" products. However, if they were aware of the amount of effort and hours required to promote these so-called "free" products, they would realize that we are essentially working for less than minimum wage.
Occasionally, though, we come across an email with an offer that truly excites us. It's the kind of offer that makes us eager to respond with a resounding "Yes!" because it feels like we've won the lottery.
This excitement is not driven by greed, but rather because it ignites a passion within us that we didn't even know existed. It inspires us with a new product that we never knew we needed.
Up until this point, that was the sentiment I had when xTool approached me with an opportunity to receive a "complimentary" laser engraver in return for providing my sincere feedback on their xTool D1 engraver and cutter machine.
I had never given much thought to the necessity of owning an engraver. Perhaps it crossed my mind years ago when I encountered one at a blogging conference. I was captivated by a certain brand's engraver, priced at a staggering $5,000, and I couldn't help but express my admiration. However, my excitement quickly faded when I discovered that they were out of stock and facing a backlog of orders.
Over time, the idea of owning an engraver slipped from my mind. Yet, upon reflection, I realize that there were numerous projects that could have greatly benefited from the use of an engraver.
Take, for instance, the time when I crafted my own wooden journals and had to painstakingly engrave my name on the front by hand. I even managed to sell a few of these journals on Etsy, and I vividly recall the considerable amount of time and effort it took to manually engrave each customer's name on the front cover.
But now, though, I feel like my DIY skills and tools just got an upgrade!
Why Do You Need a Laser Engraver?
Unless you are engaged in a profession that necessitates the use of a laser engraver, it is not an absolute necessity to possess one. However, it is perfectly acceptable to have a strong desire for one. Being someone who enjoys do-it-yourself projects, I am particularly fond of the concept of crafting customized presents. Just as I prefer my furniture to be unique and not mass-produced, I see no reason why my gifts should be any different.
However, it extends beyond the act of giving gifts. It truly revolves around the creation of projects that exude professionalism, precision, and neatness. The items that can be crafted using a laser engraver/cutter are often those that you wouldn't have the luxury of time (or the inclination!) to meticulously cut out with a scroll saw or jigsaw.
I'm referring to minuscule objects, such as elaborate wooden snowflakes, and countless other components of various projects that necessitate intricate cut-outs.
With the aid of a laser engraver/cutter, these items can be effortlessly cut out or engraved in a matter of minutes, rather than hours, using a wide range of materials.
What Can You Engrave and Cut with the xTool D1 Engraver?
Version 1: The xTool D1, equipped with a 10W laser engraving and cutting feature, empowers you to effortlessly cut materials of slightly greater thickness.
Engraving on Stainless Steel
The reason why this is particularly thrilling is because while wood can be engraved by hand, metal presents a greater challenge. Achieving a clean and precise result is nearly impossible when engraving metal manually. However, with the assistance of a laser engraver, this becomes a possibility.
The xTool D1 includes a stainless steel dog tag as a sample "blank". It was the ideal present for my nephew's Pom named Prince! Additionally, I engraved my nephew's name and contact number on the back of the tag.
The cost of stainless steel cups at Michael's is approximately $8.00 per cup. These cups provide a convenient and effortless method to customize a gift for someone by adding their name, an inspiring quote, or even your business logo! I decided to personalize one of these cups with my niece's name, Camryn. 🙂
Engraving on Wood
Engraving on plywood proved to be an effortless task! I was pleasantly surprised to find that it produced minimal smoke, resulting in a striking contrast between the light hue of the maple plywood and the dark lettering of my name, Thrift Diving.
The majority of these engravings only required 7-10 minutes of my time.
Additionally, I acquired some inexpensive wooden picture frames from Michael's Arts & Crafts, and to my amazement, they worked exceptionally well!
This particular frame holds sentimental value as it will be a gift for my sister, featuring an inside joke we cherished during our childhood. 😉
Is the xTool D1 Affordable?
The price range for the machine varies between $700 and $800, depending on your budget. I purchased the Cricut Maker for $400 when it was first released several years ago. If I could acquire a Cricut that can cut vinyl and paper for that price, I would be willing to spend $700 on a machine that can cut and engrave wood, engrave metal, glass, and perform many other functions. Ultimately, the decision on how much to spend depends on your personal financial situation. However, considering that this tool has the potential to generate income, particularly if you choose to sell crafts or personalized gifts on platforms like Etsy, I believe the investment would quickly pay for itself.