Is the higher price of the 40W xTool S1 justified compared to the 10W Mecpow x3?

Currently xTool is having a sale where you can trade in an open laser for up to $500 off an enclosed laser: https://bit.ly/3vFuXlL

Lasers

xTool S1 40W: https://bit.ly/4ay7Ut5

xTool S1 20W: https://bit.ly/48ybjGX

Mecpow X3: https://geni.us/2CzYHo0

Introduction

I've used laser cutters/engravers for two decades, both in college and professionally. Recently, I brought them into my personal workshop. While familiar with high-end machines, choosing one for myself proved trickier, especially regarding hobbyist priorities and upgrade paths. After researching, two categories emerged: the budget-friendly and the premium hobbyist. The quesion is what does the extra cost buy and is it worth it?

Speed

To compare cutting speeds, I conducted cutting tests. Knowing the 40-watt S1 would significantly outperform the 10-watt X3, I set the S1 to cut four times faster than the X3. My goal: determine if increased power translates to a fourfold speed boost.

The S1 actually cut 577% faster, exceeding my expectations! Engraving tests were more subjective. I engraved with 150mm/s at 100% power on the X3 and 600mm/s at 100% power on the S1, again four times faster. While subjective, it highlights the S1's significant time savings.

For frequent laser users, the S1's speed is undoubtedly worth it. For occasional use, the speed difference might not be as crucial.

Enclosures

Enclosures serve two key purposes: containing fumes and smoke, and protecting eyes. Cheap lasers lack them, requiring purchase or DIY construction. My outdoor casita setup was problematic in the rain, and those cheap tent enclosures ($70-$80) typically lack eye protection certification. Building a safe enclosure with laser-rated acrylic was expensive (just the window was $370 for OD5, $200 for OD3), but I wanted my kids to safely be able observe the lasers working as well as me.

The S1's enclosure is fantastic. Its large green acrylic window gives full visibility. Importantly, when opened, it shuts off the laser, making it Class 1 (like a DVD player). It's robust, built-in, and features automatic exhaust, eliminating manual operation—perfect for lazy users like me!

Ease of Use

While the S1 shares basic functionality with the X3 and other cheap lasers, the extra cost translates to significant ease-of-use features.

The optional air assist is amazing. It's automatic, turning on and adjusting power based on your needs: full power for cutting, 25% for engraving, and adjustable in 25-percent increments. Notably, the S1 has built-in controls for this add-on, which I love.

Normally, moving the laser head manually requires software control via touchscreen or mouse. The S1 tracks the head's position, allowing me to move it freely by hand without motor lockups. It always knows its location, saving significant time and making the laser much more user-friendly.

Setting the Z height is another frustration point. The X3's clunky process with the plastic piece often required multiple attempts for correct focus. The S1 solves this with its automatic Z-height setting. I simply move the head to the desired point, click the check height button in xTool’s software or Lightburn and it automates the entire process. Unlike the X3, I rarely forget to set the height with the S1.

Thickness

For cutting thickness with the 10-watt lasers, I can comfortably handle 3mm material all day long. It excels at that. But bump it up to half an inch, and it struggles. The 40-watt, being four times as powerful, tackles that 12mm/half-inch material effortlessly. Now, Xtool claims you can cut even thicker stuff. I've managed basswood, alder, and cherry at 15mm. One note: every attempt to cut very thick wood at 1mm/s set it on fire, so avoid that!

Quality

The Xtool's enclosure and overall build quality feel nice and durable. However, the X3 has some build quality issues that bother me. The head wobbling creates problems when setting the laser distance for focus. Also, pushing it to high speeds leads to subpar engravings. The X3's air assist broke after just two weeks, forcing me to replace it with a more robust one.

Cut accuracy is crucial for quality, so I made 100mm squares for both X3 and S1 to compare X and Y side distance consistency. The S1's were very close, not exactly 100mm due to kerf, but I was happy with the closeness. The X3's squares were further apart, indicating a possible adjustment/change need. Squareness (how well cut edges align on both sides) also matters. I've encountered issues with intricate boxes like the iris box on the X3, while the S1 cuts fit together seamlessly. The S1's slight out-of-squareness might be my inner machinist nitpicking, as I haven't encountered actual problems yet.

Versatility

For versatility, I consider cut size king. Both have similar areas, except the X3's square shape allows for slightly larger single pieces with off-the-shelf materials. One advantage of the Mecpow is its portability, though caution is advised (I accidentally engraved my table!). The S1 offers an optional 108-inch conveyor belt for feeding in longer materials, making both versatile in different ways. The S1 also requires additional purchase for this feature.

Another S1 versatility feature is curved surface mapping with the distance probe. This automatically adjusts Z-height for cutting/engraving based on the map. I used this for a frequently stolen campsite spoon I engraved with my name! Lastly, the S1 excels in small batch runs. Mark out your shapes on the material, and batch them out efficiently. For one-to-two bed sizes, this is faster than jigs, which I usually use on other lasers. I used this feature to batch out coasters with the Build It Make It logo.

Cost

The elephant in the room is cost. The Mecpow X3 is $300, while the xTool S1 is $2,200, a $1,900 difference. Much of this can be explained by the laser head. Even with a cheaper frame, that component alone costs around $1,000. The laser-rated acrylic also adds a couple hundred dollars. Then consider the automatic exhaust, robust build quality, and full enclosure. While pricey, it's reasonable for what you get.

Whether you need all that is up to you. The Mecpow X3 or similar lasers are great starting points if you're unsure about lasers, but be prepared to tinker. If you want plug-and-play, the S1's quality and ease of use are fantastic. For making money with your laser, the S1 shines despite the upfront cost. Remember, the S1 saves you time, which is another valuable factor.

I hope this is helpful!