Looking for your next craft project? Want to try something a bit different? If you haven’t tried laser engraving before, this could be your next obsession!
Laser engraving is a highly versatile crafting technique that can be used by both amateur crafters and professionals.
You’ll love coming up with your own original designs and seeing them come to life, from personalised decorations to unique accessories – the only limit is your imagination.
Choosing an engraving machine can be daunting, so read on to learn all about the xTool S1 and why it’s suitable for everyone from absolute beginners to experienced artisans.
You’ll also discover lots of exciting projects to try using your new engraving machine, whether you want to engrave onto wood, metal or another surface.
What is laser engraving?
Traditionally engraving was done by hand, which was time-consuming and difficult. While many crafters still prefer to work in this way, modern techniques have made engraving much more accessible.
Laser engraving machines can be used to engrave a wide variety of surfaces such as wood, metal, glass, rock, fabric, leather, acrylic and paper.
Using lasers means that you can cut and engrave materials with outstanding precision compared to traditional methods.
Transform your engravings with the xTool S1
The xTool S1 is designed to be suitable for everyone from absolute beginners to experienced engravers.
It’s easy to set up and can be used to create a huge array of different products and designs. You can use your xTool S1 to make everything from bespoke jewellery to personalised hip flasks.
Whether you want to make decorations for your home, improve your DIY skills or personalise items for your business, the xTool S1 is designed to suit your needs.
This is a brilliant piece of kit for schools too, introducing students to computer-aided design in a safe and exciting way.
The best part about this crafty machine is that it can both cut and engrave your designs, making it excellent value for money.
Get creative with the xTool S1’s hi-tech features
The xTool S1 has state-of-the-art features that make crafting a breeze. Here are just a few of its advanced features:
1. Beginner-friendly software
The xTool S1 has easy-to-use software to help you get crafting straight away. There are over 1,000 project templates you can use, plus step-by-step tutorials to help you create your own designs.
You can use the software on your phone, tablet or PC, whichever you prefer.
2. Advanced safety features
The xTool S1 has a four-tier safety protection system. The outside of the machine uses laser filtering, so you can safely look at the machine while it’s in use without goggles.
When you open the lid, processing stops immediately to prevent laser leakage. It’s also cleaner and quieter than other laser engraving machines and won’t fill the room with smoke.
There are 5-direction flame sensors so you can craft more safely too.
3. Quick to set up and use
You can get your machine set up and start engraving in just three steps!
Simply put your materials into the xTool S1, drag and drop your projects using the software and press the start button. It couldn’t be easier.
4. Optional accessories
If you love using your machine and want to get more out of it, you can upgrade it any time by purchasing some accessories!
You can add a honeycomb panel for neater and cleaner results, a riser base to work on thicker items or a 1064nm IR Laser Module for acrylic, metal and plastic engraving.
5. Precision cutting
The xTool S1 can cut through a variety of different materials with astonishing precision and performance.
The materials you can cut vary depending on the model you’ve chosen (20W or 40W), with the 40W able to handle thicker materials than the 20W. If you tend to do more engraving than cutting, then the 20w is a better choice.
6. Accurate positioning
Want to make sure your engravings are exactly where you need them to be? The xTool S1’s pin-point positioning system can help you place your materials accurately for perfect results every time.
It’s linked to the software too, so you can see the laser module’s position in real time.
7. Improved air quality
Some engraving machines can produce harmful smoke. However, the xTool S1’s smoke exhaust system efficiently filters the smoke and dust produced when the machine is in use.
The air purifier works to remove dangerous fumes, helping to keep your environment clean and healthy!
8. Engrave 200+ materials
The S1 can be used to engrave over 200 different kinds of materials including wood, acrylic, stainless steel, leather, glass, rock, paper, fabric and rubber.
This impressive feature means that you can make an outstanding range of engraved projects at home – or even use your machine to set up your own business.
Want to learn more? Head over to the xTool website to order your S1 today!
Buy the xTool S1 engraving machine
10 incredible laser engraving ideas to make with your xTool S1
1. Personalised cups
The xTool S1 can handle curved surfaces with ease, making it the ideal tool to accessorise cups or mugs.
You can use this to make wonderful gifts for friends and family, but it would also be a brilliant way to make personalised items to sell.
2. Engraved rolling pins
If you’re a keen baker, you should definitely save this idea! Use the xTool S1 to make your own stunning engraved rolling pins.
You can use your patterned rolling pin on pastry or biscuit dough to emboss the design onto the surface. Then simply bake your creations and wait for the compliments to roll in.
3. Stylish jewellery
Update your accessories by making your own jewellery! You can pick one of xTool’s ready-made projects or have fun coming up with your own designs.
Craft earrings and necklaces that suit your look perfectly!
4. Personalised chopping board or cheeseboard
Treat the foodie in your life by presenting them with a customised chopping board or cheeseboard.
This is a thoughtful gift that’s guaranteed to raise a smile! You could decorate the surface with their name or food-related illustrations to make it even more personal.
5. Engraved pendants
Celebrate your love by crafting your own engraved pendants. You can engrave them with someone’s name, a dedication or a heartfelt message they’re sure to treasure.
It’ll be a little reminder of your love whenever they look at it or wear it.
6. Bespoke wallet
Cover a leather wallet in elaborate engraved designs and finish it off by adding a name as a sweet personal touch.
You can choose any design to make your wallet stand out, but we love this roaring lion design.
7. Family portraits
Give your family photos a makeover by engraving them onto slate! The xTool S1 can turn your pictures into engraved portraits with a high degree of precision.
It’s a fantastic way to turn your treasured memories into something beautiful to display in your home.
8. Engraved glass mugs
Create beautifully detailed engraved glass mugs using your xTool S1! The machine can create crisp designs in minutes, so you can fill your house with attractive engraved homewares.
9. Baskets for Mother’s Day
Show Mum you care with a beautiful engraved basket filled with freshly picked flowers! It’s a simple gift that feels truly special.
Looking for more Mother’s Day gift ideas? Check out Gathered’s DIY Mother’s Day craft ideas.
10. Precise paper cutting
The xTool S1 can cut intricate paper shapes with a high level of accuracy, allowing you to make a whole host of incredible paper creations from greetings cards to decorations for your home.
Boost your creativity with these exciting laser engraving ideas
With its ability to both engrave and cut materials with pinpoint accuracy, the xTool S1 is a must-have piece of equipment for amateur crafters and creative businesses.
You can use it to make a huge range of projects, from personalised cheese boards to bespoke keyrings in a matter of minutes.
Have fun browsing through our laser engraving ideas and decide which one you want to make first!
Express yourself with the xTool Screen Printer
The xTool Screen Printer is the perfect companion to the xTool S1. This fabulous machine will allow you to print detailed designs onto any surface.
Follow in the footsteps of great artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichenstein to explore all of the possibilities that screen printing has to offer.
This is a brilliant product for aspiring artists as you can print professional-looking artwork that wouldn’t look out of place in a gallery.
You’ll also be able to use your new XTool Screen Printer to decorate everything from t-shirts to tote bags with your own art.