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xTool S1 20W laser engraver — xTool

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xTool · Diode (diode + IR)

xTool S1

Enclosed 20W diode — safer home engraving with moderate cutting

Last updated How we evaluate

Released October 2023

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Details below match the selected module.

Showing specs for: 20W

20W

Interchangeable laser heads on the same S1 cabinet

The xTool S1 is sold with different diode modules (10W, 20W, or 40W) or as a bare cabinet — heads swap with two screws and a plug. An optional 2W 1064 nm infrared module adds metal marking without a full fiber galvo. This is not a “hybrid” machine: you replace one head at a time.

Pages below are per factory-installed module. Other wattages are sold as separate heads you can swap on the same cabinet.

Laser spot size: ~0.07 mm spotMotion precision: 0.01 mmSample engrave: ~9–14 min

TL;DR

The 20W S1 is the value pick in xTool's enclosed diode line: same cabinet and filters as the 40W, but less cut depth on thick wood. Buy this if safety matters and you mostly engrave.

What this machine is for

Enclosed hobby and light business diode laser for safer home engraving and moderate cutting.

Best for

Home workshopsFamilies with kids nearbyApartment useCleaner engraving

Materials

Engraves

  • · Wood
  • · Leather
  • · Slate
  • · Anodized aluminum
  • · Stainless (with spray)

Cuts

  • · Basswood (up to 8 mm)
  • · Dark acrylic (up to 5 mm)
  • · Paper
  • · Fabric

Cannot do

  • · Clear acrylic
  • · CO₂-level acrylic production
  • · Bare metal without spray
  • · Thick hardwood in one pass

Pros

  • ✓Fully enclosed — major safety and smoke improvement vs open-frame
  • ✓Built-in exhaust filter option for apartment use
  • ✓Same large work area as D1 Pro in a safer package
  • ✓LightBurn compatible
  • ✓Camera alignment available on some configs

Cons

  • ✗Enclosure adds bulk
  • ✗Filter cartridges need replacement over time
  • ✗40W diode marketing — verify optical power for your variant

Beginner notes

Choose the 20W S1 if you want an enclosed xTool on a tighter budget. Step up to 40W only if you regularly cut thicker softwood.

Pro tips

Vent to window when cutting heavily even with filters — filters reduce smell but are not magic. Use the camera for batch alignment on repeat products. Pair with xTool riser for tumblers.

Pro / technical specs

Raw numbers for experienced users comparing machines.

Laser spot size
~0.07 mm spot
Max speed (spec)
400 mm/s
Avg engrave speed
22–49 mm/s fill
Avg cut speed
2–3 mm/s on 3 mm wood
Motion precision
0.01 mm

Common questions

Is the xTool S1 safer than an open-frame laser?

Yes. The enclosure blocks direct beam exposure and contains smoke. You still follow safety rules, but accidental exposure risk is much lower than open-frame diodes.

Can the S1 replace a CO₂ laser?

No. It is still a diode laser with the same acrylic and cutting limits. Buy CO₂ (like xTool P2) if clear acrylic and thick wood cutting are your main work.

Can I upgrade from 20W to 40W later?

Yes. S1 laser heads are interchangeable — buy a 40W module and swap it on the same enclosure (two screws + connectors). You can also add the optional 2W 1064 nm IR module for more metal work.

Is the S1 a hybrid laser like the F1 Ultra?

No. S1 is a diode platform with swappable diode (or IR) heads. Hybrid machines combine fiber and diode sources inside one dual-source product — different category.