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Writer's pictureMatt Cornelius

xTool F1 ULTRA Fiber Laser -The 20W Destroyer for Small Business

I have been using the F1 Ultra Fiber Laser Engraver/Cutter in my business for the past 3 months. Not only have I put it through its paces, I have been able to consistently make extra money with it on the side. (My first month I made over $2,000) - And yes, I will tell you what I did below.


This isn't clickbait, this is not a made up story. I am not telling you this to brag. I am a simple guy from Arkansas who loves to wood carve, laser engrave and make YouTube videos. If you are reading this, I hope you find something helpful in it.


If you’ve been around the laser engraving block, you know how crucial it is to have the right tools for the job. Whether you're engraving detailed designs on wood, metal, or just about anything else, you need precision and power. That’s where the diversity of the xTool F1 Ultra Laser comes in. It is my laser of choice 95% of the time.


(This also has helped me in my wood carving business SO much)


If you haven't caught my FULL YouTube video, you can watch it below.




What Makes the xTool F1 Ultra "Special"? Let's take a look at the features:

xTool F1 Ultra

Galvo Laser Technology

At the heart of the F1 Ultra is its galvo laser system, known for its speed and precision. Unlike traditional gantry lasers that move the laser head along the X and Y axes, galvo lasers use mirrors to direct the laser beam with lightning-fast accuracy. This technology enables the F1 Ultra to achieve higher speeds—up to 10,000 mm/s—without sacrificing detail, making it ideal for intricate designs and high-volume production.



Dual Fiber Laser Technology

The F1 Ultra packs a punch with its dual laser setup—a 20W Fiber laser and a 20W blue diode. That means you can easily switch between different materials without breaking a sweat. The Fiber laser’s perfect for metal, while the blue diode handles everything else. Basically, it’s like having two top-notch engravers rolled into one. (This has saved me SO much time with bouncing between engraving jewelry, cuttings boards, business cards etc...)


xTool f1 Ultra

Specs That Matter


Let’s get into the nitty-gritty for all the spec people out there:

  • Laser Power: 20W Fiber + 20W Blue Diode

  • Wavelength: Fiber Laser at 1064 nm, Blue Diode Laser at 450 nm

  • Working Area: 220mm x 220mm (expandable to 220mm x 500mm with the conveyor feeder)

  • Working Speed: Up to 10,000 mm/s

  • Focus Method: Adjustable focus from hand-controller or autofocus in XCS software

  • Software: Creative Space (xTool’s proprietary software) and compatibility with LightBurn

  • Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth

  • Supported File Formats: SVG, DXF, BMP, JPG, PNG, and more

  • Material Compatibility: Capable of engraving on 300+ materials, including metals (stainless steel, aluminum, gold, etc.), wood, leather, plastics, and more

  • Live Preview Camera: Integrated for precision placement of your designs

  • Cooling System: Air-cooled design for consistent performance

This versatile machine is built to handle a variety of projects with precision and efficiency, making it a serious contender in the engraving world.


Precision

Precision is everything in engraving. I have personally found the xTool F1 Ultra nails it every time, delivering on the super fine details I am after. Whether you’re working on a small, intricate project or something larger, this machine has kept up with everything I have thrown at it.

xTool F1 Ultra

Speed and

Efficiency

Time is money, right? With a working speed

of up to 10,000 mm/s, it’s designed to work fast without sacrificing quality. So, whether you’re cranking out projects for your business or just doing it for fun, you’ll appreciate how much more you can get done in less time. When I switched from my regular F1 I more than doubled my output.


User-Friendly Design

One thing I appreciate about xTool is that they make everything easy to use, you don't need a masters degree to operate it... The F1 Ultra's intuitive interface makes it a breeze to use. It’s compact enough to fit in your workspace without taking over, but still tough enough to handle serious jobs. Maintenance is also easy, you’ll spend less time fixing things and more time creating.


xTool F1 Ultra

Creative Space Software: Simplicity Meets Power

One of the best parts of the xTool F1 Ultra setup is the Creative Space software. Compared to the industry-standard LightBurn, Creative Space still holds its own very well. It’s way easier to use, which is a huge relief if you’ve ever struggled with complicated software.

You can jump in, import your designs, tweak the settings, and get started in no time. No fuss, no frustration—just straightforward, powerful software that makes engraving as simple as it should be.



Live Preview Camera: Precision at Your Fingertips

One of the standout features of the F1 Ultra is its live preview camera. This integrated camera allows you to see exactly where your design will be placed before you start engraving. No more guessing or re-doing projects due to misalignment—just precise, perfect placement every time. When combined with the framing feature you can nail the designs everytime. Whether you’re working on intricate details or aligning multiple pieces, the live preview camera takes the stress out of the process. (This is one of the biggest reasons I chose this laser!)


xTool F1 Ultra

Why Choose the F1 Ultra Over a Standalone Fiber Laser?

Now, you might be wondering, “Why should I go for the F1 Ultra when I could just get a standalone fiber laser?” It’s a fair question, and here’s why the F1 Ultra could be the better choice for you:



Versatility

While standalone fiber lasers are great for metal engraving, they’re limited when it comes to other materials. The xTool F1 Ultra’s dual laser setup means you’re not restricted—you can easily switch between engraving metals, wood, plastics, and more without needing multiple machines. With the ability to engrave on over 300 different materials, this versatility is a big deal if you work with a variety of materials or want to expand your offerings.


Deep Emboss Engraving, Color Engraving on Metal, and Cutting Thin Metal with the xTool F1 Ultra

xTool F1 Ultra

xTool F1 Ultra

Deep Emboss Engraving

Deep emboss engraving adds texture and dimension to your work. Unlike standard engraving, this technique removes more material with multiple passes to create a design that you can feel as well as see. This is no doubt the coolest feature of the F1 Ultra.



Why It Matters

These features give you the flexibility to work with various materials and add unique touches to your projects, whether you’re crafting for business or personal use.



xTool F1 Ultra

Expandable Working Area

The F1 Ultra comes with a standard working area of 220mm x 220mm, which is already pretty generous. But if you’re working on larger projects, you can attach the optional conveyor feeder to expand the engraving area to 220mm x 500mm. This expansion capability makes it ideal for handling bigger jobs without needing to invest in a larger machine.





Cost-Effectiveness

Investing in multiple machines can get expensive fast. The F1 Ultra gives you the power of both a fiber laser and a blue diode laser in one unit, saving you from having to buy two separate machines. Plus, the compact design saves space in your workshop, which is always a bonus. With a starting price of $3,899 for the standalone F1 Ultra, It Isn't cheap, but can more than pay for itself. When you compare this to other machines on the market, This is hard to pass up when you weigh the price and features out.


(If you plan on cutting BIG projects you might be betters off with something else, While It can engrave and cut big pieces, the limitations of this is the processing area. So keep this in mind and check out my videos to help you make a purchasing decision)


xTool F1 Ultra

Ease of Use

Standalone fiber lasers can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to laser engraving. The F1 Ultra’s user-friendly design, combined with the Creative Space software, makes it much easier to get started. You won’t need to spend hours learning how to use the machine—just plug it in and go.


Future-Proofing Your Workshop

The F1 Ultra’s dual laser technology means you’re prepared for whatever projects come your way. As your business or hobby evolves, you won’t need to upgrade to different machines. The F1 Ultra has the versatility to grow with you, making it a smart long-term investment.


Turning Your Passion Into Profit

The xTool F1 Ultra isn’t just a tool for me—It has literally been a way of turning creativity into profit while blessing others. It took me a while to get this... but when you provide solutions for people they will happily pay you - Both of your lives are enriched. There is NOTHING selfish about this. It is a business transaction where both of you benefit.

xTool F1 Ultra Aluminum Wallets

Custom Products

People are all about personalized items these days, You can create custom products like engraved jewelry, personalized gifts, and one-of-a-kind gadgets. These unique pieces can fetch a good price, especially when you’re offering something that can’t be found in stores.


I made over $2,000 in my first month engraving aluminum and wooden wallets along with cutting boards. I source these aluminum wallets from Alibaba and do local sales only.


(The selling price for the wallets are $45-$65 and I was told I was TOO cheap from some customers)


Business Branding

Every small business wants to stand out, and custom branding can help them do just that. Offer services like engraving company logos on products, creating branded promo items, or even personalizing office supplies. Businesses are willing to pay top dollar for quality engravings that enhance their brand image.

Art and Design

Whether it’s intricate wood carvings or metal art pieces, you can sell your creations at art shows, online on platforms like Etsy, or even through your own website.


There are so many ideas I could write here, but my aim is to inspire you with ideas, not overload you with information!

Conclusion: Is the xTool F1 Ultra Worth It?

In one word: absolutely.



xTool F1 Ultra

The xTool F1 Ultra is a powerhouse that combines precision, speed, and versatility into one sleek package. Plus, it’s not just about the machine—it’s about what you can do with it.


Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to upgrade your setup or a newbie ready to dive into the world of laser engraving, the F1 Ultra is an investment that’ll pay off big time.


And with the bonus of Creative Space software, which makes the whole process so much easier, you’ll be up and running in no time. So, if you’re ready to take your engraving game to the next level, the xTool F1 Ultra is the way to go.


I am not here to promote something I do not use myself. I've had many compliments on my work and so many people thanking me for all the customized products I have made them. If you are serious about getting a laser engraver I would seriously consider the F1 Ultra.


To find more information on the xTool F1 Ultra Click on the Links below:


🔥 xTool Exclusive Discount Code for $80 off: CC10


HowToWoodcarve proudly holds an affiliation with xTool. Any purchases made through the lprovided inks will help support the channel at no extra cost to the buyer. We do not recommend any tool that we do not use ourselves. Our mission is to empower people with skills and knowledge for a life-long journey full of creativity.

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