The Barrager tank on the xTool S1 laser cutter has a missile armament that clips into the hull when the player is too close due to an improper depression value. This should be fixed to allow for closer operation without clipping.
Hello everyone, I’m hoping to get some advice here, and maybe this discussion can also help others who are considering buying their first laser. I’ve become very interested in laser engraving and cutting ever since Bambu introduced their laser and cutting module for the H2 Series. I’ve been 3D printing for over three years now—starting with Prusa, and since last year I’ve been using a P1S, with several thousand hours of printing experience. I mainly print for fun and create personalized gifts for friends, family, and coworkers. I even considered starting a small business this year, but here in Austria it’s quite expensive to do so due to taxes, especially when you already work full-time. So for now, it remains a hobby—but one I enjoy very much, especially designing and creating gifts for birthdays, weddings, and similar occasions. As mentioned, I’m considering buying a laser, but my main question is: Should I get a new Bambu H2 with the laser module, or should I look into a dedicated laser machine like those from xTool? In my situation, having just one machine for everything would be ideal, because my workspace in the basement is limited. I also imagine that the Bambu solution might be easier for beginners—though I have no experience, so I might be wrong. I’ve read a lot on this forum. Some people say that if you want to get into laser engraving seriously, you should buy a proper dedicated laser rather than a 3D printer with a laser add-on, especially due to concerns about dust and debris. Others say it’s not such a big issue. Opinions seem to differ. Price is also a big factor. Since I already own a P1S, I’m more interested in the H2C with Vortek rather than the H2S, because I print a lot of multicolor and the H2S is only slightly bigger than my P1S. Price-wise, an xTool like the M1 Ultra costs around €1,000–1,500, while the H2C Laser Combo is around €2,800. At some point I want to upgrade my printer anyway, because multicolor printing is important to me, and the P1S tends to have issues when doing that frequently. What do I want to do with the laser? Mainly wood engraving, creating models (similar to those you find on Makerworld), and engraving materials like metal, stone tiles, leather, and cork—basically all the common materials. If possible, I’d also like to cut and engrave acrylic. Having a plotter/cutter for paper would be great for making birthday cards, and the print-then-cut function on the M1 is also very appealing—printing directly onto wood and then cutting the shape out. I’m aware that I will need an air filtration system for my basement, though I do have a window where I can route an exhaust hose. And I understand that a laser is not a toy, which is why I want to gather information first—safety is my top priority. I’m not planning to buy anything immediately; I have a few weeks or even months to decide. So, what do you think? What would be the best choice for a beginner entering the world of laser engraving? \[/quote\]