Verdict
The diode to buy if you want a closed box you can run in a room with other people. 40 W cuts 18 mm hardwood in one pass, the bed is close to letter-plus size, and it works with LightBurn as well as xTool's software.
Buy it for
- Wood signs, coasters and leather in a home setting
- Families and classrooms that need Class 1
- Buyers who want CO2-like cutting without a water chiller
Skip it if
- You cut clear acrylic (diode light passes straight through it)
- You engrave lots of bare metal
- You need speed above 600 mm/s
What it can do, material by material
Based on the laser types it carries. "With coating" means only with marking spray, a coated surface or light marks. Always test on scrap first.
Wood & plywoodCuts
Clear acrylicNo
Dark acrylicCuts
LeatherCuts
Paper & cardCuts
GlassWith coating
Slate & stoneEngraves
Anodized aluminumEngraves
Stainless steelWith coating
Brass, copper, raw aluminumNo
ABS & colored plasticsWith coating
Specifications
- Lasers
- 40 W blue diode
- Motion
- Gantry (moving head)
- Working area
- 498 x 319 mm (19.6 x 12.6 in)
- Max speed
- 600 mm/s
- Wood cut
- 18 mm (cherry, one pass (40 W))
- Acrylic cut
- 15 mm (dark acrylic, one pass (40 W))
- Enclosure
- Fully enclosed
- Laser class
- Class 1
- Autofocus
- Yes
- Status
- Current (40 W only)
Compare and alternatives
- xTool S1 vs xTool M1 Ultra
- Creality Falcon A1 Pro vs xTool S1
- Best laser engraver for wood
- Best laser engraver for beginners
Not sure this is the right type of laser? Try the laser finder: pick your material and thickness and it lists the machines that can do the job.
Sources
Specs and prices checked November 4, 2026. Prices change often; confirm before you buy.
FAQ
What lasers does the xTool S1 have?
40 W blue diode.
How big is the xTool S1 working area?
498 x 319 mm (19.6 x 12.6 in).
How thick can the xTool S1 cut?
Up to 18 mm of wood (cherry, one pass (40 W)) and 15 mm of acrylic (dark acrylic, one pass (40 W)).