# xTool S1 40W Review (2026): Pros, Cons & Price > xTool S1 40W review: 40 W diode laser, enclosed, 498 × 319 mm. Specs, materials, pros, cons and our 8.5/10 verdict. - Source: https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-s1-40w/ - Markdown version: https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-s1-40w.md - Last updated: 2026-10-30 --- - [Home](https://laserengraversguide.com/) - [Compare lasers](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/) - xTool S1 40W Enclosed Diode Laser 8.5 ![xTool S1 40W Enclosed Diode Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/_astro/xtool-s1-40w.BYUVEG1P_1UUKmM.webp) xTool · Premium # xTool S1 40W Enclosed Diode Laser Review Small shops and serious hobbyists who want the most cutting power you can safely run in a home or office without moving to CO2. - 40 W diode - Enclosed - 498 × 319 mm - Class 1 - Marks bare metal $$$$ Premium Price tier: Premium price tier · see Amazon for today's price [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQ84BDTX?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20)[See alternatives](#alternatives) Opens Amazon in a new tab. By [Laser Engravers Guide Editorial Team](https://laserengraversguide.com/about/) · Updated October 30, 2026 · [How we score](https://laserengraversguide.com/how-we-research/) Our score comes from manufacturer specs, professional reviews, and owner reports. It is not a hands-on lab test. ## The verdict The S1 40W is the enclosed diode to buy when cutting matters: Class 1 safety, a 50 cm-wide bed, autofocus and 40 W that slices thick plywood and dark acrylic, with LightBurn support for pros. It lacks a camera, air assist is extra, and at about $1,800 it's within reach of the xTool P2S, which cuts faster and handles clear acrylic. Buy the S1 if you need Class 1 in a shared space; buy the P2S if you can vent a CO2 and want the widest material range. ### What we like - 40 W diode inside a Class 1 enclosure; xTool claims 18 mm wood in a single pass - Biggest bed of the enclosed diodes here (498 × 319 mm), plus conveyor passthrough up to 3 m - Multi-point autofocus and curved-surface engraving; five flame sensors, emergency stop and lid-open stop - LightBurn support alongside xTool's own software ### Watch out for - No camera: positioning uses xTool's laser-head 'Pin-point Positioning' instead - Air assist is an add-on, and you still need to vent outside or buy a purifier - Blue diode: no clear acrylic, and thick cuts are slow next to a 55 W CO2 - Amazon's only S1 listing is a $1,819 'Rotary Bundle', and xTool's Canadian store lists the S1 under clearance ## Score breakdown Engraving & cutting 8.8 Ease of use 8.4 Safety & build 9 Value 7.8 40 W diode (output); optional 2 W 1064 nm IR module · Enclosed · Class 1 ## xTool S1 40W specs | Brand | xTool | | --- | --- | | Laser type | Diode (455 nm blue diode) | | Output power | 40 W diode (output); optional 2 W 1064 nm IR module | | Format | Enclosed | | Work area | 498 × 319 mm (19.6 × 12.6 in). 470 × 3,000 mm with the automatic conveyor feeder (extra rail required); 42 mm clearance, 125 mm with the Class 1 riser base | | Max speed | 600 mm/s (maker rating) | | Laser class | Class 1 | | Cuts wood | Up to 18 mm (maker claim) | | Clear acrylic | No | | Metal | Marks bare metal | | Air assist | Optional add-on | | Camera | No | | Autofocus | Yes | | Rotary | Optional add-on | | Software | xTool Creative Space / xTool Studio, LightBurn | | Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi | | Weight | 44.1 lb | | Warranty | 1 year | | Price tier | $$$ Premium ($1,500–$3,500). See Amazon for today's price. | - xTool's cutting claim is '18mm cherry wood in a single pass'; it doesn't publish a separate basswood/plywood maximum on the listing. - xTool lists stainless steel as diode-engravable (a dark oxide mark); the optional 2 W IR module handles bare metal and plastics properly. - The Amazon listing (B0CQ84BDTX) is titled 'Rotary Bundle'. Confirm the RA2 Pro rotary is in the box before treating it as included; we list rotary as optional. - xTool's Canadian store listed the S1 as 'Clearance' in Oct 2026 while newer M2/F2 lines take the spotlight, so stock may thin out. The 20 W S1 no longer appears on xTool's US product page. - Per xTool's FAQ, LightBurn handles focusing, framing and the RA2 Pro but not curved-surface mode or material measurement. Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and independent reviews and may change between production runs. Laser makers re-bundle often, so confirm what's in the box on the Amazon page before buying. The xTool S1 40W is a 40 W blue diode laser inside a Class 1 enclosure, with the biggest bed of any enclosed diode we track: 498 × 319 mm. It’s the machine we point to when someone wants serious cutting power in a home, office or classroom without moving to a CO2 laser. The only Amazon listing, a “Rotary Bundle”, sells for about $1,819 (check today’s price and what’s in the box). It’s our pick for the best enclosed diode for cutting wood and a top choice for home safety. If you’re unsure whether you need a cutter or an engraver, the [laser matcher](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/laser-matcher/) can help you decide. ## Who the S1 is for (and who should skip it) It’s for small shops and serious hobbyists who cut a lot of plywood, hardwood and dark acrylic in a shared space: a spare room, a home office, a classroom. Class 1 means nobody in the room needs goggles while the lid is shut, and that matters more than any spec if you live with other people. Skip it if clear acrylic or glass engraving is on your list. No blue diode cuts clear acrylic, and the [xTool P2S](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-p2s/) CO2 does it for about $1,100 more, if you can vent a Class 4 machine. Skip it if you want camera placement: the S1 has none and uses xTool’s laser-head “Pin-point Positioning” instead. And if you mostly engrave and cut thinner stock, the Class 1 [Creality Falcon A1 Pro](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/creality-falcon-a1-pro-20w/) adds a camera and costs about $700 less. ## Cutting power and practical use xTool claims the 40 W head cuts 18 mm cherry wood in a single pass. That’s a maker claim, not a measurement, and xTool doesn’t publish a separate plywood maximum. Treat it as the ceiling, not the everyday setting. Cuts that thick will still be slower than on a 55 W CO2, but they put the S1 well ahead of 10–20 W enclosed diodes. Our [best laser cutter for wood](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-laser-cutter-for-wood/) guide puts it in context. The rest of the feature set suits production work. Multi-point autofocus measures the surface and supports curved-surface engraving, so a warped board or a domed lid comes out evenly. An automatic conveyor feeder (with an extra rail) passes stock up to 3 m long through the machine. Five flame sensors, an emergency stop and a lid-open stop round out the safety package. LightBurn support is a real plus for pros who already have a workflow. Metal is the weak spot. xTool lists stainless steel as engravable, but a blue diode leaves a slow, dark oxide mark with low contrast. For bare metal and plastics, add xTool’s optional 2 W IR module, or see our [best laser engraver for metal](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-laser-engraver-for-metal/) guide for fiber options. ## What you’ll need beyond the box - **Ventilation.** Class 1 contains the light, not the smoke. The S1’s exhaust fan has to go somewhere: duct it out a window with [4-inch foil ducting](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EUURUVM?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20), add an [inline duct fan](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JB292JC?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) for long runs, or use the [xTool SafetyPro AP2 purifier](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHCJQS1J?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20), which xTool pairs with its high-power machines, if you can’t vent outside. Our [ventilation guide](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/laser-engraver-ventilation-guide/) covers sizing. - **Air assist.** It’s an optional add-on on the S1. If you plan to cut thick stock, budget for it; air assist keeps cuts cleaner and reduces flare-ups. - **A riser for rotary work.** Standard clearance is 42 mm. The [S1 Riser Base](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPKYY7GQ?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) raises it to 125 mm while keeping the machine Class 1 (xTool also sells a Class 4 riser, so check which one you’re buying). The [RA2 Pro rotary](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJ2BXQ7N?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) handles tumblers, glasses and rings; check whether your bundle already includes it. - **Eye protection for the exceptions.** A pair of [445–455 nm glasses](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08R4PMCHR?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) for maintenance and alignment. If you add the IR module, remember that blue-diode glasses don’t block 1064 nm. - **Fire basics.** An [ABC extinguisher](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084P5PPNC?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) beside the machine. Even with flame sensors, don’t leave cutting jobs unattended. More options are on the [accessories page](https://laserengraversguide.com/accessories/). ## Reliability and warranty The S1 comes with xTool’s 1-year warranty, and xTool’s store offers paid extensions up to 24 months. The bigger question is the S1’s place in xTool’s lineup. xTool’s Canadian store listed it as “Clearance” in October 2026, and the 20 W version no longer appears on xTool’s US product page, so stock may thin out. That doesn’t make it a bad buy, since accessories and LightBurn support are mature, but confirm the bundle contents and seller on Amazon and don’t pay a premium for a machine on its way out. ## Bottom line The S1 40W is the enclosed diode to buy when cutting matters: Class 1 safety, a 50 cm-wide bed, autofocus with curved-surface support, LightBurn compatibility, and 40 W that handles thick plywood and dark acrylic. It lacks a camera, air assist is extra, and at about $1,800 it sits close to the P2S, which cuts faster and handles clear acrylic. Buy the S1 if you need Class 1 in a shared space. Buy the P2S if you can vent a CO2 outdoors. Our [xTool S1 vs xTool P2S](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/xtool-s1-vs-xtool-p2s/) comparison walks through that choice, and the larger [xTool P3](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-p3/) is the Class 1 CO2 option if your budget stretches much further. Ready to buy? · 8.5/10 xTool S1 40W Enclosed Diode Laser $$$$ Premium Price tier: Premium · 40 W diode · Enclosed [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQ84BDTX?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) ## Accessories for the xTool S1 40W Official and universal add-ons sold on Amazon — safety glasses, fume extraction, air assist, rotaries and materials. Check the listing confirms your exact model before you buy. - Fumes & enclosure**xTool SafetyPro AP2 smoke purifier**Official xToolThe purifier xTool pairs with its CO2 and high-power machines when venting outdoors isn't possible. xTool positions the larger AP2 Max for the P3.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHCJQS1J?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) - Rotary**xTool RA2 Pro rotary attachment**Official xTool4-in-1 rotary for tumblers, glasses, rings and spheres on xTool's enclosed and galvo machines. xTool says it must be used with a riser on enclosed machines; check whether your S1 bundle already includes it.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJ2BXQ7N?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) - Bed & riser**xTool S1 Riser Base**Official xToolRaises the S1's clearance from 42 mm to 125 mm for rotary work and tall objects while staying Class 1.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPKYY7GQ?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) - Safety**CARLANY 190–490 nm OD6+ laser safety glasses**Universal fitBlue-diode protection for anyone near an open-frame laser, or when you lift the lid or override an interlock on an enclosed one. Covers 445–455 nm blue diodes only; does not protect against 1064 nm IR/fiber or 10.6 µm CO2. Match the OD rating to your laser's wavelength.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08R4PMCHR?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) - Safety**Amerex B417T 2.5 lb ABC fire extinguisher with bracket**Universal fitLasers cut by burning; a small ABC extinguisher mounted beside the machine is the cheapest fire insurance you can buy. Dry-chemical powder can ruin a laser's optics and electronics; LightBurn recommends a CO2 extinguisher for the machine itself.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084P5PPNC?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) - Safety**Amerex 322 5 lb carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguisher**Universal fitClass B:C CO2 leaves no powder residue, so it puts out a fire in the machine without destroying the optics. Pricier than ABC; not rated for Class A (wood/paper) fires on its own, so keep a fire blanket too.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F5CJHFW?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) - Safety**Prepared Hero emergency fire blanket, 39 × 39 in (2-pack)**Universal fitSmothers a flare-up on the bed without coating the machine's optics in extinguisher powder.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TYT543Y?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) - Fumes & enclosure**AC Infinity Cloudline S4 4-inch inline duct fan with speed controller**Universal fitBoosts a laser's built-in exhaust over long duct runs so smoke actually leaves the room. Check your machine's exhaust port diameter; adapters may be needed.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JB292JC?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) - Fumes & enclosure**VIVOSUN 4-inch aluminum ducting, 25 ft with clamps**Universal fitReplaces short stock hoses so you can reach a window or wall vent; foil duct tolerates hot exhaust better than vinyl.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EUURUVM?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) - Materials**3 mm basswood plywood sheets, 12 × 12 in (12-pack)**Universal fitThe default test and project stock for every laser here; 12 × 12 in fits all but the smallest beds. Cut down for the 150 mm A1C or galvo machines.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DRG9L2TD?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) Compatibility checked October 2026. More in our [laser engraver accessories guide](https://laserengraversguide.com/accessories/). ## Featured in our guides - [The 7 Best Laser Engravers of 2026: Ranked for Home, Craft and Small Business](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-laser-engravers-2026/) - [The Best Enclosed Laser Engravers of 2026: Which Are Really Class 1?](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-enclosed-laser-engravers/) - [The Best Laser Cutter for Wood in 2026: CO2 and High-Power Diode Picks](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-laser-cutter-for-wood/) - [Best xTool Laser Engraver in 2026: Which xTool Should You Buy?](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-xtool-laser-engravers/) ## xTool S1 40W FAQ ### Does the xTool S1 40W come with a rotary? Maybe. The only S1 listing on Amazon is titled 'Rotary Bundle', which suggests the RA2 Pro rotary is included, but confirm the box contents on the listing before you rely on it. We treat the rotary as optional. Rotary work also needs a riser base on the S1. ### Can the xTool S1 cut clear acrylic? No. It's a blue diode, and blue light passes straight through clear acrylic. The S1 cuts dark, opaque acrylic. For clear acrylic you need a CO2 laser such as the xTool P2S. ### Do I need safety glasses with the S1? Not in normal use. The S1 is a Class 1 laser, and xTool says its cover lets through only 0.35% of the light. Keep a pair of 445–455 nm glasses for maintenance or any time a lid or interlock is open, and note that xTool sells both a Class 1 and a Class 4 riser base. Only the Class 1 version keeps the rating. ### Does the S1 work with LightBurn? Yes. Per xTool's FAQ, LightBurn handles focusing, framing and the RA2 Pro rotary, but not the S1's curved-surface mode or material measurement, which stay in xTool's own software. ## Sources - [amazon.com](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQ84BDTX?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) - [xtool.com](https://www.xtool.com/products/xtool-s1-laser-cutter) - [makerhacks.com](https://www.makerhacks.com/xtool-s1-review) Not sold yet? ## Alternatives to the xTool S1 40W ![Glowforge Aura Craft Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/_astro/glowforge-aura.Db0VGhSj_19gco1.webp) ### [Glowforge Aura Craft Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/glowforge-aura/) 7.4 - 6 W diode - Enclosed - 305 × 305 mm Cricut-style crafters who want the simplest guided workflow and plan to use Glowforge's Proofgrade materials and design catalog. $$$$ Mid-range Price tier: Mid-range today's price on Amazon [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H7296K9F?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20)[Read the full review](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/glowforge-aura/) ![Creality Falcon A1 Pro 20W](https://laserengraversguide.com/_astro/creality-falcon-a1-pro-20w.uHe_1xlH_1mg606.webp) ### [Creality Falcon A1 Pro 20W](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/creality-falcon-a1-pro-20w/) 8.2 - 20 W diode - Enclosed - 358 × 268 mm - Bare metal Home crafters and side-hustlers who want an enclosed, standalone laser with real 20 W cutting and an easy path to metal marking. $$$$ Mid-range Price tier: Mid-range base bundle on Amazon [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDFFN85C?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20)[Read the full review](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/creality-falcon-a1-pro-20w/) ![Creality Falcon A1 10W](https://laserengraversguide.com/_astro/creality-falcon-a1-10w.xF0nr-n8_ZAOBpI.webp) ### [Creality Falcon A1 10W](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/creality-falcon-a1-10w/) 7.9 - 10 W diode - Enclosed - 381 × 305 mm Beginners who want a goggles-free enclosed laser with a big bed and a placement camera for under $600. $$$$ Mid-range Price tier: Mid-range base bundle on Amazon [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DRVQNYQ1?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20)[Read the full review](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/creality-falcon-a1-10w/) [Compare all 16 lasers →](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/) ## Helpful guides [Top picks ### The 7 Best Laser Engravers of 2026: Ranked for Home, Craft and Small Business The best laser engravers of 2026, ranked: xTool P2S, xTool M2, Creality Falcon A1 Pro, xTool F2 and more, with honest wattage, laser class and price notes. Updated Oct 30, 2026](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-laser-engravers-2026/)[Beginners ### The Best Laser Engraver for Beginners in 2026: 5 Safe, Easy Picks The best laser engravers for beginners: enclosed Class 1 machines with cameras and simple software, from the xTool M2 to the Falcon A1C, plus what to skip. Updated Oct 30, 2026](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-laser-engraver-for-beginners/)[Budget ### The Best Budget Laser Engravers Under $500 in 2026 (and the Safety Trade-Offs) The best laser engravers under about $500: the enclosed Falcon A1C and xTool M2 vs open-frame power like the Atomstack A20 Pro V2, with the real total cost. Updated Oct 30, 2026](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-budget-laser-engravers/) xTool S1 40W $$$$ Premium Price tier: Premium [Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQ84BDTX?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20)