xTool P2 Review and Project Inspiration

Here at Ruffles and Rain Boots, I’ve been on a bit of journey learning how to use lasers. It’s been a fun, challenging experience and I can’t wait to share this next chapter.

The company sent me their desktop laser, the xTool P2 CO2 laser. And this is a very, very different laser than my others because it’s powered by a 55 watt carbon dioxide laser instead of a diode. I’ll spare you the details, but basically, the CO2 in uninhibited like the diodes.

In this article, I’m going to share which crafter or business is best suited for this laser and a few need to know points. Throughout, I’ll also share projects made so far.

Overall Review of the xTool P2: This machine is powerful and perfect for those who want unlimited acrylic crafting or those who want to run a business which focuses on a variety laser crafts. The P2 is robust in its expansion capabilities and is one of the best-priced tools on the market.

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Safety Focus: The P2 Is a Fully Enclosed Laser

Because I’m crafting around others, my focus is on safety. The P2’s design means that no additional protective eyewear is needed; the safety glass and enclosed design means all eyes are protected from harmful beams.

xTool provides a free laser safety course introduction which you access directly from the software or their website. There is also a plethora of information and even records you can keep on hand, detailed here in this training specifically for the P2 machine.

Additionally, the emergency stop button and fire detection means we can breathe easier putting these in our craft rooms. If you want one more layer of safety, the optional fire suppression kit is available and it takes some anxiety away.

Finally, the air assist is incorporated within the unit. Why did I put this under safety? There are no additional cords to manage and that’s always a win in my book.

Performance Facts About the xTool P2 Laser

• This unit has TWO 16 megapixel cameras: one fisheye for the entire bed view and another on the laser module for a close, detailed view.
• xTool’s P2 has an auto focus – this means you can opt out of measuring with that silly little ruler some lasers require.
• There are no acrylic color limitations! You can cut clear and any other color.
• The laser module can travel 600 millimeters per second. That’s fast, but more importantly, the accuracy traveling that fast is amazing.
• That accuracy is achieved across a significantly sized work area; the bed of the P2 can handle single items or batch processing.
• Innovation is key with this unit and it comes with the curve processing feature, allowing us to engrave along the curved edges of bowls, platters, guitars. etc.
• Expansion opportunities make this one of the most versatile desktop lasers to grow with you. Some upgrades include rotary units, risers, conveyor systems, and honeycomb panels (more on these below).

Is the xTool P2 Easy to Set Up? P2 Assembly Instructions

Friends, I’m a crafty gal not an engineer and I was able to do all of the set up myself. xTool makes it easy by including a step by step booklet AND a full video detailing the process.

One thing to note: the unit is nearly 100 pounds on its own. You’ll need to enlist a spouse, a friend, or hire a tasker to move this into the area where you’ll be setting it up.

You will need to unscrew connections (easily identified by stickers), add in distilled water with an antifreeze (included in the box), and check the mirror alignment before you get started. Again, all of this is detailed in their easy to follow guide.

• basswood plywood
• cherry plywood
• walnut plywood
• clear acrylic
• colored acrylic
• mirror acrylic
• transparent acrylic
• textured acrylic
• specialty acrylics (pearls, glitter, confetti)
• stainless steel engraving (with marking spray)
• 3mm felt for quality crafts
• pre-made charcuterie, cutting boards, and bamboo flatware
• watch bands
• dollar store items

xTool P2 Riser Base

Now that I’ve gotten some experience with lasers, I will always, always, always recommend a riser base. The additional height will offer so many new ways and means in which to use the laser.

I just got this delivered for the P2 and will share the set up and projects soon. Make sure you are subscribed to the YouTube channel to see that – it just arrived today!

Conveyor System

The P2’s conveyor system literally just landed on my doorstep and I cannot wait to play with it! I’ve never done large projects and, with a little luck and a lot of practice, I’ll be sharing my first project soon.

Rotary Pro

If you want to work with tumblers, glasses, rings, or other devices which need to be rotated, you need this. I have the Rotary Pro 2 and just picked up different cords to use it with my xTool M1, xTool S1, and now the P2.

Honeycomb Panel

If I have one problem with the unit, it’s with this accessory. As shared in my xTool P2 review on YouTube, it feels as if this addition is an afterthought. I’m working on ways to ensure more accuracy with it, so stay tuned.

The P2 Is an Investment

If you’ve gotten this far, you can understand why this machine is the pinnacle in the xTool line up. The xTool P2 laser will run you $4,300 to start but the good news is, they have a payment plan if you’d like to pay it off with your laser earnings.

This unit can keep up with your pace. If you’re looking for laser crafts to make and sell in your small business, know that the bed size, speed, and versatility will be a good investment.

Before you balk at the price, know that there are much more expensive CO2 lasers on the market that aren’t as expandable, nor as innovative as this piece of machinery. I don’t recommend items on this site often, but this is a business I stand behind over many, many other laser manufacturers.

Unlike professional tool reviewers, this machine is a part of my business. I urge you to ask me questions regarding this xTool P2 CO2 laser, the set up, the working costs, and anything else you might be wondering.