It didn’t take long after purchasing my xTool M1, 6 months to be exact, for me to start thinking about upgrading my machine. As a first-time laser, it was a dream! I could cut materials without needing to go to my scroll saw and offer engraving on products, which I couldn’t do before. But, it was only after my small business starting gaining real traction during peak holiday season, did I realize that the M1 just wasn’t going to be able to keep up with my business needs.
After determining whether or not my business could afford the upgrade so soon, I was met with the bigger question, which laser engraver would I upgrade to? Ultimately, I decided on a refurbished xTool P2. It boiled down to size, budget, and power. I had spent time learning the xTool Creative Space software, they also have a trade up program, and I needed a desktop laser to fit in my not so large office, so it seemed like the best option. They happened to have a refurbished one available, which included a limited warranty, so I went with that and added an extended warranty, just in case.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your laser engraver or purchasing one for the first time, here you’ll find my honest experience with unboxing, setting up, and testing the refurbished xTool P2.
Unboxing the Refurbished xTool P2
What Was Inside the Box
To my surprise, the refurbished xTool P2 came in very good condition. It was packaged in a branded box, properly wrapped and padded, and even included some acrylic and wood material sheets for testing. There wasn’t a spec of dust in the machine and it honestly looked as though it hadn’t been used. There were light scratches to the top of the plastic lid, but nothing inherently noticeable.
It comes with nearly everything you need to set up and use your machine including:
- A funnel
- Anti-freeze
- Screwdriver and hex key
- Material pins
- Exhaust hose and clip
- USB-C cable
- Power cable
There was even a free fire safety kit included that can be attached to the machine.
Here is a look at what it’s like to unbox a refurbished xTool P2.
Setting Up a Refurbished xTool P2
Although the machine is quite large, it’s pretty much ready to go once you get it. There are just three very important, but quick steps you have to take before you can start using it. One, adding distilled water and anti-freeze (if necessary), setting up an exhaust system using the hose, and calibrating your machine using the free XCS software.
Tips for First-Time CO2 Laser Owners
Adding distilled water to your machine is a must! Your machine uses a glass tube that can shatter if used without water to cool it and can also crack if used when conditions are too cold. Distilled water is not provided with the machine, so this is something you’ll need to gather on your own along with measuring cups. To determine whether or not you need anti-freeze, you’ll need to figure out what the average coldest temperature in your region is. Based on that temperature, follow the instructions for what anti-freeze to water ratio you’ll need.
A proper exhaust set up can be accomplished with the purchase of an air purifier or exhausting out of your window. If you choose to exhaust out of your window, as I have, you’ll want to make sure that the fumes and particles have no way of getting back into your window. I touch on my current set up in the video below and how you can achieve this with wood and an inline fan for $30 on Amazon.
The calibration process was quite simple for me, since I didn’t have to adjust the mirrors. However, you will need masking tape for this process, so be sure to pick that up before you begin.
Putting the Refurbished xTool P2 to the Test
Although the refurbished xTool P2 looked nearly perfect, I was determined to put it to the test to see if it could perform the same. It is noted by the company that this machine can cut materials up to 25mm, so I cut test different wood types of various thicknesses up to 19mm along with white and clear acrylic. I’m happy to say that this machine was able to cut through all of it. The only thing to note was that I didn’t successfully cut the 19mm in one pass, it took three.
I also tested how the P2 performs with engraving a portrait of my dog onto both wood and clear acrylic. I share my results and the settings I feel work best for my machine in the video below.
The biggest takeaway from testing these different materials was that the recommended xTool settings in the XCS software are a bit on the high side. I would imagine they recommend higher powers and slower speeds to ensure that your material will cut, but this may result in unnecessary scorching to your projects. I’d suggest running a test on your most commonly used materials, so you can find the best settings that work for you.
Want to Test Your Materials Like I Did?
Get the exact material test grids I used to cut plywood, MDF, acrylic, and more — in a variety of thicknesses. One file, multiple test grids, all optimized for the xTool P2.
Would I Buy Refurb Again?
Honestly, yes. I’ve had my refurbished xTool P2 for three months now and I haven’t run into any issues with it. It’s been a great addition to my workshop and much needed upgrade for keeping up with products for my small business and creating fun projects to share with you. I’ve been able to save time with how long I have to monitor my laser while it’s in use. Cuts and engraves that would take upwards of 30-45 minutes now take minutes. So I’d say the upgrade was definitely worth it.
I haven’t had to perform major maintenance to this machine yet, which may alter my tune when the time comes. But for now, I can say that I’m happy I got a good machine at a fraction of the cost. If you’re interested in getting your own xTool P2 or other xTool machine, you can use my referral link to rack up points on your purchase, which you can then use for discounts in the future.
What to Know Before You Commit
In doing some research for this series, I noticed that the xTool P2 was no longer listed on the their website. At this time, you can only purchase the refurbished option. The reason for this is because they seem to be slowly fading this machine out and the P2S will be taking its place. They currently have parts for this machine, such as the CO2 replacement, on clearance.
What Does This Mean for Refurbished P2 Owners?
After reaching out to xTool about this they reassured me that they will continue to provide complete technical support and after-sales service within the warranty period. They will also offer after-sales material support and services once the warranty period ends. However, at this time, they have no received any additional information about the future of the P2.
What’s Next?
As I continue to use my new xTool P2, I’ll be sharing the fun projects I make along with new findings about the machine with you. I already have a project in the works that will test how the xTool P2 engraves without the slats. Be sure to check back in for that project or subscribe to the Make Cool Stuff newsletter to be notified of when it’s posted.
Ready to Try These Cuts Yourself?
I’ve bundled all of my material test grids into one easy-to-use downloadable file — optimized for the xTool P2.
