xTool S1 Review: Pros, Cons & Who It’s For

xTool S1 review: the short verdict

The xTool S1 platform is designed as an enclosed diode laser system, and the riser base accessory reviewed here expands its vertical capacity. Standard desktop diode engravers are limited by low gantry clearance, which prevents engraving on tall objects like trunks, briefcases or drinkware. Adding the official sheet metal riser base elevates the machine to accommodate objects up to 5.3 in tall, with four adjustable height positions.

The primary advantage is enabling cylindrical engraving when paired with the xTool RA2 Pro rotary, while maintaining an enclosed processing area that helps contain smoke and fumes. However, the listing presents critical gaps for new buyers: it does not include the laser engraver unit, publishes no laser optical output wattage or 40W diode specs, and requires purchasing the RA2 Pro rotary separately. It serves as a dedicated upgrade for current or prospective S1 owners rather than a standalone tool.

Key specs

Specifications are manufacturer rated, as published on the xTool listing and collected 10 October 2026. The listing covers part number P5010290, manufactured by Makeblock Co., Ltd. Laser optical output wattage, electrical draw and rated travel speeds are not stated on this listing.

The machine

What the S1 riser base does well

Clearance for tall objects

Standard desktop lasers sit directly on a work surface or honeycomb panel, which caps the maximum item thickness. According to the maker, adding the riser base expands material capacity up to 5.3 in. This vertical clearance allows users to position thicker items, such as small briefcases, decorative trunks, thick wooden slabs and pre-assembled boxes beneath the gantry. For makers who personalize finished goods rather than thin craft plywood, this extra space is essential.

Four-gear height adjustment

The base plate is designed with four switchable gears that adjust with a simple push and pull mechanism. Instead of unscrewing gantry legs or stacking loose riser blocks beneath four corners, users slide the internal base plate between the four preset slots. This maintains gantry alignment and rigidity while quickly tailoring the focal distance to the height of the workpiece.

Rotary support for tumblers

Personalized drinkware is among the most popular projects for craft businesses, but cylindrical engraving requires vertical clearance for both the workpiece and the rotary drive mechanism. The listing states that the xTool RA2 Pro rotary must be paired with the riser base to function with the S1. Once installed, the elevated enclosure accommodates yeti tumblers, wine glasses, mugs, baseball bats, balls and rings.

Enclosed sheet metal construction

Unlike open-frame machines that use separate plastic foot risers, this unit is fabricated from sheet metal with a matte black finish. The manufacturer states that the structure ensures stability, robustness and greater operational security. Crucially, the riser encloses the lower perimeter of the machine, preventing smoke from leaking into the room during engraving passes.

Limitations

• Accessory only. The listing title references the S1 laser engraver, which can mislead shoppers. The item type name is a riser base accessory, meaning the laser machine, gantry and diode module are not included.
• Missing laser specs. The listing publishes no optical output wattage, electrical draw, rated cutting speed or maximum cut depths. Anyone seeking xTool S1 40W specs must consult the primary machine listings.
• Rotary sold separately. While the listing highlights tumbler and mug engraving, the xTool RA2 Pro rotary is not included in the single pack. Buyers must budget for the rotary attachment separately.
• Listing dimension confusion. The spec table lists item dimensions of 11 x 7.4 x 32.5 inches, with 7.21 kg weight. These figures describe the physical accessory casing, not the laser cutting work area, which the listing leaves unstated.
• Ventilation requirements. Although the sheet metal base creates an enclosed space to contain smoke, active exhaust ventilation or an external fume extractor is still mandatory to remove airborne particulate.

Which S1 setup to buy

When assembling an xTool S1 workstation, choosing the right accessories depends on the items you plan to produce. If you primarily engrave flat sheets of wood, leather patches or thin acrylic panels, the base xTool S1 machine without a riser provides adequate clearance. However, if your business focuses on drinkware, tumblers or thicker personalized blanks, the riser base is a mandatory addition because the RA2 Pro rotary requires the extra height. For high-volume production of long boards or repeat tags, the listing notes that this riser base also supports automatic conveyor feeder attachments. Always ensure adequate exhaust ducting or a dedicated fume filter is budgeted alongside any enclosure hardware.

xTool S1 vs open-frame diode engravers

Most entry-level diode engravers feature an open-frame gantry design. Open-frame models typically require screw-in leg extenders to gain height, leaving the engraving zone open to ambient room air. In contrast, the xTool S1 platform with its dedicated sheet metal riser maintains a fully enclosed perimeter. This enclosed architecture contains processing smoke and stray light far more effectively than modular gantry risers on an open frame. The trade-off is footprint and weight: this sheet metal base alone weighs 7.21 kg, creating a substantial, permanent desktop station rather than a portable setup. Shoppers deciding between styles should read our comparison of an enclosed laser engraver against open frames.

Who should buy it, and who should skip it

Buy it if you already own or are ordering an xTool S1, plan to engrave cylindrical tumblers with the RA2 Pro rotary, or need to fit objects up to 5.3 in tall inside an enclosed sheet metal workstation.

Skip it if you do not own the xTool S1, only work on flat sheet materials under standard gantry clearance, or are looking for a complete laser engraver package in a single purchase. Buyers who need an all-in-one cutting station should browse our guide on how to choose a laser engraver or compare dedicated models in our laser engraver for tumblers roundup.

Alternatives

If you are exploring complete diode setups, compare options in our enclosed laser engraver guide to see how different desktop machines handle clearance and filtering. Makers who primarily cut thick acrylic or organic materials should explore our diode vs CO2 laser comparison, as CO2 beams process clear acrylic that diode wavelengths cannot cut. For accessory upgrades and rotary tooling across brands, browse our curated index of laser accessories.

FAQ: lasers and CNC

What are the xTool S1 riser base specs?

The listing states a sheet metal riser base with matte black finish, item dimensions of 11 x 7.4 x 32.5 inches, a weight of 7.21 kg, four switchable height gears, clearance for objects up to 5.3 in tall, and a 1 year manufacturer warranty. It carries part number P5010290 from Makeblock Co., Ltd.

Does the xTool S1 riser base include the laser engraver?

No. The listing is for 1 Count of the riser base accessory (item type name: Riser Base for Laser Cutter and Laser Engraver). It does not include the xTool S1 laser engraver machine, laser module or gantry assembly.

What are the xTool S1 40W specs on this listing?

This specific listing publishes no laser power specs, optical output wattage or 40W diode details. It is an accessory listing covering the physical riser base rather than the laser machine itself. Complete 40W optical output figures must be confirmed on the standalone laser engraver listings.

Can the xTool S1 engrave tumblers with this base?

Yes, provided you also have the rotary attachment. The listing states that the xTool RA2 Pro must be used together with the S1 riser base to engrave cylindrical items such as yeti tumblers, wine glasses, mugs, baseball bats and rings.

Is the xTool S1 riser base enclosed?

Yes. The manufacturer states that the custom-designed sheet metal riser base ensures engraving and cutting for higher objects is done in an enclosed space, preventing smoke leaking.

Related: the laser engraver hub, the diode laser hub and laser accessories.