The xTool M1 Ultra Rotary Tool is one of the many wonderful tool options you get with the all-in-one laser and craft machine. The xTool M1 Ultra is a serious game-changer for DIY enthusiasts and professional crafters alike – and this rotary tools is one of the reasons why.
Designed to bring precision and versatility to your projects, this innovative tool cuts fabric materials such as denim, cotton, and linen and it can handle thin and delicate materials like tissue paper or thin foam. Add in one of the many other tools from the xTool M1 Ultra and the creative options are endless.
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Whether you’re creating custom pillows, wall art, t-shirts, pennants, banners, or intricate fabric designs, the rotary tool’s disc cutting blade ensures clean and accurate cuts every time. Its ability to handle a wide range of textiles makes it an essential addition to your crafting arsenal.
What sets the xTool M1 Ultra Rotary Tool apart is its ease of use and seamless integration with the M1 Ultra system. The tool is engineered for quick and effortless module switching, allowing you to transition between different crafting tasks with minimal downtime.
Paired with the xTool Creative Space software, the rotary tool makes even the most complex fabric projects a breeze. With the xTool M1 Ultra Rotary Tool, you can elevate your fabric crafting to a new level, achieving professional-quality results from the comfort of your home.
Setting Up the xTool M1 Ultra Rotary Tool
Before we start creating with the rotary tool, we have to set it up correctly first.
- Unbox and set up: Make sure your xTool M1 Ultra is properly set up and connected to your computer. Follow the instructions in their user manual or how to website to complete the setup.
- Place the second tool carriage in place on the right. Make sure you remove your laser or printing carriage with the secondary tool carriage. This is the only location you can place the rotary tool.
- Remove the cap from the rotary tool: Remove the plastic cap from the rotary tool. Your rotary tool looks like the image below.
- Install the rotary tool in the machine. Remove the cover from the right carriage. Open the small lever to open up to the tool holder. Place the rotary tool inside, with the rotary tool side down, into the tool holder. Ensure the arrow matches up with the arrow on the outside of the tool holder. Gently push on the lever to close it and lock the rotary tool securely in place.
- Choose your correct process in the xTool Creative Space software. On the right-hand side panel, you’ll need to select the blade cutting processing mode or the the multi-module process. Then, once you select the layer you want to cut with the rotary blade, click on the dropdown menu and select the rotary blade.
- Change your settings for your specific project. Select your material you’re using or use custom settings for your rotary blade.
How to use the Rotary Blade Tool on the xTool M1 Ultra
Watch the video below for how to set up the rotary blade. Plus, learn how to use the tool through my guided videos where I complete multiple projects using the rotary blade. If you prefer written directions, I have included basic directions below the video.
Want to Learn More about the xTool M1 Ultra Machine?
You can read my full review of the xTool M1 Ultra machine. In addition, you can check out more information about the M1 Ultra machine on xTool’s website.
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Basic Steps for Using the Rotary Tool
This is the basic process for using the rotary blade tool on the M1 Ultra.
- Load your material: Place your pink sticky fabric mat into the machine (see image below of mat). Smooth the fabric on the mat to make sure it is secure on the mat because you don’t want it to move while cutting.
- Load your rotary blade. See directions above.
- Use the snapshot preview or marking. This will help you place your design on the fabric. If you are working on a project where you know sizing won’t be an issue (i.e. cutting out a small shape from a 12 in by 12 in piece of fabric), you can skip this step.
- Design your project: In the xTool Creative Space, design your project. Choose the shape and size, and add any text or single line designs you want to draw.
- Select the multi module process option: On the right-hand side panel, select the Multi Module Tool.
- Select the material. In the same panel, select the material you’ll be cutting with the rotary tool.
- Select the settings for each layer of the design. Click on each layer or grouping of layers of your design and select the rotary tool option. Next, change the settings based on your material. You can use the pre-loaded xTool settings for your material or use your own custom settings.
- Process the design: Click the process button in the bottom right corner.
- Finish Up: Remove your design from the mat.
What is the Maximum Processing Area of the Rotary Blade?
The rotary blade uses the sticky mat on the baseplate. This means the maximum space you can use the rotary tool with is up to 300 mm by 300 mm.
What is the Maximum Thickness the Rotary Blade and Cut?
The rotary blade can handle material up to 2.5 mm thick.
What Type of Material Can the Rotary Blade Handle?
The xTool M1 Ultra rotary blade can cut various types of fabrics such as felt, cotton, denim, linen, burlap, thin canvas, faux fur, silk, lace, tulle, and so much more.
In addition to fabric, it can also handle delicate materials like tissue paper, handmade paper, crepe paper, thin foam sheets, and more.
What Type of Mat is used with the Rotary Blade?
You need to use the pink fabric mat that comes with the xTool M1 Ultra machine.
How Can You Extend the Life of the Mat?
Overtime, the fibers from the fabric may get stuck to the mat. There are two options to help extend the life of the mat, First, you can clean the mat between uses (just make sure it is dry before its next use).
Second, you can extend the lifespan of the mat even further by using transfer tape. Place transfer tape to cover the surface of the cutting mat (with the adhesive side facing up).
The adhesive from the mat will stick to the non-sticky side of the transfer tape. Then, you can stick the fabric on top of the transfer tape (since the adhesive side is up, the material will stick to it). By using this method, the fabric fibers won’t stick to the cutting mat.
How Difficult is it to Change Between Tools?
It is so easy to quickly switch between your individual blades and the carriages that hold the blades. It takes less than a minute to switch from one tool to another. The ease of switching tools makes it possible to create projects that use multiple functions in one project.
Single Line Designs are a Must for the Rotary Tool
When working with the rotary blade tool, remember that just like the cutting blade or pen tool, it will only cut single line designs like an outline.
Does Overcutting Occur?
Yes, some very minimal overcutting may occur with the rotary blade because the blade is neither parallel nor vertical to the material surface so at times, it may overcut to get a more precise cut.
Can I Purchase Replacement Rotary Blades?
Yes! Instead of paying for the whole housing of the rotary tool, you can purchase a pack of 3 blades. Since blades will dull over time (especially due to thicker fabric like felt), being able just to replace the blades will help save money.
Conclusion
If you’ve been thinking of getting a craft cutting machine, the xTool M1 Ultra has all the benefits of a craft machine with the addition of a laser built in. The ease of learning how to use the xTool M1 Ultra machine combined with the multiple tool options, makes crafting beautiful projects not only possible but simple.
