Follow this beginners guide to learn how to use the xTool M1 Ultra’s blade cutting tools. This machine has the capabilities to use two different cutting blades – the fine-point blade and standard cutting blade.
The cutting blades are just one of the many module options with this versatile crafting machine. The xTool M1 Ultra combines a cutting blade module, laser module, pen tool module, rotary blade tool, foil transfer tip, and printer. This hybrid machine is designed to process a wide range of different materials for various projects, making it a game-changer for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. Read my full in-depth review of the xTool M1 Ultra machine.
Since there is so much to learn about the many tools of the M1 Ultra, in this post, we will focus solely how to use the cutting blades. Whether you’re a first-time user or a seasoned crafter, this guide will walk you through the essential steps of using the cutting blade tools on the xTool M1 Ultra.
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Getting Started with the xTool M1 Ultra Cutting Blade
Before diving into your first project, it’s important to set up your machine properly. Make sure your blade housing is securely in place, and your cutting mat is laid flat on the baseplate (not the honeycomb panel). You can see a full tutorial on how to set up the blades in my video or you can read the cutting blade or fine-point cutting blade guides from xTool.
The fine-point blade will go into the basic, left-hand side module. The standard cutting blade will go in the multi-function module on the right-hand side.
Choosing the Right Blade for Your Project
The xTool M1 Ultra offers several blade options including the fine-point blade, standard cutting blade, and rotary blade. In this post, we will focus only on the fine-point and standard cutting blades (their functions and materials are similar compared to that of the rotary blade).
The fine-point blade is perfect for cutting thinner materials like vinyl, sticker paper, or cardstock. It can perform cutting of delicate materials up to 1.5 mm in thickness.
Next is the standard cutting blade. Power through thick materials up to 2.5mm thickness making them versatile for crafting a variety of items. The blade is ideal for matboard, faux leather, chipboard, and even thin balsa wood
You can see in the image below that the two blade tips are very different. The fine point blade on the left is much smaller so it can handle more intricate materials. While the blade on the right, the standard blade, is much larger in size. It’s large size is meant for thicker materials.
Meanwhile, the rotary blade excels at processing thicker materials like leather or fabric. The rotary blade is to be used in cases where the dragging of the blade as it cuts through the material will cause an issue (such as fraying fabric). It rolls to cut instead of dragging. Check out the full review and tutorial for the M1 Ultra rotary blade.
The image below was created using the fine point cutting blade for the heat transfer vinyl wording and the rotary tool was used to cut the banner itself.
Using the Cutting Blade: Step-by-Step Guide for Multiple Projects
In this video tutorial, I will walk you through step-by-step for creating craft projects with multiple materials including: heat transfer vinyl, permanent vinyl and cardstock.
Basic Directions for Using the Standard Cutting & Fine Point Blade
If you prefer written directions, here are some basic guidelines for setting up a cutting project.
- Load Your Material: Place your material on the blue light grip cutting mat on the base plate (do not use the honeycomb if using the riser base, ensure the baseplate is place).
- Determine the Processing Area: Use the screen capture in the xTool Creative Space mobile app or the framing button on the right side of the xcs software. This allows you to see the shape of the target processing area, helping to position your material accurately.
- Design: Import your cut design or create your own design within the program.
- Select the Blade Tool: Depending on your project, choose either the fine-point blade for thin, delicate materials or the cutting blade for thicker materials. You can access these options from the upper right corner of xcs. You must unselect all layers for the processing tool panel to appear.
- Adjust the Settings: Make sure to set the correct speed, cut pressure, and material settings based on your chosen material. Use the material library in xTool Creative Space or The material library provides recommended settings for most xTool materials. If you’re working with other materials or have settings experience from using the material before, input custom settings manually after selecting user defined.
- Cut Your Design: Once everything is set up, if needed, hit the framing button to ensure your design aligns perfectly with the material. Then click the green processing button in the bottom right-hand corner of the software. It will bring up a preview screen, if the preview is correct, click the start button on the program. Then, click the start button on the front of the xTool M1 Ultra.
- Finishing Your Project: Once the cutting process is complete, carefully remove your material from the cutting mat. If needed, move on to the next steps to complete your project (such as heat pressing, gluing, etc).
See the Blade Cut Paper, too!
In my posts on using the pen tool and printer, I used the multifunction option to both cut and draw and cut and print. You can find those examples in my videos on those two posts.
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.
Save an Extra $80 with My Special Mom Envy Coupon Code!
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What Settings Are Best?
The xTool Creative Space software comes loaded with a materials library. When you select your cut layer, the material selection panel (called the Easyset panel) will appear.
Be sure to refer to the material list in the Easyset pop-up window to select the proper blade for the name of your material. The machine comes with default settings for various materials within the xtool creative space, but you may want to adjust them based on your specific needs. For example, adjusting the cut pressure or using the right panel of the software to set the processing parameters can help you achieve accurate cuts.
Additional Important Information
Processing Area
The fine-point blade has a working area of 300 mm x 300 mm. The cutting blade has a slightly smaller processing area of 295 mm x 295 mm. Make sure your materials fit within that processing area.
How Does the xTool M1 Ultra Ultra Cutting Feature Compare to Craft Cutting Machines?
There are a few major differences for the M1 Ultra’s blade features compared to it’s competitors. This comparison is just focused on the cutting blade function.
The M1 Ultra workspace is smaller than that of competitor machines. Although it can cut the standard width of most cutting machines, because it does not feed the mat into the machine, it does not have the ability to cut longer materials.
The speed and quality of the cut is equal to that of similar machines. Based on the settings provided by xTool, my materials weeded beautifully with no trouble at all. Sometimes I find it can be hard to get the right cut setting for similar machines but I had no issues doing so with the M1 Ultra.
The price can’t be compared of the machines because the M1 Ultra is unlike any other craft machine – the combination of a laser with the cutting machine is too different to compare to just the price of a stand alone cutting machine and/or laser machine.
Overall, if you are looking for a machine that does it all to save space, energy learning the software, and ease of using just one machine, the xTool M1 Ultra is the perfect option for you. But if you need to cut longer pieces of material, then I would look at another machine (and then look at the M1 Ultra just for the laser capabilities or something like the P2 instead for an even higher power laser).
Safety Features of the xTool M1 Ultra
When using any craft or laser machine, safety is paramount. The xTool M1 Ultra includes several advanced safety features to protect users.
When opening the lid of xTool M1 Ultra, the machine stops immediately. In addition, to use the machine, you need to place a key in the back of it.
This is extremely helpful if your craft room/work room is located in an area where children can access your machine. You don’t want them accidentally hurting themselves on a cutting blade in motion or turning on and using the machine unsupervised.
Additionally, if you use the laser function of the machine, use the desktop air purifier or ensure the exhaust pipe leads out a window to help eliminate harmful gases during laser processing. Plus, you have the option to purchase a fire safety kit to make warn you of any dangerous heat, flames or fires.
Replacement Blades & Mats
You can purchase replacement blades and mats directly on the xTool website.
- Replacement blue light grip mats
- Blade housing
- Replacement 45 degree angle blades
- Fine point blade with housing
- Standard blade with housing
- Standard blades
Other Functions of the xTool M1 Ultra
Beyond the cutting blade, the xTool M1 Ultra offers other multiple other exciting functionalities. This includes the pen tool for pen drawing, laser engraving, rotary tool, and foil transfer tip (for embossing or foil transfer). Read my in-depth review of the xTool M1 Ultra and all of its capabilities.
Final Thoughts on the xTool M1 Ultra Cutting Blade Tools
The xTool M1 Ultra cutting blade tools are perfect for DIY enthusiasts looking to craft with precision. Whether you’re working with thicker materials like faux leather or thin material like paper, this ultra machine offers versatility and ease of use. Whether it’s your first project or your hundredth craft project. this machine is user-friendly and perfect for first time craft machine (and/or laser machine) users.
So, are you ready to create your next masterpiece with the xTool M1 Ultra? With its fine-point blade and standard blade, and many other features, the possibilities are endless!
