xTool P2 Laser Review: Powerful Machine for Small Businesses

If you’re looking to purchase a laser machine for a small business opportunity, don’t miss my xTool P2 review below to see all of the reasons why it is a great laser machine option.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I am also an affiliate for xTool, the HP ink program, ShareaSale, and CJ Networks. I received this machine to review and test out. Click here to read more. 

Hey crafty entrepreneurs! If you’re dreaming of plunging into the world of laser-cutting and engraving to start up your own small business, the P2 may be the perfect machine for you! Unleash your creativity while successfully earning money with xTool P2.

The xTool P2 laser machine is a game-changer that can turn your creative ideas into reality. Join me as we explore why the xTool P2 is the go-to choice for small business owners looking to carve out a niche in the laser industry.

What are the P2’s Machine’s Basic Features?

There are so many wonderful features about the P2. Here are some of the best ones:

• Co2 Laser
• Power: 55 W
• Bed Size: 26.8″ by 14.2″
• Maximum engraving speed: 600 mm/s
• Maximum working height: 72 mm for the standard set up and 215 mm with the riser base installed
• Cameras: 2 x 16 mp cameras for accurate placement
• Vision Precision: 0.3 mm
• Rotary Engraving Diameter range: 0-180 mm
• Built-in adjustable air assist
• Can cut clear acrylic 
• Safety features like an automatic lock and emergency stop button
• Passthrough option allows you to work with material up to 118 Inches long

PLUS! It you get the FREE software xTool Creative Space Software, curved surface engraving feature, and an automatic conveyor feeder accessory so that when you are feeding in longer materials, you don’t have to worry over your material being loaded centered.

Why Choose the xTool P2 Over Other Laser Machines?

1) Compact Powerhouse:

The xTool P2 is a compact laser machine that does a lot for its size. Its small footprint doesn’t compromise on performance, making it an ideal fit for those with limited space who still need a workhorse. 

Whether you’re setting up shop in a basement, workshop, garage (like me!), or a spare room, this machine ensures you can bring your laser business dreams to life without sacrificing valuable space.

2) User-Friendly Design:

Not a tech guru? No problem! The xTool P2 is designed with beginners in mind. Its ease of use is thanks to its user-friendly interface and straightforward design. This makes it a perfect choice for small business owners who want to focus on their craft, not on mastering a complicated machine. It even comes assembled with very minimal required work to get it up and running.

3) Precision Personified:

When it comes to laser-cutting and engraving, precision is paramount. The xTool P2 delivers with pinpoint accuracy, ensuring that your designs are executed flawlessly. This is thanks to it’s dual cameras. They are 16-megapixel cameras that can help with creating cleaner cuts and more precise cuts.

4) Versatility Unleashed:

One of the xTool P2’s standout features is its versatility. It can do both small projects and large projects effectively. And it’s not just for flat surfaces, it can laser curved surfaces as well.

Plus, it can handle a variety of materials, including wood, acrylic, leather, and more. This means you’re not limited to a single niche or product – you can let your imagination run wild! Create custom home decor, personalized gifts, kitchenware, and more. The possibilities are endless.

5) Speed and Efficiency:

Time is money, especially for small business owners. The xTool P2 is engineered for efficiency, delivering speedy results without compromising quality. This allows you to fulfill orders promptly, keeping your customers happy and coming back for more.

6) Affordable Excellence:

Starting a business can get expensive, especially one in the laser industry. The xTool P2 is a high quality laser at an affordable price point.

Although it’s price is still not chump change, you will be making a wise investment as an entrepreneur. It lets you join the world of laser crafting without breaking the bank.

7) Reliability 

Unlike other common laser brands (yes, I am talking about you Glowforge pro), the machines are known for being reliable. Plus, there is support you can get from the company or from the Facebook groups with fellow xTool users.

8) Designed with Safety in Mind

Its fully enclosed design with a transparent light-filtering lid blocks hazardous laser radiation. Plus, it has an emergency switch and locks the machine when in use. This is a huge bonus for people who have children at home who could try to open the machine to take a peek.

It has a warning system that alerts you if the motherboard overheats, if there is a cooling system issue, or has other errors. It even gives you a reading for the temperature of the the tube to make sure you are using it in ideal conditions.

The P2 has an adjustable built-in air assist and a 145 CFM exhaust fan, which provides efficient ventilation. And you have the option to use an optional air purifier, which can allow you to use it safely in any environment without risk of hazardous fumes (this is how I have mine set up!)

Plus, you can even order a separate fire safety kit.

Small Business Guide from xTool

Are you thinking of starting a laser business? Click here to read this guide from xTool about starting a small laser business.

How does the P2 Compare to the xTool M1?

Yes, I know I previously have shared about the xTool M1. I have been working with the xTool M1 diode laser for many months. 

I am happy with the projects that I was able to make with the machine and will continue using it in the future in addition to the new P2. It truly is a great option for someone with a lower price range.

In reality, the M1 is more of an introductory or crafter laser machine. If you are a business owner, your best result will come from using a larger, more powerful machine with more advanced features.

The xTool P2 is much better for small businesses that are looking to increase their output. It is much faster than the M1 and is a more powerful laser cutter. 

In my video down below I will show you the size comparison of the 2 machines.

What Kind of Materials Can the P2 Cut?

The P2 can cut different  materials. You can see the full list of the materials on xTool’s own site. 

Most of the materials it can cut, can be cut in a single pass. It can cut much thicker materials than my diode M1.

Some of the materials it can cut  include but are not limited to:

• Wood
• Up to 20 mm acrylic 
• Leather
• Paper
• Fabric
• Cardboard
• Up to 18 mm thick plywood (in one pass)
• …and more!

What Kind of Materials Can the P2 Engrave?

The P2 can handle engraving various materials. Some of the materials it can engrave include but are not limited to:

• Wood
• Rubber for stamps
• Glass
• Acrylic
• Glass
• stainless steel
• ​…and more! 

Add the R2Pro Rotary Tool for MORE Versatility

If you want to be able engrave cylindrical objects, for better results, you should purchase the xTool RA2Pro rotary tool. I am not one to buy all of the accessories available for a product (that can get expensive). 

But, the rotary accessory would be totally worth it. It will help you support and hold cylindrical items while they are being engraved – it will even spin the round item for you so that you don’t have to. 

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What Kind of Products Can a Small Business Owner Create to Sell Using the P2?

A laser machine opens up a world of possibilities for creating a wide range of products that can be sold online, at craft fairs, in stores, and more. The versatility of laser cutting and engraving allows for the creation of intricate designs and personalized items. Here are some popular product ideas based within specific categories:

Customized Gifts:

• Engraved pencils (which you can learn more about down below)
• Personalized wooden or acrylic keychains
• Engraved photo frames with custom messages
• Monogrammed glassware or mugs 
• Engraved tumblers (see my post on how to engrave tumblers using the RA2 Pro)
• Watch bands

Home Decor:

• Laser-cut wooden wall art or sculptures
• Layered wooden map sign
• Decorative laser-engraved mirrors
• Customized wooden signs or plaques (see my post on how I created a custom laser cut wooden sign here)
• Key holder
• Dog leash holder
• Unique lanterns or lights
• Engraved nightlights
• Faux neon signs

Jewelry:

• Laser-cut wooden or acrylic earrings (see my post on how to make wooden earrings with a laser)
• Laser-cut wooden or acrylic pendants
• Engraved metal or leather bracelets
• Personalized wooden jewelry boxes
• Personalized travel jewelry boxes

Stationery:

• Laser-cut paper or cardstock for unique invitations
• Engraved leather or wooden notebooks and journals
• Customized stationery sets with intricate designs

Apparel and Accessories:

• Laser-engraved leather wallets or belts
• Customized T-shirts with laser-cut designs (yes, you can laser a design on a shirt!)
• Personalized denim jackets with laser-engraved details

Tech Accessories:

• Engraved laptop or phone cases
• Customized wooden or acrylic cable organizers
• Laser-cut and engraved headphone stands
• Laser-cut and engraved phone or tablet stands

Kitchenware & Entertaining Tools:

• Personalized wooden or bamboo cutting boards
• Engraved glassware or ceramic mugs
• Customized utensils with laser-cut and/or engraved handles
• Customized laser engraved and laser-cut food tents or signs
• Custom menu signs
• Drink stirrers

Event and Wedding Products:

• Laser-cut wedding invitations and save-the-date cards
• Personalized cake toppers and table decor
• Engraved acrylic or wood guest books
• Customized wedding sign decor

Realtor Gifts for New Home Buyers or for Self-Promotion

• Welcome home signs
• Specialized home ornament
• New blanket with a engraved leatherette patch
• Realtor key or sold sign for buyers or sellers to hold up
• Custom engraved keychain for their new house key
• Custom engraved cutting board

Educational Products:

• Laser-cut puzzles and educational games
• Engraved wooden flashcards
• Customized bookmarks with intricate designs

Promotional Products:

• Branded wooden or metal business cards
• Engraved promotional pens, pencils, or USB drives
• Customized laser-cut key holders

Art and Craft Supplies:

• Laser-cut stencils for painting or crafting
• Engraved wooden knitting needles or crochet hooks
• Customized leather patches for DIY projects
• DIY craft kits for adults and kids

Holiday and Seasonal Items:

• Laser-cut and engraved Christmas ornaments (see my post here on how to make wooden ornaments)
• Personalized Halloween decorations
• Customized Easter egg holders
• Customized holiday-themed place cards
• Santa cookie trays/plates & Easter bunny plates

These are just some examples of the potential products you can create with a laser machine – the possibilities are virtually limitless. 

How Can I Compete with Experienced Laser Companies?

The key to success in a market that seems to already been somewhat saturated is to create a unique product that stands out from others. More niched products tend to sell better because their competition is lower. 

For example, I know of a successful laser company owner who only sells items related to x-ray techs. Their entire shop is nothing but lasered items for x-ray techs (tumblers, lanyards, personalized badge reels, and more.

You’ll need to tap into your creativity, identify your target market, and offer unique, high-quality items that resonate with your customers. Additionally, staying updated on the latest design trends can help you stay ahead in the competitive world of laser-cutting and engraving.

If there is a super popular item that is selling like crazy for people, you want to take that product and change it up a little bit to make your own unique spin on it.

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Create a Partnership with Other Local Businesses

One great way to increase your sales is to make a partnership with another local business. Reach out to realtors, sports clubs, schools, law firms, accounting firms, etc. and offer a wide variety of personalized items.

It could provide you with consistent business. Putting yourself out there is important when you are starting a new company. Plus, your relationship with a local business could lead to other sales and opportunities as well.

Branding, Great Photos, and Packaging Matter

Your ability to create your own branded content using your own laser is such a plus. One way to stand out from other businesses is with your branding and packaging. Having specialized business cards, wrapping materials, and more can really make your company appear professional.

Often times, the branding and packaging will help entice people to order from you again. It’s a little extra opportunity that can really make a difference,

And while you’re branding, don’t forget about how important good photos are. Make sure our photos are light and bright and truly showcase the colors and design of the product.

Here is an example of 2 photos above. The one on the left is what not to do and the one on the right shows a few adjustments. Look at how much more professional the picture on the right looks!

Real Life Experience from a Successful Laser Company

Don’t just take my word on how good the P2 laser cutter machine is. As a blogger, I only use my machine to create free files to share and for craft projects to share on my blog. I thankfully found an amazing P2 user that has been successful creating her own laser company.

I interviewed Jessica Balzer of Spark and Saw about her experience with the xTool P2. 

You can find Jessica and her husband’s shop here – Spark and Saw. Check out the amazing products they currently have available in their store that they made using their laser machine. They focus on home decor and personalized items.

Jessica and her husband sell their products on their website, Facebook, and local craft fairs. Here are some answers to some of the questions I asked her about her P2.

Here is an example of Spark and Saw’s set up at a local craft fair.

Question & Answer Time with Jessica from Spark & Saw

I asked Jessica some questions about how her and her husband are using the P2 to help their current business. Here are her answers:

Question 1: How do you use the P2 in your business?

Answer 1: “Our business was inspired by the P2. It is the foundation of our business. We were fascinated by what the P2 could do and purchased it as a hobby machine that quickly became a business due to others interest and our excitement to make sooooo many things. We are a husband and wife team and find that the P2 offers so many options to allow us to work together creatively and create so many amazing products to offer our customers.”

Question 2: How has the P2 helped your business become successful?

Answer 2: “The P2 can be used on so many different types of medias, really spurs creativity and is quick, efficient and consistent allowing us to only be limited by our imaginations.”

Question 3: What is your favorite thing about the P2?

Answer 3: We love the camera function as it allows us to waste so little material. We also love that due to its power and size there hasn’t been a project we have found that it couldn’t handle.

Question 4: Anything else about using the P2 for your small business that you would like to add?
Answer 4: We are so thankful for the P2 community that are so helpful and have inspired us to grow and take on new challenges!

Look how cute two of her products are? 

Again, if you’d like to get a glimpse at her shop, click here to visit it –> Spark and Saw

Do You Need to Assemble the Laser Machine?

Laser engravers and cutters often times require you to assemble your new machine yourself. When you get a new xTool P2, you only have to do a few tests to adjust the laser beam and put water into the tank in the rear of the machine that will feed the laser tube.

They make it super easy with stickers in locations where you need to remove screws (see below). With so many screws, it made it so nice to have the stickers because I didn’t have to worry that I was removing the wrong screws.

Use the included antifreeze along with some distilled water to get your laser tube filled up correctly. It doesn’t take a long time to get your machine up and running.

What are Some Negatives of Owning a xTool P2?

Now, this wouldn’t be a true review if I didn’t also talk about the things I wish I could change about the P2 or things that I don’t love. The positives still strongly outweigh the negatives, but I think it’s important to talk about both.

Despite it’s large size, the depth of the cutting bed’s work area is still only 14″ This means that even though it can do larger materials, it can only do larger materials that are larger in one direction. The depth of the project will still need to be smaller due to the processing area.

It is still larger than some machines which may make it difficult to store in your space.

There are really cool accessories  but they have an additional cost. Yes, sometimes bundles are available for a higher cost. But, as a set standard, the extra accessories do not come with the machine.

Uses a USB type-C cord so if your computer still using a standard USB, you’ll need an adapter. 

The laser head was a bit difficult to correctly adjust (although I was able to do so on my own eventually)

xTool software is easy to use but it is still is missing some unique features that would make it more robust. I currently have to design my files in another program and import them into the machine.

Can be a bit loud (although isn’ tall laser engraving and cutting loud?)

Want a First Easy Project to Test Out your New Machine?

I tested a couple of simple projects with my brand new xTool P2. I even recorded some of them so that you can see how easy the machine is to use. 

The first project I created was a simple Hello sign out of a small scrap piece of wood. Second was a pencil jig to help me engrave pencils in the near future. Lastly, I show you how I engrave some pencils.

In addition, in this video I show you a comparison of the sizes of the xTool P2 and M1. I’ve already had some impressive results just after playing around with it for about a week. I can’t wait to see everything this machine can do!

Where Did I get the Free File for the Pencil Jig?

As promised in the video, here is a link to the free pencil jig.

Here is a link to the entire project gallery. where you will find a lot of free files. Remember, most are personal use only. But, some of the files can be used to help you create commercial products (like the pencil jig or settings tester).

Have More Questions about the xTool P2?

Message me at [email protected] if you have any other questions about the xTool P2. I will be happy to help!