xTool vs. Laser Engraving and Cutting Machine Model 1390: Which One Wastes Your Money?

The Comparison: xTool vs. Model 1390

If you are looking for a laser engraving and cutting machine, you have probably seen two very different options: the xTool ecosystem (modular, desktop, multi-function) and the classic "1390" style machine (a large, standalone CO2 laser with a 1300x900mm work area). I have made expensive mistakes with both. This article compares them on four dimensions: space requirement, functional versatility, temperature control, and file format support. The goal is to help you avoid the errors I made.

Before I go into details, here are the basic profiles:

• xTool (e.g., D1 Pro, S1, F1 Ultra): Small footprint, modular, diode/fiber hybrid options, software-driven.
• Model 1390: Large footprint, single CO2 laser, air-cooled or water-cooled, separate control panel.

I will not tell you which one is universally better. I will tell you which one is better for your specific situation, based on what I have seen go wrong.

Dimension 1: Space Requirements and Setup (The "It Won't Fit" Mistake)

In my first year (2022), I ordered a "1390" machine because I thought bigger was always better. I measured my garage, checked the dimensions on the spec sheet, and thought it would fit. It did not. The machine arrived, and I had to move my workbench, rearrange shelving, and still had only 4 inches of clearance on one side for air exhaust. It looked like a disaster zone. The mistake cost me a weekend of re-organization and a month of awkward workflow.

xTool machines, on the other hand, are designed for tight spaces. The D1 Pro footprint is roughly 22x22 inches. The S1 is a bit larger, but still fits on a standard desk. I can put it on a sturdy table, connect it to my laptop, and start engraving within 30 minutes. No moving walls, no sweating about clearance.

Why does this matter? Because space is a hidden cost. If you underestimate the footprint of a 1390 machine (which usually requires a dedicated exhaust system, a water cooler, and access from all sides), you are not just buying the machine. You are buying a renovation project.

The Verdict on Space

Pick xTool if you work in a garage, a spare room, or a small workshop, and you cannot rearrange your entire life for a laser cutter. Avoid the 1390 unless you have a dedicated industrial space with proper ventilation and floor space. The 1390 is a serious piece of equipment that demands respect for its volume.

Dimension 2: Functional Versatility (The "I Only Need One Laser" Assumption)

This is where I made my second major mistake. I bought a 1390 CO2 laser thinking it could handle everything. I was wrong. CO2 lasers are excellent for non-metals (wood, acrylic, leather, paper, fabric). They struggle with metals. For metal engraving or cutting, you need a fiber laser source.

xTool solved this problem with a modular approach. The D1 Pro can be upgraded with a 40W laser module (the xtool d1 pro 40w laser module) for more power, or even a dual laser module that combines a diode and a fiber laser. The F1 Ultra goes further with a built-in fiber laser for engraving metal and engraving plastic. The thulium laser fiber technology (effectively a fiber laser used in some xTool units) allows you to mark stainless steel, aluminum, and even some plastics that a CO2 laser cannot touch.

Now, let us talk about the cnc laser fiber concept. This is often used to describe a mixed machine where a fiber laser is combined with a CNC router or a CO2 laser. xTool's P2 and S1 models basically merge these capabilities. The S1, for example, can use an automatic conveyor feeder (xtool s1 automatic conveyor feeder) for continuous material processing—something a static 1390 machine cannot do without serious modification.

So here is the conflict: The Model 1390 is a dedicated CO2 machine. It is excellent for what it does. But if you need to engrave a metal tag today, cut acrylic tomorrow, and print a DTF transfer the next day, the 1390 will fail you on the first task. xTool's ecosystem allows you to switch heads or use a hybrid laser to cover both.

The Verdict on Versatility

Pick xTool if you handle a mix of materials (metals, plastics, wood) and you want one system that can do it all without buying a second machine. The 1390 is better if your work is 95% non-metals and you need the larger work area (1300x900mm). The 1390 wins on raw size but loses on flexibility.

Dimension 3: Temperature Control and Cooling (The "It Overheated" Panic)

I once had a client order 200 engraved acrylic plaques. I set up my 1390 machine, pressed start, and walked away. Two hours later, the laser head stopped mid-engraving. The water cooling system had a leak. The machine temperature rose, and the laser tube failed. The repair cost $600, and the delay cost me a client. I should have checked the water pump before starting the batch. That was a rookie mistake.

Note on temperature control: The Model 1390 typically uses a water cooling system (CW-3000 or CW-5000 chiller). This requires you to maintain water level, check for leaks, and monitor ambient temperature. If you skip that, the tube can overheat and crack. CO2 tubes are fragile.

xTool machines (especially the S1, F1 Ultra) use active air cooling or a small water cooling unit integrated into the chassis. The temperature is managed internally. There is no external chiller, no water bucket, no pump noise. For a small workshop, this is a huge relief.

I dodged a bullet when I finally bought the S1 with the conveyor feeder. Almost bought a second 1390 machine to handle a rush order. Would have been a nightmare to set up cooling again.

The Verdict on Temperature Control

xTool wins for convenience and peace of mind. The self-contained cooling system is a lifesaver for solo operators or small teams who cannot afford a technician to maintain a chiller. The 1390 is still viable if you have a dedicated maintenance schedule and you are comfortable with water cooling. But do not underestimate the risk of a tube failure during a critical order.

Dimension 4: File Format and Software Support (The "It Won't Read My File" Frustration)

This is a silent killer. I have seen people buy a 1390 machine and then realize it uses a proprietary controller. The 1390 typically comes with a Ruida or similar controller. It reads DXF, PLT, and sometimes AI files, but the workflow is clunky. You need to export your design from CorelDRAW or AutoCAD, import it into LaserCAD or LightBurn, and often adjust parameters manually.

On the other hand, xTool machines are designed for LightBurn (and their own xTool Creative Space software). The integration is smooth. I can drag and drop a design from Illustrator, adjust settings, and send it to the machine. The machine accepts SVGs, PDFs, JPGs, and even exported files from Fusion 360. For a small business owner who is not a CAD expert, this is huge.

Let me share a specific mistake: I once engraved a whole batch of rulers with the wrong scale because the 1390 controller interpreted the units differently than my design software. 100 items, all off by 2mm. That is $220 in wasted material and 4 hours of re-engraving. The software difference cost me real money.

Regarding the Model 1390: The issue is not that the machine is bad. It is that the user interface is from a different era. If you are comfortable with manual settings and machine-level controllers, fine. But if you expect a modern desktop experience, the 1390 can be frustrating.

The Verdict on File Format Support

xTool is vastly superior for everyday users. The software ecosystem is better integrated, more forgiving, and more accessible. The 1390 is fine if you already have a workflow for DXF/PLT and you do not mind a few extra steps. But for a quick turnaround, xTool saves time.

Final Recommendation (With Scenarios)

So who should buy what?

• Buy xTool (D1 Pro, S1, F1 Ultra) if:
  • You have limited workshop space.
  • You need to work with multiple materials (metals and non-metals).
  • You value software integration and hate messy setups.
  • You are a small business owner or a creative studio, not a production factory.
• Consider the Model 1390 if:
  • You have a dedicated industrial space.
  • Your work is 90% non-metals and you need a large work area (1300x900mm).
  • You are willing to maintain a water cooling system and understand the risks.
  • You already have a file workflow that uses DXF/PLT.

In my opinion, the xTool ecosystem is better for the majority of small to medium businesses. It is not because it is perfect — it is because it reduces the friction of setup, maintenance, and software. The Model 1390 is a workhorse, but it is a workhorse that demands a specific environment.

One last thought: If you are starting out, and you are worried about making the wrong choice, start with a smaller xTool machine. You can always upgrade later. That is exactly what I did after my first 1390 mistake. I learned that bigger is not always better — it is just bigger.