Laser welding and cutting vs standard tools. Brought to us by Squarespace. For 10% off your first purchase, go to:
The MetalFab was provided by xTool. You can get this incredible maker here:
In this video, I put the brand-new X-Tool MetalFab up against my traditional Lincoln MIG welder and Miller plasma cutter to see if one machine could replace my entire metalworking setup. I begin by comparing handheld plasma cutting to laser cutting and show how the MetalFab provides cleaner, more accurate cuts with almost no cleanup. Then I carry on to laser welding, showing its deep penetration, smaller joints, and ability to weld without filler. I likewise run it through its CNC abilities, cutting intricate shapes directly from digital styles, and compare it to the XLaserLAB X1 Senior prom pointing out how the MetalFab's higher power, seamless combination, and smarter design make it a much better fit. To put it all into practice, I develop a customized outside patio area table entirely with the MetalFab, showing how it's opened up brand-new creative possibilities in my shop. It's quick, easy to find out, and deals with cutting, welding, and cleaning up all in one system.
MIG Welder:
Plasma Cutter:
Belt Mill:
Chop Saw:
Corded Angle Grinder:
Welding Helmet:
Air Compressor:
Welding Table Top:
Circular Saw:
Bending Brake:
Miter Saw:
Engineered Wood:
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What a time to be alive that’s so awesome !
I’m truly impressed with its capabilities… and you’ve shown how well it compares to the other options.. nicely done!
@@thanemakes5377 Has he though? When comparing it to mig welders… You should probably know how to weld MIG…
He did a “bend test” comparing the laser weld to a MIG weld that I would never, ever pass in an inspection.
Definitely a great tool for a small shop! Always amazing when these industrial machines start to become available. With engraving this machine could open up some really interesting possibilities.
“I’m thinking about selling these legs.” I’m sure glad you pointed at the table to prevent confusion over which legs you were thinking of selling.
Everything has a price. Even my hairy legs.
As you mention, XTool does a fantastic job on the software side of their products, which makes the prices of their products more palatable. With that said, XTool is notorious for marketing a “flagship” product, only to then replace it with a larger more powerful product a year or so later, then not offering replacement parts for those outdated machines. As tremendous as the Metal Fab is right now, I’m going to wait to see what XTool has in store before making that hefty of an investment
Fascinating tool, Dave! Fantastic!!! 😮
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
I have always been interested in metalworking but have never done it. I smiled with amazement through this whole video. Thank you David!!!
That laser welding/cutting unit is really fantastic. Thanks for the info & demo David! 👍👍
This is the video we have all been waiting for. Well done Dave, xTool made a wise choice taking a chance with you! Finally someone actually showing it in action with fair side by side testing!
Thank you!
This is going on my wishlist, but as a hobbyist, I definitely can’t justify it lol
This is mental. If I were getting back into fab, I’d be headed in this direction. How much of my life would I get back by having all those hours of angle-grinding back in my pocket?
Amazing video comparison! Quick question: at 13:23 you said the strength test pieces were 3/8″ Thick Steel, but was that maybe 3/16″ Thick? Just wondering, it looks like they have 2 models of varying wattage (1200W and 800W) and it looks like the 1200W tops out at .197″ Thick… but man if it can go up to 3/8″ that’s awesome!
That sh×ts amazing!
So now you have one, and Bob has one. Jimmy needs to get one (if he doesn’t already) and the whole Making It team will have them!
You did a great job… So many times I need to make something for a Halloween prop, or projects around the house, and woodworking tools only get you so far, but when I need to make something thin or something with strength, I need a metal part. I bought a cutoff wheel tool and they are messy! You sold me, but sadly (and I truly mean sadly) I can’t afford any tools right now because I am unemployed for over a year, and possibly retiring from industry. So, I’ll keep it in mind maybe in 5+ years from now I’ll revisit this video, and who knows, maybe by then they’ll have a new version out.
Great review. It’s the future! Mahalo for sharing! ❤
Hey did you Dave has a great Podcat too? @making it podcast is amazing!
I am looking forward to what you come up with as art projects with this in the future as well Dave! Greta video 🎉
Already watched Bob’s video on this tool, so it was cool to see your comparison. This thing is pretty wild. If I don’t have a laser welder/cutter/cleaner/CNC, can I just use my Quantum Interdimensional Confabulator instead? And did anybody else giggle at the Kaka Industrial metal break, or was that just me? Cool tools means more cool builds. Thanks for sharing!
I’m definitely buying one of these as soon as harbor freight comes out with a 1k version