This desktop crafting machine lets you print, slice, and engrave with ease.

xTool has unveiled a versatile crafting machine that could be one of the most budget-friendly options for launching an Etsy shop. Its modular design features a CMYK print head that works seamlessly with various materials such as paper, wood, and felt. This print head can later be replaced with laser cutting and engraving tools. For instance, the M2 can print and cut stickers, but it’s also capable of etching designs onto metal water bottles. The machine’s upgradeable features make its larger footprint worthwhile, especially compared to standard desktop printers.

The xTool M2 Color Craft Laser is priced at $599, with a limited-time introductory offer of $549 for the first week. However, this base price includes a version equipped with a 10W laser diode, which can cut through over 300 thinner materials. If you want printing capabilities, you’ll need to opt for the $749 bundle that comes with the CMYK Inkjet Printing Module, capable of producing around 400 pages before requiring a new ink cartridge. For cutting thicker materials, a $1,149 bundle with a 20W laser is necessary, and for an additional $499, you can add an infrared laser module that excels at engraving metals.

What distinguishes the M2 from the earlier M1 Ultra model is the inclusion of a 5-megapixel panoramic camera and a 2-megapixel close-up camera. These cameras capture images of the material placed inside the machine, allowing for precise alignment of designs and cutting patterns through the xTool Studio desktop software. To simplify the process for beginners, the M2 utilizes AI to identify the type of material loaded and automatically adjusts the settings for cutting, engraving, or scoring, making it easier to work with thinner materials.

While more powerful laser cutters typically require external air pumps and filtration systems, the M2 features an integrated air pump, though it simply exhausts into the room. For those who frequently engage in cutting tasks, xTool suggests using an accessory like the SafetyPro AP2 Air Purifier, although at $999, it costs more than the crafting machine itself.