xTool MetalFab vs. Xlaserlab X1 Pro
What You're Actually Comparing (And Why It's Not Straightforward)
On the surface, both the xTool MetalFab and the Xlaserlab X1 Pro are fiber laser welders that launched on Kickstarter in early-to-mid 2025, both hit significant crowdfunding milestones, and both market themselves as all-in-one laser welding systems for fabricators, small shops, and serious makers.
Below the surface, they're significantly different products in different price tiers solving different workflow problems.
The Xlaserlab X1 Pro is a 700W portable handheld fiber laser welder — 21kg, plugs into a standard 110V circuit, can be moved to the job, and puts professional laser welding capability in a form factor accessible to solo fabricators and home shops. Price: $3,699–$4,699 direct.
The xTool MetalFab is an 800W or 1200W laser welding and CNC cutting system — the welding torch is handheld, but the full system is built around a CNC cutting table (46" × 45" footprint, 150kg) requiring a dedicated 220V/21A circuit. Price: $4,999–$17,999 depending on configuration.
These machines aren't really competing for the same buyer. The comparison question is: which category fits your shop, your infrastructure, and your workflow? This article gives you the honest answer.
For background on how fiber laser welding works and what the technology delivers compared to MIG and TIG, our what is laser welding guide covers the fundamentals before this buying comparison.
Xlaserlab X1 Pro: Key Specs and What They Mean in Practice
Power, Weld Depth, and Material Capability
The X1 Pro is a 700W fiber laser — 460W for the base X1 model, 700W for the X1 Pro. The 700W rating is the output power at the weld head.
The X1 Pro handles continuous seams on carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum at 2–3× the travel speed of MIG, with near-zero spatter and no post-weld grinding.
Practical material limits (from X1 Pro specifications):
- Stainless steel and carbon steel: up to 3mm in standard use
- Aluminum: up to approximately 1.8mm
- Thin sheet: down to 0.2mm (0.008")
According to the specifications, it can handle stainless steel and carbon steel up to 3mm thick, and aluminum up to 1.8mm thick.
For most automotive fabrication, sheet metal repair, bracket fabrication, and light structural work: 3mm stainless and 1.8mm aluminium covers the majority of real-world applications. The machine is not designed for heavy structural welding (6mm+ plate), but the 700W X1 Pro handles thin-to-medium fabrication work that represents the majority of small shop and mobile welding needs.
Weld modes: continuous seam, pulsed, and spot. Continuous seam for long structural joints; pulsed for thin materials and heat-sensitive work; spot for tack welding and small repairs.
The 6-in-1 Design: Versatility vs. Complexity
The X1 Pro markets itself as a 4-in-1 (and some configurations reach 6 functions): welding, cutting, rust removal, surface cleaning, and in some configurations CNC retrofitting capability. The primary three functions — welding, cutting (up to 3mm), and rust/oxide removal — are the most practically used.
The X1 and X1Pro models feature 460W and 700W laser power respectively, achieving welding and cutting speeds five to ten times faster than traditional TIG welding, significantly enhancing productivity.
Cutting with the X1 Pro is handheld — you guide the torch along a cut line. This is useful for trim cuts and site work but not for CNC-precision cutting of repeated shapes. For CNC-precision cutting, you'd need a separate cutting table.
The multi-function design means switching between welding, cutting, and cleaning modes is a nozzle/head swap rather than a machine swap. For a sole trader or mobile fabricator who currently runs separate machines for each function, this consolidation is a genuine workflow advantage.
Portability and Form Factor
The X1 Pro weighs approximately 21kg and the full unit including controller fits on a wheeled cart or in a van. It runs on 110V–240V single-phase power — standard workshop or even residential power for the US market. No special electrical circuit required.
The machine launched via Kickstarter in early 2025 at early-backer pricing and has since settled into the $3,699 base price for the standard 4-in-1 configuration. Financing options are available through some retailers at approximately $139/month.
The portability is meaningful for mobile fabricators, on-site repair shops, and anyone who doesn't want to commit a dedicated machine footprint to a single-purpose CNC system. The X1 Pro can come to the job; the MetalFab cannot.
xTool MetalFab: Key Specs and What They Mean in Practice
Power Options: 800W vs. 1200W
xTool offers the MetalFab in two welding power configurations:
The 1200W welder can weld up to 5mm stainless steel/carbon steel, while the 800W model handles up to 4mm. The 1200W welder can cut (handheld cutting) up to 5mm stainless steel/carbon steel, while the 800W model handles up to 3mm.
For most small shop and fabrication applications, 4mm stainless is already substantial coverage. The 1200W model's 5mm capability is relevant for structural applications — thicker brackets, frame components, heavier wall tube — where the 800W's 4mm limit would be binding.
The 1200W model also includes a wire feeder for gap-bridging and fillet weld enhancement. The 1200W welder includes a free wire feeder, while the 800W model has a built-in wire feeding mechanism and is lighter in weight.
Power infrastructure is the critical constraint. The 1200W model requires a circuit of 21A or higher, with a maximum power output of up to 4200W, while the 800W model requires a circuit of 15A or higher, with a maximum power output of 3000W. In the US, this means a dedicated 220V circuit — not standard household power, not the 110V circuit an X1 Pro can use. Installing a dedicated 220V/21A circuit is an additional cost (typically $300–$800 for an electrician) that needs to be factored into the MetalFab total investment.
The CNC Cutting Table: MetalFab's Core Differentiator
The MetalFab is not just a laser welder — it's a laser welder plus a CNC cutting table, and the CNC table is the feature that makes it genuinely different from any handheld competitor.
Paired with the xTool CNC Machine, it achieves 400mm/s cutting speeds with 0.1mm precision, thanks to VibeFreeCut and FlexiTrack technologies.
The CNC table cuts sheet metal from a design file — you upload your DXF or SVG, the machine nests the parts on the sheet, and cuts them automatically. The 16MP Panoramic camera captures full-bed imaging for precise positioning and enables Smart Nesting function with up to 98.7% material use. The close-range camera enables micron-level precision for secondary/fine processing through localized high-res imaging.
For shops doing repetitive part production — cut, weld, repeat on the same bracket or panel — the CNC automation capability transforms the MetalFab from a welding tool into a small-scale production system. One user fabricating stainless steel cable tags previously bought them from a supplier at $1.75 each; using MetalFab, the material cost dropped to $0.23 each.
The trade-off: the CNC cutter requires the welding unit to operate (they're mechanically integrated), the table is not portable (150kg, dedicated footprint), and the full system requires shop installation including the 220V electrical circuit.
Software Ecosystem and AI Camera System
The MetalFab runs on xTool's XCS software platform. It features the Material EasySet Library with 100+ pre-optimized parameters for 30+ materials. You only need to select the material you want to cut, and all parameters can be applied with a single click.
The dual-camera system (16MP panoramic + close-range precision camera) drives the smart nesting and precision cutting functions. For fabricators coming from manual layout and plasma cutting, the camera-driven workflow and AI nesting represent a substantial time saving on setup.
xTool has CE, FCC, and FDA certification, meeting stringent safety and quality standards.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Where Each Machine Wins
Welding Performance
Both machines are genuine fiber laser welders delivering professional-quality welds on common fabrication metals. The MetalFab at 800W/1200W has more power headroom than the X1 Pro at 700W — relevant for 4–5mm material where the MetalFab can work more comfortably.
For the majority of real-world applications under 3mm: the X1 Pro is fully capable. For applications between 3–5mm: the MetalFab's higher power is an advantage. For 5mm+ structural work: neither machine is the primary tool — TIG/MIG remains more appropriate for heavy structural welding.
The X1 Pro's welding performance review from Halfass Kustoms — a well-regarded automotive fabrication channel: the reviewer concluded the X1 Pro is genuinely useful for automotive and general fabrication work, with particular strength on thin-gauge aluminum where heat management is critical.
Cutting Capability
This is where the gap between these two machines is most significant.
X1 Pro: Handheld cutting only. Guided freehand along a cut line. Useful for trim cuts, on-site work, and straight-line cuts with a guide. Not useful for precision repeated part cutting from a design file.
MetalFab + CNC table: Automated CNC cutting from a design file at 400mm/s with 0.1mm precision. Genuinely different capability — this is a small CNC laser cutter integrated with the welding system.
If you need to cut production parts repeatedly from sheet metal, the MetalFab's CNC table is the reason to choose it. If you only need occasional trim cuts, the X1 Pro's handheld cutting is sufficient and the CNC table's cost and infrastructure isn't justified.
Ease of Use and Learning Curve
Both machines market themselves as accessible to operators without extensive welding experience.
X1 Pro: 110V standard power, portable, standard workshop space, relatively quick setup. The learning curve for laser welding technique is genuinely shorter than TIG — clean travel speed and angle matter, but there's no filler rod coordination, no shielding gas complexity (for most applications), and the beam does most of the work.
MetalFab: More complex system — handheld welding plus CNC table software plus dedicated power circuit plus ventilation requirements. The CNC software has a learning curve. The physical installation is a project, not a plug-in. xTool's XCS software is designed for intuitive control with a beginner-friendly interface. But the overall system complexity is higher than the X1 Pro simply because there are more components.
For a first-time laser welder purchase: the X1 Pro has a lower barrier. For a shop already using CNC tools and comfortable with that workflow: the MetalFab's additional complexity is manageable.
Price and Value
This is where the comparison gets clearest.
Xlaserlab X1 Pro: $3,699–$4,699 direct. Standard 110V power. No dedicated circuit required.
xTool MetalFab: $4,999 (800W welder only, Kickstarter pricing) up to $13,999–$17,999 for the full 1200W + CNC table MSRP configuration. Plus dedicated 220V/21A circuit installation if not already present.
For the full CNC-integrated MetalFab system, you're looking at $8,000–$18,000 total depending on configuration and electrical installation. This is a very different investment bracket from the X1 Pro.
For buyers whose primary need is handheld laser welding with basic cutting capability: the X1 Pro provides 80–90% of the MetalFab's welding capability at roughly 25–40% of the price. The premium for the MetalFab buys the CNC automation capability and the higher power ceiling.
For guidance on how to evaluate the investment decision for a laser welder purchase at different budget points, our how to choose a handheld laser welder guide covers the buying framework. For the full breakdown of what laser welding systems cost at each tier, our how much does a laser welder cost guide covers the complete pricing landscape.
Who Should Buy the Xlaserlab X1 Pro?
The X1 Pro is the right machine for:
- Mobile fabricators and on-site welders who need laser welding capability that travels with them — the portable form factor and 110V operation are the primary advantages here
- Home shop and garage fabricators who want professional laser welding without a dedicated 220V circuit or major infrastructure investment
- First-time laser welder buyers entering the technology — the accessible price and lower setup complexity make it a lower-risk entry point
- Automotive restoration and bodywork shops where thin-gauge aluminum and stainless are the primary materials and 3mm depth capability covers most work
- Multi-function solo operators who want welding, cutting, cleaning, and rust removal in a single portable unit without the CNC table investment
- Buyers with a $4,000–$5,000 budget for a laser welding system — the X1 Pro is among the best-value genuine fiber laser welders in this price range
The X1 Pro is a stock product at The Maker's Chest. We've evaluated it alongside other machines in the category and consider it the strongest handheld fiber laser welder in the under-$5,000 market as of 2025.
Who Should Buy the xTool MetalFab?
The MetalFab is the right machine for:
- Shops that need CNC precision cutting capability integrated with laser welding — if you currently outsource part cutting or use a separate plasma cutter for sheet metal parts, the MetalFab's CNC table replaces that need
- Production-oriented small shops doing repetitive part fabrication — cut brackets or panels from DXF files, weld them, repeat; the automated workflow delivers ROI at meaningful production volume
- Shops already running 220V power — if you have a dedicated 220V circuit already, the infrastructure barrier is removed and the MetalFab's power advantage is more accessible
- Buyers who need 4–5mm welding depth consistently — the 800W and 1200W options cover material thickness that the X1 Pro's 700W handles at its limit
- Budget: $8,000–$18,000 for the full system — if this is your capital equipment budget for a year, the MetalFab's integrated CNC capability is the right allocation; if this is your entire budget and you mostly need welding capability, the X1 Pro provides better value
For a detailed look at whether a 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 laser welding system is worth the premium over a single-function welder, our 3-in-1 laser welder worth it guide covers the multi-function value question directly.
Verdict
These two machines are not competing on the same terms. Choosing between them is not "which is the better laser welder" — it's "which machine fits your actual workflow."
The Xlaserlab X1 Pro wins if: you need portable laser welding, you're operating on standard 110V power, your budget is $4,000–$5,000, and your cutting needs are handheld rather than CNC-automated. It's genuinely one of the most capable portable fiber laser welders available below $5,000, and it delivers professional-quality welds on the materials most small shop fabricators work with daily.
The xTool MetalFab wins if: you need integrated CNC cutting capability alongside laser welding, you have (or can install) 220V shop power, you're doing production part fabrication at volume that justifies the investment, and you have $8,000–$18,000 to allocate to a capital equipment system rather than a handheld tool. The CNC automation is genuinely transformative for shops cutting production parts — no other machine in this review comparison offers anything like it.
If you're undecided because both seem relevant: ask whether your primary pain point is cutting or welding. If it's welding (and cutting is secondary), the X1 Pro is the better-value solution. If it's cutting precision and production speed (and welding is integrated into that workflow), the MetalFab's CNC table is the reason to spend more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the xTool MetalFab and the Xlaserlab X1 Pro?
The primary difference is form factor and capability scope. The Xlaserlab X1 Pro is a 700W portable handheld fiber laser welder (21kg, 110V-compatible) priced at $3,699–$4,699 that handles welding, cutting, and cleaning in a mobile form factor. The xTool MetalFab is an 800W or 1200W laser welding system that integrates with a CNC cutting table for automated sheet metal cutting from design files — it's a shop system requiring dedicated 220V power, priced from $4,999 (800W welder only) to $13,999–$17,999 for the full CNC configuration. The MetalFab's CNC cutting capability and higher power ceiling justify its higher price for the right buyer; the X1 Pro is better value for pure handheld welding at accessible cost and infrastructure.
Can the xTool MetalFab weld thicker metal than the X1 Pro?
Yes. The MetalFab 800W welds up to 4mm stainless steel and carbon steel; the 1200W version welds up to 5mm. The Xlaserlab X1 Pro at 700W handles up to approximately 3mm stainless and carbon steel, and approximately 1.8mm aluminum reliably. For material between 3–5mm, the MetalFab has a meaningful power advantage. For material under 3mm — which covers the majority of automotive bodywork, sheet metal fabrication, and light structural work — the X1 Pro's 700W is fully adequate.
Is the xTool MetalFab worth the extra cost over the X1 Pro?
For buyers who need the CNC cutting table: yes. The MetalFab's automated CNC cutting from design files is a capability the X1 Pro doesn't have in any form, and for production shops doing repetitive part cutting, it represents genuine ROI. For buyers whose primary need is handheld laser welding: no. The X1 Pro delivers professional laser welding capability at 25–40% of the MetalFab's full system cost, and the MetalFab's additional cost primarily buys CNC automation that you won't use if your workflow is handheld welding.
What power supply does the xTool MetalFab require?
The MetalFab requires 200–240V power. The 800W model needs a dedicated 15A+ circuit; the 1200W model needs 21A+. For US buyers, this means a dedicated 220V circuit — equivalent to what a clothes dryer or electric oven uses. If you don't already have a 220V circuit in your shop, budget an additional $300–$800 for electrical installation. The Xlaserlab X1 Pro, by contrast, is compatible with standard 110V–240V power and can be used on a standard US household circuit.
Which laser welder is better for automotive fabrication?
For most automotive fabrication work (bodywork, bracket fabrication, exhaust repair, restoration metalwork on sheet metal and thin-wall tube): the Xlaserlab X1 Pro is the more practical choice at the price. Its 700W handles the 0.8–3mm material range that covers most automotive sheet metal, the portable form factor allows working on the vehicle rather than only at the bench, and the $3,699–$4,699 price point leaves budget for other shop equipment. The MetalFab's CNC cutting becomes more relevant if you're producing repetitive parts in volume from design files — custom brackets, panels, or trim pieces where cutting precision and automation are the primary need.
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