Make: Live – Inside Volume 96, The Digifab Issue
RAS2026-02-16T20:29:36+00:00Wednesday, February 18, 2026 @ 4 PM Pacific Time
At Make: we’ve cheered, and sometimes steered, two decades of rapid evolution in digital fabrication tools for home, hobby, and business use. But this year is an astonishing one. Make: Vol. 96 is all about the latest digital fabrication tools! Join us live as we talk about 3D printer tech, CNCs, lasers, and more! Multi-material 3D printing is finally legit, with smart, tool-changing machines that don’t waste filament. We’ll talk...February 16, 2026RASUncategorized3D Design, 3D Printing, 3D Printing & Imaging, CAD, cnc, CNC & Machining, design, digifab, Digital Fabrication, Laser Cutting0 Comments
Review: xTool MetalFab Laser Welder/CNC Cutter
RAS2026-01-28T17:00:00+00:00Manufacturer: xTool Link: xtool.com/pages/xtool-metalfab-laser-welder-and-cnc-cutter Price: $11,998–$14,499 xTool’s MetalFab is a piece of serious production equipment designed by people with experience making easy-to-use things. It’s an incredible laser cutter/welder/cleaner designed for shops and small businesses, and although its capabilities are tremendous, the learning curve is short enough that beginners can quickly get up and running. We met with tool ambassadors Kyle Morrison and Monim Abdullah at xTool’s U.S. headquarters to try out the MetalFab. The fiber laser comes in 800W or...
January 28, 2026RASUncategorizedDigital Fabrication, laser cutters, Laser Cutting, make96, metal, metal cutting, Metalworking, Review, Tools, welding0 Comments
What Cuts What? Lasering Different Materials
RAS2025-09-10T16:00:00+00:00One of the most important parts about deciding to purchase a new laser cutter/engraver is knowing what materials that laser can cut and engrave. Here’s a basic table to help you decide what will work best for your needs.
Laser Cutting and Engraving Material Compatibility
MaterialBlue diode laserCO₂ laserFiber laserWoodCuts & engraves (thin, up to ~3mm)Cuts & engraves (thicker cuts, up to ~20mm)Engraves onlyAcrylic (clear)Cannot cut/engraveCuts & engravesCannot cut/engraveAcrylic (colored)Cuts & engraves (dark colors)Cuts & engravesCannot cut/engraveLeatherCuts & engraves...September 10, 2025RASUncategorizedDigital Fabrication, laser cutters, Laser Cutting, Make92, skills, Tools0 Comments
Review: Algolaser Pixi Engraver Handles the Basics
RAS2025-07-17T16:00:00+00:00Manufacturer: Algolaser Price: $270 as tested (5W, black enclosure) URL: https://algolaser.com/products/algolaser-pixi-smart-laser-engraver-with-enclosure?variant=51274697343283
Features:
Lasers are great. They speed up prototyping and make “pew pew” sounds. They work with materials more befitting a final product than 3D printers, but you’re free to use cheap paper and cardboard for experimenting. They’ve come a long way down from the $20K of 20 years ago when our first Ultimate Tools article came out. But high-power desktop laser cutters are still outside the...July 17, 2025RASUncategorizedDigital Fabrication, Laser Cutting, Laser Etching, Maker News, Review, Tools0 Comments
Review: xTool F1 Ultra Laser Cutter
RAS2025-07-10T16:00:00+00:00Manufacturer: xTool Price as tested: $3,699 Link: https://www.xtool.com/products/xtool-f1-ultra-20w-fiber-diode-dual-laser-engraver Previously we looked at the xTool F1; this time we bring you the F1 Ultra, a machine that is more of a big cousin than a big brother to the F1. If you are willing to give up the extreme portability for more power, the F1 Ultra is here for you. Unboxing the F1 Ultra is a surprise — it’s big. It has a 220mm×220mm cutting area, not huge for...
Review: xTool F1 Laser Cutter
RAS2025-06-20T16:00:00+00:00Manufacturer: xTool Price as tested: $1,999 Link: https://www.xtool.com/products/xtool-f1 The phrase “small but mighty” might have been created to describe the xTool F1. Fully enclosed, it will only take up a small corner of your desk while still giving you dual blue and IR diode lasers. If you’re a craft person looking to take a laser to events to personalize items during the event, keep reading, because you’ve found your laser. While the cutting area of the F1 isn’t large,...
