xTool P2S 55W Review | Points Learned from Usage and Errors

I graduated from an old laser cutter used for about 8 years and newly introduced the xTool P2S 55W. This article summarizes honest impressions from basic usage, points learned through failures, and actual pros and cons.

Purchase List

• 🔹P2S 55W (55W output CO2 laser cutter)

• 🔹RA2 Pro (Rotary engraving)

• 🔹Automatic Conveyor Feeder (automatic material processing)

• 🔹P2 Riser Base (enables processing of thicker/larger objects)

• P2 Honeycomb Panel

• SafetyPro AP2 (Air purifier with Super Cyclone system)

  (🔹purchased as a set from official site. Other 2 items purchased later)

Specifications

P2S Specifications excerpt from official site

Software

• Compatible Software: xTool Creative Space / Lightburn
• Operating System: Android / iOS / iPad / Windows / macOS
• Connection Method: USB / Wi-Fi
• Supported Files: SVG / DXF / JPG / JPEG / PNG / BMP / TIF

Easy Operation

• Pre-assembled: Yes
• Built-in Camera: 16MP Close-range Camera + 16MP Panoramic Camera
• Positioning Method: Dual Camera Positioning
• Focus Mode: Auto Focus
• Distance Measurement System: LiDAR Distance Measurement System
• Preview Method: Smart Camera Preview

Accuracy & Precision

• Laser Spot Size: 0.15mm × 0.2mm
• Positioning Accuracy: 0.3mm (Camera)
• Distance Measurement Accuracy: 0.3mm (Camera)
• Image Resolution: 1000 DPI
• Operation Accuracy: 0.015mm

General Information

• Safety Certification: Class 4 Laser Safety
• Product Dimensions: 1000mm × 639mm × 268mm
• Product Weight: 45kg
• Maximum Machine Input Power: 700W
• Power Adapter Input Voltage: 100V~120V, AC 50/60Hz

Initial Setup and Preparation

Referring to the included Machine Usage Manual and Quick Start Guide, I performed unboxing, operation check, damage inspection, coolant filling, power connection, exhaust pipe attachment, etc.

xTool - Japanese Manual Download Page

Installing xTool Studio

To operate P2S, I used design software called xTool Studio (formerly: xTool Creative Space).

Installation on Windows

1. Access xTool official site
2. Download Windows version from xTool Studio Software download page
3. Run downloaded file and follow installation wizard
4. After installation completes, launch xTool Studio

Installation on Mac

1. Download Mac version from xTool official site Software page

2. Double-click downloaded .dmg file to open

3. Drag & drop xTool Studio app to Applications folder

4. Launch xTool Studio from Applications folder

   ⚠️On Mac, “unidentified developer” security warning may appear on first launch. In that case, select “Open Anyway” in Security & Privacy in System Preferences.

Device Connection (Wi-Fi)

Wi-Fi Connection Procedure

1. Turn on P2S main unit power
2. Add P2S as device in xTool Studio app
3. Configure WiFi connection settings in xTool Studio (connect within same Wi-Fi network)

Countermeasures when Wi-Fi connection is unstable: This time, WiFi connected with the following measures.

• Operate P2S / Computer / WiFi router as close as possible
• Restart P2S and PC (turn off power, wait about 30 seconds, then turn on again)

If that doesn’t solve it, USB connection might be recommended.

Important Precautions Before Use

Laser cutters are very convenient tools, but using them incorrectly can lead to fire and health hazards. Be sure to understand safety measures before starting operation.

Explained in detail in the following article:

→ Safe Use of Laser Cutters | Basic Rules to Prevent Fire and Accidents

This article explains the following important points:

• Rules that must be followed during processing
• Prohibited materials and dangers
• Safety measures after processing
• Emergency response methods

Basic Operation and Testing of xTool Studio

Understanding the Interface

When launching xTool Studio, the main screen is displayed. As a first step for smooth operation, I understood the screen configuration.

• Red box: Design toolbar: Tools for image import, shape drawing, text input, path editing, etc. are arranged.
• Blue box: Canvas: Where you actually create and edit designs.
  • Here, P2S processing bed size is displayed, and you can visually confirm where to process what.
• Green box: Device settings: Device selection, processing mode change.
• Orange box: Material settings: Select material, check position with camera, measure with alignment.
• Pink box: Object processing settings: Processing settings for selected object, configure processing parameters.

Design Creation and Placement

I’ll explain using the example of engraving and cutting text on Plywood 3mm.

Create new project: Click “New Project” displayed when starting software.

Select device: (Example) This time connected to P2S using WiFi

Select processing mode: (Note) Select processing mode after installing the same equipment as processing mode.

Select material: Select material and click apply. (This time selected material close to Plywood 3mm thickness)

Fixing Material Place Plywood on processing bed and fix firmly to prevent shifting. Fix with jig or tape. If fixing is weak, it will shift during processing and unintended areas will be processed.

Update Background / Aligned Measurement

• Click update background
• Click aligned measurement and click on the material.

Text Engraving and Cutting:

• Click text, and when you click on canvas, text input box is displayed. Enter text and adjust font, size, weight, etc. in properties displayed at top.
• Click added text and select whether to engrave or cut.

(Example) When configuring Engraving / Cutting processing settings

Configure engraving (this time used applied parameter values) Configure cutting (this time used applied parameter values)

Parameter Setting Basics

As processing conditions, the most important items are “Power,” “Speed,” and “Passes.”

• ※Optimal values differ depending on material and application, so adjust while experimenting based on reference values from official site.
• ※Power 100% seems to cause significant laser wear, so I refrain from using it.

Start Processing

Press Process: When all settings are complete, click “Process” button.

Pre-processing confirmation: Perform final check before processing and click “Start” button.

1. Is material firmly fixed to processing bed?
2. Are there any obstacles in processing range?

Processing data transfer: When Start button is pressed, processing data is sent to P2S main unit.

Processing execution

• Press Start button on top of xTool P2S main unit to start processing.
• Do not leave in front of machine, always monitor.
• Check for abnormal sounds or smoke.

After processing completion

• Beep sounds when processing is complete.
• Do not take out material immediately, wait until smoke completely clears and at least 1-2 minutes have passed. Material is hot, so be careful of burns.

Test Results

• Image

• Material: Plywood Thickness 3mm

• Parameters used: Default for (3mm) Pine Ponderosa Plywood

• Impressions:

• Cutting: Cut completely. Could lower power a bit.

• Engraving: Was light engraving. Parameters used are only similar products, so that may have influenced it.

  • Cause: Plywood surface may have been hard.
  • Improvement plan for next time:
    • i. Increase power from 15% → 20%
    • ii. Or increase passes from 1 → 2 times
    • iii. Adjust engraving density from 100 → 300 (Max)
  • Results of actual trial: [Results to be added here]

Errors and Learnings

I’ll introduce errors that occurred and points learned.

• Error that occurred: “Confirm honeycomb panel is installed correctly” was displayed and processing couldn’t start.
• Cause: Mistakenly installed the bottom support that should be attached to the bottom tier of P2S main unit at the top of the riser base.
• Analysis: Main unit side couldn’t detect installation of bottom support shelf, resulting in error.
• Countermeasure: By reinstalling bottom support correctly to bottom tier of P2S main unit, processing became normal. ※When returning to honeycomb panel after using riser base, please be very careful about bottom support installation location.

Usage Review: Good Points and Concerns

Honest evaluation of feelings after actually using P2S.

Overall Evaluation and Introduction Consideration Points

P2S 55W is a powerful and versatile laser cutter, but introduction is desirable when the following environment is ready.

• Budget: Investment in peripheral equipment (air purifier, etc.) needed in addition to main unit
• Work Space: At least 1.5m × 1m work space needed in front
  • When using riser base, even more space needed
  • When making a stand for P2S + riser base, recommend adopting casters with locks
• Ventilation Environment: Can clean air with SafetyPro AP2, but concurrent use with ventilation fan essential
• Purpose: For those who want to seriously enjoy laser cutting

Troubleshooting

When device cannot connect

USB Connection

1. Check that USB cable is firmly connected
2. Restart xTool Studio
3. Restart computer

Wi-Fi Connection Refer to “Countermeasures when Wi-Fi connection is unstable” above. If that doesn’t solve it, recommend switching to USB connection.

When processing is uneven

1. Check that processing bed is not tilted
2. Check that lens or mirror is not dirty (clean if dirty)
3. Check that material is firmly fixed

Unexpected processing results

1. Check that set parameters are correctly saved

Materials and Consumables Usable for Laser Processing

Recommended Processing Materials

• Plywood Thickness 3mm
• Acrylic Board 3mm Thick (Transparent)
• Leather Craft Parts + Leather Craft Kit Tools 39-piece Set
• Blank Wooden Keychain (Round)
• Blank Wooden Keychain (Rectangle)
• Blank Wooden Keychain (Drop Shape)

Material Fixing Products

• Double-sided Tape

For Resin Prevention and Aligned Measurement When Processing Transparent Acrylic

• Masking Tape (18mm)
• Masking Tape (50mm×18M Wide Type)

Summary

xTool P2S 55W is a very powerful and versatile tool. By understanding basic operation and following safety rules, you can create many wonderful works.

Especially important points:

1. Always confirm safety measures - Basic rules to prevent fire and accidents
2. Use USB connection when Wi-Fi connection is unstable
3. Adjust material parameters while experimenting - Official settings seem strong

By following these, safe and efficient laser processing is possible. I want to start with simple Plywood processing and accumulate experience.