Gweike M1200 3-in-1 Handheld Laser Welder and Cutter vs xTool MetalFab 1200W Laser Welder and CNC Cutter
Gweike M1200 3-in-1 Handheld Laser Welder and Cutter
Score 61/100 · from $4,899 at Gweike
Gweike · $4,899
Verdict
On our scores the xTool MetalFab 1200W Laser Welder and CNC Cutter comes out ahead, 75 to 61. The Gweike M1200 3-in-1 Handheld Laser Welder and Cutter is a 1200 W fiber laser with a n/a work area; the xTool MetalFab 1200W Laser Welder and CNC Cutter is a 1200 W fiber laser with 610 × 610 mm. The Gweike M1200 3-in-1 Handheld Laser Welder and Cutter costs about $11,100 less at list price.
The Gweike M1200 3-in-1 Handheld Laser Welder and Cutter is best for
Makers and small shops that want to start laser welding thin steel, stainless and aluminum and occasionally trim or rough-cut sheet up to 3 mm.The xTool MetalFab 1200W Laser Welder and CNC Cutter is best for
Small fabrication shops and serious makers who weld thin to medium steel and aluminum and want to cut their own brackets, signs and parts in house.Specs and scores side by side
| Gweike M1200 3-in-1 Handheld Laser Welder and Cutter | xTool MetalFab 1200W Laser Welder and CNC Cutter | |
|---|---|---|
| Laser type | Fiber laser | Fiber laser |
| Form | Portable | Enclosed |
| Optical power | 1200 W | 1200 W |
| Work area | n/a | 610 × 610 mm |
| Max speed | Welding 200 to 300 cm/min (maker claim); handheld cutting speed not published | 400 mm/s max working speed of the CNC bed (maker claim) |
| Air assist | Built in | Built in |
| Camera | No | Yes |
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Safety | Open Class 4 handheld beam (Gweike lists Class 4). The unit has an emergency stop and key switch, and Gweike's manual has you clamp a ground terminal to a conductive work table before welding or cutting. Gweike does not say whether eye protection is included; its M Series manual lists goggles and gloves among things the buyer prepares | The CNC cutter is an enclosed cabinet with an OD5+ light-filtering lid, lid and drawer closure detection, an exhaust fan check, emergency stop, USB safety key and temperature monitoring. The handheld welder is an open Class 4 1200W beam: one pair of OD7+ laser goggles and heat-resistant gloves are included, and anyone else nearby needs eye protection too |
| Weight | 49.2 kg | 196.2 kg |
| Price | $4,899 | $15,999 |
| Overall score | 61 | 75 |
| Power score | 91 | 97 |
| Speed score | 45 | 62 |
| Ease score | 62 | 72 |
| Safety score | 36 | 55 |
| Value score | 73 | 72 |
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, the Gweike M1200 3-in-1 Handheld Laser Welder and Cutter or the xTool MetalFab 1200W Laser Welder and CNC Cutter?
On our scores the xTool MetalFab 1200W Laser Welder and CNC Cutter comes out ahead, 75 to 61. The Gweike M1200 3-in-1 Handheld Laser Welder and Cutter is a 1200 W fiber laser with a n/a work area; the xTool MetalFab 1200W Laser Welder and CNC Cutter is a 1200 W fiber laser with 610 × 610 mm. The Gweike M1200 3-in-1 Handheld Laser Welder and Cutter costs about $11,100 less at list price.
Which is cheaper, the Gweike M1200 3-in-1 Handheld Laser Welder and Cutter or the xTool MetalFab 1200W Laser Welder and CNC Cutter?
At list price the Gweike M1200 3-in-1 Handheld Laser Welder and Cutter ($4,899) costs less than the xTool MetalFab 1200W Laser Welder and CNC Cutter ($15,999).
How we rank: by our own scores for power, speed, ease of use, safety and value, from the maker's published specs and independent tests where they exist. Some links earn us a commission (for example TwoTrees, SainSmart, Gweike and Amazon). That never changes a score or the order of a list (disclosure).