OMTech FCM-15CW 1500W Handheld Laser Welder, Cleaner and Cutter vs xTool MetalFab 1200W Laser Welder and CNC Cutter
OMTech FCM-15CW 1500W Handheld Laser Welder, Cleaner and Cutter
Score 60/100 · from $5,500 at OMTech (pre-order)
OMTech · $5,500
Verdict
On our scores the xTool MetalFab 1200W Laser Welder and CNC Cutter comes out ahead, 75 to 60. The OMTech FCM-15CW 1500W Handheld Laser Welder, Cleaner and Cutter is a 1500 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 OMTech FCM-15CW 1500W Handheld Laser Welder, Cleaner and Cutter costs about $10,499 less at list price.
The OMTech FCM-15CW 1500W Handheld Laser Welder, Cleaner and Cutter is best for
Fabricators and repair shops that mostly weld thin to medium steel and stainless and want to trim, clean and rough-cut sheet with the same tool.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
| OMTech FCM-15CW 1500W Handheld Laser Welder, Cleaner and Cutter | xTool MetalFab 1200W Laser Welder and CNC Cutter | |
|---|---|---|
| Laser type | Fiber laser | Fiber laser |
| Form | Portable | Enclosed |
| Optical power | 1500 W | 1200 W |
| Work area | n/a | 610 × 610 mm |
| Max speed | Not published for cutting (handheld, so set by the operator); OMTech claims welding up to 4 times faster than TIG | 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. The gun only fires while the nozzle touches the workpiece grounded by the supplied clamp, and there is a key switch, an emergency stop and alarms for low voltage, temperature and short circuits. One pair of safety glasses, a welding helmet and gloves are included. The manual calls it a Class 1 system when used as instructed, which does not match an open handheld beam | 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 | not published | 196.2 kg |
| Price | $5,500 | $15,999 |
| Overall score | 60 | 75 |
| Power score | 93 | 97 |
| Speed score | 45 | 62 |
| Ease score | 58 | 72 |
| Safety score | 42 | 55 |
| Value score | 72 | 72 |
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, the OMTech FCM-15CW 1500W Handheld Laser Welder, Cleaner 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 60. The OMTech FCM-15CW 1500W Handheld Laser Welder, Cleaner and Cutter is a 1500 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 OMTech FCM-15CW 1500W Handheld Laser Welder, Cleaner and Cutter costs about $10,499 less at list price.
Which is cheaper, the OMTech FCM-15CW 1500W Handheld Laser Welder, Cleaner and Cutter or the xTool MetalFab 1200W Laser Welder and CNC Cutter?
At list price the OMTech FCM-15CW 1500W Handheld Laser Welder, Cleaner and Cutter ($5,500) 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).