Is the xTool P2 Worth It for a Small Business? (My Honest Review After Real Use)
- Pure Joy Designs
- Apr 27
- 4 min read
When I first looked at the xTool P2, I’ll be honest — I didn’t rush into it.
It’s a big investment, especially when you’re running a small business and every decision has to make sense not just creatively, but financially too. I wasn’t looking for something “nice to have”… I needed something that would actually help me grow.
Now that I’ve been using it properly in my business, I feel like I can give a real, honest review based on day-to-day use, not just first impressions.
So is it actually worth it?
For me… YES — I love this machine but it definitely comes with both positives and things you need to think carefully about.
What Stood Out to Me Straight Away
One of the first things I absolutely loved about the xTool P2 is the built-in cameras.
It might sound like a small detail, but being able to line up materials accurately has made such a difference in my workflow. When you’re engraving or cutting personalised items, precision matters so much, and this has honestly saved me from a lot of wasted materials and guesswork.
Another thing I noticed quite quickly is just how much it can actually do.
There are so many possibilities with this machine that I still feel like I’m only scratching the surface. I’m constantly discovering new ways to use it, which is exciting but also something I’ve had to manage carefully. It’s very easy to get carried away with ideas, so I’ve had to stay quite focused on my brand and not try to do absolutely everything at once.
That being said, that flexibility is also one of its biggest strengths — it genuinely grows with you as your skills develop.
Ease of Use and Setup
Another big positive for me is that the xTool P2 is surprisingly easy to get used to.
The software is really intuitive. I didn’t feel overwhelmed when I first started using it, and over time it’s become second nature. I can design, set up and run jobs without constantly second guessing myself, which is really important when you’re trying to run a business around it.
Size-wise, yes, it is a bigger machine — but it’s still very much a desktop-style setup, which makes it manageable in a home business space. I use mine in my garage, which I’ve turned into a workshop, and it fits in really well once you’ve got your layout sorted.
What I’ve Made with It (and Why It’s Been a Game Changer)
Since upgrading, I’ve been able to really expand what I offer.
I’m now making things like:
Engraved cups for corporate and personalised gifts
School boards using wood and acrylic
QR code blocks for businesses
Flower picks and small personalised items
The quality feels more professional, and that has naturally helped me move towards higher-value products. It’s changed the direction of my business in a really positive way.
The Downsides (Being Completely Honest)
It wouldn’t be a real review if I didn’t talk about the things that haven’t been perfect.
One of the biggest challenges for me has been ventilation.
I haven’t invested in the ventilation pump system yet, so I’ve had to set the machine up in my garage workshop. While this works, the fumes can be quite strong at times, and it’s something I do need to properly sort out. It’s one of those “hidden extra costs” that you don’t always think about when you first buy the machine.
Another thing I noticed quite quickly is that the xTool P2 is louder than my previous Ortur machine. It’s not a deal breaker for me, especially as it’s in a separate workspace, but it’s definitely noticeable.
On the positive side, I do actually feel like the lid design makes it feel safer and more enclosed while it’s running, which I really like. It feels more controlled compared to open machines I’ve used before.
The Conveyor System (My Honest Experience)
This is probably the part I’ve had the most mixed feelings about.
The conveyor is a clever idea in theory, especially for larger pieces, but in practice I’ve found it a bit frustrating at times.
One of my main issues is that you need to allow quite a lot of extra material for it to run through properly, which does lead to waste. When you’re running a small business and watching material costs closely, that does add up.
I also had a steep learning curve with it. It actually took me quite a while — and quite a few mistakes — to get comfortable using it properly, especially when cutting circles or more detailed shapes. I had issues where cut-out pieces would get stuck or shift as the material moved back and forth, which meant I had to redo jobs or adjust my process.
It’s definitely something that works better once you understand its limitations, but it’s not as “plug and play” as some other parts of the machine.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Even with the negatives, I still come back to the same answer — for my business, yes, it has been worth it.
The positives far outweigh the challenges, especially when I look at how much my product quality, confidence, and business direction have improved since upgrading.
It’s helped me:
Create higher-end products
Take on better quality orders
Work more efficiently
And explore new product ideas I wouldn’t have attempted before
But it’s also taught me that bigger machines don’t just bring bigger possibilities — they also come with bigger responsibilities, costs, and learning curves.
So if you’re thinking about getting one, I’d say this:
It’s an amazing tool… but it works best when you’re ready to really use it properly, not just experiment casually.
For me, it’s become a key part of my business — and I still feel like I’ve only just started unlocking what it can do.
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