I ACCIDENTALLY SHOT HIM WITH A LASER BEAM

Why It Matters

The $5,000 laser makes high‑precision cutting and welding accessible to small manufacturers, but its extreme power demands strict safety measures, reshaping how niche production facilities invest in automation.

Key Takeaways

• X-Tool laser cutter-welder now costs around $5,000 for users
• Laser cuts 10 mm steel, 4 mm aluminum, welds with wire feed
• Accidental exposure can cause instant, permanent eye damage without protection
• Operator’s glove burned, demonstrating urgent need for laser enclosure
• Affordable lasers let small manufacturers boost speed, precision, and flexibility

Summary

The video showcases X‑Tool’s new dual‑function laser system that can both cut and weld metal, unveiled at a small‑scale wheelchair factory. Priced at roughly $5,000 versus the $100,000 CNC rigs of five years ago, the device promises to bring high‑end laser capabilities to makers and niche manufacturers.

The laser cuts up to 10 mm carbon steel and 4 mm aluminum, runs a 24/7 duty cycle, and includes a 10,000‑hour lifespan with virtually no maintenance. Switching from cutting to welding requires swapping compressed air for argon and attaching a wire feeder that deposits filler metal, allowing pre‑programmed weld settings for stainless, carbon, galvanized aluminum, and brass. The presenter emphasizes that the beam is 240,000 times more powerful than a typical laser pointer, making accidental exposure potentially blinding.

During a live demo the beam ignited concrete and, when a worker’s hand slipped into the path, seared a glove and a penny‑sized skin burn, underscoring the lack of an enclosure. “If Nate hadn’t blocked it with his body, the laser could have shot off who knows where,” the host warns. The incident prompted an immediate plan to build a laser‑tight enclosure and enforce mandatory eye‑protection.

The rapid price decline democratizes precision manufacturing, enabling small factories to replace costly CNC mills with a versatile, low‑maintenance laser that can accelerate production of components such as wheelchair frames and custom signage. However, the episode also serves as a cautionary tale: without proper safety infrastructure, the technology’s power poses serious occupational hazards, making rigorous training and enclosure design essential for broader adoption.

Original Description

What happens when you get hit with a laser beam? Today we accidentally found out while using the new xTool 1200w Laser Welder: https://www.xtool.com/pages/xtool-metalfab-laser-welder-and-cnc-cutter?ref=cxaoverg&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=goaffpro&utm_term=5306 (use code JERRY100 to get $100 dollars off) My discount code for learning SOLIDWORKS is here: https://www.solidworks.com/jerryrigeverything (use code JERRYRIGEVERYTHING for 20% off)

If you want to help support the wheelchair factory the 2026 Collectors Coins are HERE: https://www.NotaWheelchair.com/Donate

Stay safe out there - and keep your safety glasses on....

I SHOT HIM WITH A LASER - (on accident)

I ACCIDENTALLY SHOT HIM WITH A LASER BEAM

EXTREME DANGER: WATCH THIS BEFORE LASER WELDING