xTool and Bambu Lab are no longer just building individual machines. They are building entire shop ecosystems around the same customer. The X1 and R1 make that clearer than ever, but the real story is what we gain in convenience, what we give up in control, and how much of our garage we are willing to hand over to one company.

After three slate coaster videos and a lot of testing, here is what I learned about prep, finishes, photo engraving, and the small mistakes that can throw everything off.