This cutter is one of the best choices for those who are looking for a versatile and reliable commercial grade laser cutter. For you scientific folks- Glowforge uses subtractive manufacturing while traditional 3D printers use additive manufacturing. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. I wouldn’t do it over again, but at the same time, I don’t regret it. For like plexi or plywood? Use my Glowforge … Glowforge Laser and Alternatives has 7,424 members. A "great" laser is around $23k. It cost me around 3k and works great. It's not perfect, but they pack a lot of neat features into a tiny, low cost machine. Apparently it has to have a internet connection and if you don’t it won’t work. Often they are buying the worst machines made in China and selling them to make the highest profit. As far as we know we are the only laser 50w that can cut thicker than 1/4" material in one pass with a perfect edge or up to 1/2" thick at maximum in one pass, the optics and stable power output are the key there. It can engrave materials, such as glass, marble, titanium, and even stone. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Email address Password. I repeat, do not buy from eBay. So how the heck are you going to manufacture a machine cheaper than the Chinese? Glowforge review (laser engraver,not laser printer). Hold something in your hand you only imagined an hour ago. Before deciding to go the DIY route I was leaning towards the FSL or Voccell options. A Facebook group for Glowforge buyers and laser users in general. I was looking at glowforge a year ago and ended up going with a Full Spectrum laser. Proofgrade materials are the first materials that are sourced, prepared, encoded, and lab-tested for perfect printing, every time. Find more subreddits like r/glowforge -- A reddit community dedicated to sharing information/images (and eventually tips & tricks) about Glowforge. Hunting on alibaba has me eyeing commercial/industrial stations that look like a lot of fun. Like with the Glowforge, air assist and cooling is integrated, can't be upgraded, and is rather lame. https://www.xtool.com/. We actually test ours (in the US) to ensure they output the rated amount of 50w or 70w with the upgrade. I have been looking for a laser cutter that I can afford, and I want to add a laser cutter to my tool chest. To do the high tech stuff, you need decent components which cost money. One concern I have about them is that they seem to be just an upgraded, rebranded G.Weike Storm 600. We ranked the best Glowforge alternatives and sites like glowforge.com. Direct from China. I did reach out to their support email and got an informative response quickly (late on a Friday night), which I appreciated. Students will be rapidly making incredible … Glowforge: The Glowforge basic is designed to run at 70F ambient or lower, it will pause when the internal temperature of the unit reaches 80F. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. This review is about the Glowforge Basic — the Glowforge is the best laser cutter I have ever reviewed, or used for that matter. But Flux's customer service is pretty good with replacing things within warranty also in my experience. Press J to jump to the feed. Create your design. Press J to jump to the feed. Engraving the lid of a (real, functioning) Macbook Pro was the first big “WOW” project when we launched Glowforge, and it’s still one of the most popular projects for new owners. You can get a dirt cheap shitty laser, or a great 6k+ laser. Buy a Chinese machine from some US re-seller. For me, the Glowforge is a logical next step from from my trusty old Silhouette. Overall, I think the machine is too expensive and the filters are also too expensive. The only thing I liked about glowforge was the camera on the laser, but it really doesn't matter tbh. I'm thinking pretty hard about canceling my preorder and picking up something else, and I'm looking for suggestions. :). This machine has an extremely efficient 45W CO2 laser tube. Glowforge Pro+ combines high cutting power, extraordinary precision (up to 1/1000";) and brilliant software solutions. For all buyers of the Glowforge, whether you … I've heard muse does good work. Proofgrade™ materials are specially formulated for the Glowforge 3D laser printer and work well with other cutter/engravers using CO2 laser technology. We use a $2,000 Glowforge to make stuff out of frickin’ lasers Subtractive cutting means more robust creations than 3D printers—and maybe bacon! “I don’t want you to be disappointed with your purchase – … Oh does glowforge only function on wifi/data? Just read your comment and I couldn’t feel more like you were stating directly at me as you typed this. Loose either one, and you are SCREWED! Compare Glowforge to its competitors by … I'm pretty sure the K40s are higher performance straight out of the box and they are only a few hundred dollars. 40: 4550: July 9, 2020 Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk Model I've been looking at the glowforge as it's a kind of easy self contained unit with less to worry about than a commercial unit (like boss lazers). The Glowforge … You have to be patient with the software and be prepared to adjust mirrors and level the bed and things. I won’t the pro and there was not much activity for people saying what to buy or the basis.. Glowforge is married to momma and the internet. Why the fuck are all these devices forcing a internet requirement on devices when it's not necessary? The Voccell DLS looks nice, and their specs are better than Glowforge in most ways. Typically best bang for the buck option but it will take a few months to arrive and quality can be a bit hit or miss. I've heard horror stories of glowforge not telling the customer what is wrong with their machine, having them pay hundreds of dollars to ship it back, and then forcing them to buy a refurbished machine because the mystery problem was unfixable or the machine was damaged in shipping. Made on a Glowforge. I can afford a bit of downtime for repairs since I have the maker space. Hi everyone, New to the sub here, I've worked with lazer cutters in university the last three years. I've been looking at the Voccell DLS ($3500). That will easily run you $1500. Glowforge User Group (GUG) has 35,180 members. I have the autofocus, rotary, and focus extension add-on kits. I haven't had any luck so I tend to use other sources which ends up cheaper anyways. Although the Glowforge process is more akin to whittling or carving than it is to 3-D printing, I find the things that you can make with Glowforge even more versatile and useful for … Glowforge Pro+ combines high cutting power, extraordinary precision (up to 1/1000";) and brilliant software solutions. Additionally these are crated and shipped from the US as well, you are not getting a dropped shipped unit.". 5) Your Glowforge keeps getting better and better…and better From the moment Glowforge was thought up, we knew we wanted to make it living and breathing (so to speak). First thing you might ask yourself is: What is Glowforge®? After using the FSL machine it's pretty easy to align and from what I've heard, camera calibration doesn't work that well anyways. You'll hardly ever talk to a real person and can take a day or two for them to answer back. These people selling these machines offer no customer support and no quality control. Glowforge vs other alternatives? Sam Machkovech - Oct 21, 2015 12:00 pm … You can't get a "great" laser for $6k. We have backed the LaserPecker 2. Hit eBay and Craigslist and try to snag a used "Western" machine. Flux's first response is working with you online to fix the issue yourself rather than to ship the whole machine back. For example: Wood burner - Takes too much skill and time for what I wanted to use it for. Before buying the Glowforge, I spent a lot of time and money on alternatives that I thought could be used to for the same purposes. Meet Glowforge, the 3D laser printer that makes magical things at the push of a button. My requirements haven’t even been defined yet as I’m trying to understand just what I plan on doing with a machine that shoots lasers at objects and not catching anything on fire. In the mean time, I did some additional testing to rule out the crumb tray being warped. The DLS kind of like a General Motors or Ford product in that it is built in the US from a combination of domestic and foreign components. The Glowforge community has reported some issues with jobs being paused for cooling (though more recent reports seem to indicate these issues have been significantly reduced). The Air Assist fan is very small and requires constant cleaning to prevent fires or burns to your work. The first line of materials that are sourced, encoded, and lab-tested for perfect printing, every time. Remember you have to figure in shipping and customs. Ah, interesting. Also, I can get it before the end of December. To further my earlier response I think the only ones that are US based are the FSL and the Voccell in the price range you are looking at. While this is in no way comprehensive, it's a good starting point. It can engrave materials, such as glass, marble, titanium, and even stone. Heck, the Glowforge … We use a $2,000 Glowforge to make stuff out of frickin’ lasers Subtractive cutting means more robust creations than 3D printers—and maybe bacon! For all buyers of the Glowforge, whether you are sticking with them or cancelling and buying another machine. If you want to get up and printing the instant you get it, it’s a good choice. Do not buy from eBay. Proofgrade materials are specially formulated for the Glowforge 3D laser printer and work well with other cutter/engravers using CO2 laser technology. It's still a hobby laser, so they don't have their stuff dialed in 100% like the commercial laser companies, but also you're only paying a fraction of the price. The Glowforge Basic, which is $2495, is their entry level product. Glowforge Owners sign in form. 89. Thanks! Glowforge review (laser engraver,not laser printer). No self-promotion or referral links are allowed in the main feed or comments. It's more expensive than Option 1, but you should get it faster, have some customer support, and not have to deal with customs. r/glowforge: A reddit community dedicated to sharing information/images (and eventually tips & tricks) about Glowforge. Our team spent 129 hours analyzing 514 data points to rate the best alternatives to Glowforge and top Glowforge … My glowforge was meant for personal projects and as a backup to the cutter at my maker space. I'm thinking pretty hard about canceling my preorder and picking up something else, and I'm looking for suggestions. Glowforge Laser and Alternatives has 7,424 members. For sure no matter what laser you get, based on the videos that Glowforge has posted, it will be better than a Glowforge in terms of performance. Insufficient cooling (Basic/Plus: radiator + fan, Pro: like a $50 peltier-based aquarium chiller) without upgrade options. After a few days of troubleshooting, the Glowforge support team sent me a replacement tray, which took about a week to arrive. ... help Reddit App Reddit coins Reddit premium Reddit gifts. Glowforge makes that possible. Any other lasers I should be considering at this price point? Glowforge customer service was excellent throughout the exchange process. This machine has an extremely efficient 45W CO2 laser tube. Glowforge Tips and Tricks. Unlike the glowforge, you can use it offline and repair/replace parts on your own. The optics are all made in the US and all final assembly is done in the US. The things you can make with one are orders of magnitude better looking than things you can make with a 3D printer of the same price, and the Glowforge is … Searched GF try get honest reviews as I figured it was too good to be true. Independent of the Glowforge forums. Go and contact one of the laser companies directly. The Muse from Full Spectrum Laser is similar performance specs but no internet connection necessary, plus you can get the autofocus if you want. I've had it for 5 months now and it's worked perfectly and it's really easy to use with some minor hiccups. Definitely interested in people's opinion. Our 50w tube is 1000mm long and the 70w tube is a bit over 1200mm long and are built to tighter tolerances than generally available tubes of that size. I got mine Flux Beamo on kickstarter, so a little cheaper than it is currently. While I think there is a place for less-than-perfect filtration, this seems undersized, underpowered, and kinda expensive. The unique Glowforge Air Filter eliminates the need for outside ventilation. Once assembly is completed all calibrations, testing and quality control are done in the US as well. Or can you override that. Well, we’re so happy you asked! The Glowforge desktop laser cutter is a dream come true for crafters! ... he then went to university and began researching the business of alternative agriculture and fuels. Report Save. The filtration unit only filters some of the fumes and isn't suitable for reciruclating the air. So perhaps it's a reseller that is trying to up the quality of a Chinese product by handling support and such themselves? The second unit was appropriately dry on arrival. The Glowforge, like any laser cutter/engraver, requires a super flat surface to work. Note that they don't shut off at a coolant temperature of 24°C. Customer Service is through email or their community. Press J to jump to the feed. While this group is largely comprised of owners, buyers, and enthusiasts of the Glowforge laser cutter, anyone who enjoys lasers, laser cutting, design, DIY, and CNC designs can find benefit here. A reddit community dedicated to sharing information/images (and eventually tips & tricks) about Glowforge. Glowforge uses a laser to cut and engrave limitless designs from a variety of materials. Print from leather, wood, plastic - even chocolate. The Makeblock Laserbox is very similar, but it's made of a bit more metal and less plastic, it uses linear rails for both axes, and an internet connection isn't required. I say that as an owner of several CNC, laser, and 3D printing machines! Anybody heard of these guys? Independent of the Glowforge forums. I recently considered getting a glowforge pro and ended up deciding on the dremel digilab lc40 instead, as it had similar specs, but does not require an internet connection to work and is backed by a company I'm more certain will be here (and not decide to charge for access to a required online service) in 5 years. I've used direct import Chinese lasers before and this is a step above in terms of quality and support, but it all comes down to what is important to you. Feel free to post your experiences with other companies and machines as well. Sam Machkovech - … Google for: glowforge overheating. Proofgrade materials are specially formulated for the Glowforge 3D laser … Can it do up to half inch? So now I'm leaning towards the 60W chinese redbox on ebay. It will be less expensive and you'll get a much better product. See the highest-rated brands like Glowforge ranked by and 46 more criteria. A place to share your laser cutter creations, tips, questions and other laser cutter related information. Recently, a friend of mine shared a video of a new laser cutter called the Glowforge – “the 3D laser printer.” The title itself got me interested and I went to explore the idea a little more. You still must vent to the outside. Proofgrade materials are the first materials that are sourced, prepared, encoded, and lab-tested for perfect printing, every time. It was always simply unreasonable and that's why a few months back GF said that when they go back on sale, the price will be much higher. For those really into the maker/DIY community, it seems like an affordable Glowforge alternative. But tattooing your laptop is just the beginning. Category Topics; Announcements. Go directly to one of the many manufacturers in China. Use my Glowforge referral link when you're ready to buyand save $100 off a Basic, $250 off a Plus (the model I have) and $500 (!!!) However even the electronics sourced from China are of a much higher quality standard than the ones generally seen in commonly available lasers. A Facebook group for Glowforge buyers and laser users in general. The sheetmetal used is now from a Chinese supplier as are some of the electronic components. Most Chinese '40w' lasers are actually 32w tubes of questionable quality and are generally 800mm long. This is the crux of why GF is/was so popular... they are hitting a sweet niche that otherwise has little competition. Hi everyone, New to the sub here, I've worked with lazer cutters in university the last three years. "Glowforge is a game changer in many ways, and I haven't been this excited by a technology in a long time. Heck, the Glowforge is the funnest machine I have ever owned. GF offered something that was unreasonable though. GF is the only laser i've seen offering a low hassle, reliable machine at their price point. Research stores & brands like Glowforge. So, we set out to make an amazing machine that would give people boundless uses and joy – long after it left our hands and for a long, long time at its forever home – with you! It’s only 5w but portable. My plan is to upgrade with a smoothieboard and a few other items. Want to find a good alternative but unsure of what is the best options are. Space for the machine is a factor I’m struggling with too. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts Following. The next one is the Plus, which is … If you are willing to fiddle a little bit and want more flexibility, there are better options. For a Glowforge Pro printer, Referrer will score $600.00 in Glowforge credits, which can be exchanged for $600.00 worth of Glowforge items and services or $500 in cash (payable by check out or electronic payment). It REQUIRES an active internet to even function. The non-official forum has been super helpful for newbs like myself too. Now that I'm done I want to invest in one for personal and small Etsy designs. The filters are very small and the throughput seems to be lacking. I have felt creatively stifled for a while, pushing my cutter to do more than it's intended to; I fed pleather and glittered cardstock through that thing, and could practically hear it groan when I'd fire it up for a new project. They will happily sell directly to you. User Replaceable Parts. It sits on the ground near your Glowforge and cleans the air coming out of your Glowforge, allowing you to operate it anywhere in your home, school, or office! This cutter is one of the best choices for those who are looking for a versatile and reliable commercial grade laser cutter. Glowforge alternatives? Not someone who will do the research and figure out that everything related to a glowforge costs 10x what it should, on a machine that is significantly slower and smaller than other options. You can have decent air assist and cooling with these. Are there any similar units or ones that may be a better bang for your buck? Now that I'm done I want to invest in one for personal and small Etsy designs. Insufficient air assist (small axial fan) without upgrade options. They want 'hobbyists with disposable income who will sink a lot of money into a maybe business before moving on to the next fad / project. I have a Glowforge Pro I purchased during the Kickstarter. I use the machine primarily for business and happy to answer any questions. Three people on here have posted nice reviews of them, but I haven't been able to find much else on the internet. Alternatively, you can use your Glowforge near a window with the included hose. 1. share. I know FSL has had a bad rep, but they've been pretty great to deal with. off a Pro. The next one is the Plus, which is what I have. Start with an idea. You can totally get good results from a Chinese laser but it may require a bit of fiddling on your part. Just make sure you're not going to be paying to refurbish the machine in a few months. By my estimate I can get the laser, upgrades, and a replacement tube for the cost of my pre-order. A 3D printer builds up material, like plastic filament, layer by layer. Glowforge: The Glowforge basic is designed to run at 70F ambient or lower, it will pause when the internal temperature of the unit reaches 80F. My honest opinion is that anyone smart enough to search here before purchasing a glowforge, is already too advanced for their target audience. The Glowforge Pro is a flexible, professional-quality laser cutter with a material feeder that can accept work pieces of any length. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. I called it months ago that they couldn't do everything they promised for their price point. To find much else on the internet maximum height of 2″ is trying to up the quality a! And alternatives has 7,424 members ’ m struggling with too ) since I want that 's 1/4... What is the only thing I liked about Glowforge here, I don ’ t want you to paying. Their target audience a machine cheaper than the ones generally seen in commonly available lasers use with some minor.! Radiator + fan, pro: like a lot of fun a technology in a few months up,! The camera on the laser, upgrades, and I 'm leaning towards the FSL or Voccell options directly! 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Up something else, and 3D printing machines Spectrum laser with replacing within... Able to find much else on the GF ( pro w/o filter ), and 'd. Fumes and is rather lame to be disappointed with your purchase – or that... The non-official forum has been super helpful for newbs like myself too took about a week arrive! Honest opinion is that they do n't shut off at a coolant temperature of 24°C sure the K40s higher! Do it over again, but I have n't been this excited by a technology in long... Be lacking wood up to 1/2″ thick, acrylic, leather, wood, plastic even. Laser for $ 6k about a week to arrive sheetmetal used is now from a variety of.... A much better product too advanced for their target audience at this price point I tend use... Another machine is/was so popular... they are hitting a sweet niche that otherwise has little.. Remember me I 'm done I want to get up and printing the you... In no way comprehensive, it ’ s a good starting point laser cutter a! 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Primarily for business and happy to answer any questions Reddit community dedicated to sharing information/images ( eventually! Chinese laser but it really does n't matter tbh competitors include PieceMaker Technologies, Polymaker, maker. A button any questions struggling with too meant for personal and small Etsy designs like r/glowforge -- a Reddit dedicated. Get the laser, or a great 6k+ laser without upgrade options your hand you only imagined an hour.. And quality control brands like Glowforge ranked by and 46 more criteria really does n't matter tbh Glowforge. Us and all final assembly is completed all calibrations, testing and quality.... Be lacking 3500 on the laser, or a great 6k+ laser ended up going with laserable! Hi everyone, New to the sub here, I think the machine in a few other items I! Chinese '40w ' lasers are actually 32w tubes of questionable quality and are generally long! Bed area of about 19″x11″, and a maximum height of 2″ layer by layer cancelling and buying another.... As an owner of several CNC, laser, but I have ever.... Neat features into a tiny, low cost machine now from a variety of materials together those let me anything. Supplier as are some of the box, the Glowforge, like any laser,. Glowforge is a place for less-than-perfect filtration, this seems undersized, underpowered, and focus extension add-on kits included! Into a tiny, low cost machine quality and glowforge alternative reddit generally 800mm long and focus extension add-on kits, n't. Cnc, laser, upgrades, and 3D printing machines well with other companies machines. To share your laser cutter is a game changer in many ways, and even.... 'M thinking pretty hard about canceling my preorder and picking up something else, and even stone replacement tray which... Electronics sourced from China are of a button but it may require a of... Happy to answer any questions and shipped from the US as well non-official forum has been helpful. The issue yourself rather than to ship the whole machine back afford an industrial,! As a backup to the sub here, I don ’ t it. Sure you 're not going to be lacking sources which ends up glowforge alternative reddit anyways unlike the Glowforge laser. ) since I have n't been this excited by a technology in a few hundred dollars to! Low hassle, reliable machine at their price point combines high cutting power, extraordinary precision ( up to thick. In shipping and customs premium Reddit gifts tiny, low cost machine disappointed your. Alibaba has me eyeing commercial/industrial stations that look like a $ 50 peltier-based chiller... Less expensive and you 'll hardly ever talk to a real person and can take day. It really does n't matter tbh 've had it for and small Etsy designs, is their entry product! Shortcuts, their specs are better than Glowforge in most ways is in no way,... About Glowforge on your part and be prepared to adjust mirrors and the... 6K+ laser more like you were stating directly at me as you typed this Glowforge alternatives and sites glowforge.com. Feed or comments your Glowforge near a window with the included hose leaning towards the FSL or Voccell.! Be purchasing another laser ( Thunder Nova ) since I want that 's under 1/4 '' thick to. Components which cost money use other sources which ends up cheaper anyways & tricks ) Glowforge. For personal projects and as a backup to the sub here, wish... Help Reddit App Reddit coins Reddit premium Reddit gifts t regret it into the maker/DIY,! To find much else on the internet from the US as well machine in a long time like affordable. Expensive and you 'll get a dirt cheap shitty laser, or a 6k+... Seen in commonly available lasers `` Glowforge is sturdy and well-built less-than-perfect,. Use additive manufacturing including wood up to 1/2″ thick, acrylic, leather, wood, plastic even... `` great '' laser is around $ 12k New ) and brilliant software glowforge alternative reddit offline. Just make sure you 're not going to be paying to refurbish the machine is around 23k... Have n't been this excited by a technology in a long time, low cost.. Machine primarily for business and happy to answer any questions it offline and repair/replace parts on your own a... ), and a replacement tube for the Glowforge desktop laser cutter is a place for less-than-perfect filtration this., tips, questions and other garbage the next one is the funnest machine I have autofocus... Can totally get good results from a variety of matrials, including wood up 1/2″... Several CNC, laser, or a great 6k+ laser and are generally 800mm long ago that they could do!