Tested: Glowforge Laser Cutter Review
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 19 фев 2018
- After using the Glowforge personal laser cutter for six months, Jeremy and Norm talk about the projects they've done, the lessons they've learned from using the machine, and caveats of its operation. The Glowforge definitely has its limitations, but being able to easily laser cut in our own homes has changed the way we think about making things.
Shot by Gunther Kirsch edited by Norman Chan
Subscribe for more videos! ruclips.net/user/subscription_c...
Follow us on Twitter: / testedcom
Get updates on Facebook: / testedcom
Tested is:
Adam Savage / donttrythis
Norman Chan / nchan
Simone Giertz / simonegiertz
Joey Fameli / joeyfameli
Kishore Hari / sciencequiche
Sean Charlesworth / cworthdynamics
Jeremy Williams / jerware
Ariel Waldman / arielwaldman
Gunther Kirsch
Ryan Kiser
Intro bumper graphic by Abe Dieckman
Thanks for watching! 
Наука
![Skilla Baby - Misfit (Feat. Polo G) [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/IjsylSnNMyw/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks for the heads up onthe Glowforge. The cutter having to me connected is a deal killer for me.
Great review, guys! It really adds to the review when it's clear that you've used the product a fair amount. I was following Glowforge very closely up until a couple months ago (when mine was finally delivered and I sold it). Something that I think would have been worth mentioning is the 3D engraving capabilities, which seem to be stellar and I understand is fairly unique in this price range.
Thanks for this review... I was so close to pulling the trigger and buying one. I think I will wait a little longer. Thank you.
The DRM/mandatory web connectivity sounds like the antithesis of "making."
DRM? What DRM? Do you mean proofgrade? You can cut any material you want but it's just easier with proofgrade. I have one and do I'd say 75% with proofgrade (since I know the result will look nicer). Also all the proofgrade wood is prefinished (with a laser safe finish) which is a huge time saver. I don't always use their acrylic, but their acrylic cuts really nicely and smells way less than say inventables' does.
There is also the shop with pay-per-print designs.
+Henry Feldman From what I gather, the DRM is the website. It seems as though if their site goes down, then you're stuck with a giant paperweight. You cannot use the cutter unless it connects to their servers.
I own a Glowforge Pro,. My wife and I bought it because it is approachable for both my wife and kids. My 11 year old son is obsessed with creating things on it.
I think of it as the difference between an iPhone and an Android phone. They both are powerful and both do a great job, but my less tech savvy family members are more comfortable with an iPhone because it just works.
The materials they supply and the designs they sell are completely optional. But I do share your concern about the web software lock in. While I know the maker community has been betrayed before (Makerbot), Dan has assured us that they will open source their code so we can have more control over our machines.
On a related note, there is a guy that already has produced a prototype of an open source drop in replacement control board. He says he thinks he can have them ready by the time the warranties on our machines start running out. ;)
The laser cutter only works if connected to the internet and Glowforge's servers. They can, at any time they choose, disable your laser cutter and turn it into a brick. It's not "technically" DRM, it's far, far worse.
I thought I just HAD to have a Glowforge! Thanks for the Tested review.
Thanks for the review!
Cool, I remember being so excited when Tested first did a video on glassforge
Thanks for the great review. I pre-ordered mine years ago and one of the biggest frustrations has been the fact that international backers have been pushed to the side. I also really appreciate you guys pointing out the caviats because honestly for $5k+ (what it costs after conversion from USD) it's unacceptable to not have these basic things figured out. Going to be cancelling the pre-order and waiting to see what Dremel has in store with their release.
I just cannot justify a tool at any cost if I must connect to a remote server to make it operate. That’s a 100% purchase kill. My rural shop is in a telecoms dead-zone. But even if broadband was reliable and inexpensive where I am, the thought of an expensive tool being bricked because of server maintenance, or worse, a corporate shut-down, or even simply “Oh, Version One is No Longer Supported. Buy Version 4.” just leaves me in a rage.
Just get something more market-proven and something that comes with a large enthusiast community - like the ~$500 K40/Bluebox laser cutters. Same power, more robust, a lot more hackable to extend features.
fusion 360 also needs internet..
It's not perfect either, but at least it's not an upfront investment of WAY TOO MUCH that could just turn into a brick at some point.
Not to mention there's Inventor.
While I would LOVE to have the ability to etch and cut art, I also wondered what would happen if the company went belly up. If I'm going to put that much revenue into a tool, I don't want that kind of worry attached. I'd be interested in starting to save up for one IF they can make a newer version that can work with or without internet. Even a Bluetooth connection which you could use offline via smart phone, tablet or laptop would be an acceptable middle ground.
In my case, I'd be fine with a simple USB port connection since I'd be using it with my laptop to transfer my art to it. It would have to be by my desk for ventilation anyway.
Thanks for the review. You have told me about things that I may not have forund out that I don't like. I will look else where for my laser. Again thank you.
10:00 You can now store settings as of the Dec 2018 version of the GF web app
Now that you tested the Glowforge, can you recommend another machine around the $3000-4000?
Have they updated or changed some of the cons you mentioned in this video? I'm new to this and found your video very helpful
Jesus... Yet another product you pay dam good money to a company for, but they won't let you own it. I was hyped at first, but I wouldn't give this company one penny. Thank you for the great review guys. It was worth more than the product itself.
as someone designing laser cut products the store makes perfect sense to me. my files could represents months of work and thousands of dollars in sales. my hope is that something like a glow forge marketplace can replace the need for me to cut everything and that I can effectively outsource the cutting to shops that cut things locally for folks.
I'm a Glowforge owner. It's my first laser cutter and as such I'm pretty happy with it. I think you hit most of the points that have frustrated me, the biggest being the visual alignment using the camera. Having to be online worried me, but hasn't been a problem so far. I also own a 3d printer and the having both really opens up what you can do with desktop manufacturing. My bottom line: Is it perfect: no. Is it really good for a laser newbie: Most definitely. Here's hoping the company has a long life and makes lots of improvements. It's good. It could be great.
Would you stand by this review still? I’m looking into getting one for my coding centre. We teach kids coding, and are looking to make a “maker space”
@@jbpandit Yes, I've had the Glowforge for over 2 years now. We use it almost every day. I still feel it is much better than the other "smart" laser cutters out there.
Aaron Nance thanks! Great to get real feedback from a owner and user :-) we plan on getting one soon!
@@jbpandit You're welcome! If you are planning on venting your machine out the window instead of getting the inline filter, there is one upgrade I would highly recommend an inline duct fan to make the machine much quieter. This is the one I use: www.ebay.com/itm/CLOUDLINE-S6-Inline-Booster-Duct-Fan-6-Cooling-Ventilation-Exhaust-Grow-Tents/332726603382?epid=6021612502&hash=item4d780d0e76:g:qSUAAOSwQxpbUUyE
Aaron Nance Sorry, I just saw your reply, I don’t usually comment on RUclips 😂. I’m planning on getting the new air filter, from all reviews it’s awesome 🤞🏽
What happens when their company shutdown and their website is gone? A huge $4,000 paperweight?
Typically companies open source the software at that point, but I suppose it's not 100% guaranteed.
I was really looking forward to buying one of these. Sad to hear that it's not as user friendly as it had appeared to be when it first launched. I think I'll wait a few more years and see if the newer models improve. Thanks for the review! Saved me a few thousand dollars for a hobby cutter.
I’m very happy that I went with Full Spectrum over Glowforge. Any chance you would feature a review of the Muse? It is definitely comparable feature for feature with the Glowforge but much higher quality in terms of both hardware and software.
They must really like that picture on the wall, the focus on that was pin sharp!
I there an updated video of the Glowforge Pro? Interested in buying one
It is worth noting the software is still in beta.
I have had my glowforge pro since last October. The issue with the small bed size is still there because they were still having issues with the head banging into the sides. Hopfully they can get better acceleration control sometime soon!
As the review stated, this machine deals with soooooo many of the headaches that come with using other machines. I have found I can be far and away more productive with this machine than anything else in the same price range and even much more expensive lasers. For me, the speed up in work flow is one of the nicest things about the glowforge.
I basically agree with everything in this video. This is a great review thank you!
I would love to see more content with it!
Yeah, the bed reductions are annoying-though my Pro is nowhere as restrictive as the "1" lost on all four sides" that was said in this review. Plus, no crazy alignment testing needs like you find with other lasers: ruclips.net/video/qLJs-f2cvkE/видео.html
Granted some people like doing that hardware tweaking stuff, especially when they can buy a Chinese ebay laser for so much less. But for me I'd rather spend my time making projects or browsing to find ideas for new projects ;)
I'm not really sure, that is kinda out of my wheelhouse. My thought was that they would just do a better job of controlling movement speed of the head as a function of how close it is to the edge.
My Architecture program has laser cutters (ULS) for architectural models and its amazing. I can see where you guys are with the laser cutter vs 3d printer, the laser cutters are much more involved (lets not even get into CNC). I would have considered the glowforge for when I leave college but its interface is definitely a deal breaker.
Norm/Jeremy - how would you rate the rail system? It looks a little sketchy compared to the linear rails on most equivalently priced import lasers. Is the fan noise a problem for either of you? Any thoughts on tube replacement - does that look like an easy job for a handy person?
Great video!! Having a laser cutter and 3D printer is a great idea!
Love the pinball machine! Would like to see a glowforge made machine! I just got my GF last Friday !
So do you think this would be a good machine to have for cut acrylic patterns for bags and wallets?
I would like to see a comparison between this, the FSLaser and if possible the Dremel Laser.
you guys have opened my eyes to this product. I don't know if these things have changed yet. But that is definitely enough to stay away from this product. I just want a cutter that works.
it deff work so if you change your mind glowforge.us/r/BOZGYPXT save 500
Nice sutro tower Norm!!! Love from Maslow CNC
2 exploits that would make this easier to use. 1) Use a macro recorder to record configuring custom settings. Create a custom macro for each material type, and you've worked around the inability to save custom settings. 2) Handheld QR code printers are relatively inexpensive. If you're using a material equivalent to one of their's, you could print their QR code on it. The laser cutter would then "magically" use the right preset.
I have that exact same Aztec pinball machine on the left at my house!
the fancy juice press off laser printers
Can you etch mugs and cups. Like an oversized coffee mugs? I see in the demo that they etch a flask.
I seriously thought about getting one of these in the presale. Really glad I didn't. I think it's a great product but definitely would have been far too restrictive for me. Will be getting an FS pro laser cutter as soon as I can. Not much more but so many more capabilities including adjustable z tables and rotary adapters for things like glasses, rolling pins, bats, etc.
FSL has been going after the same segmentation positioning as Glowforge with the Muse, which itself has had plenty of hiccups in its development life, now in its sixth generation. But you're right, for a bigger footprint and a $10K+ of an industrial-positioned unit you can also buy more power, speed, bed size and z-height.
Waaaw glad I didnt pre order ! Looks Total shit if you ASK me, and even hated webapp when I thought it would be a solid product
Me too... this "cloud"-based shit - almost as if EA had entered lasercutting market. Maybe you can buy a DLC for the glowforge for using it offline ;)
" FS pro laser cutter as soon as I can. "
Please reconsider this. Go look at the reviews of the company. When I backed out of my Glowforge pre-order; I considered FS... but then I realized no one really had good things to say about the company behind FS. They just don't value their customers.
You should consider Boss Laser. A better quality machine... and their customer service seems light years above FS.
Having said that; I went with a used Epilog Legend 24TT... so I can't speak to the long them commitment of either company. I'm speaking from a Boss Laser Facebook group perspective... a lot of people seem to
Hello thanks for the video. I want to purchase one, but I am not sure which version to purchase. I want to make wooden earrings, and etch leather bracelets, so mostly small projects. Thank you in advance for your response.
Very good review... I was on the fence if it would be worth it, but I can may be see a value of $400 and not 4K.
Could you engrave steel? So I am looking for a faster way to engrave custom patterns which I stencil on then hand engrave. I work on old west replica fire arms so fine detail is extremely important.
I though this video was current (5-4-20) as I just received my Pro model and I have the exact same problems as described here which was TWO (2) Years ago! Whats up with that?
Very cool! but it looks like this product is miles away from me purchasing it. I will be following this and will love to see it evolve into thee ideal product. For now I'll wait and stick with my cricut Maker machine ❤
Having a pinball machine next to it saying Aztec 😄 Well played 👍🏼
"my 10 year old wanted to make some cardboard targets" - don't you own a pair of scissors?
kids too lazy for scissoring these days.
LOL
TBH we have a laser cutter at my college (ULS, not glowforge) and I would prefer to use a laser cutter instead of any box cutter or scissors. it looks so much more professional. sure if you don't have one don't go buy one for $4k (unless you have that cash) but if you do its great.
Buy your son sum scissors?
Was looking to buy a product like this for my carpentry shop. Wanted to know the density limit of wood i can cut ex. Aferican iron wood?
Based on what they said about pricing and inconsistency for their $10-12 sheet of plywood, it might be better just to get a full sheet from The Home Depot, and use painters tape to prevent scorching or just sand it. (Slower speed might create a deeper scorch though)
Hi guys are you going to make a test for the GF Pro version?
Would you consider the Dremel Digilab Laser Clutter?
Thanks guys for the review. It has too many flaws for me, no independent app, no way to record ur settings and all the other lil things. It IS in beta.. i would wait
Has anyone looked at the Full Spectrum Muse Laser. It is similar priced, similar design and features but offers more flexibility like a rotary, and it's not under pre-order. You can buy it now and get it now. Plus the company makes industrial laser machines as well.
Yes. The Muse is in its sixth generation, but it hasn't been a problem free journey. Even now just see the tweaky annoyance to baseline and focus for a rotary cut-and not even being able to better fore spec how the engrave is gonna fit. ruclips.net/video/detSHut8oWY/видео.html
Some dig that extra tinker to hobby hardware. Glowforge still has some of that where it comes to using materials you supply yourself. I do think the extra options the Muse has for availability at sale is nice. But making product use more smoothly integrated UX than other cutters like Muse has is where Glowforge is seeking to differentiate.
My Muse has worked fine. There were some software bugs over the last year, but they were quickly fixed.
I have not purchased the rotary attachment, so I cannot really offer an opinion. I also have barely used the camera. There were slight alignment issues similar to those described in the Glowforge review. It is much better when placed in the center of view rather than at the edge.
Most of my use involves cutting material as opposed to etching. For that is has worked fine. Other Muse owners in the Facebook group seem happy with their etching attempts.
How well does this cut paper? Interested in designing my own papercrafts with detailed cuts on 100lb cardstock. Has anyone tried that on the Glowforge? Is there burning or does it come out clean?
How does one get one of those small pinball machines?! I NEEEEEEEDIT!
I ordered the Glowforge and it arrives this month. I am based in Africa, I will not be able to constantly order glowforge material. This fact of being unable to save settings is worrying. Lets say i have a 2mm thick acrylic sheet sourced locally, I am hoping using the same settings for the glowforge 2mm thick sheet will work well? Has experienced this? Also, does anyone know how long the C02 cartridge lasts?
The web app system reminds me of using a cricut paper cutter, which I'm okay with. But the camera not being zero'd in seems like a deal killer for now.
I haven't found my camera parallax off by the "1/4"" at extremities that they say has been their experience. Mine has been about 1/8"-toward the four corners of the max area, which hasn't caused me any major problems for "getting into leftover spaces" on unused material.
But I do agree with Norm at this point in the beta release it is frustrating to lose some of the sold/spec'd cutting bed (12x20, not including pass through space on Pro unit) because the software is still in beta.
As he said, it looks fully well like the hardware gantry supports it reaching the entire cutting area-and they've announced software and camera improvement dev tests are still underway. But where he is overstating the issue is saying that you lose an 1" of useable material space on all four edges. I'm measuring a max cut test sheet with my calipers as I write this: I get to .5" on top; .9" at left; .6" at right and .25" from bottom.
Have you tested out a laser cut business card with laser engraved text/logo?
3rd or 4th article / advertisement about Glowforge laser cutter?
Can't believe these just shipped after how long now?
We are wait for long long time.
When will international order start shipping?
A customer in the UK just got their notification.
i am also wsiting for mine. Look in your GF account where you find when it will ge shipped to you. Mine march 8 (2018)
Will it blend?
Funny how this shows up in my feed when I browsed their website like a day ago.
Their base model costs $4'000.- which is quite a hefty price but then again I already bought a Form2 which, right now, is $3'830.- so that wouldn't have stopped me from buying one but then I changed the shipping location from the US to Switzerland upping the costs from an additional $175.- to a whopping $1'020.- instantly turning me away as a potential buyer.
Not gonna shell another quarter of its already steep price for shipping and handling - No can do.
It only has one camera, where are you getting the second one?
Norman....
That laser cut Squid is Awesome..
I need one...
How can I get one???
Unfortunately I do not have access to a laser cutter.😭😭
I didn’t notice Norms tower until he acknowledged it @6:37. Who else got Xenomorph flashbacks??!! 😂🤣
Years ago my photography friends passed along this saying. "The best camera is the one that you have with you." It sounds like the Glowforge is the best laser cutter many people will have in their home.
Watching this makes me so happy that I have Universal machines.
Do you mind sharing what machines you have
This was very helpful. Thanks
LMAO "so happy with this purchase" bruh did you lay down the 4k?
Wait for 2.0 version
From the moment it was announced I've been impressed with the concept. Sadly, it's just not delivering on that promise yet IMHO. I do hope they get it sorted.
If calibrating the camera is proving so hard, I'd suggest making the enclosure taller so the camera gets a less distorted view of the bed. No one should care if it's taller because you're not going to be putting anything over the top of the machine anyway.
It would affect the aesthetic but 'function over form'!
Oh I've done work with 150W CO2 LASERs. Actually got to change the tube out one when the kid in engraving forgot to turn on the chiller. The tube ate itself.
Can it engrave on metal?..no need to cut metal.. but burn a design into say the side of a metal handgun or plastic glock type material?
@tested have you seen the elite force co2 powered nerf gun?
i dont like that its web dependent, what if they go out of business or close teir wbesite
They have committed to escrow the code and releasing the server code open source if that happens
@@henryfeldman8692 when.... Not if
can you do angled cuts?
It on my shopping list to get one of these but I want it market tested first. It helps to hear if it stands up to its marketing promises
Grab a market-tested Chinese K40/Bluebox cutter for $500 and spend the rest on something more useful. Or buy a 100W version of the Bluebox for ~$900-1000.
You should go to their forum and see what people are doing with it. you can read but only post if you are a customer. I have been using one for 10 months now.
No posting if you're not a customer? That's shady :)
Someone link me to the video for that mini pinball machine build!
Hell of a lot faster than waiting for a fab shop to ship you your cut parts....
They pretty much took the CRICUT model and made it a laser cutter. The Glowforge online workbench and project store is so similar to CRICUT's.
okay Norm where'd you find that shirt?
This is one of the best reviews I've ever seen.
I know I am diving into the archives with this post, and I have not yet watched more recent content as I am going through years of this channel. So question, I was introduced to a different machine with a similar idea called a Cricut Maker. It cuts vinyl and fabric and has a similar product scheme of selling their own material and designs. Although I think once buy something you get it forever, I am not sure. Its a far cheaper machine, so does that kind of pricing/monetization work better just because its cheaper, or is that also a terrible business plan?
So its dependent on the web? What happens if they go offline or stop supporting it?
They've already announced that they've funded for that contingency through their capital partners to make the software available to users were they to close shop. But obviously as a young company they don't have years existing in their business to guarantee they'll keep their promise. Yet one reason I chose to support them by buying and participating in the user community is that I want (and hope) to see them not have to deliver on that. I like the cloud-based vision for their services development.
Great job sir and information!
My question is copyright because in your shop you are an inventor.
So if I'm correct others can copy your work without any protection.
How do you protect your invention?
I'm a big Godzilla fan and that cut out was awesome 👍👏 have any more?
2019 Godzilla was amazing!
Can I make headboards with it? Such as cutting out a large medallion on 2in plywood
if youre thinking about a glowforge i love mine and you can save up to 500 dollars with this link glowforge.us/r/BOZGYPXT
My wife and I considered pre-ordering one of these, but it is a lot of money for something that still seemed like a beta product. We held off, and I'm glad we did. There are just too many caveats, even if it is somewhat useful. I feel like I can build a CNC router that would do a lot of what this thing can do for far less money. The internet connectivity requirement to do any cutting is such a non-starter. Does it give you instant software updates? Sure, but why can't you have the CAM software locally installed and automatically check for updates when you do have an internet connection? You know, like most other design/manufacturing software... Hell, Solidworks will download in the background for you while you are actually doing WORK with your current version...
I thought I wanted one of these but now I see that I don’t.
This is the 4th glowforge video tested has created.
Must be a sponsor ( paid content).
It's possible that it is native advertising-which if it is Tested should disclose. But either way their pros/cons are pretty fair and critically minded for this stage of the Glowforge beta release. Glowforge have almost fulfilled all prerelease laser units for supporter orders and are preparing to fulfill the international orders-and the self contained air filter units are still off for delivery until summer (or later). It's definitely still at late software beta stage - but my Pro is a reliable product I have been able to put to work immediately both for hobby and for clients -albeit not as material- and time-efficiently as still needed. (For example, for repetitive production burns it still adds the time to scan the material for QR codes prior to every burn rather than just letting you jig it and keep cranking out copies.)
so a grbl'd chinese k40 at 10x the price in a fancier box?
4 grand no way... just a little more I got a 600x900 (big) 600 lb, 100w with RD works controller delivered and works great... actually amazing machine
What happens when the online service is discontinued... online services make me think twice before buying this...
Wait... Where can I buy one of those tiny Pinball machines?
I thought about getting one as a backup machine for my Epilog, and I'm SO glad I didn't. Compared to a proper machine this looks like absolute garbage. The required web connection alone kills it, but then all the wasted materials is just unacceptable. I go through dozens of sheets of acrylic per week and I have a feeling I'd just want to throw this out the window if I had to use it. I'd quickly lose more money on material waste than the machine is worth.
Why would web connection be such an issue?
Could you give us the source of the edge light display base that is used for the etched piece?
These are the ones I bought. www.amazon.com/12-Pack-Illusion-Flashing-Batteries-Included/dp/B06XGSJK6F/ref=pd_sim_60_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B06XGSJK6F&pd_rd_r=63MXEZQAQSX806BEA1AJ&pd_rd_w=8Ko5L&pd_rd_wg=EoOAI&psc=1&refRID=63MXEZQAQSX806BEA1AJ
David Andrews
Thank you so much for the information.
Had high hopes for it, but its far from ready, the inaccuracy off from center is a real deal breaker. For making a lot of parts that will interlock this is useless. A nice big flammable paper weight....
Glowforge is a hype machine and glorified K40 laser. Just get K40 and upgrade it with better control board and interface. You save a lot of money and you gain from it as you can save laserwork into the machine memory.
Nice pinball Jeremy!
Web app is smart, but they should write the web app as a PWA (Progressive Web App) so it works offline on your local network so you dont need to be hooked and reliant on their servers which may go down or go away if company goes bust. Not to mention the latency in uploading stuff and then downloading to local printer each time. Waste of time. Web tech is very smart idea and makes super easy to update, cross platform / OS support, but use modern web standards that support being offline working locally for god sake! If they do that I would buy one for sure. This can happen if they just write it or someon else figures out how to communicate with the device locally ;-)
Either Jeremy is The Flash doing that wobbly-phase-shift thing, or someone dropped the ball on the focusing thing.
"your GUARANTEED shipping date has been delayed, again." - the Glowforge Team
Biggest thing I hate about my glowforge is you can't rotate the image or design without doing it in a photo editor or CAD
Dremel DigiLab LC40 Laser Cutter
I was expecting some CUTTING remarks but it was a GLOWING review!