As someone who has only used a 60W CO2 laser I'm thrilled by how helpeful this video is! Thanks. I love how honest you are and that helps calm the waters and doesn't feel pushy or one-sided.
Thank you for the video. I just purchased the Glowforge Aura and I am learning how to use it. I am a beginner with using a laser machine and the information you provided helped with some of the questions I would have. I can't wait to see the results from the cuts you did on the other materials. Thanks again.
Very basic app - GREAT. The bane of my life is hardware interfaces with loads of bells & whistles. As an software engineer I was always taught "make it do just one job and do it well" and I have found this always excellent advice. So what if I can't edit my graphics on the Aura app. Dedicated graphics software will always do a better job. And when the graphics are completely drawn they can THEN be passed on to the dedicated engraving/cutting module, which because it is dedicated can do a much better job. I hate this fad of manufacturers trying to makes their software do everything.
I actually agree (I’m a huge Adobe Illustrator fan) but these are also aimed at a general crafting audience and many of those folks don’t have any software experience.
Excellent overview!!! Thanks so much! I’m so interested to know how well it cuts intricate designs on paper!!! If it does significantly better/more detailed than the Cricut, I may have to invest in one of these lasers!
This is a great question! I have on my to-film list a video showing how to cut all of the "Cricut-y" materials like iron-on, vinyl, and cardstock. It's toward the top of my list so hopefully sooner rather than later!
Thanks for the overview. I was wondering if it can cut chipboard? I have a cricut and I use deep cut blades for chipboard of 1-3mm thickness. But it doesn’t do detailed cuts that a laser could do. My initial guess would be yes this machine could do it but not sure the type of material since it doesn’t look like the company has chipboard on its website.
I think we figured it out. It has to do with our own home router and mesh network and all sorts of words that I am not too familiar with, but my husband understands. 🤣
I thought about getting this machine, happy I decided not to. I chose the xTool P2 because it is faster, can cut clear acrylic and I love the addition of the riser for bigger projects. Great review
thank you for this!! have you tested any opaque pastel color acrylics by chance, or like a pink but opaque? I keep writing glowforge and can't get a straight answer
I did some quick research, and it looks like this is laserable: amzn.to/44fO6X1 (affiliate link). I bought this and some clear mylar to test. I'm guessing the clear won't work but a darker color might! I added a stencil video to my to-film list because it's a great idea! :)
Honestly, I think the cutting machine is going to be a lot faster. I haven't cut cardstock in this machine but I have in my xTool M1 (similar) and it's soooo slow compared to my Cricut.@@chebella03
I have the Xtool m1 and have gotten through the learning curve to get dialed in on materials. How would you compare the m1 with the aura on performance? Would it be worth getting an aura if already dialed in on using the m1?
I would probably not get both, especially if you're liking the M1. They are pretty similar! I am going to do a full comparison soon, but if you're happy with the M1, then I'd probably stick with it.
A diode laser does not cut clear acrylic. I have not tried it yet on my M1 but it may be able to engrave with help. I have engraved glass by painting black tempera paint over the area. Some people have said that this works for engraving clear acrylic as well.
As someone who has only used a 60W CO2 laser I'm thrilled by how helpeful this video is! Thanks. I love how honest you are and that helps calm the waters and doesn't feel pushy or one-sided.
You are so welcome! That makes me happy to hear :)
Thank you for the video. I just purchased the Glowforge Aura and I am learning how to use it. I am a beginner with using a laser machine and the information you provided helped with some of the questions I would have. I can't wait to see the results from the cuts you did on the other materials. Thanks again.
I hope you love your machine!
Thanks so much for this overview. Much better than even Glowforge offers. Very well done.
Glad it was helpful! :)
Very basic app - GREAT. The bane of my life is hardware interfaces with loads of bells & whistles.
As an software engineer I was always taught "make it do just one job and do it well" and I have found this always excellent advice.
So what if I can't edit my graphics on the Aura app. Dedicated graphics software will always do a better job.
And when the graphics are completely drawn they can THEN be passed on to the dedicated engraving/cutting module, which because it is dedicated can do a much better job.
I hate this fad of manufacturers trying to makes their software do everything.
I actually agree (I’m a huge Adobe Illustrator fan) but these are also aimed at a general crafting audience and many of those folks don’t have any software experience.
Excellent overview!!! Thanks so much! I’m so interested to know how well it cuts intricate designs on paper!!! If it does significantly better/more detailed than the Cricut, I may have to invest in one of these lasers!
This is a great question! I have on my to-film list a video showing how to cut all of the "Cricut-y" materials like iron-on, vinyl, and cardstock. It's toward the top of my list so hopefully sooner rather than later!
@@HeyLetsMakeStuff That would be so awesome!!! Thanks in advance and I will wait patiently! 😊
Thank you so much! This review is terrific and VERY helpful.
You are so welcome!
Thanks for the overview. I was wondering if it can cut chipboard? I have a cricut and I use deep cut blades for chipboard of 1-3mm thickness. But it doesn’t do detailed cuts that a laser could do. My initial guess would be yes this machine could do it but not sure the type of material since it doesn’t look like the company has chipboard on its website.
Yes! I haven't tested it, but I am sure it will cut chipboard nicely. You may have to play around with the settings a bit.
When you contact support let them know your unplugging it. That may be a clue why your Wi-Fi settings are disappearing.
I think we figured it out. It has to do with our own home router and mesh network and all sorts of words that I am not too familiar with, but my husband understands. 🤣
I thought about getting this machine, happy I decided not to. I chose the xTool P2 because it is faster, can cut clear acrylic and I love the addition of the riser for bigger projects. Great review
Good choice! I would also have a P2 if I had space for one because I'd really like to review it compared to my Glowforge!
Thank you for this review!
My pleasure!
Would love to see it compared to an x tool M1! The P2 seems more comparable with the bigger glowforges!
I've got a video in the works! I have the xTool M1 10W. It's at the top of my to-film list this week!
I noticed Stone was on the approved list as materials does that mean I can etch agate?
I'm not sure about that one. Agate is sort of clear-ish, right? The laser will struggle with etching something like that.
Thanks-great video. How thick of a piece of wood can I slip in there for engraving? Can I get a kitchen cutting board in there?
Good question! Without the crumb tray, you can use a cutting board up to 3/4" thick. BUT it has to fit in a 12" x 12" square, so keep that in mind.
Can it cut mirrored acrylic? Please respond
I don't think so, but it would be something to test. I'll pick some up and give it a try.
thank you for this!! have you tested any opaque pastel color acrylics by chance, or like a pink but opaque? I keep writing glowforge and can't get a straight answer
I have not, but I do have some and it's on my list to test! I am hoping to have an acrylic testing video in the next month.
I love watching this video. Very informative. I want to make stencils. What material should I use? Does Glowforge make something to cut stencils?
That's a great question! Let me do some digging and see what I can find.
I did some quick research, and it looks like this is laserable: amzn.to/44fO6X1 (affiliate link). I bought this and some clear mylar to test. I'm guessing the clear won't work but a darker color might! I added a stencil video to my to-film list because it's a great idea! :)
That isn't a good link. There's no product listed. Thanks.
Sorry about that! Try this,@@kelliemorris8989 amzn.to/3qroMzy
what mil do you think would be best and should I still stay away from clear or translucent?
How does it compare to a diecut machine as far as speed? I cut titles for scrapbook pages (I have a business) and am sick of buying blades and mats.
What material are you thinking?
@@HeyLetsMakeStuff cardstock
Honestly, I think the cutting machine is going to be a lot faster. I haven't cut cardstock in this machine but I have in my xTool M1 (similar) and it's soooo slow compared to my Cricut.@@chebella03
Can you cut dollhouse miniatures well
What sort of material is used for dollhouse miniatures?
Can we use a different brand for wood?
Yes! You may need to test your settings but lots of companies sell laser-ready wood.
How does it work in terms of setting the laser depth for non-proofgrade materials? Can you set your own material settings within the software?
Yes, you can set your own power/speed/pass settings. I haven't tested too many yet, but it's possible!
@@HeyLetsMakeStuff thank you so much for this info! Looking in to possible lasers as a laser newbie!
@@rachelphillips3786 It's a super fun hobby, that's for sure!
Can you recommend software to design projects from scratch?
My favorite is Illustrator, but InkScape, Photoshop, and GIMP are other options!
I would like to cut multi-colored acrylic to create personalized cake toppers. Do you recommend the Aura, please?
I don't think so, but it's not a material I've tested yet. It's on my list!
I have the Xtool m1 and have gotten through the learning curve to get dialed in on materials. How would you compare the m1 with the aura on performance? Would it be worth getting an aura if already dialed in on using the m1?
I would probably not get both, especially if you're liking the M1. They are pretty similar! I am going to do a full comparison soon, but if you're happy with the M1, then I'd probably stick with it.
@@HeyLetsMakeStuff Thank you. You always have great information.
@@denisefailacci40 you're so welcome! :)
Can you print clear acrylic
A diode laser does not cut clear acrylic. I have not tried it yet on my M1 but it may be able to engrave with help. I have engraved glass by painting black tempera paint over the area. Some people have said that this works for engraving clear acrylic as well.
At.8.38 I will have watch more later got to go work.
Hope you enjoy the rest!
How loud is it?
I don't know how to test decibels. The machine itself is not bad, the filter definitely has a whirr. Like a vacuum.
Can you engrave on a apple watch
This is one thing I don't have an answer to yet! I do have some to test, so stay tuned.
Great can’t wait
with clear acrylic, you might be able to put blue painters tape on it? maybe lol
Unfortunately that won’t work either! :(
Thanks!!! Link to the plastic razor??
Here you go! amzn.to/44PQK6K (affiliate link). I'll add to the description as well!
Thank for the video what do u use to make earring
The earrings were made of Glowforge Aura Proofgrade green acrylic.
HI, are you able to us Lightburn software with the Aura?
Not that I know of-you have to run the processes through the Glowforge software.
Does this cut white acrylic?
Unfortunately no.
I have been looking at this but I have a 10w.. this glow forge is lower power
Yes, it's lower-only 6W. I have the 10W xTool M1 as well.
bassword is for making models
You could definitely make models with this basswood. It's lot heavier than balsa wood, which is also used for making models, though.
@@HeyLetsMakeStuff yes its fun to make that stuff
Run from Glowforge.
Don’t listen to this guy.