Anyone considering a Glowforge or similar desktop hobby laser like the Full Spectrum Muse should watch this video. I originally purchased a GF but cancelled the order and bought a Muse instead. I now have a Thunder and boy, do I wish I had skipped the Muse altogether. For just a little more money, I have a MUCH better and more capable machine with amazing support and great community!
As a glowforge and thunder nova 35 owner you are 1000% correct. I regret the glowforge. The capabilities are sad compared to the price. I've had numerous issues with glowforge customer service. My machine has been down to much to count. But with thunder the customer service has been wonderful. When we got our thunder the fan on the side was making an awful noise and the cord going into the chiller was defective. We emailed thunder and immediately they emailed us back. And before we could even reply back they had the parts we needed packaged up and ready to ship. It's night and day to be honest. Now my glowforge is an oversized paperweight.
I really enjoyed this video, so glad you decided to go with Thunder. I’ve absolutely loved the two I’ve owned. Welcome to the family! Look forward to the next one.
The Thunder community is such a amazing group of people. The dedication of the people who are willing to help you be successful is astonishing. However you have to remember to show up on time if you schedule a hour... or at I do!! 😆 🤣
I'm happy for you I have been in the laser business since 1987 almost 35 years back then a laser would cost more than a California house and fit in a two-car garage! With all the different types and classes of lasers there still is not a saturation I know you love to make signs and you might be good with that with a laser there are so many niches that aren't not even tapped you just have no idea! This is the biggest piece of advice I can give you please do not try to engrave anything that is PVC know your numbers and even if you think I can engrave that invent out the fumes no the fumes are toxic. Poured materials this includes cultured marble as well as any solid surface like Corian or countertop material that is man-made when lasered will give you a headache that's not good unless you're wearing a respirator. So even if you have a proper venting system you need to be aware of what you are setting the laser on. I had a guy come through that shot a gazelle in Africa I wasn't afraid to do anything but he wanted his monogram engraved into the side of the gazelle for his gun cabinet. My shop helped hated me for at least 2 months because the smell of the burned hair on the gazelle hide stunk up our 30,000 ft for almost 2 months it was disgusting it came out beautiful and I got a hefty price for it but my shop help hated me! You will have a lot of fun with it! If you're going to do paper because that's remarkable do not do it fast do it a slow as you can because the faster you go the more fire you'll have and absolutely 100%, do not walk away from this absolutely must be 100% attended do not leave machine to work on its own it is not like that you're dealing with a laser. The biggest mistake people make when owning these are using these is walking away and then they wonder why something catches on fire always be observant never take anything for granted and always safety First!
This is great. I did end up buying a Glowforge last month. I love it. But I knew buying it that it would be my starter laser. It’s doing all the things I needed/wanted. I do hope that as I build my laser business that I will outgrow it and Thunder is on my list of lasers to upgrade to. I’ll definitely come back to this video when that time comes.
I’m not in the market for a laser machine (it’s not what I do), but the information in your video really applies to any expensive purchase for equipment for your small business. I have been researching commercial embroidery machines for the last 6 months and pretty much everything you say applies to making that purchase too. Thank you for this valuable information.
Thank you for letting me know you got my email. I really think that your points on the video can be translated to any major purchase of equipment for your business. I especially love that you told us all that you had been researching for a year before you actually purchased. I would rather take my time then spend thousands of $$$$ and be unhappy with my purchase.
We purchased a Nova 35 / 100 last year received it in November 2021 we could not be more satisfied with our Thunder Laser. one thing you touched on that is so important is learn your machine before it arrives, RUclips and Thunder Resorces help so much the learning curve will be much easier. great video by the way!!
I purchased a Glowforge Pro and did not have a good experience with it. Once I got my refund I then purchased an OMTech 60w with autofocus but I always knew that I wanted to upgrade. Once I build my business up enough I WAS planning to go with an AEON (specifically a Mira9) but now I'm rethinking my choice. Since working with lasers and knowing what to look for the more I research the more confused I become. Like you I have a husband savvy in these types of things so maybe once I get closer to reaching the goal I'm aiming for I'll pass it along to him to do his research. Congrats on your new "toy" and success! I call it a toy because they're so much fun!
I was researching the Mira too but after having trouble getting someone to contact me I started looking at other brands. The Thunder lasers have caught my eye and I'm liking what I see.
Thank you for making this video! So helpful, detailed and genuine! I definitely know which brand I’m going with when when I’m ready to buy a laser! ☺️❤️
Thanks for sharing this, I love hearing just how excited and thrilled you are with your purchase. Can’t wait to see what you create with your Thunder Laser!
I love how excited you sound about your new ventures 😍 it makes me excited to keep going till I'm brave enough to start my side hustle! Your videos motivate me 💖
Thank you so much for this video Sallie! Been looking forward for something like this from you concerning your machine!! You were very thorough! As I have said before I am very excited for you! My passion is wood work too(although I am at an early stage) and you are my go to for inspiration and learning! This is a dream machine!! ❤ Thanks for sharing!!🤗🤗
I started out planning on buying a Omtech 100watt. I was ready to place the order when they suddenly sold out. I called numerous times to their "US based sales and support" but got nothing but a answering machine. I then got quotes from Aeon, Boss and Thunder. After watching a video explaining the features and support by Brian Keith Bell I settled on a Thunder 35-100 and placed my order. When Omtech eventually called me back I told them thanks but no thanks..... I ordered a Thunder several days ago!!
What a great video! I have been looking into a Thunder or an Aeon for a while now. Did you happen to look at Aeon as well? If so any pros cons compared to Thunder?
Did you research AP Lazer? I'm really liking what they have to offer. Especially since their Corporate Office is in my city of Lansing, MI. The open architectural design leaves a lot of possibilities open. I hear their customer support is top-notch as well. They are pricey but sounds like a great company with many US made components. Just wondering if that laser was a consideration for you.
Your creativity is seriously inspiring! I recently started using this wecreat Vision 40W laser cutter, and it’s been amazing for my DIY stuff. You should also definitely check it out sometime!
I have a glowforge and I regret it so much. After two years with barely any use on it it stopped working!! My question is how do you tell the laser what part you want engraved and what part you want cut?
How do wine tumblers turn out? We have a Minilase and are considering a Thunder, but wine tumblers taper in size so I wonder how uniform the result will be.
www.thunderlaser.com/troubleshooting/general/maintain.html This is a helpful page! It depends on how much use you have, but I clean the laser head every use, lenses every couple of days, check the bed weekly, etc. It's not too much trouble at all!
I plan to buy a Thunder, hopefully this year, and am torn between the 51 and 63...don't want to regret undersizing (buy your second laser first). Did you consider the 63?
The 51 has been perfect for my needs! I can put a 4 x 4 sheet of wood (we cut our 4 x 8 in half) in with the pass-through open. Really with the 63 you have that awkward space beyond that 48" wood you have inside. To me, it just wasn't needed but if you think you'll put anything inside that is the width of the 63" I would go that route. Definitely don't go under the 51 though!
@@SimplySallie Thanks for the reply. I realized I was remiss in not mentioning that this was a great video as well as another I watched where you were using the rotary set-up to do Yeti-type cups. Not certain yet if I would ever exceed 48" but, like my CNC router, I agonized over a 4' x 8' vs. a 5' x 10' and after several months finally decided on the bigger bed. I may never use the additional space but it is there if a job calls for it.
How loud is the machine when in use and does dust fly all over the room? Just wondering if it is good to have in a bedroom in a home or better to be in a workshop.
It isn't loud at all! What is loud is if you hook up an external air compressor. Lots of people put these in the home. With proper venting it would be fine! It does produce a smell of burning wood, so if you can swing having this in a garage or space further from your bedroom, that is more ideal. Hope this helps.
@@SimplySallie Ahhhhhh!!!!! Oh my gosh! Yay! Thank You so much for replying. You inspire me so much!! Praying for the Nova 35! Many blessings to you Sallie❤️🙏🏽
Anyone considering a Glowforge or similar desktop hobby laser like the Full Spectrum Muse should watch this video. I originally purchased a GF but cancelled the order and bought a Muse instead. I now have a Thunder and boy, do I wish I had skipped the Muse altogether. For just a little more money, I have a MUCH better and more capable machine with amazing support and great community!
As a glowforge and thunder nova 35 owner you are 1000% correct.
I regret the glowforge. The capabilities are sad compared to the price. I've had numerous issues with glowforge customer service. My machine has been down to much to count.
But with thunder the customer service has been wonderful. When we got our thunder the fan on the side was making an awful noise and the cord going into the chiller was defective. We emailed thunder and immediately they emailed us back. And before we could even reply back they had the parts we needed packaged up and ready to ship.
It's night and day to be honest. Now my glowforge is an oversized paperweight.
That's amazing!! It's evident that they truly care about their product and customers.❤
Thanks for your comment about these machines! I wanted a Glowforge until I saw this video then your comment!!
Thanks to you both!!
I really enjoyed this video, so glad you decided to go with Thunder. I’ve absolutely loved the two I’ve owned. Welcome to the family! Look forward to the next one.
The Thunder community is such a amazing group of people. The dedication of the people who are willing to help you be successful is astonishing.
However you have to remember to show up on time if you schedule a hour... or at I do!! 😆 🤣
@computercreationz why 2 did you out grow the previous machines? Can you tell me more about the brand
I'm happy for you I have been in the laser business since 1987 almost 35 years back then a laser would cost more than a California house and fit in a two-car garage!
With all the different types and classes of lasers there still is not a saturation I know you love to make signs and you might be good with that with a laser there are so many niches that aren't not even tapped you just have no idea!
This is the biggest piece of advice I can give you please do not try to engrave anything that is PVC know your numbers and even if you think I can engrave that invent out the fumes no the fumes are toxic.
Poured materials this includes cultured marble as well as any solid surface like Corian or countertop material that is man-made when lasered will give you a headache that's not good unless you're wearing a respirator. So even if you have a proper venting system you need to be aware of what you are setting the laser on.
I had a guy come through that shot a gazelle in Africa I wasn't afraid to do anything but he wanted his monogram engraved into the side of the gazelle for his gun cabinet.
My shop helped hated me for at least 2 months because the smell of the burned hair on the gazelle hide stunk up our 30,000 ft for almost 2 months it was disgusting it came out beautiful and I got a hefty price for it but my shop help hated me!
You will have a lot of fun with it! If you're going to do paper because that's remarkable do not do it fast do it a slow as you can because the faster you go the more fire you'll have and absolutely 100%, do not walk away from this absolutely must be 100% attended do not leave machine to work on its own it is not like that you're dealing with a laser.
The biggest mistake people make when owning these are using these is walking away and then they wonder why something catches on fire always be observant never take anything for granted and always safety First!
This is great. I did end up buying a Glowforge last month. I love it. But I knew buying it that it would be my starter laser. It’s doing all the things I needed/wanted. I do hope that as I build my laser business that I will outgrow it and Thunder is on my list of lasers to upgrade to. I’ll definitely come back to this video when that time comes.
I honestly love how thorough you are about things! Super excited to see how far you can go with it!
Thank you so much Jami! ❤
Can't wait to see all the things you are going to create with this machine. Love your videos.
Thanks Patty!
I truly appreciate this video cause I’m in the research phase and this is so valuable
I’m not in the market for a laser machine (it’s not what I do), but the information in your video really applies to any expensive purchase for equipment for your small business. I have been researching commercial embroidery machines for the last 6 months and pretty much everything you say applies to making that purchase too. Thank you for this valuable information.
Awesome, im so glad it helped! thank you so much ❤ by the way, I got your email and am getting back to you today!
Thank you for letting me know you got my email. I really think that your points on the video can be translated to any major purchase of equipment for your business. I especially love that you told us all that you had been researching for a year before you actually purchased. I would rather take my time then spend thousands of $$$$ and be unhappy with my purchase.
Which Thunder did you purchase
We purchased a Nova 35 / 100 last year received it in November 2021 we could not be more satisfied with our Thunder Laser. one thing you touched on that is so important is learn your machine before it arrives, RUclips and Thunder Resorces help so much the learning curve will be much easier.
great video by the way!!
Yes I agree! Thank you so much for watching!
I don't do wood working but I love seeing you do exciting
I purchased a Glowforge Pro and did not have a good experience with it. Once I got my refund I then purchased an OMTech 60w with autofocus but I always knew that I wanted to upgrade. Once I build my business up enough I WAS planning to go with an AEON (specifically a Mira9) but now I'm rethinking my choice. Since working with lasers and knowing what to look for the more I research the more confused I become. Like you I have a husband savvy in these types of things so maybe once I get closer to reaching the goal I'm aiming for I'll pass it along to him to do his research. Congrats on your new "toy" and success! I call it a toy because they're so much fun!
I totally understand! It's a LOT! Good luck in your laser research journey! Let me know if you have any questions 😊
I was researching the Mira too but after having trouble getting someone to contact me I started looking at other brands. The Thunder lasers have caught my eye and I'm liking what I see.
Great video! Thank you.
Thank you for making this video! So helpful, detailed and genuine! I definitely know which brand I’m going with when when I’m ready to buy a laser! ☺️❤️
Thanks so much Cassie! 🥰
Thank you for this video. I am researching and your video was very helpful.
Thanks for sharing this, I love hearing just how excited and thrilled you are with your purchase.
Can’t wait to see what you create with your Thunder Laser!
Thank you!!
@@SimplySallie you’re welcome ☺️
I love how excited you sound about your new ventures 😍 it makes me excited to keep going till I'm brave enough to start my side hustle! Your videos motivate me 💖
Aww thanks so much for the kind words Sylvia! You got this, good luck on starting your side hustle! 🥰
Thank you so much for this video Sallie! Been looking forward for something like this from you concerning your machine!! You were very thorough! As I have said before I am very excited for you! My passion is wood work too(although I am at an early stage) and you are my go to for inspiration and learning! This is a dream machine!! ❤ Thanks for sharing!!🤗🤗
Thank you SO much. Your comments are always so sweet 🥰
Thank you this was very helpful. I have been wanting one and their is so many out there.
I started out planning on buying a Omtech 100watt. I was ready to place the order when they suddenly sold out. I called numerous times to their "US based sales and support" but got nothing but a answering machine.
I then got quotes from Aeon, Boss and Thunder. After watching a video explaining the features and support by Brian Keith Bell I settled on a Thunder 35-100 and placed my order. When Omtech eventually called me back I told them thanks but no thanks..... I ordered a Thunder several days ago!!
That's awesome! They truly are incredible. Best business decision I have made for sure. Have fun with your new machine!
Love your thunder laser videos, I hope you upload more!
Yes more is coming! 🥰
Thanks for the detailed overview.
I have been waiting to find out why you chose this over the Glowforge. Yay!!!!!!
Thanks for watching!
What a great video! I have been looking into a Thunder or an Aeon for a while now. Did you happen to look at Aeon as well? If so any pros cons compared to Thunder?
Thank you for this video I am researching lasers and looking into other brands. Please make more videos.
I have lots of videos coming! 😊
My husband and I have been researching lasers far about 9 months and have decided on an OMTech 100W
Awesome, you're going to love laser life!
@@SimplySallie we have had a CNC for over 10 years and want to add to what we can do!
Did you research AP Lazer? I'm really liking what they have to offer. Especially since their Corporate Office is in my city of Lansing, MI. The open architectural design leaves a lot of possibilities open. I hear their customer support is top-notch as well. They are pricey but sounds like a great company with many US made components. Just wondering if that laser was a consideration for you.
Your creativity is seriously inspiring! I recently started using this wecreat Vision 40W laser cutter, and it’s been amazing for my DIY stuff. You should also definitely check it out sometime!
I have a glowforge and I regret it so much. After two years with barely any use on it it stopped working!!
My question is how do you tell the laser what part you want engraved and what part you want cut?
How do wine tumblers turn out? We have a Minilase and are considering a Thunder, but wine tumblers taper in size so I wonder how uniform the result will be.
Hello, does the Thunder laser cut foam board without burning it?
Do you know if the Thunder has the capability to cut out an image that is already on the wood?
I have a Glowforge and I have no regrets, though I would like to upgrade at some point. How often, and how, do you clean your laser?
www.thunderlaser.com/troubleshooting/general/maintain.html
This is a helpful page! It depends on how much use you have, but I clean the laser head every use, lenses every couple of days, check the bed weekly, etc. It's not too much trouble at all!
I plan to buy a Thunder, hopefully this year, and am torn between the 51 and 63...don't want to regret undersizing (buy your second laser first). Did you consider the 63?
The 51 has been perfect for my needs! I can put a 4 x 4 sheet of wood (we cut our 4 x 8 in half) in with the pass-through open. Really with the 63 you have that awkward space beyond that 48" wood you have inside. To me, it just wasn't needed but if you think you'll put anything inside that is the width of the 63" I would go that route. Definitely don't go under the 51 though!
@@SimplySallie Thanks for the reply. I realized I was remiss in not mentioning that this was a great video as well as another I watched where you were using the rotary set-up to do Yeti-type cups. Not certain yet if I would ever exceed 48" but, like my CNC router, I agonized over a 4' x 8' vs. a 5' x 10' and after several months finally decided on the bigger bed. I may never use the additional space but it is there if a job calls for it.
What size bed and watts?
Nova 51- 130 watt 😊
How loud is the machine when in use and does dust fly all over the room? Just wondering if it is good to have in a bedroom in a home or better to be in a workshop.
It isn't loud at all! What is loud is if you hook up an external air compressor. Lots of people put these in the home. With proper venting it would be fine! It does produce a smell of burning wood, so if you can swing having this in a garage or space further from your bedroom, that is more ideal. Hope this helps.
Hi Sallie, will the laser completely replace your painted sign business?
Nope! I still do painted signs as well. Still creating new looks to be listed 😊
Why not Epilog¿?
Price.
Did you have to get an in between transporter? Or did Thunder pick it up from the US port and deliver to you?
Thunder handled the whole thing. It came directly to us after purchase.
So, while watching this video, and ad for Glowforge came on....lol
Oddly Ironic huh? 🤣
Do you need to have an actual “business” to be able to purchase a thunder laser?
Nope not at all! Anyone can buy.
@@SimplySallie Ahhhhhh!!!!! Oh my gosh! Yay! Thank You so much for replying. You inspire me so much!! Praying for the Nova 35! Many blessings to you Sallie❤️🙏🏽