The ink tank system appears to be much better than the cartridge system ruclips.net/user/postUgkxciSwynMJ7PnUvvx11rewiu-yFBkZTl53 and a lot cheaper to run. The machine was easy to set up. A small point but I thought they'd be a USB cable included to help with the set up but there was none. I've been using it now for a few weeks and it seems like a good product and superior to my previous printers which were all troublesome HP machines.
Thank you for that honest and well done review. I'm a software developer by trade and having it only web based doesn't bode well with me. Servers and internet always going down. That's why I'm still employed! :) Plus the noise it generates. I'd have to wear ear plugs.
Thank you for showing us product reality. Thankfully, Glowforge and similar laser engravers/cutters, are a worthwhile investment. And more important, they're fun to use!
I got mine 2 years ago and it is the best tool I have ever owned. I am constantly finding new stuff it can do. It was worth every penny. Just the ease of use alone is worth the price. You could train a monkey to use it. That being said, there are a few downsides: The proofgrade materials are no bargain. Draftboard for $4 each? You can get nice ⅛" baltic birch plywood for that price. Amazon has much better deals. You are right about the noise, it sounds like a small jet engine. I will have to try the blanket trick. One downside is cleaning the inside. Everything is in one compartment which means that the burnt resins from the wood get on everything, and while it is pretty easy to clean the lens of the camera, cutting lens and the laser mirrors there is lots of stuff inside that is impossible to get to without taking it apart. The good news is the lenses and mirrors are the most necessary to clean. I use packing tape to cover things like the door on the front so when it gets lots of buildup I just peel the tape off. As far as using a flash drive to move files, since it does all the processing in the cloud it seems unlikely that will be possible, although once a cut has started it does not need a connection.
Forza Golf usuallly for cylinders you need an additional mechanism that turns the cylinder as the laser moves left to right across it. Have not seen that for glowforge but instead for much more expensive professional lasers
Thanks for review. I will be looking for something else. I do not like being dependent on the Internet, the noise, nor the price tag. Expecting more for my money.
Please don't tape the gap between the lid and front door. It negates the ability for a negative pressure atmosphere inside the bay. In order for it to pull air out of the GF, there has to be a way for air to come in, or it will create a vacuum and nothing can be sucked out.
This was SO HELPFUL! Thank you for your authenticity. I really like the concept of Glowforge and have been watching a lot of their tutorial videos and livestreams...so I may still go for it or wait a little longer with the hopes that they work on some improvements!
@@MartinsonManufacturing Thanks for even asking! After perusing features of other laser printers (& even one that I SWEAR must be a knock-off of glowforge), these are a few improvements that come to mind: 1. A functional exhaust connector 2. Software that run OFFline (this is a make or break for me). 3. Air purifier actually included with the system since it's a necessary component for the fumes no matter what for the same price. 4. It'd be wonderful to see the weight of it be light enough for one person to maneuver w/o breaking the back. ;-)
Thank u sooooooo much for this honest review. I think others who live in my building would hate me if I bought such a noisy machine. Glad I now know how loud it is. You just saved me from getting evicted. Lol
wow thanks for posting this. I don't remember seeing anything on the website saying that the machine (and therefore your means of production) is completely dependant on if the internet of things is working that day. Going to have to give this a lot more thought.
I can’t believe this company charges an extra $21 to have an extension pipe on the exhaust port so the hose fits properly. I wonder if Home Depot has a similar fitting that would be cheaper.
Thanks for your review, and detailed time slots for specific Glowforge reviews. The “ exhaust extension “ can be made from PVC pipe, and cut at places like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and other hardware stores. The cost is less than $20.00.
It would appear to me that if everything goes through Glowforge via the internet, they have access to what files you are burning. BOOM! Everything just became Glowforge property! Thank you for the review.
I see a lot of these reviews saying what a great machine these are - always from people that have never used a laser before. If you’re not technically adept, it’s going to insulate you from the tech, at a cost. And when it breaks, you’ll need to pay someone to sort it out. What you get is a $500 40W laser for $4K. It’s not even a particularly good 40W laser, but it’s simple to use for those that don’t want to put in the time to learn. For $4K you could get a machine that’s almost at industrial grade. Not for everyone, but if you want an appliance with a moderately high maintenance schedule (which 90% of glowforge owners are never going to do) and don’t mind dropping $4K to tool around, then sure - cool toy.
@@marcin97 any Ruida-controlled 60-80W CO2 from a reputable Chinese manufacturer will outperform this significantly, at a much reduced cost. Not an eBay or amazon machine. Not a K40 (although they perform about the same at $500)
Awesome! I recently saw on my account that you used the referral code to order one! You'll love it! You should join the "Glowforge User Group" on Facebook. Lots of great info and ideas on there. As far as the noise, many people have been buying a quiet external fan such as this one and using that instead. www.amazon.com/AC-Infinity-CLOUDLINE-S6-Controller/dp/B07FPFVZTZ/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2UADE7FJ2JO33&keywords=ac+infinity+cloudline+t6&qid=1576565424&sprefix=ac+infinity%2Caps%2C233&sr=8-3 There's an option in the GF app to basically turn off the internal fans and just use an external one instead. It quiets your machine tremendously. I'll be picking one up and doing a review on it next month. Please reach out if you have any questions when you get your Glowforge!
The thing you should be nervous about is the reliance of the internet. I note already they have a premium service. The more people that buy this and join the premium service the slower the free service will go because premium users have priority in the processed queue.
Good video and a fair review. I've been in this business (more production machines as opposed to a hobby model) for many years. Looks slick. I visited their site. The only comments I would make is; give it offline processing capability (i.e. not just internet driven) and I wish they would not use the term "3D printing". That's a different technology all together and misleading. This is just a flatbed gantry, just like several other manufacturers. Looks like a good little machine for home use but there are others in the same vein, so shop around.
Actually, the GlowForge has two cameras- one is on the edge and one is in the center (the one that you showed). The center camera is a wide-angle lens, so it sees more of the edge than you implied.
Thanks for your review. the noise is not a deal breaker for me as it would go in my garage or the exhaust duct as I have rubber/PVC 4" fittings and adapters all day long since I am mostly into woodworking but recently got into laser engraving with a Sculpfun S9 but looking to expand. The dealbreaker for me right now is the price for the basic model is at around $3,600.00 where a couple years back it was $2,495. After shipping and sales tax I would be looking at over $4,000 out the door. for that I may also shop for and consider a CO2 laser if I am going to make that much of an investment. Trying to keep in under $2,500 so the GF may not be for me. I am not a business just doing it as a hobby and to make stuff for friends and family. Thanks.
Clear, concise review. Although I am surprised that after saying that you have 4 3D printers you didn’t have the wherewithal to design and print your own exhaust duct adapter. It certainly wouldn’t have cost you $22!!!
You could try a white, brown or pink noise generator audio clip to counter the sound and provide anti-sound as noise-cancelling speakers do! Find an audio engineer to help you model the correct sound and create a noise-cancelling audio track for it! That might be an interesting video and educational too!
No, their is already open source out there, and Glowforge has vowed if they ever were to stop internet support they would release their own stand alone server software.
@@lucasward2648 think about why they haven’t done that already. Do you honestly think a company that is going bust is going to spend time and money developing stand alone software?
I would like more information on laser and how long they are expected to last and cost to replace them. But, this video did cover some interesting points that need to be considered before purchasing.
They are expected to last 2000 hours working time before maintenance and Glowforge does not take responsibility for injury caused by their lasers, even if they were otherwise warned about a machine being faulty. After the short 6 month crappy warranty they then charge the user shipping and repair fees if there is an issue and will not sell you spare parts directly or help you work on your machine. They also take weeks if not longer to reply to emails and when they do they barely read what you say. Many users are having issues where Glowforge will not help them or will flat rate invoice $749 for you to send your machine to their repair facility for 6 WEEKS or give you the option of paying the $749 and getting a refurb one sent right out. So, basically you buy the damn thing for top dollar and could be paying them $749 yearly and not even for the machine you originally purchased.
on the dryer vent your suppose too put clamp behind the first or second metal rings in the hose this way the clamp has something too make sure it does not slip just on papper
Ditto on the internet thing, plus for 4 grand you would think they would throw in that hose extension or do something different. I was thinking about one, not now. I expect them to be somewhat noisy but that sounded like real cheap motors. Thank you very much.
Close system with no way to upload the file directly into the machine? screw that, they could have easily added a USB module and a screen to select the files. The latest Raspberry Pi for about US$ 35 can get you all that functionality even with WIFI module, so that wasn't taken out due to cost but to lock the customers.
Thanks for the review. Now i have one more reason to purchase a gweike big bad ass Chinese laser for the same price. Unbelievable that you have to stick with the cloud and their material!
Well I see every one disappointing about the internet part. I always have an Internet connection at my house 🤷🏽♀️ I’m buying next week and I’ll use your code! Thanks for review
It’s now about how good your internet. If the company goes bust, you have a 4K brick. They will use the reliance on the internet connection to add charges. As an example, they have already introduced a premium service which gives premium users priority in the job queue on their servers. So if you are not a premium member and you upload your job at the same time as a load of premium members do, your job will be at the back of the queue, so you will be waiting, in addition to that, you are uploading all your designs to their servers where they will be stored and may be used by them or by hackers. This is a very bad investment.
It is a deal breaker. What an insane business model. If something happens to Glowforge you end up with a $6,000 brick. I suspect that at some time in the future they are going to start charging a fee to access some 'enhanced feature' and you have no choice but to pay them or you cannot use the machine !!!!!!!!!
@@sparky9718 Actually they have committed to releasing the server software if they are no longer hosting it themselves. Also the You can get the base model for about half that. They have released several new features since I have owned mine adding greater precision, enhanced user interface, and just recently boosted the cutting speed.
Thank you! I was about to get 1 when u saw it. Im allergic to fumes so that’s a big no for me. And that noise wow, sounds like a plane prepping for take off.
Hey here is an idea to deal with the noise. While you making you cut. Play Microsoft flight sim 2020 and pick a 747 or an A320 and fly a route that is the length of your cut! That way it will fit in perfectly with your sim just remember to mute the engine noises in the sim! LOL!!
Nothing to be nervous about. Our whole lives our internet dependent and we never think about it. I was a little nervous at first too, but over a year later, not a single issue and I love how seamless the experience is with the internet.
As you should be. There is everything to be nervous about. If they go bust you can’t use you machine. They will add additional costs in the future for using their servers. They already have a premium service giving premium members priority on the job queue, so if you are not a premium member and you upload your job at the same time a load of premium members, you will be waiting a while. Then there is the security/privacy part. All your jobs are on their servers as is your information, so it is theirs to do with as they please and if they get hacked, it’s going to be all out there.
Thousands of dollars but you still have to buy an extra part for the exhaust port to fit correctly and won't operate unless it has internet? ...It also needs it's own room (welp, sorry kids I guess you're sleeping with us) and happens to sound like a jet engine. Ugh. Anyone happen to know of a similar machine with better features?
thanks for the video. While it looks like a very slick product, it seems a bit too proprietary with materials (sounds like HP) and internet only?? wow deal breaker for me.
It’s a really nice machine until you have low WiFi ... my machine overheated all the time until I elevated it and put a fan on the bottom to cool it off... I sold it and bought the dremel version of it ... this reminds me of the Xcarve with free software then after awhile you have pay a monthly service to use it unless you have the aspire software..
@@jimmieeasterday6755 The problem is your room is too hot. The machine can't operate at over 75-80 degrees ambient temperatures. Either put it in a A/C controlled room, or install it in front of a window and add a Window Unit.
@@jimmieeasterday6755 I would recommend using an infrared thermometer and checking the area around your laser. By keeping your thermostat at 69, that tells me your overall cooling in your house is not that great. For example, my old HVAC I kept the thermostat at 68 because it seemed it was the only thing that would cool the house. New HVAC, I keep at 72, and the whole family is freezing. I keep my laser in a metal shed, in Florida heat, with just a tiny Window unit in front of it, and it has never stalled. The only time my unit has stalled is when I used it outside the day it arrived! It was 90 degrees outside, and I wasn't aware it needed to be cooled down.
What scared me is the comment where you said if their servers are down it won't work. If the products are reliant on the company servers to work then what happens if the company eventually goes bust? I take it you'd be left with a $4000 boat anchor? I'm in the market for a laser engraver, CNC, and 3D printer currently for business purposes and watched this as the Glowforge was one of the products I was looking at. Thank you for your review.
I don’t know anything about laser printers. With that said. If a company is asking me to give them $4000.00. The lens should be of a higher quality. Great video though. 👍🏾
Hope the internet dont go down 150watt laser with a moving crumtray and cooler and air pump with a aftermarket camera and lightburn All total. $3246.00 deck is 4 times as big so you cant call anybody at glowforge !! only e mail or u tube ,,,,,,,,,,, there is no choice. Pro Glowforge $6,000 + shipping no support ,pass thru door 1/4 “ thick non movable crum tray , no chiller to keep laser cool no air pump to clear you piece ....... do you do diligence , save your money!
Beware....Glowforge is PC based and not MAC friendly. Using my MAC, I had to apply several workarounds. I guess no one informed Glowforge that most designers use MACs. And as stated in the video, when the Glowforge server goes down, which has occurred numerous times, you are out of business. Lastly, Glowforge will not communicate software updates to users....surprise.
I'm surprised it has an issue with OS considering the damn thing requires the cloud to function. That makes absolutely as much sense to me as an sd card. Jesus, why aren't they building these things with a wifi interface that allows you to dump gcode to the on-board from your client? Yeah, Mac, Win and Linux compatible software would also be required. The cloud piece alone is enough to make me walk away. Scroll up and read Mike Thornbury's comments and you'll be completely educated. Glowforge is ridiculous.
![GLOWFORGE - Does It Still Work One Year Later? [WhenGeeksCraft]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/WfnUu-Fuo8U/mqdefault.jpg)
The ink tank system appears to be much better than the cartridge system ruclips.net/user/postUgkxciSwynMJ7PnUvvx11rewiu-yFBkZTl53 and a lot cheaper to run. The machine was easy to set up. A small point but I thought they'd be a USB cable included to help with the set up but there was none. I've been using it now for a few weeks and it seems like a good product and superior to my previous printers which were all troublesome HP machines.
Perfect review. Thanks for not talking for an hour before jumping into the review. Very concise and clear.
L😄 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Thank you for that honest and well done review. I'm a software developer by trade and having it only web based doesn't bode well with me. Servers and internet always going down. That's why I'm still employed! :) Plus the noise it generates. I'd have to wear ear plugs.
Great info! Thank you! The fact that it cannot work without being connected to the internet is a deal killer for me.
BLESS YOU for how you demoed the noise levels. Super useful!
Definitely not to be used in an apartment
Thank you for showing us product reality. Thankfully, Glowforge and similar laser engravers/cutters, are a worthwhile investment. And more important, they're fun to use!
This is a great video, I've been going back and forth rather I wanted to buy one and this video really helps.
I will not jeopardize my health breathing toxic fumes and for the money issues like noise, etc should be totally worked out
Just buy a chinese k40 and upgrade it if you want to
Buy one. Great investment
By far the best informational review. Thank you for taking the time.
I got mine 2 years ago and it is the best tool I have ever owned. I am constantly finding new stuff it can do. It was worth every penny. Just the ease of use alone is worth the price. You could train a monkey to use it. That being said, there are a few downsides:
The proofgrade materials are no bargain. Draftboard for $4 each? You can get nice ⅛" baltic birch plywood for that price. Amazon has much better deals. You are right about the noise, it sounds like a small jet engine. I will have to try the blanket trick.
One downside is cleaning the inside. Everything is in one compartment which means that the burnt resins from the wood get on everything, and while it is pretty easy to clean the lens of the camera, cutting lens and the laser mirrors there is lots of stuff inside that is impossible to get to without taking it apart. The good news is the lenses and mirrors are the most necessary to clean. I use packing tape to cover things like the door on the front so when it gets lots of buildup I just peel the tape off.
As far as using a flash drive to move files, since it does all the processing in the cloud it seems unlikely that will be possible, although once a cut has started it does not need a connection.
can you cut on acrylic cylinders? or does it have to be flat?
Forza Golf good question
Forza Golf usuallly for cylinders you need an additional mechanism that turns the cylinder as the laser moves left to right across it. Have not seen that for glowforge but instead for much more expensive professional lasers
Thanks for review. I will be looking for something else. I do not like being dependent on the Internet, the noise, nor the price tag. Expecting more for my money.
great review. I like your style. all facts, no wasted time or bad music.
Thanks man
Thank you. Jus got mines today. Can't wait get home. Be blessed. Great Vid
Thanks a million for your honest and in depth review.
Just found your review... two thumbs up, you totally talked me out of buying one of these pieces of junk. Thank you sincerely.
A lot of great information. This definitely helps guide me toward making a decision to purchase! Also, very good to the point information. New Sub!
Kitchen Tumblers Hey girl, what are you doing over here...probably the same as me! 😆~your Subbie
I saw a short ad for this and I wanted to see what it was and when I heard him say it was 4K I was blown away😮😮🥵
The way you demo'd the noise level was pretty spectacular :)
Thank you for the good review. I just put one on my list. With a creative mind, this can be a real elevator for inspiration.
Great review. Thank for Saving me from my impulsive shopping
That’s what I’m here for :)
Please don't tape the gap between the lid and front door. It negates the ability for a negative pressure atmosphere inside the bay. In order for it to pull air out of the GF, there has to be a way for air to come in, or it will create a vacuum and nothing can be sucked out.
This was SO HELPFUL! Thank you for your authenticity. I really like the concept of Glowforge and have been watching a lot of their tutorial videos and livestreams...so I may still go for it or wait a little longer with the hopes that they work on some improvements!
Glad you found it helpful Becca!
What improvements would you like to see?
@@MartinsonManufacturing Thanks for even asking! After perusing features of other laser printers (& even one that I SWEAR must be a knock-off of glowforge), these are a few improvements that come to mind:
1. A functional exhaust connector
2. Software that run OFFline (this is a make or break for me).
3. Air purifier actually included with the system since it's a necessary component for the fumes no matter what for the same price.
4. It'd be wonderful to see the weight of it be light enough for one person to maneuver w/o breaking the back. ;-)
Becca Griffith - I completely agree. Only online is a huge NO for me and the cost for the very necessary air purifier is greed in my opinion
Thank u sooooooo much for this honest review. I think others who live in my building would hate me if I bought such a noisy machine. Glad I now know how loud it is. You just saved me from getting evicted. Lol
wow thanks for posting this. I don't remember seeing anything on the website saying that the machine (and therefore your means of production) is completely dependant on if the internet of things is working that day. Going to have to give this a lot more thought.
Thank you very much for your views on the machine!
Noise makes this a no for me. :-( Great review and I appreciate the time you took to do this.
Thank you! I used your code today to purchase the GF for the bookstore I run. I want to be able customize gift items for our customers.
Hey, what a cool idea, and congrats!
this was a great and honest review. that sound test was hilarious.
I can’t believe this company charges an extra $21 to have an extension pipe on the exhaust port so the hose fits properly. I wonder if Home Depot has a similar fitting that would be cheaper.
Yes Home Depot has PVC you can buy for a lot cheaper
Thank you for the honest review. I used your referral code. :)
Thanks for the review! Very helpful!
Thanks for your review, and detailed time slots for specific Glowforge reviews.
The “ exhaust extension “ can be made from PVC pipe, and cut at places like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and other hardware stores. The cost is less than $20.00.
Excellent review! Had no idea about the exhaust and noise! And the material things!
Very expensive, but would love to have one in the waaaay future lol thank you for the detailed review!! Much appreciated!
It would appear to me that if everything goes through Glowforge via the internet, they have access to what files you are
burning. BOOM! Everything just became Glowforge property!
Thank you for the review.
thank you. great review
I see a lot of these reviews saying what a great machine these are - always from people that have never used a laser before. If you’re not technically adept, it’s going to insulate you from the tech, at a cost. And when it breaks, you’ll need to pay someone to sort it out.
What you get is a $500 40W laser for $4K.
It’s not even a particularly good 40W laser, but it’s simple to use for those that don’t want to put in the time to learn.
For $4K you could get a machine that’s almost at industrial grade.
Not for everyone, but if you want an appliance with a moderately high maintenance schedule (which 90% of glowforge owners are never going to do) and don’t mind dropping $4K to tool around, then sure - cool toy.
So what do you recommend instead?
@@marcin97 any Ruida-controlled 60-80W CO2 from a reputable Chinese manufacturer will outperform this significantly, at a much reduced cost.
Not an eBay or amazon machine. Not a K40 (although they perform about the same at $500)
@@Zootalaws Can you give an actual recommendation for a specific laser or a "reputable chinese manufacturer"?
@@kylepayne2820 yes please share
Mike, can you give a name of one of these with the 60-80W co2 Chinese produced $500ish machines Please?
$4,000 this needs to more than a hobby for that price
Exactly! That's a full on business purchase
No one buys any cutting machine for hobbies. Every one Etsy uses a cutter.
Gorgeousbronze -Madison- I don’t know 🤷🏾♂️
They have one that's about half that price. Glow forge makes 3. I think this is the top of the line model.
@@TARAJOSU a full on business machine is $35,000. This is the hobby version.
This was GREAT!! Thank you for posting !
Thank you for the referral code! I just ordered the Plus-- really nervous about the noise, but I'll try the insulated dryer duct tip.
Awesome! I recently saw on my account that you used the referral code to order one! You'll love it!
You should join the "Glowforge User Group" on Facebook. Lots of great info and ideas on there.
As far as the noise, many people have been buying a quiet external fan such as this one and using that instead. www.amazon.com/AC-Infinity-CLOUDLINE-S6-Controller/dp/B07FPFVZTZ/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2UADE7FJ2JO33&keywords=ac+infinity+cloudline+t6&qid=1576565424&sprefix=ac+infinity%2Caps%2C233&sr=8-3
There's an option in the GF app to basically turn off the internal fans and just use an external one instead. It quiets your machine tremendously. I'll be picking one up and doing a review on it next month.
Please reach out if you have any questions when you get your Glowforge!
The thing you should be nervous about is the reliance of the internet. I note already they have a premium service. The more people that buy this and join the premium service the slower the free service will go because premium users have priority in the processed queue.
Awesome, unbiased review. Thanks!!
Thanks Joe, just bought the Basic with your link, now to start getting my referrals to help pay for My machine!! :)
Absolutely! Get it!!
Good video and a fair review. I've been in this business (more production machines as opposed to a hobby model) for many years. Looks slick. I visited their site. The only comments I would make is; give it offline processing capability (i.e. not just internet driven) and I wish they would not use the term "3D printing". That's a different technology all together and misleading. This is just a flatbed gantry, just like several other manufacturers. Looks like a good little machine for home use but there are others in the same vein, so shop around.
Hi hru? Do you have any recommendations? I really want to get one of these but it's extremely expensive. Thank you.
Man great reply.
Four 3D printers and you bought the exhaust? ;) I really liked the demonstration of how loud it is.
He is the MFG of the exhaust plenum... LOL, that wasn't stated in this video. He prints them and sells them.
*Great Video!* _Thank you for you honesty_
Actually, the GlowForge has two cameras- one is on the edge and one is in the center (the one that you showed). The center camera is a wide-angle lens, so it sees more of the edge than you implied.
Thanks for your review. the noise is not a deal breaker for me as it would go in my garage or the exhaust duct as I have rubber/PVC 4" fittings and adapters all day long since I am mostly into woodworking but recently got into laser engraving with a Sculpfun S9 but looking to expand. The dealbreaker for me right now is the price for the basic model is at around $3,600.00 where a couple years back it was $2,495. After shipping and sales tax I would be looking at over $4,000 out the door. for that I may also shop for and consider a CO2 laser if I am going to make that much of an investment. Trying to keep in under $2,500 so the GF may not be for me. I am not a business just doing it as a hobby and to make stuff for friends and family. Thanks.
Thank you for the review! This was so helpful!
Sooo helpful! Thank you!!
If it was not for the fact that it becomes a brick if glowforge goes under or there server crashed I would have clicked BUY IT NOW!
Great video and very informative! Thanks for the honest feedback :)
Thank you so much this was truly a great review of the Glowforge!
Thanks for your honest and thorough review.
Clear, concise review. Although I am surprised that after saying that you have 4 3D printers you didn’t have the wherewithal to design and print your own exhaust duct adapter. It certainly wouldn’t have cost you $22!!!
Maybe I did :)
It would be fantastic if you could connect the glowforge directly to your laptop via usb or CATV
You could try a white, brown or pink noise generator audio clip to counter the sound and provide anti-sound as noise-cancelling speakers do! Find an audio engineer to help you model the correct sound and create a noise-cancelling audio track for it! That might be an interesting video and educational too!
It was a NO-GO for me when you stated it's Internet Based! $4000 Brick if you lose Internet or Company goes Bust!
No, their is already open source out there, and Glowforge has vowed if they ever were to stop internet support they would release their own stand alone server software.
I don't have an internet connection where this would be located. They definitely should make it usable without an internet connection.
@@lucasward2648 think about why they haven’t done that already. Do you honestly think a company that is going bust is going to spend time and money developing stand alone software?
I would like more information on laser and how long they are expected to last and cost to replace them. But, this video did cover some interesting points that need to be considered before purchasing.
They are expected to last 2000 hours working time before maintenance and Glowforge does not take responsibility for injury caused by their lasers, even if they were otherwise warned about a machine being faulty. After the short 6 month crappy warranty they then charge the user shipping and repair fees if there is an issue and will not sell you spare parts directly or help you work on your machine. They also take weeks if not longer to reply to emails and when they do they barely read what you say. Many users are having issues where Glowforge will not help them or will flat rate invoice $749 for you to send your machine to their repair facility for 6 WEEKS or give you the option of paying the $749 and getting a refurb one sent right out. So, basically you buy the damn thing for top dollar and could be paying them $749 yearly and not even for the machine you originally purchased.
This video was super interesting and informative, I had just seen a commercial for it on CNN and was really curious about it after having seen it
😲 👍🏽
Thanks for the detailed review!
Nice review, thank you.
Great review, informative, thanks!
on the dryer vent your suppose too put clamp behind the first or second metal rings in the hose this way the clamp has something too make sure it does not slip just on papper
~Thank you so much for this.
Ditto on the internet thing, plus for 4 grand you would think they would throw in that hose extension or do something different. I was thinking about one, not now. I expect them to be somewhat noisy but that sounded like real cheap motors. Thank you very much.
Close system with no way to upload the file directly into the machine? screw that, they could have easily added a USB module and a screen to select the files. The latest Raspberry Pi for about US$ 35 can get you all that functionality even with WIFI module, so that wasn't taken out due to cost but to lock the customers.
Thanks for the review. Now i have one more reason to purchase a gweike big bad ass Chinese laser for the same price. Unbelievable that you have to stick with the cloud and their material!
Well I see every one disappointing about the internet part. I always have an Internet connection at my house 🤷🏽♀️ I’m buying next week and I’ll use your code! Thanks for review
Did you end up getting one? How is it?
I think the concern was if glowforge shuts off their server one day then you can’t print anymore even if there was nothing wrong with the cutter
It’s now about how good your internet. If the company goes bust, you have a 4K brick. They will use the reliance on the internet connection to add charges. As an example, they have already introduced a premium service which gives premium users priority in the job queue on their servers. So if you are not a premium member and you upload your job at the same time as a load of premium members do, your job will be at the back of the queue, so you will be waiting, in addition to that, you are uploading all your designs to their servers where they will be stored and may be used by them or by hackers. This is a very bad investment.
Cheers, that was vital info for me, could have wasted 6k on a machine i can only access through the internet.
It is a deal breaker. What an insane business model. If something happens to Glowforge you end up with a $6,000 brick. I suspect that at some time in the future they are going to start charging a fee to access some 'enhanced feature' and you have no choice but to pay them or you cannot use the machine !!!!!!!!!
@@sparky9718 Actually they have committed to releasing the server software if they are no longer hosting it themselves. Also the You can get the base model for about half that. They have released several new features since I have owned mine adding greater precision, enhanced user interface, and just recently boosted the cutting speed.
@@macrumpton Just the fact that you need an update to boost cutting speed has me worried
Great review. 👍 Well done.
Thank you! I was about to get 1 when u saw it. Im allergic to fumes so that’s a big no for me. And that noise wow, sounds like a plane prepping for take off.
This was very helpful! Thank you!
Hey here is an idea to deal with the noise. While you making you cut. Play Microsoft flight sim 2020 and pick a 747 or an A320 and fly a route that is the length of your cut! That way it will fit in perfectly with your sim just remember to mute the engine noises in the sim! LOL!!
That’s hilarious!
Excellent Review! Thank You!
I purchased already but nervous about internet only...
Nothing to be nervous about. Our whole lives our internet dependent and we never think about it. I was a little nervous at first too, but over a year later, not a single issue and I love how seamless the experience is with the internet.
As you should be. There is everything to be nervous about. If they go bust you can’t use you machine. They will add additional costs in the future for using their servers. They already have a premium service giving premium members priority on the job queue, so if you are not a premium member and you upload your job at the same time a load of premium members, you will be waiting a while. Then there is the security/privacy part. All your jobs are on their servers as is your information, so it is theirs to do with as they please and if they get hacked, it’s going to be all out there.
Thanks for the info. Appreciate the review. Sounds like this is not the machine for me.
great review i think i am choosing glowforge oever the silhoutte
Thanks man
Thanks for the video, great coverage
The sound is like an X-Wing heating to take off...
Thousands of dollars but you still have to buy an extra part for the exhaust port to fit correctly and won't operate unless it has internet? ...It also needs it's own room (welp, sorry kids I guess you're sleeping with us) and happens to sound like a jet engine. Ugh. Anyone happen to know of a similar machine with better features?
"I wont buy this cause it needs the internet." - Quote FROM the internet...
Sorry to say this but it's a laser cutter, it's a warehouse/shop machine
@@Dab__Bod More to the point if the company goes out of business and the servers aren't being maintained you're screwed.
Worth every penny in my opinion
Nope
Why didn't he 3d print that exhaust part
I thought the same thing, 20 bucks.... yeesh!
Dag! I thought the same exact thing. Somebody figured that out and may be rich now!!
You would need a 3D printer for that, the Glowforge is a laser cutter and burner
@@glennd.3124 he owns one
Lol I thought the same thing
thanks for the video. While it looks like a very slick product, it seems a bit too proprietary with materials (sounds like HP) and internet only?? wow deal breaker for me.
It’s a really nice machine until you have low WiFi ... my machine overheated all the time until I elevated it and put a fan on the bottom to cool it off... I sold it and bought the dremel version of it ... this reminds me of the Xcarve with free software then after awhile you have pay a monthly service to use it unless you have the aspire software..
How do you like the Dremel model? Is their software something you can just download so you're not dependent on wifi?
Mine over heats all the time and stalls take 2 hr to cut something that should cut 45 min.. how did you attach a additional fan
@@jimmieeasterday6755 The problem is your room is too hot. The machine can't operate at over 75-80 degrees ambient temperatures. Either put it in a A/C controlled room, or install it in front of a window and add a Window Unit.
Lucas it is in my home and with ac we keep our home at 69 degrees
@@jimmieeasterday6755 I would recommend using an infrared thermometer and checking the area around your laser. By keeping your thermostat at 69, that tells me your overall cooling in your house is not that great. For example, my old HVAC I kept the thermostat at 68 because it seemed it was the only thing that would cool the house. New HVAC, I keep at 72, and the whole family is freezing. I keep my laser in a metal shed, in Florida heat, with just a tiny Window unit in front of it, and it has never stalled. The only time my unit has stalled is when I used it outside the day it arrived! It was 90 degrees outside, and I wasn't aware it needed to be cooled down.
This was a very thorough review. One thing I wonder about is, is there a temperature limit (hot or cold) so if I was to use this in the garage?
If yoiir garage is not temp. controlled I would not recommend.
It doesn't operate below 40 degrees or above 75.
Requires internet connection, sorry I'll pass. If it was supported by octoprint like GRBL based Laser Engravers and CNC routers maybe.
What scared me is the comment where you said if their servers are down it won't work. If the products are reliant on the company servers to work then what happens if the company eventually goes bust? I take it you'd be left with a $4000 boat anchor? I'm in the market for a laser engraver, CNC, and 3D printer currently for business purposes and watched this as the Glowforge was one of the products I was looking at. Thank you for your review.
Hey hi , am in the market for the same, what did u end up getting of each?
Oh, I was hoping, cause I do my stuff by hand.
But 4k is waay ahead my porch right now.
RGB Crafts 4K is for the pro. There’s one for $2500 too
I don’t know anything about laser printers. With that said. If a company is asking me to give them $4000.00. The lens should be of a higher quality. Great video though. 👍🏾
Very helpful - thank you!!
OMG, when that thing went to town I thought there was going to be a liftoff, lol.
Thinking of buying this for cutting my designs but I will think about it
K40 laser is a great cheap option, does have some downfalls but can save a fortune and do a lot for the price
Good review. Your background wall, is that real wood? I love the wall treatment.
Thanks Evelyn. Nope, it's a laminated sheet I found at Home Depot :)
You didn't see specs on their website because there aren't any.
Hey man, great review! I ordered my basic with your referral code.
Hope the internet dont go down 150watt laser with a moving crumtray and cooler and air pump with a aftermarket camera and lightburn All total. $3246.00 deck is 4 times as big so you cant call anybody at glowforge !! only e mail or u tube ,,,,,,,,,,, there is no choice. Pro Glowforge $6,000 + shipping no support ,pass thru door 1/4 “ thick non movable crum tray , no chiller to keep laser cool no air pump to clear you piece ....... do you do diligence , save your money!
Thank you for the very informative video. I want a Glowforge! I wish the price could come down a bit and i would get one. :)
Well, whenever you are able to get one make sure you use my referral code to save some money!
@@MartinsonManufacturing 11qq1q1qqqq
Beware....Glowforge is PC based and not MAC friendly. Using my MAC, I had to apply several workarounds. I guess no one informed Glowforge that most designers use MACs. And as stated in the video, when the Glowforge server goes down, which has occurred numerous times, you are out of business. Lastly, Glowforge will not communicate software updates to users....surprise.
I'm surprised it has an issue with OS considering the damn thing requires the cloud to function. That makes absolutely as much sense to me as an sd card. Jesus, why aren't they building these things with a wifi interface that allows you to dump gcode to the on-board from your client? Yeah, Mac, Win and Linux compatible software would also be required. The cloud piece alone is enough to make me walk away. Scroll up and read Mike Thornbury's comments and you'll be completely educated. Glowforge is ridiculous.
Thank you for the info 🥰
Thank you for the information.
Time to make my Iron Man suit.