Question of the week: What are the things you would like to know before you invest in a laser?

@trueintellect

4 жыл бұрын

Best eye protection options, and how important it is.

@seabreezecoffeeroasters7994

4 жыл бұрын

Don't drink the marketing Koolaid of any brand for a start. Locked infrastructure/cloud software is a disaster waiting to happen. As a Laser user their is a lot to recommend avoiding the Glowforge over other options for less $ and more size/power.

@freedem41

4 жыл бұрын

Before my Glowforge arrived I had a bunch of designs that as luck would have it will never work in this universe. #1 you are cutting a plane object. Even something like leather will bend easily but double curves are hard or impossible. To directly bend even leather into a sphere or (irony alert) saddle shape is either very hard or impossible. #2 Lasers fire directly down. If the direction you want is anything but down it will not happen, In a Glowforge you have a half-inch or at best two inches without the crumb tray but the cuttable area is still that half inch. I had some big trays I wanted to engrave the center of but the edges were over that half inch and there was no way to get to that area. if the sides were low enough to get over the center was below the cuttable range. Many other designs needed non-verticle cuts and I ended up doing a lot of sanding. #3 You will still need to finish the piece. If you were using a scroll saw the saw part would be 2/3 of the effort but the rest of a shop would still be needed. The Glowforge replaces the saw very much better than the scroll saw could accomplish, but it replaces only that. #4 Deep relief carving can be amazing and I do a lot of that, but be prepared for 3D printing like timescales. A 3-hour relief carving will usually spend less than a minute cutting. #5 The Glowforge will cut a half-inch but most materials it can cut, cannot be cut if they are a half-inch thick. Maple or walnut can be cut when very thick but many wood species will become Ash (even Ash will become ash) before you can cut all the way through. Some exotics like Zebrawood or some things called mahogany (but not all) though very hard burn very easily and getting through the entire cut without becoming Ash, even in 1/4 inch wood is very hard There is more but that will do for a start.

@SaltMakeCity

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comments. We engrave in leather all the time. You just need to use Honeycomb pins. You can see that in our latest episode (how to laser ALMOST anything). Lasers do fire directly down and mostly that's for saftey, you need to keep the laser light contained. I'd love to see other designs that have that figured out if you have links let us know. to your final point we want to perform a test to see what the laser can actually do!

@jeffburger3686

4 жыл бұрын

I am interested in laser engraving silver and copper coins for logo placement without the need for a space-consuming pneumatic press or a CNC machine. I was told the laser on the Glowforge was not of adequate strength, but there are others that might be?

this is so insanely helpful. it doesn't turn me off from getting a Glowforge, but it does help me feel more prepared before getting one. Thanks so much you guys!

I wanted to add a note; those vinyl record clocks are usually cut out using a water jet cutter rather than a laser cutter when they're automated, but can also be done with a scroll saw if you practice. In case anyone was wondering how that's done.

@SaltMakeCity

3 жыл бұрын

We were absolutely wondering how it was done! We suspected water-jet, but wasn't for sure! Thanks

@gaiustacitus4242

Жыл бұрын

More often they are made with old school coping saws (which have very narrow blades). Power tools aren't the best option for every job.

This is hands down the best info I have seen. There are so many things I never even considered! Thank you so much for putting this together!

Yes I see this a lot in sublimation too! People heating pvc and releasing chlorine gas - but they say “I feel fine” 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ thanks for bringing that up!

Great info! Not even the leather makers out there showing using a glow forge are telling the dirty little MUST KNOW details. You guys rock!

When GF first hit the gofundme scene, I was very impressed, and was considering the passthrough version. I did my research first, a very in depth research in fact because $8K is a LOT of money for a hobby laser. The cloud based functionality was a major turn off for me. I'm in IT, specifically security, and I don't like the Cloud. Ask Capital One why. Aside from that, it has great potential. A few things I discovered after doing research. Laser tubes need to be kept cool for them to last. Overheat a tube and the CO2 mixture loses it 2 part and becomes CO, and no longer functions. I could not find any specs on the GF cooling system, so is it a glass tube, or electronic? Very few lasers use electronic tubes, which have huge heat sinks and fans to keep them cool, Epilog is one of them, and VERY expensive. Replacements are also a LOT more expensive than $499. Try 4-5 times that. Fume Extraction is a big one, which was well covered in this video. In the end I wound up spending about $2500 on a Ebay Chaser(Chinese Laser). It has a 28x20 bed, which is the size I need for the projects I do. It is HUGE, weighs nearly 500 pounds, does not sit on a table, requires a separate water chiller, and a large extraction fan is a must. It is not as super functional as the GF, requires separate software to run it, and separate software to create with. The Laser tube is over-rated, it is sold as 60 Watt, but is actually 50 Watt. These are the things to be aware of when looking at the cheap lasers. They are however upgradable, I can easily go to a 100 Watt tube if I want to. Compared to the GF though, the software and camera system is what makes the GF stand out from all the rest, and if one can afford it, it is a great machine, provided you have Internet. Oh and these DON'T work on dial-up! If you can't afford one, there are alternatives, but Do Your Research first, if you don't you will get burned. One more thing, it was mentioned about baby sitting. Make sure there is a fire extinguisher sitting near the machine and another by the door to the room it is located in, just in case you step away and it goes boom. The one by the door is especially important, because if the machine goes up, you may not be able to reach the one next to it if you had stepped away! Also, if cutting a lot of acrylics, don't use a honeycomb bed, use a steel plate with legs to support the work. What you can't see with the honeycomb is the offgassing when cutting condenses on the honeycomb over time, and that is what will actually start on fire, not the piece you are cutting, but the bed itself. I know, TL;DR Have fun Forging

@SaltMakeCity

4 жыл бұрын

Great comment one of the best we've had thanks!. We love our passthrough...even use it in our latest video! My only issue is the $8000 price tag. It's not quite that unless you add tax? I just priced it, and with the pass-through version and the $1000 filter, and expedited shipping it's still not $8k. That said it's still an expensive investment. You mentioned the IT security side. My day job is actually with an IT software company, and I looked at this with our head of our patching/security solution. The idea of a 45W laser being controlled from the cloud seriously worried him. Once I explained the function of the laser and that it WILL not start unless the physical button is pushed and that the bottom has a mirrored piece of steel on the bottom so the laser can't cut through the bottom, his only concern was the fact that it was potentially an open, potentially unpatched endpoint on the network. Valid concern. Glowforge does a great job of pushing updates through to the machine. So I'm not worried about Patches. However, if you're concerned with it being cloud-based, I do know that there is a project underway to provide a local on-prem solution for the Glowforge.

@acdii

4 жыл бұрын

@@SaltMakeCity Thanks. At the time that I was looking, it was ~$8K after all was said and done with shipping, filter, etc. Price may have dropped a bit since then. I haven't looked since I now have a good working laser setup. I just looked and it has dropped about $1500 for the pro since the last time I had looked, which was when they were first shipping.

@omotolaokunola-umejei5539

4 жыл бұрын

acdii pls can you tell me which lazer you now have and are satisfied with . Thanks

@acdii

4 жыл бұрын

@@omotolaokunola-umejei5539 Yeah, I have one of those 60 Watt 700 x 500 mm (28" x 20") laser engravers from Ebay. It is solidly built, has good guideways, Ruida controller, and a really loud blower. A good chiller, like the CW-5200 is a must if you want the tube to last. Laser, plus residential delivery fee, and the CW-5200, along with some software ran me right around $2500. It is heavy, and it is big. I have it in my basement workshop, and it does disassemble to make it easier to move. Once I got good mirrors and a 2" lens on it, it now cuts really good for what my plans for it are. Do not expect it to have high quality cutting out of the box, it does take time to get everything aligned and set up, and it is also a very good idea to install a milliamp meter on it so the tube doesn't get over driven. These are things you pay the extra for on the GlowForge. The software, good lens and mirrors, and aligned properly out of the box. If you don't think you can do all the fine tuning, and modifications, the Ebay Chaser is not for you, but if you have that ability, and not afraid to wire in the meter, then it's a excellent choice.

@omotolaokunola-umejei5539

4 жыл бұрын

acdii alright. Many thanks for the reply. What do you think about the dremel lazer , the glowforge and the makeblock laser box. Which would you go for of the 3? Thanks

Looking into buying one and I'm so glad I learned that about PVC. Yikes, that was the main material I had questions about. Great video! So helpful and you guys are so easy to listen to!

@SaltMakeCity

4 жыл бұрын

Laurie White so glad you saw this! Yeah you don’t want to make that mistake! There are a few helpful links in the notes of some resources of what to and what not to cut!

Oh my gosh, your video is fabulous! I bought a Glowforge several months ago and am just now getting started with it. I set it up, chose a file, and went to print it and realized, as you stated here, the Glowforge is NOT plug and play! I love all the tips you shared here as well as the links you provided. Thank you so much - this is invaluable for newbies like me!

You are both amazing! Thank you so much for sharing! SAFETY FIRST!!!

Excellent video!! I'm definitely considering getting a Glowforge and all of these are a MUST KNOW! Thanks gents - much appreciated!

Super helpful. Thinking about purchasing a Glowforge so I’m thankful for these tips

Thank you very much for your information about Glowforge. I've been thinking about getting one and these tips are valuable. You are darling and honest, thank you so much.

Thank you SO MUCH for this video. I was considering this product after a KZreadr used it to create something in her video, that I am trying to find a way to do myself, but I was completely clueless. I thank Jesus for getting me to your video and saving me a LOT of headache.

Thanks guys - considering a laser cutter for acrylic projects right now so this was very informative

This was a great top ten. We just ordered a Glowforge, so this video was perfect for us.

@SaltMakeCity

4 жыл бұрын

You're gonna love it! Make sure you watch the video we posted about things you need after the Glowforge!

Thank you for your tips and honesty about the dos and don’ts, they were very informative.

Great info guys, things that the average crafter won’t think about! Thanks

I love the honesty, this was very helpful, thank you

Great video for creators in the researching stages of new stuff! Love it

Thank you. This is helpful. I am saving to purchase a high-end Glowforge product. So, I'm taking the time to gather as much information as possible so that I can get the best out of my purchase, and practice maximum safety at all times. This is exciting technology. I look forward to additional videos on this and similar products.

Nice music. Thanks for the tip. My Glowforge just arrived!

All great and important points for most lasers. Thanks!

Great job on this video guys. I appreciate the links as well. i hope you both have a blessed weekend and I hope you and your families are all staying healthy. Dale

@SaltMakeCity

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!!! You too!

Thank you for the video. I’m thinking of getting a Glowforge to make gifts for friends and family. I really appreciate the insight. As an old Army nerd, I did notice safety was pretty low on your list of things to know. I look forward to making things. Again, thank you for the very informative video.

Love the way you broke it down, the editing and quality so great!! New here just subscribed and looking forward to the next video!

@SaltMakeCity

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the sub! Glad you enjoyed it!

I'm so glad to have found this video pop up on my feed. I am a maker of all sorts of things that I sell on Etsy. Of course, this magical machine is one of the things I want so badly but just can't afford yet. This is one of the best REAL resources out there that tells the truth about some information, that I had to look at from so many other resources, all right here in one video. The noise and ventilation is definitely not transparent in any other video that I've seen. I actually know that it probably would be very inappropriate for my 2nd bedroom condo workspace! I look forward to checking out some of your other videos!

@SaltMakeCity

4 жыл бұрын

That's awesome thank you! Go check out the GlowForge User Group. There are plenty of other Etsy makers in there that have bought lasers and it's quickly paid for itself!

@lauravanhook1987

3 жыл бұрын

i was worried about the noise and smell too living in my condo....my neighbors would probably ask me to move :(

Really appreciate you guys doing this

@SaltMakeCity

4 жыл бұрын

Of course!!

Excellent information that is very much appreciated!! 👍👍👍

Thank you for this very comprehensive video

Terrific video - very informative. Thanks!

I’m considering a glowforge. Thanks for an awesome video.

The best video on KZread! Thanks a lot 🙏

That table is such a good idea, some images on it would be good too

Amazingly good information. Been looking at a Glowforge. this is some good info.

I appreciate the safety info. Thanks!

Very helpful video. Always nice to hear people that enjoy their work. Thank you. i subscribed.

@SaltMakeCity

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the sub! Keep commenting! We look for video ideas from the comments we get. You guys are as much a part of Salt Make City s we are! Without you guys there is no one to share content with!

Wonderful video very informative!! I’m looking into getting one !

I’m getting my Glowforge Monday. I’m going to etch on bar necklaces and cut acrylic.

Excellent video. Great stuff to be mindful of.

@SaltMakeCity

4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! Let us know if there's anything else you'd need!

Cool thanks for the tips! I got a Glowforge and need to set it up soon. I'll keep these tips in mind.

@SaltMakeCity

4 жыл бұрын

Wait you have a Glowforge but haven’t set it up?!?!? How do you sleep at night??? Have fun with it! Once it’s set up you won’t be able to stop using it!

Great information!! I really want a glow forge. But now I need to think about when, how, and where I’ll have it. Thank you.

Great video guys thanks for sharing really helped me be informed about where to start in choosing a laser printer!

Very very good information thank you I no longer want one I have kids around so this tutorial really help me

Thank you. This was very informative.

Very useful video, thank you. I can't afford one yet, but am trying to research to make sure it's what I should get when I finally can make the purchase.

Great video, you guys!

Thank you so much for this video. So many things I didn’t know were addressed here. May need to start out on a baby laser first

Thanks very professional and helpful !

Thanks for the informative video. You should do videos of lasering/“glowforging” different objects like you mentioned such as volcanic rocks, gems, a skateboard etc. it would be interesting to see.

Thanks for sharing this!

@SaltMakeCity

4 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

Thanks for the information!

Very informative, and has given me food for thought. Do you have info comparing these Glow Forge lasers with others? I’m still researching what will be the best machine for me.

Nice job on video. Very Helpful! Thank you!

@SaltMakeCity

4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! Let us know if there's anything else you'd like to see!

I’m adding a laser cutter to my arsenal in about a years time so I’m starting my research. Your video quality is awesome and my! You guys are hot! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥😆

This was a really helpful video. Thanks!

Hi. Great and informative video. You spoke about the in-line fan that you purchased that is much quieter than the one that comes inside of the glow Forge. Yes I understand it’s a 6 inch opening that needs to be brought down to a 4 inch opening, but how do you turn off the fan inside the glow Forge in favor of using this fan? Obviously I haven’t purchased my glow Forge yet Love the idea of making it quieter by purchasing a different fan. Thank you for making these videos and answering comment questions.

Excellent information...thank you

Very helpful! thanks!

Informative.. appreciate you guys

I’m buying this. Thank you!

This is one of the most helpful videos I found on this. Thank you! What would you recommend for under $500 and maybe desktop size?

So cool!! Love the video!

@SaltMakeCity

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!!!

Love this video thanks 😊

Good info. Plus you guys are a nerdy version of Ricky and Julian from trailer park boys! Thanks again for all the great information

Great video thanks guys

Thank you for this, I think Santa might be bringing me a Glowforge for Christmas.

@amybroome9756

3 жыл бұрын

Did he?

@308tostart7

3 жыл бұрын

how good were you?

@TD-en9ve

3 жыл бұрын

@@amybroome9756 yes!

@TD-en9ve

3 жыл бұрын

@@308tostart7 I must’ve been pretty good. I’m the proud owner of a Glowforge Pro

This was absolutely informative...can't believe there's dislikes

Hey guys! Thanks for the good content. I've been doing a bunch of researching online attempting to find a video that shows the glowforge's capabilities with cutting different kinds of hardwood as well as their thicknesses. I want to cut 1/4" perhaps up to 1/2". The online community does have ambiguous answers but I think a video would do this topic justice! How many passes, what kind of wood, wood thickness etc. What's your experience with such things?

I love your logo!

awesome video thank you.

A huge Thank you to you guys. I am still doing my research as to why I want one. At present where I would set it up doesn’t have ventilation so I’m not ready to invest. I am also unsure if I should start with the glowforge aura or go all out and purchase the glowforge pro. Anyway, I am grateful I came across your post because it has stopped me just going out and buying something that I may not have the right environment to use.

Thanks. This was helpful.

@SaltMakeCity

4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! If we can do anything else to help let us know!

Thanks for information, greatly appreciate.

@SaltMakeCity

4 жыл бұрын

Our pleasure!

Great info, fellow youtubers! My kind of content. Subscribed

@SaltMakeCity

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Will do! Can't wait to see what you do to!!

Whew! Thank you!

sooooooo many of my friends on facebook are getting into laser printers...and im intrigued. would love to see you guys do a demo on making your leather tags.. i love them!

@SaltMakeCity

3 жыл бұрын

We'll put it on our list. We

Very informative video!

@SaltMakeCity

4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

You covered good things here, but I think a big question people might ask is what really is the difference between a K40 and a Glowforge or FSL Muse. I just ordered a Glowforge. I have a K40 that I did a lot of work tweaking. All in I have about $1500 in the K40. Started with a good one shipped inside the states, developed a cooling system, added a new brain, installed a amp meter, cut down the exhaust vent to make clearance, bought good software (Lightburn), added air assist, better in line exhaust fan, cable chain, new mirrors and lenses. It isn't a bad machine. It gets the job done. The case leaks like a sieve and no matter what you do, you have to vent the whole room. It isn't the most precise thing in the world, and the work area is functionally like 8 x 10 inches. I have done some cool stuff with it, I made the sea ghost for a D&D campaign in 28mm scale with 4 levels, it went over really well in game. But I did set fire to the thing trying to cut an intricate design for another project. No major damage, but I used to be a firefighter and didn't panic. So there is that. Do not leave these things unattended. This isn't a real comparison of the machines, just a quick take.

@SaltMakeCity

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yeah, we don't' have experience with a K40 or an FSL Muse. Sounds like we made the good call there. You're right though never EVER leave these things unattended! When we had our "meltdown" we were also cutting a rather detailed design, as a cover for my Salt Water Fish Tank.

My family owns a glow forge and a snap maker. The snap maker is cool it 3D prints does Cnc and laser engraving

Very interesting topic and video!! Great editing!

@SaltMakeCity

4 жыл бұрын

We appreciate it!!

Awesome guys! I just subbed! You only 45 away from 1k!🎉🎉

@SaltMakeCity

4 жыл бұрын

So close! Thanks!

Loved your video! I'm in the process of purchasing a glowforge. I wonder if you can explain better how you set up your clouldline fan

Thanks for the great information guys. I'm about to start building my own laser cutter/engraver and I'm doing a lot of planning ahead of time. With regard to ventilation, what setup have you found that works for you to pop a smoke billowing hole in the side of your house :-)? I was originally thinking of putting mine in the basement, but I may be reconsidering that as I'm reading tales of exhaust fans pulling water heater and furnace exhaust back in to the house since the powerful fans create a low pressure zone in the room while they are venting the laser.

very good info thanks

@SaltMakeCity

4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Interesting, thank you guys! :)

@SaltMakeCity

4 жыл бұрын

You are most welcome!

I just want to engrave crystal grids on wood or leather, what's the best laser for this?

Hi, not sure how important this is but your link for the 6" fan actually takes you to the 4" version. I wasn't paying attention to that little fact and ending up buying it. Hopefully it will be adequate :)

Nice Video guys very informative. Rural living has its drawbacks. The internet is very intermittent and weather dependent. I really was considering a glow forge to compliment my camio 3. Cloud storage is regrettably a deal breaker.

Super interesting, and nice job on your editing! New Sub here!

@SaltMakeCity

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Aida! Welcome to Salt Make City

I am so glad I watched your video. I was thinking about joining this community of creaters but I have realized this is not for me. Its a really cool craft and I can see there is a lot of money that could be made. Like anything you have to be knowledgeable about your equipment. There is so much you need to learn that I felt overwhelmed. I wish the best of luck to anyone who wants to invest in this cool equipment. But please make sure you do your research and know what your doing.

Very Good Video

Great honest and well done video. I did have a question. When you connected the in-line fan, did you disconnect the 2 built-in Glowforge fans?

@SaltMakeCity

4 жыл бұрын

Not physically if you watch this video: kzread.info/dash/bejne/rI6NztWfpMTcmsY.html we show exactly what we did including the settings in the software itself that we adjusted to turn off the internal fan.

Thank you for your helpful video. Quick question, the AC Infinity Cloudline fan on the link you provided has a duct of 4". Does that mean you don't need the get the 6" ducting as well as the ducting adapter from 6-4 since glowforge also has 4" ducting?

Beautifully shot video. Actual footage of the GlowForge would have been nice. Like when you talked about the fan sound, a shot of yours running with sound would be helpful.

@SaltMakeCity

4 жыл бұрын

James, yeah, we made up for it in our next video. Thanks for the feedback. We’re still pretty early in this game, and learning.

Beautifully done video! Easy to watch! Good pace! My question is... with the external fan you talk about, can u turn off the GlowForge fan?

@SaltMakeCity

3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely and you should!

Man cool info

Can you provide a demonstration of how you connected the fan and the ducting?

@SaltMakeCity

4 жыл бұрын

This should do the trick kzread.info/dash/bejne/rI6NztWfpMTcmsY.html

This is really an awesome video and extremely helpful. My wife and I have been looking at getting one but she wants to be able to cut and engrave into metal for jewelry. Is this even a possibility with the Glowforge? Ive seen some videos that seem to make it seem possible but I'm not sure.

@SaltMakeCity

4 жыл бұрын

You can absolutely remove coloration from anodized metals, other than that you can use a metal engraving spray to get it to mark metal. We used a laser on a Macbook here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/goaGzsekoqvHXbg.html

Thanks very informative. Do you recommend to setup in a condo unit I am worried about the power source and ventilation.

@SaltMakeCity

4 жыл бұрын

Yes, absolutely, get your concern, power isn't an issue it just plugs into the wall like anything else, no special wiring required. The ventilation...well that could be an issue, you don't want to be smoking your neighbors out, or flooding their house with the acrylic smell!