If you are in the crafting and makers world, you have probably heard of a Glowforge. I am so excited to share what I have learned so far about this machine. If you have been thinking about making the plunge, make sure to keep reading to see if this is the right purchase for you!

1. It’s big

The Glowforge measures about 3’x2′. Although it is relatively small for a laser cutter and engraver, it is still big especially if you are limited on space. If you plan on using multiple products to cut and engrave, you will definitely need a good organization system. Even though it’s big, it has been more than worth it to make some room in my craft space.

2. The basic model does the same functions as the pro

I was originally set on purchasing a Glowforge Pro, but I’m thankful that I didn’t. For now, the Glowforge Basic is a perfect model for my business. It will give me time to expand my current products, without making such a big purchase. I would say the biggest difference between the Basic model and the Pro is the material size it can cut. I love that the Glowforge Pro has a passthrough option for larger products, but right now I don’t need that feature. The Pro also has higher power and a faster speed. But other than that, it functions the same. 

3.

You can make payments on the Glowforge

The Glowforge can feel like a big purchase. It’s nice that the company offers an option to make payments. If price is an issue, I would definitely look into financing! 

4.You will receive a referral code to offer money off for other customers

Once you make the purchase, Glowforge gives you a referral code that gives other customers a chance to get money off. If someone uses your referral code then you also get money depending on which model they choose. 

5. You can use the Glowforge indoors

Since I have little kids, I have to do almost all of my crafting inside. It’s hard for me to get outside to work on projects. I love that this machine can be ran inside which lets me work while I’m home. However, you do need to have good ventilation for your Glowforge because it expels a lot of fumes. This machine is also loud. I would compare it to running a hair dryer. 

6. There are many items to cut and engrave

There are so many items that the Glowforge can cut and engrave. However, there are some limitations. It can only cut materials up to 2″ in height, and there are many materials that are not compatible. If you are wanting this for your business, you will definitely need to do some research on if your projects will work.   

7. It’s helpful to know what a vector file is

Although it’s not necessary, it will be helpful to know what a vector file is. The Glowforge can take JPG, PNG, SVG, and PDF files. I have been the most successful in cutting a design creating files with Adobe Illustrator. On Adobe Illustrator I can make files into an SVG. A program like Adobe Illustrator can take a good amount of time to learn, but it has been more than worth it for me to understand and learn about vector files. 

8. There will be a learning curve

Glowforge has proofgrade materials that you can purchase and they already have the cut and engraving settings figured out. If you are like me, then you probably won’t be purchasing many of these materials. That means that you will have to adjust setting to figure out depths for cutting and engraving for your personal materials. Luckily, there are free projects and forums where you can read about how other people have adjusted settings. If you are used to using a Cricut and being able to look up anything you need to know, this will not be the case with the Glowforge. It is gaining more popularity, but there is limited information on the internet. 

9. It will elevate your business

My business specializes in home decor wood signs. I used to only paint them, but over the last year the market has started to change. Having a Glowforge has already changed my business for the better and has helped me expand the products I am able to sell. I am so excited to see what it will do for my business this coming year. 

10. You need internet access to print on the Glowforge. 

In order to use the Glowforge, your computer needs to be connected to the internet. You will upload your files onto the Glowforge website and it must be connected to WiFi and will cut from there. Sometimes I have connection issues with my WiFi, so I have to really pay attention to it. I haven’t had any problems with my cuts so far due to internet issues, but I am worried that it may happen in the future. 

 Here is the first project I made with my Glowforge! 

Even though there are limitations to the Glowforge, there are so many advantages to adding one to your business. It feels like the projects are endless, you just have to be willing to learn and use your creative skills! I am so excited to continue to learn more about the Glowforge. Make sure to subscribe so you can keep up to date on fun projects! 

Interested in getting a Glowforge? If you use this link, you will get a discount and I will get a compensation at no cost to you. 

Already have a Glowforge? Check out this tutorial on the awesome table I made for my Glowforge and Cricut!