$4000 cheaper than Glowforge AND better? OMTech Polar Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 มิ.ย. 2024
- OMTech just came out with their latest desktop CO2 laser, the Polar. Let's see how this stacks up against the competition like Glowforge and the Gweike Cloud!
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LASERS MENTIONED (affiliate)
OMTech Polar - geni.us/omtechpolar?track=yt-...
OM Tech 60W - geni.us/pNBZ?track=yt-15b3sLZ...
Gweike Cloud - geni.us/gweikecloud?track=yt-...
xTool D1 Pro - geni.us/xtool_d1_pro?track=yt...
Glowforge - geni.us/KrbIO?track=yt-15b3sL...
My Lightburn Course for OMTech Lasers - geni.us/lightburn-omtech
00:00 - Intro
00:19 - Polar Specs
00:52 - The competition
01:17 - Price
01:47 - Power
02:05 - Speed
02:46 - Workarea
03:57 - Software
05:12 - Learn Lightburn
05:42 - Company
06:33 - Extras
08:29 - My Recommendation
10:03 - CO2 vs Diode Laser - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
I’ll be purchasing a laser next year and your videos have been invaluable; definitely will sign up for one of your classes once I get it in my shop!
Awesome, glad they help!
Thank you for always updating us on these machines. They are extremely helpful and I have started my personalization business with lots of help from you to picking my first machine.
Thank you! I was looking to upgrade from a diode laser but space is limited so the big OMTech was out of the question. I was just about to buy a glowforge basic and after seeing this video I placed my order for the polar pre-sale!!! I had no idea they made a desktop version. I used your link, I hope you get affiliate credit!
Oh awesome, it’s brand new so that’s why you probably hadn’t seen it before. Your going to love it!
Thank you for this. I own a diode (M1) and I want to upgrade. I’ve been on the fence between polar, gweike and a Mira. I don’t want a Glowforge (nightmare) as several people I know have one and they told me don’t get one. I am patiently waiting for my polar, just purchased. Look forward to learning more from your videos!
Great viddy! Man. Hard to see how Gf can keep their prices that high. Especially with sandboxed software.
My heart still wants that big 60w one.
Will you do a video showing the Polar, or Gweike passthrough in use.
Great review, thanks for your research!
Glad you enjoyed it!
The multiverse thing...FANTASTIC. 👏
Awesome stuff man!
I used your link to purchase my polar today!
i use the Honey extension on my desktop, and when i put your code in my order i added it to Honey so now it will automatically add it to peoples carts when they use the extension for coupons 🙌
Pretty good, I started with glow forge now I have omtech and glowforge is really easy if you don't know anything but def omtech is amazing !!!! I love the omtech and light burn!
I got a glowforge basic back when they were $2k. I love it, and use it semi-regularly as a hobbyist. I will say that since seeing them introduce the subscription service and push it so hard, I've had the constant sneaking worry that one day they'll try and lock all function of my glowforge behind a paywall, but so far they haven't done that. I only ever upload designs so I have no need for the subscription. If they ever do decide to brick it for a subscription (or go under and their webclient ceases to be), I'll look at other companies, but I can't afford to upgrade as long as I've got a working laser already.
Despite my overall very positive experience with glowforge, I don't think I'd recommend them to someone now, when you can get a more powerful laser that can run in house software for less money. When it was 2k, it was also one of the only really user friendly lasers on the market, and one of the cheapest lasers. At twice the price, and still locked into glowforge's online software, I just don't see why anyone would pick it over a competitor.
I remember hearing that a few years ago Glowforge did have plans to have everything behind a pay wall but when enough people found out they went (rightfully so) ballistic and the plans were changed. Dunno if it's true, came from someone who was very VERY deep in the laser world
Subscription is a hard NO!
What laser/printer would you suggest to make jewelry?
Is there any possibility you could do a comparison and overall review on a Omtech 2440 and anything that is comparable to it like the thunder or whatever else? I am going to the ISA Expo in Vegas in April and will be purchasing something.
Great video! Would any of these machines be appropriate for cutting thin aluminum sheets? Or what would you recommend for that? Thanks!
I love the Polar. I've had mine about 2 weeks now and use it daily for DIY kits. Thanks for the comparison.
Can it cut clear acrylic?
Hi, what laser setup would be best for table top coaster making ? Using tile, wood, cork cloth and so on. I just want to focus on coaster making only. Thanks.
And you videos are great.
You are a GREAT guy! Thanks very much!!!
Just discovered your channel. Mark me as a new subscriber. Some great content here. Also couldn't help noticing your shirt... You must be from my neck of the "woods." Cheers!
We have a glowforge midrange machine. Had it for a year running full time. It started having problems. Couldn't get any support from glowforge. It's our business so we bought another to use while the other gets fixed & can be used as a back up. My son basically started just replacing parts & the carriage turned out to be the problem. We had the new machine for 2 months. Nothing but problems with it. It wouldn't cut on normal settings. It also would start randomly not cutting or excessively burning on higher settings. Finally glowforge sent a "referbished" replacement for our brand new 5000$ machine. The refer machine showed up with cooling liguid leaked all over. Tried running the machine at glowforge support request & the entire laser arm is off center running crooked & is completely noisy because the track wheels are worn.
I highly recommend no one buy a glowforge. Their customer service sucks & there is zero product support. Their poor business model is a devistating model for your business if you are trying to run 9ne with glowforge.
@makeorbreakshop Just wondering if you can fit a piece of material that is 12x12 on the Polar's cutting bed? I realize that the cutting area is 11.8 or something like that but can you still fit a 12x12 inch piece of material flat on the cutting surface? Also would this be able to cut 6mm Acrylic on a regular basis?
Thanks again for all the great videos.
Hey! What desktop laser cutting machines would you recommend for cutting sheet metal? Or have you done a video on this already, hoping you can help! :)
My wife recently went from a Glowforge Plus to a Thunder 100w Nova 51. She’s doing ok with the transition to light burn but still having trouble using the rotary attachment. Any recommendations or tips I can pass along to her?
Great info!
Glad it was helpful!
Can you make a video of the speed of the polar for leather patch engraving and cutting?
Do you have a teaser/ overview video of the content I will learn from your omtech/lightburn course? Im very interested in purchasing this, I would like to know more. Thanks!
have been considering this machine for a while
Seems that the Polar's biggest drawbacks are the heights you can engrave both flat and with the rotary. Flat is .66 inch with tray and 2" without the tray and the rotary is 1.18 to 2.91 inch. Don't know many shot glasses or glasses that small.
Love your videos...so thanks for them 👍 Have you had any experience with the Gweike RF desktop laser? I currently own the Ortur LM2 Pro & use it mainly for engraving ceramic tiles & slate. I would like an upgrade in speed 🤔
The RF actually just got delivered to my shop last week. Planning to get a review out on it before the end of the year. But just looking at the specs the speed your able to get from the better motors on a metal tube laser look awesome!
@@makeorbreakshop thank you for replying, I'll look forward to your review 😊
@@makeorbreakshop cant wait for the RF review
@@makeorbreakshop Hi...have you received your RF machine yet? If so, how does it compare to the 50w glass tube?
Question, I plan on reproducing old RC airplane kits, which machine do you recommend? Space is not an issue. Looking at the 60w one with the manual z axis…🤔🤔🤔
Good video, 1st one I’ve seen on your channel 🤘🏻
How do the three CO2 machines you mentioned fare when compared for noise output? The 60 watt machine in your video, is the $530 chiller that they sell with it worth the money? I am looking to move up to a CO2 laser from Diode lasers, what sort of things am I going to have to adjust my mind to when doing so? What important practices are more important with one than the other? And is there any sort of rotary tool that works with the 60W Floor model?
I've looked at Glowforge but I refuse to buy it due to the online service requirement. I'm tired of the trend of subscription services to use hardware and the amount of e-Waste it creates when they go out of business. Thanks for showing some alternatives.
i love omt tec ! I HAVE the k40 and now they go desktop !! soo cool need this one directly ordered 1 greets from germany.. i did not bought the glow force because of the not opensource software and the complications. i just need lightburn thats it freedom is important.
I just bought a Gweike (comes in 3 days!) after seeing your video reviewing it. Now I see this one and feel I should have went with an OMTech Polar..
Both a pretty similar so I think you'll be set either way!
Hey! Just used your affiliate code and bought the 80w Omtech! Thanks for making content like this you really made it easier to narrow it down which one is for me and my new business.
Oh awesome! Hope it works out for you
I know this is kinda off the beating path - but since you briefly featured your MF2028-60, do you happen to have any data on that machine's precision? @omtechlaser doesn't publish it, and I've been trying to get an answer from them for a week or so now. Kinda concerning that this isn't readily available from them.
I have a K40, and they actually do publish a 0.010" precision rating for that machine, but nothing for the 55 or 60W machines. Anyways - figured I'd ask you because you've been using OMTech for a while. Thanks MOBS!
Just staring at that jacket collar the whole video 😂 thanks for the info tho!
Will the polar work well with material that isn’t level? You mentioned about the auto focusing with the rock but would it truly be an issue in most circumstances?
You said you use the tracing feature of the laser itself. What does that mean? Just laying out the work piece to cut out with the outline of the work?
I just built my own laser. It’s bigger and faster with 120 watt co2 and was $4000 Canadian dollars all said. Put many many hours on the machine and it’s been awesome.
Custom builds are awesome for what you can get for the money!
Hey, I was just on your website trying to find the laser test file download. I eventually found it (great tool, thank you so much) but it took a bit of surfing around until I found it in one your review pages. I understand why you would have it embedded in a review, logically it makes sense in that spot and it also drives more clicks around your site, but could you add a link under one of the resources? Or add a new resource for utilities that has the test file and other useful utils? That would be awesome.
Great point, will do!
I got an AF-2028, 60W (the red one) and I am waiting for my ventilation supplies so I can set it up. What differences can I expect between the AF-2028 I got and the MF-2028 unit you're showing here?
What laser would you recommend to cut out leather patches for hats? Not for hobby, but for production.
10:52 you should mention that co2 laser beams are actually a little more dangerous that diode lasers because you can't see the co2 laser beam so you will have no blink reflex if it hits you in the eye, you need eye protection for any laser, not just with led
We're currently running an x20 pro and x30 pro for anodized aluminum membership cards, fully calibrated as fast as we can run its taking 3 hours for 40 cards. Seriously considering the omtech sitting in the floor in this video. Would you recommend?
Hi,
I am new to the laser world and am looking for a cheap laser engraver for 3mm mirror acrylic mainly, will the on tech 40w desktop laser work/ I will be creating small items for projects.
Appreciate any advice you can give.
Thanks
Hello! Would you know if Omtech has a trade-in/buy back program? For people who wants to buy a smaller OMtech machine but eventually want to upgrade?
Can these machines engrave tumblers? Glass mugs? Ceramic mugs? Thanks in advance 😊
I went to the omtech website and after choosing the Af2820-60 it is wanting be to also purchase 2 different water chillers, an inline duct fan, a 4 wheel rotary axis, as well as software and training. I probably need the software and training, maybe not the rotary axis yet, but do I need 1 or both of the chillers and the fan? Also your promo code didn't work for me, not sure if it's too old or because I'm in Canada.
Hi. Are you able to print on paper, metal or jewelries with this machine? Thank you
The Polar product page says it does have autofocus. You say it doesn't at 7:00. Can you clarify?
I would like to buy my first laser machine a OMtech MF 1220 -50R 50W but I’m scared how to handle the area to cut if there’s no camera to see where to put the design I want to cut in a piece of material that I already been using but still has space to use it.
@Brandon, xtool d1 pro 40w, Longer Ray5 20w or Omtech polar 50w? if money isn't an issue!
I am new to this and really want to get a machine, but I'm confused on what to choose.
Starter-question: Where is the main difference between LED- and CO2-laser in possible material or thickness?
Exacly how compatible is the Polar with Lightburn? Are you able to use ALL of the Polar's features with Lightburn, or only some of the features? Such as the camera, auto focus etc?
Asking because I just got the Xtool P2 that claims to be compatible with Lightburn, and yes, it sort of is, however its VERY limited. Cant use cameras, no auto focus and I have to manually put in stats of my cut material each time. It sucks. Pretty much have to use the Xtool software which is nowhere near as good as Lightburn! I'm considering getting the Polar instead.
Can you engrave tumblers like Yeti with the OMTECh?
I would love a CO2 desktop laser primarily for cutting acrylics (though I’d love to do some wood projects as well). The price point of the Polar is appealing but I am also looking at the Full Spectrun Muse 3D-could you compare the too? What makes the Muse 3D worth so much more? Is it really an overall better investment?
My whole lean is the acrylics aswell
How would you compare the Polar to the Gweike RF laser system. I am interested in your thoughts about comparing the 50W DC to the 38W RF laser source. Looing at quality of the laser, speed of cutting/engraving a quality of the engraved product.
Coming very very soon ;)
I may have missed it in the video but the Diode and CO2 are different wavelengths and burn different materials, not just power concerns.
Thanks for the review, I’m thinking of purchasing one in the future. Do you know if the Omtech 60W machine is able to cut clear or frosted acrylic?
Depends on the thickness, but these CO2 machines shouldn't have a problem with acrylics of reasonable thicknesses, like diode ones have. Its not about the power, but absorbtion spectrum of acrylics, which works better with CO2 wavelength.
@@ayasugihada thank you
I remember how I bought the cheapest CNC2418 from Alibaba... came with a drill and a laser... I basically drilled and lasered everything... my neighbours happened to be on a holiday... else I would have drilled and lasered them too. Where is the laser tattoo robot booth? Since the 90ties people love piercings and brandings and tattoos... Let's have a Kickstarter for that.
I've been trying to find a laser engraver with an auto focus Z adjustment. I've watched a ton of your videos and they are very informative! I've heard you mention in a few of them that it is possible to get the auto focus on the Z, but the only laser I've heard you say that supports this is the Glowforge. I am not really a big fan of the glowforge due to the price and the monthly subscription... ridiculous! But I'd really appreciate it if you could point me in a the direction of an autofocusing laser! I'm wondering because one of the main products I currently produce is full of 3D contours that I think would look incredible with engravings on them.
Is the customer service based in the United States? Currently have an XTool and their customer service is not great.
Does any one know what the laser eye safety protocol should be for the OMTech Polar vs the 60W? It looks like the 60W has laser safety glass on top while the Polar has clear glass. I assume the clear glass will pass reflected laser light. Does that means that one would have to wear safety glasses when in the room with the Polar but not the 60W?
I want to get a laser but dont know what to go with. I know that for now i dont want a diode laser cause of living situation. I am torn between polar and the g cloud. Would like to get thoughts?
Okay so OMTECH polar or G-machine overall? I know polar is brand new so that worries me but I do like US based.
Great breakdown. Is the working area deep enough for Yeti tumblers on the polar? I see the rotary but it doesn’t look very deep.
Heard someone say you have to life it up a bit. These desktop laser all have two things in common, they always charge $$$ than a similar watt laser and they barely can fit a tumbler without modification. Not worth the $$$
@@7stitches977 more than a bit. 1.18 in to 2.91 in for it with the rotary.
Are you still recommending the polar? I watched the video but noticed that it is over a year old. Looking to add a Co2 desktop laser to my shop.
how did you make those multiverse pictures of you?
Would this machine die cut through .035” HDPE? Or is there something else on the market that would better suit what I’m needing?
I have a glowforge. I would never recommend a glowforge because I own a glowforge. I want to get rid of my glowforge and get a "real" laser cutter and not a laser "printer".
Sell it ASAP, thats what I did
Man I’m with you! Its sooo frustrating and to inclusive
Or is it exclusive
So true! Glowforge is just a money whore! Spent way too much money for way too little support and equipment that is crap. Honestly.
How much you want for it?
Any idea if this engraves paper as well as the Glowforge?
What if I want to cut out profiles on brushes metal. What machine do I need?
Is there a pass through option on the desktop?
Very pleasing to hear of your generosity toward your local school. However, given Glowforge's online-only pay monthly subscription model, I'm not too sure you've done them any favors.
You can still use the machine without the subscription, you just use other free software to create it.
Would you use this to engrave the back case of a watch?
What about the pass through option?
Idk if I should get the g machine or the omtech polar
Is this only for printing in black and white?
Many of us have the glowforge because were able to run them in the kitchen and vent out the window and it somewhat quiet once you get an external fan , what can be expected on this , can I turn off the internal fan an use a more quiet one. ???
*i'm only four minutes into this but would like to know how noisy are these machines?...i've noticed that the reviews i've seen of these are typically silent which tells me that noise could be an issue...i'm also surmising there is a substantial ventilation and filtration/catalytic system to deal with the smoke and vapors from these while in operation...make no mistake, this is not a criticism as i could really use one of these for my long list of maker projects and design concepts...it just seems that it should be mentioned at least once*
I just got mine in yesterday. I have everything hooked up but it still doesn't work. I can get it to frame but once I hit the start button, I get a red ring on the polar. Any ideas?
Which one is the best for glass engraving?
Super helpful. I do have the middle of the road Glowforge. Super glad I got it. Very happy with it. But I’m looking to get a second laser. And Omtech was what I almost got the first go round. Where I work they are also wanting to incorporate some laser work and maybe the Polar would be a good option. Either that… or my Glowforge will go there and I’ll get a larger laser for home. LOL. Either way… thanks for the review.
Sounds like good options to have!
What is bench you have the polar on?
Can I use the AF2028-80 by OMTECH to do 3D engraving?
Can the omtech polar cut 1/4 acrylic?
I'm looking at the Gweike Cloud Pro vs the OMTech 70W CO2 16x30 with autofocus..... both seem to be about the same price although the OMTech is much bigger. Other than the size, is there any reason not to get the OMTech?? Also the Gweike Cloud Pro says it does 3D... do you think the OMTech does also??? Hey, great vids!!! Thanks much....
When they say 3D I think they are meaning that the z-axis will focus. In that case both machines will do that. If size isn't an issue then I would go 70W for the increase wattage and work area.
Have you checked out the XTool M1? It seems like it sort of bridges the gap between typical diode and CO2 laser desktop units. You know more about lasers than most people (I suspect) so I'd be interested to hear your thoughts about it.
Yep! Got a review on my channel about it. The M1 is basically a diode laser and vinyl cutter put together.
@@makeorbreakshop D'oh! Sorry, it was late over here when I wrote that - didn't spot your video on it.
@@makeorbreakshop Given that it now has an air assist and a riser packaged with it, it would appear to be a pretty good option (I was originally saving up for a Gweike Cloud or RF) - have they added Lightburn support to the M1 yet?
How much space do you have when you remove the tray (or can you also move the floor?) and want to do bigger objects or use the rotary with large cups? Can risers be used?
I was just watching a video from "Kim and Garrett make it" and they did a tumbler (really wanted to see the roller attachment in use). There appears to be an opening in the bottom of the unit where you set the roller attachment (it comes with a large and small one). From what they said (or posted), they did one where they put the feet on risers.
Can anyone help me out here.. what I'm really after is a absolutely bare-bones entry level laser welder. Not hand held but CNC type (It's only one job to do - welding two small parts together). I'm not fussed about speed and the weld doesn't need to be deep (1 mm or so). What's the lowest possible power?
Does a "cutter" with a 50W laser have the power to weld with, if retrofitted (with gas)?
I think there is a lot of nuance in getting the right laser cutter. The Polar looks like an interesting machine and I might be interested if I was getting something for my house. I'm a teacher and the Glowforge works best for my classroom. The footprint is just right for the classroom (looks similar to the Polar). The web interface is a selling point, allowing us to manage multiple users easily and not worry about software. I only use the interface to set up my cuts, where the camera is very useful. Everything else is done in Illustrator, Inkscape, or Vectornator. The subscription is completely optional and unnecessary. Respectfully, the review makes it sound almost required - that is simply incorrect. I have 5 Glowforges (the plus model). They are used constantly, the oldest being 3 years old, and I have never had a serious problem with any of them. Support was quick and helpful when an issue did present itself, the GF was cutting again by the end of the day. It is a no fuss machine - and that is what I need when working with 100 students each quarter. If I were buying a hobby machine I would have different requirements, but the Glowforge is pretty awesome for us. Just wanted to provide a different perspective/experience.
The other thing is that he said you have to look at the GF Pro to compare it to the Polar and the Pro has a pass through to do unlimited length.
Great points! I need to do a better job describing what you get with the free software, if your doing your designs in another program than it’s totally doable! I actually just donated my Glowforge to a local school for the exact reasons you outlined. Very easy to use, safe, and normally it just works without much fuss.
I have the Glowforge Pro and I don't like it. The proprietary interface (you can not use any other interface with it) is limiting and inferior to what I had with my Universal M-300 (which let you use Coreldraw direct printing). The old M-300 worked for around 15 years and is now defunct. THe Glowforge is the only one I have now and is expensive ($7000), does not accept COreldraw desings directly (you have to export them from Corel as SVG images), and the air exhaust is very weak causing a lot of hassle with smoke damage to the finished pieces, and if your internet connection ever goes down, you're dead, as you cannot operate your Glowforge without it! Also, Glowforge does NOT have a repeat this cut feature. You always have to resubmit it to their cloud, have them recompute it and resend it to the Glowforge again. A real P-I-T-A. I am looking at getting the Omtech Polar as a replacement for the Glowforge so I can get back to normal laser cuttting operations. This is my humble opinion. Cheers.
You might not read this comment, but if it would come down to your own money, and not public funding (which I guess the glowforge is paid for), would you then still use the glowforge? asking out of curiousity, since I recently came into similar situation, I opted for open source and cheaper, sacrificing some ease of use, but opening more options for everyone in the end.
Hello. How long does a laser tube last? Let's say you're producing 500 ornaments per week.
This is exciting but can you show if it has a full pass thru (the gweike cloud does not) and how a rotary will work? I felt like the gweike cloud was going to make it impossible to engrave tumblers as such. I love my China 50W laser but it has a lot of modifications done to it so it is less user friendly.
No passthrough at all. The max width is right at 20" and depth about 12". The front tray comes out but has an interlock. You *could* (not recommended for most people) disable the interlock in the vendor settings to enable use of longer material, but since it isn't a full passthrough, you'd be limited on where on the material you could mark/cut anyway.
Still a decent machine for its purpose. With the honeycomb tray (which is aluminum, by the way, so no magnet use for holding material down), the max height material you can use .59 inches. For cutting, you certainly want to use the honeycomb. You can engrave thicker items, I think up to about 2" if you take out the honeycomb. I did so tonight so that I could engrave my logo on some 3/4" thick hardwoods.
I was just watching a video from "Kim and Garrett make it" and they did a tumbler (really wanted to see the roller attachment in use). There appears to be an opening in the bottom of the unit where you set the roller attachment (it comes with a large and small one). From what they said (or posted), they did one where they put the feet on risers. So, in theory, if your item will fit in the hole, you can probably raise the machine high enough to accommodate it.
@@oldNavyJZ What doesn't have a pass through? The omtech says it has a Back Pass-Through Door Height
0.3 in. (7 mm)
hope you can answer this question? If you have an object that wont fit inside...like a wood wine box.....can you lift the machine and place the object under? You mentioned width and depth but not height? thanks in advance!
found the answer - thx
I am completely new to this so forgive my ignorance. Would any of those machines work for cutting fabric to make a ski jacket? If not what should I look for?
As long as its pvc (and a few other things free, a co2 laser will be ideal)
Can the Polar engrave on 2" thick material?
So can you not engrave an uneven surface like a rock with the OmTech polar? I wasn't quite sure if i missed what you are saying about auto focus...
The website says: "AUTOFOCUS LASER HEAD"
Is this louder than a glowforge when it running , with an external fan ?
I'm curious how big of a tumbler you can do with this on the rotary. Trying to find videos with the G machine all you see is people using some dowel rods in it but not really showing useful product in the rotary. I like the idea of polar as it'll be easier to get into my basement but I'm wondering if I wanna limit myself or just go with the bigger blue machine you have to the right and make my garage be the new shop area. Think it'd be hard to get that big machine into the basement
Great question, it's going to be pretty tight. I'm planning to do a follow up video on the rotary specifically since I didn't get a chance to really test it in this video.
I was just watching a video from "Kim and Garrett make it" and they did a tumbler (really wanted to see the roller attachment in use). There appears to be an opening in the bottom of the unit where you set the roller attachment (it comes with a large and small one). From what they said (or posted), they did one where they put the feet on risers.
@@ImaginationDesign I ended up going with the Omtech 80W red and black so I don't have to worry about depth and have more options