This was such a wonderfully informative video. Thank you so much for the insight. I look forward to seeing more of your videos about how to use this machine including the process of using my own designs. I've been wanting to purchase a Glowforge since they first came out, but the expense was more than i wanted to take on as a hobby. As soon as i came across the spark pre-order, i jumped on it. Ill be using this as a hobby and also to create gifts for my real estate clients (mostly coasters and keychains).
As far as acrylics, would adding a layer of painters tape help with cutting? Also can this laser score and engrave acrylic inorder to get a frosted look?
For business needs, you will want a larger one. You can definitely start with something like this but be aware it is very slow and you will want to upgrade quickly if you get orders.
Hello! Great video! So I’m a bit confused as to the acrylic portion use for this machine. I know it could engrave but what do you mean when it can’t cut clear? Would it have to be like purple, orange or mirror like?
A diode laser needs a color there in order to cut or engrave. So it works on things like wood because you can't see through it. When it comes to acrylic, you will not be able to do clear and you could struggle with light colors or light blue. Darker colors of acrylic work just fine for both cutting and engraving.
On slate, it basically removes part of the black if that makes sense and it will be white in those areas. It will work the same as the Aura in this video: th-cam.com/video/SO2v-qtwc10/w-d-xo.html
Love!! Can this do pastel acrylics? I really want to do earrings with a laser but none of the smaller ones seem to be able to do it aside from wood earrings.
Just out of curiosity could you put a dark piece of paper or something over a light colored acrylic to make it work or would it only go through one pass and not see the acrylic?
Hello!! Thanks for the video very informative, however I am a little bit confused you list the Acrylic in the list that it can cut and then in the list that can’t cut certain colors. I would love this spark to make an acrylic cake toppers and few other stuff for my brand. Can I use it to cut Acrylic if so what about pink color, gold color white etc?
White is very difficult to try to even etch with a diode laser. I think a co2 laser would be best for that. I've had good success cutting black acrylic on a diode but it took 6 passes on my 20 watt laser. You definitely want to vent it outside. Acrylic stinks a lot when you cut it. You could test different coatings on white acrylic to see what works best such as paint or possibly marking spray.
I thught I saw another video where they said you CAN do a 12" x 12", but you have to do something like put a line - or make a line,, and only do half of the item... then stop, move the wood forward a bit more, then it will do the other half. So - will a 12"x12" piece of wood fit in? I'm curious because aren't most pieces of wood we'd use - or whatever material - normally be 12x12? AND - sorry for more ?s... is there a link to getting the various types of wood you mentioned? I got my pre-order and am anxiously awaiting it's arrival. I was a bit sad to see that the air filter system is nearly as much as the machine itself - so that put it over $1,000. Still... less than the aura/filtration... so... off we go!
12 x 12 will fit. That is what I used. You will not be able to go all the way to the edges in this machine without cutting the material in pieces as you stated. I am using proofgrade material in this video from the Glowforge website.
I have played a bit with it but the issue is the light from a diode laser goes through the material as there is nothing there to stop it. So I haven't had success.
Hi Angie great video as always great instruction and information! Just thought would let you know Joan-ann's has it on for $599 I just check it out, take care hugs liz Liz 😊
Stencil material would be clear so a diode laser would not work with it. Also be careful as most of these may be made from hazardous plastics. Looking and I do see a blue stencil film made for laser cutting. This one may or may not cut it as it is blue and transparent.
Im just about to order my spark and I got a question as far as non proof ready wood. Is it a simple process to use non proof ready wood. Love your videos and all you do
I uploaded one just yesterday. Just click the plus button at the top and you should have an option to add your own image. Or you can always scan something using the camera.
I love your channel, but I think you missed the mark endorsing this machine. It's so slow and wattage so low that they wouldn't even readily list what it is on their site. I'm sorry, but putting a 6 watt laser in a plastic box doesn't make it worth $700. (not on sale...) I mean come on, even cheap $200 printers have 3" digital screens. V
I actually think this is a great product for those that want to give lasers a try but don't want to spend a lot of money until they are sure they will enjoy the craft.
I also have the xTool S1 and while it is a great laser it is way more expensive than this one and I wouldn't say it is compares to this one. This is small, portable, and intended for those just getting started with laser crafting. There is a market for both!
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This was such a wonderfully informative video. Thank you so much for the insight. I look forward to seeing more of your videos about how to use this machine including the process of using my own designs.
I've been wanting to purchase a Glowforge since they first came out, but the expense was more than i wanted to take on as a hobby. As soon as i came across the spark pre-order, i jumped on it. Ill be using this as a hobby and also to create gifts for my real estate clients (mostly coasters and keychains).
This is perfect for that!
Thank you for this video, I just pre-ordered my Glowforge Spark this evening and can't wait to add these projects to my crafting adventure.
I think you will love it!
Thanks for the information, I actually have the XTool M1 but want this machine for smaller projects like earrings etc, I pre ordered yesterday
I just love all your instructions on any unboxing or project. You really have a talent and is appreciated. Thank you. Excellent instructions.❤️
Thanks for watching!
Thank you so much for sharing an affordable alternative to begin Laser Crafting!❤️
Of course!!
Hi Angie, hope all is well. This was very in depth. Thank you so much for sharing. 💚
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you very helpful, I just pre-ordered mine and can't wait to try it!
I hope you love it!
As far as acrylics, would adding a layer of painters tape help with cutting? Also can this laser score and engrave acrylic inorder to get a frosted look?
A layer of tape doesn't really help as the laser beam still does not work with clear. You also cannot score or engrave on clear. Other colors work.
If I’m starting a business on Etsy, do you recommend buying this machine? Or spending more money and getting the bigger one?
For business needs, you will want a larger one. You can definitely start with something like this but be aware it is very slow and you will want to upgrade quickly if you get orders.
More power equals faster cuts and engraving. I suggest checking who is using what machines for their personal laser business.
Do you have video about engraving slate?
It would be the same as for the Aura and I did that here: th-cam.com/video/SO2v-qtwc10/w-d-xo.html
Hello! Great video! So I’m a bit confused as to the acrylic portion use for this machine. I know it could engrave but what do you mean when it can’t cut clear? Would it have to be like purple, orange or mirror like?
A diode laser needs a color there in order to cut or engrave. So it works on things like wood because you can't see through it. When it comes to acrylic, you will not be able to do clear and you could struggle with light colors or light blue. Darker colors of acrylic work just fine for both cutting and engraving.
How does the spark work with slate tile? Wanted to do coasters and is the “engraving” deep or merely etching? Thanks for a great video!
On slate, it basically removes part of the black if that makes sense and it will be white in those areas. It will work the same as the Aura in this video: th-cam.com/video/SO2v-qtwc10/w-d-xo.html
Very cool. Can you engrave on a cutting board? Or does it have to be the size that fits in the bottom well?
You can but it would have to fit in the bottom. It is about 9 x 12 inches so anything smaller than that.
Love!! Can this do pastel acrylics? I really want to do earrings with a laser but none of the smaller ones seem to be able to do it aside from wood earrings.
I have done an aqua on this machine and I have seen a purple that works as well. Really light colors do not seem to do well in my experience.
Just out of curiosity could you put a dark piece of paper or something over a light colored acrylic to make it work or would it only go through one pass and not see the acrylic?
Must you have Internet to use glowforge? Can you use a hotspot with the laptop or a phone?
You do need internet and a laptop or computer. There is no good option for phone.
Hello! I was wondering if you could cart hardboard for sublimation on the spark?
I tested that here: th-cam.com/video/i6p4BYe71nM/w-d-xo.html
I would really like to see a speed comparison between the Aura and the Spark. 😊
Aura is faster - slightly!
@@AngieHoldenI came on here to ask this question. Do you have an actual time difference? Say with that monstera coaster that you made.
Are you able to buy a different ventilation system that works with the machine?
I would only get the ventilation system made for this machine. Any others could be a safety hazard.
@@AngieHolden ok thanks
Great video! If I had the money, I would definitely want yo get this as a fun tool.
It is fun!
Hello!! Thanks for the video very informative, however I am a little bit confused you list the Acrylic in the list that it can cut and then in the list that can’t cut certain colors. I would love this spark to make an acrylic cake toppers and few other stuff for my brand. Can I use it to cut Acrylic if so what about pink color, gold color white etc?
It can cut acrylic but it WILL not do clear. You may also have issues with light colors.
White is very difficult to try to even etch with a diode laser. I think a co2 laser would be best for that. I've had good success cutting black acrylic on a diode but it took 6 passes on my 20 watt laser. You definitely want to vent it outside. Acrylic stinks a lot when you cut it. You could test different coatings on white acrylic to see what works best such as paint or possibly marking spray.
I thught I saw another video where they said you CAN do a 12" x 12", but you have to do something like put a line - or make a line,, and only do half of the item... then stop, move the wood forward a bit more, then it will do the other half. So - will a 12"x12" piece of wood fit in? I'm curious because aren't most pieces of wood we'd use - or whatever material - normally be 12x12? AND - sorry for more ?s... is there a link to getting the various types of wood you mentioned? I got my pre-order and am anxiously awaiting it's arrival. I was a bit sad to see that the air filter system is nearly as much as the machine itself - so that put it over $1,000. Still... less than the aura/filtration... so... off we go!
12 x 12 will fit. That is what I used. You will not be able to go all the way to the edges in this machine without cutting the material in pieces as you stated. I am using proofgrade material in this video from the Glowforge website.
Nice video. How long does it take to cut out an image, also, does the software work on a Mac?
Software does work on a Mac. I am on a Mac in this video. It depends on your image how long it will take!
Can you put a removable coating over light colored material, like acrylic? I'd like to use white acrylic and make my own sublimation blanks.
I have played a bit with it but the issue is the light from a diode laser goes through the material as there is nothing there to stop it. So I haven't had success.
Can the Spark make intricate cuts on card stock ie. snow flakes
It can! You need to play with the settings for paper.
Can you engrave tumblers on the Aura or the Spark?
No. Neither one of these has any attachments that would allow you to do rounded items.
How long would it have taken, in comparison to cutting the coaster with the aura
The Aura would be slightly faster. I did not try sending it to that machine however.
Hi Angie great video as always great instruction and information! Just thought would let you know Joan-ann's has it on for $599 I just check it out, take care hugs liz Liz 😊
I learned that after I filmed the video! But yes you can get it two places now!
@@AngieHolden Thank you!🙂
Will the spark or aura cut out mylar stencils?
Stencil material would be clear so a diode laser would not work with it. Also be careful as most of these may be made from hazardous plastics. Looking and I do see a blue stencil film made for laser cutting. This one may or may not cut it as it is blue and transparent.
can this engrave pencils and pens?
I have seen someone do pencils!
What wwas the complete start to finish time for the coaster you made in the video?
It was the time I showed on the screen of 21 minutes and 52 seconds.
@@AngieHolden i must have missed it. Thank you.
Can you cut your own sublimation earring blanks?
Try this: th-cam.com/video/i6p4BYe71nM/w-d-xo.html
@@AngieHolden that helps but I was curious about the spark cutting the blanks. Thank you! 🫶🏻
Can it cut 1/4 inch walnut?
It can do up to 1/4 inch thick.
Can you engrave a shot glass ?
Not with this type of laser.
Im just about to order my spark and I got a question as far as non proof ready wood. Is it a simple process to use non proof ready wood. Love your videos and all you do
Yep. You just need to either do the settings manually or pick settings for proofgrade and tweak them to work.
Will it be featured on HSN???
Sorry not sure.
Are you only able to use their images
No, you can use any svg file. I’ve downloaded some from Creative Fabrica.
I uploaded one just yesterday. Just click the plus button at the top and you should have an option to add your own image. Or you can always scan something using the camera.
Hello
I love your channel, but I think you missed the mark endorsing this machine. It's so slow and wattage so low that they wouldn't even readily list what it is on their site. I'm sorry, but putting a 6 watt laser in a plastic box doesn't make it worth $700. (not on sale...) I mean come on, even cheap $200 printers have 3" digital screens. V
I actually think this is a great product for those that want to give lasers a try but don't want to spend a lot of money until they are sure they will enjoy the craft.
If you are watching this…. DON’T DO IT! You will be disappointed. Purchase a XTool S1 instead. I have the XTool and they are superior
I also have the xTool S1 and while it is a great laser it is way more expensive than this one and I wouldn't say it is compares to this one. This is small, portable, and intended for those just getting started with laser crafting. There is a market for both!
Sorry not everyone can shell out the money for a xtool. I love my Glowforge Aura and the Spark seems like it will be more affordable for hobbyists.
I can’t even believe GF came out with another machine after the Aura has been such a debacle.🤦🏼♀️
The Aura is so slow, I can’t believe they made a product that is even slower.
It is slow but not that much slower than the Aura.
Can you engrave say a MacBook lid, with a phrase?
To be honest, I am scared to try anything so expensive. Maybe I will be brave one day!
I bought the Aura and a huge disappointment, nothing but problems.
Try contacting Glowforge as it is probably still under warranty.
My spark doesn't even work, and I have never used it
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