Glowforge Aura: glowforge.com/aura/main Disclosure: this product was sent to us by the manufacturer for purposes of review. Laser cut designs shown: Cola sign: www.designsbyphil.com/glowforge.html California state sign: omtechlaser.com/collections/diy-craft-kits/products/state-series-california-diy-css Puppy brooch: www.thingiverse.com/thing:1128752 Astronauts, crow, and landscapes: www.thingiverse.com/mishkin2/designs
so a laser cutter that doesn't do anything particularly well , uses proprietary web based software doesn't appear that great to me unless you are really into glowforge.
I agree. I wish Tested would take a look at some of the competition. Elegoo recently expanded from 3D printing to also have a laser cutter, and it seems like a much better value.
@@SardiPax we considered glowforge years ago at a side business for an automated engraving process. Decided not solely due to the always online cloud requirements
6w? Wow is that weak. My 20w output Comgrow (diode) outperforms this at half price and includes air assist, honeycomb, filtered exhaust, cover, etc. also. Look at other products, like XTools, longer, or run the risk of irrelevant. At 12x12 is also crazy small. Most other models seem to start at 15x15 and with off shelf extruded aluminum, gantry can be greatly enlarged - just need to extend any cord or tube
yeah i preordered the 20w elegoo phecta and it was 40% off so very cheap. with air assist, honeycomb and filters, and a rotary. almost as much as glowforge air filter alone.
I used to work at Full Spectrum. I’m absolutely blown away they’re still in business either from the owners inability to run the company or the sheer number of active lawsuits.
Not only is the glowforge outrageously overpriced, the fact that you have to send your project through their "cloud based" server that then sends it back to your(?) cutter is absurd. Not only does that mean that everything you do goes through a third party (umm... privacy, anyone?) but it also means that if there is a server outage, you aren't using your(?) cutter. Plus, WHEN the server goes dark - and make no mistake, it WILL eventually go dark - you now own a $1200 paper weight. I'm going to stick to my AtomStack laser engraver that sells for a fraction of the cost; where I actually OWN the hardware that I purchase; that runs on local side software; where my work remains under my control at all time. I'm at least glad to see that it's now called a "cutter/engraver" as opposed to their original designation of their machines as "laser printers." 🙄
Okay, but to make the atomstack fully enclosed and office safe you're spending way more than this, for what? The ability to cut thicker materials and have to worry about way more maintenance. Nevermind the total lack of optical alignment and so on.
@@SK83RJOSH Please... explain. Why is there "way more maintenance" on my Atomstack? Both are diode lasers, so the maintenance would be exactly the same. I don't think that the Atomstack I was talking about here can actually cut thicker materials because it's a 5watt as well, but my other Atomstack can because it's a 20 watt, but still a diode laser (and STILL cheaper than the glowforge's 6 watt aura), so... again, the exact same maintenance. "...total lack of optical alignment..." What are you even talking about? Again... same diode laser modules so the same "optical alignment," whatever that means in this case. As for the enclosure and "office safe..." just a quick search and the first "office safe enclosure" I found is under $200 (and I am sure there are cheaper options, but..) so add that to the $400-500 for the laser itself and we are still at least $300 cheaper than the $1000 for the glowforge. And that still doesn't address the privacy issues or the dependence on a third party server that will render the glowforge a paperweight WHEN it goes dark or even when there is no internet connection. If you like the glowforge, great... go for it. People like you keep them in business. But please do not try and act like the glowforge is superior in any way. At the very LEAST, it is comparable to other, cheaper, options. But given the other aforementioned issues... 🤷♂ but you do you.
Are there any similar products that do not rely on or require a cloud connection? It's a pet hate of mine that kit like this forces a dependency on both internet and 3rd party server connectivity to function, especially when there are often no good technical reasons to do so.
Yes, plenty. The Roly Automation Lasermatic is cheaper and extremely well designed for a diode laser. It's 10W (optical power) but they are coming out with 20W and 30W versions later this year. Best used with Lightburn software (not free but worth the relatively minimal licence cost). Get the Lasermatic version that includes the enclosure. EDIT: also the technical support is outstanding.
xTool M1 is fully enclosed and while the software is proprietary, it doesn't require an Internet connection (or even WiFi, you can use an USB cable) to work.
give elegoo 2 years and they will dial in their lasercutters to be 100% better and 70% cheaper than this. I like glowforge, but damn that pricetag for a 6watt laser is crazy
Elegoo makes damn good products. My first printer was the Neptune 3 Plus and I haven't had any major problems at all. I plan on getting a resin printer from them too.
They already better and cheaper only reason I want a Glowforge is Co2 so I saw they had a new 1200 buck model had to search for a review. I got nicer set up strapping a 10wat to an old ender 3 lol I mean come on I just used my comgrow encloser for it and used dryer hose and a duct fan to blow the fumes out an AC unit window exhaust. Then 130 for a new filters holy crap this thing is just a rip off every wich way I mean I could maybe say filtration would be nice, but I can get a filtration system and nicer desktop laser and enclosure for this price and still have money left over
More companies will push it soon enough, all for profits and data control. Many believe cloud is the future, I believe it too but for other reasons: total corporate control.
No power button is an instant "never buying that". Restricted to proprietary web software is an instant "never buying that." It's slower, more expensive, and less functional than other laser cutters. This is ensh*ttification in action.
You should test the new XTool P2 next and maybe do a side by side comparison to the Glow Forge. I'm curious which is better, since they're close on capabilities, but the XTool is a bit less expensive.
Norm mentioned a vinyl cutter; I just looked it up and this can cut vinyl transfers as long as its rated for lasers (no PVC). So this could actually pull double duty.
@@BlueLightSpecial2023 I wasn’t saying it was specific to this laser cutter, only that this could replace a vinyl cutter for those with limited work space.
Yikes. This is e-waste. $1200 gets you 60, 80, or even 100W in a fully floor-standing unit with a huge work area, motorized Z, and other things. Or it gets you the nicest, absolutely home-friendly K40 cutter with upgrades, a good control, a copy of completely offline Lightburn(which is miles better than whatever junk Glowforge's web-only thing can offer), air filtration, a supply of filters, materials, spare lenses, and other stuff.
I replaced my glowforge+ with a k40 when the glowforge broke thanks to the there terrible engineering and it's literally 6 times better it's faster more repeteable and reliable than something that I payed nearly 3800 for
@@3DJapan Diodes are not that great and you can get a diode hobby laser kit for less then this that cuts and engraves better and faster lol. I got 10w attached to an old ender 3 that makes this thing look like it belongs in the under 200 buck catagory. Only thing nice is air filtration but its 130 bucks for new filters, and honstly you can get so much nicer stuff then this. Plus its software has a paywall and its cloud only lol.
Stop promoting glow forge. We regret purchasing ours after you guys first started covering them. We have a founders version and the BIGGEST let down is that it is cloud based. They go out of business and you have a $5000+ paper weight. It might as well be as bad as a subscription service. If they ever come out with standalone software for using it without needing any time of internet, THEN it’ll be worth it.
My plus broke after like 18months cause they used textured paint inside the cable protector and there answer was buy a refurbished unit that's not even cleaned let alone actually refub and they wanted 1500 and my old one back so they could put a 10 dollar cable in it worst company I ever did business with
Great review on this product... with so many slow motion and over dubbed audio clips you can't really get a good sense if this product will work for me or not. This is true even with the big machines. you have a feeling of lost or alone once you really start to learn your new tool. So, Thank you for the insight and also clarification on the indoor air system. Everything you covered allows me to decide if this or other lasers will work for my projects. Awesome job.
At that power it's going to be painfully slow compounded with glowforge very slow cloud only software it's likely to be a very disappointing experience
I really find Glow Force’s markup mixed with their pretty meh customer service is a hard sell. I badly want to love their products, and used to be a believer, but I’m not anymore.
Really? I never thought Tested would become a corporate shill for anyone. But here we are. Shame on you for this "review" of a tiny 6W laser machine that requires an Internet connection to function...for the low, low price of $1200!
Yeah, Tested really damaged their brand with this video. If they are smart, they will post another video with an apology and a pledge never to post a positive review of a product based on brand name and the fact that they were sent a freebie. Very disappointed and disillusioned by this. I wonder if Norm passed this by Adam before posting?
Norm used the phrase "laser cutter" but didn't ever say engraver, and the only engraving we saw was the coca cola bottle I think. I would love to know more about how it does engraving, but mainly I'm just glad to see a small diode laser for "home" that has an ENCLOSURE & VENTILATION SYSTEM, and although I doubt I'll ever step into glowforge's walled garden, they are trend setters, so I'm happy to see what the competitors have for this.
Seems like the goal is to give the cheapest and fast mass produced at a very low powered laser for the highest price. Should make a video on a one day build laser cutter with a 60w S6 Pro.
Cam this cut through Foamboard stock? I do a lot of small custom papercraft and using exacto blades take forever. I've been wanting to upgrade for a while but don't want to burn the studio down just yet.
Just run some secondary power to the fan with its own switch for when you want to manually turn it on. Or find the power source and direct connect with a switch to bypass the internal logic
Great video, you think is possible prototyping PCB on it ? Like cutting copper layer only, keep intact the fiber board itself, even pass trough a mask clear coating
Norm seemed to move heavily to the function of a trip sensor when he was speaking about the door open sensor. In my opinion, that features purpose is more for operator safety than a safety measure for leaving the machine unattended. Inexperienced people may want a closer look and not understand the dangers of laser technology.
Friends don’t let friends buy overpriced, under-featured, proprietary driven Glowforge products. Lots of other products out there that are so much better and don’t require proprietary web-based only software, turning your machine into an expensive paperweight when their service is down or your internet is out.
Does anyone know when (if?) this will be available in the UK? The Glowforge website directs me to Hobbycraft, but it's not on their website or in stores...
Horrible review, all glowforge products are over priced, too cloud depend (you can't actually use it without being connected to the internet. Your job needs to be sent to their cloud server and then back down to your printer. This means anytime they have an issue your device is completely useless which has happened a few times in the last couple years.) Then there's literally the abysmal support and horrible packaging that this comes in our first ones came with lenses that were cracked and would smoke. And took sending multiple videos of this to support to get anything done. Really these "paid" reviews are just absolutely useless.
ABSOLUTELY all of this. It is very sad for the consumer who is looking for REAL feedback before spending that big chunk of money (which isn't so big for folks who are getting paid to use and talk up the free machine they got). ALSO - the machine is NOT returnable and NOT exchangeable. So if/when it breaks, you've got a $1305 paper weight.
@@xxBLKSNXxx care to elaborate? It's a local (highly over priced) drive what requires the cloud to pass information between the client device. And this cloud connection requires accounts to be created and maintained. Meaning that if their servers have an issue, your Internet, DNS or they take issue with you. Your device is a paper weight.
@@xxBLKSNXxx I been using diodes for a while you can get a nicer laser set up for half this price, only "neat" thin is the air filter, but you can attach that to any enclosure anyways and there is a number of options that cost less then this monstrosity lol. Its like the Apple of hobby lasers. I mean I got an old ender 3 max with a laser fitted to it that is more power, just as accurate, and does its jobs faster with a bigger build area, I just use a dryer hose, and a duct fan with a portable ac unit window mount to deal with fumes. Whole thing costed half this, and there is better hobby laser kits now like xtool models who blow this away. You paying to pay basically they got paywall on the software you want full access you got sub, you can't do anything offline, and the filters on that thing are 130 a pop. Its like buying cannon printer except you paid 1200 bucks only for them to milk you for the ink cartridges or in this case the filters lol. You might as well be burning money with this laser it such a rip off lol
Oof! Seems they're following Canon, Epson (and Apple?) pricing models. If the machine needs that filter gizmo, it should be supplied as part of the kit rather than an extra cost. The 'consumables' are well over-priced for what they are (in material/manufacturing costs). I'll stick to my second hand vinyl cutter for now thanks. (Unless Glowforge want to send me a free one for 'reviewing'. Nice gig if you can get it.)
@@ellenkingartdirector You can vent out the window and outperform this for half the price lol. I got ender 3 with a nicer laser the laser costed me 200 bucks, its faster then this because 6wat is kind sad for that price even with the "lens" its like no shit I got 10 wat with a focusing lens two that cuts same level of detail faster lol. And I just run dryer hose and a duct fan out the window its pretty damn cheap to set up lol
Just learned about this and came here for a review. Was really interested until I heard it could not do clear acrylic. That is a total deal breaker for me, as clear acrylic is a large reason I would want a laser cutter.
These cheap laser cutters are still not really worth it. Not being able to cut clear acrylic is a big disadvantage. Seems to me it would be better to hold off and save for a more expensive laser cutter that can handle more materials. The slow speed also pushes me to that conclusion. If it's not fast enough, and useful enough then I can see myself not using it even if I had it. The lack of an off switch is a safety hazard.
You can get omt vertion of the k40 with the us safety upgrades for slightly more than 1/3 the price of this junk and not have to deal with there cloud software
Why are their products so expensive, I mean the materials are not competitively priced to make them resaleable, and the dangers I've seen with this machine make it a nightmare to operate with small children in the house. On one review it said always be standing by with a fire extinguisher when operating the machine.
Bluetooth connection for the frigging air filter? Pass. Give me hardware power switches and don't use wireless for stuff that doesn't benefit from being wireless. There has to be some better option than this or the dangerous as fuck DIY kits you can get online.
This is on sale at Best Buy for a Black Friday price of $999 but now that I see that I'll need the air filtration system also - which Best Buy doesn't sell, no thanks.
I wish I would have seen this (and all the comments about GlowForge) before I drank the Kool-Aid from all of the Social Media influencers who were also gifted this machine and PAID to sing it's praises. The marketing for this was also atrocious - it was VERY hard to find any information on this machine! Side note - I'd love the link to that alignment tool!
Its a hobby laser that costs 3 times too much, with filters you got replace on reg for 130 bucks lol I got a laser that is better strapped to an old ender 3 that outperforms this thing, and I use a dryer hose, and a duct fan to vent it out the window using the portable AC window attchments lol Nicese thing on this is the filtration system and for 1200 bucks you could get a nice laser with out cloude based software, and attache it to an enclosure lol
This machine is hilarious, it’s jewellery, looks pretty and that’s it. Expensive and looks good, apple should have made this product! how on earth does glowforge exist as a company😂. The certified materials are even better, £25-35 for a single piece of 30x30cm plywood 😂 such a bargain and according to glowforge these are “materials not available anywhere else” 🤯. Is this a new type of plywood? Which material isn’t available anywhere else! Kryptonite? Can a 5w laser cut kryptonite? Glowforge is such a closed ecosystem that you can’t used the air filter with anything else, no third party software like lightburn which is the most common used product out there. I don’t know how the reviewer kept a straight face trying to convince us this is a product you should consider buying, bravo Oscar performance 😂 Such a major achievement though to cut paper in a single pass, just buy a pair of scissors!
Full spectrum laser was pretty bad at replacing certain lasers especially for their defective 3d printers. They made people pay over 300$ for their defective bluray lasers 😂 that's pretty crazy. Then they took millions from the government and just ghosted customers. However on the plus side they did used to have a brilliant software engineer before he quit.
Bet that would help create the signs, like from the maker that made the Las Vegas and the Apollo Liquors signs. I keep looking for someone to sell such things, but haven't had much luck, so would likely need to make it myself.
Its diode it can't cut clear acrylic you better off getting an xtool hobby laser for less money that will cut better then this if you want diode lol. If you want to do acrylic you need a router cnc wich cuts with drill bits its the cheaper option or get a CO2 laser that costs more then this thing.
So its diode and its weaker than the one I got on my cnc 3018 sigh. Seriously you can buy a desktop one with same power and set up the enclure and filtration system for like 700 bucks sigh... I mean my set up was less then 500 bucks the laser costed me 200 bucks, and its 10watts And cuts deeper faster... And I just made my own system using a dryer hose a duct fan, and AC exhaust to blow it out the window when lasering...
A very poor choice ... cheaply made, low diode power, slow speed, wifi dependent, monthly fee. The only good think I can say about it is their great customer service ... you will need that ... a lot! Any 10 watt laser engraver would be a better and cheaper choice for you.
My Wife hates this machine. Laser goes crazy, doesn't cut, score, engrave properly, we have been on with support non-stop it is a garbage machine and would not recommend this to anyone.
Nope Nope Nope. Roly Automation Lasermatic 10 is a much better machine for less money. In fact, it would be difficult to find a worse value than this thing in a diode engraver.
there is a huge disparity in hobbiest...1200 isnt something the average worker can afford. Thats my mortgage and I live check to check as probably most of the world does. never happening. cant afford and x/s or ps5...so this is way out of my range. I'd like to know how much jossling a kid does to cause your job to stop?
I want one of these but I can't justify the price on my salary, so I will wait for china to knock it off and get them down to like $350 and be a massive fire hazard.
Don't bother I can't justify it even if you got money to afford it. You can already get nicer ones then this for 350, with out the airfilters lol. Hell I got 200 buck laser strapped to an old 3d printer that is better quality then this thing. I just use dryer hoses and duct fan to vent the fumes out my enclosure out the window lol
@@beard-bear-420 How is that a shame? Tested is a team of talented and creative individuals. Tested is also: Norman Chan, Joey Fameli, Josh Self, Ryan Kiser, Kristen Lomasney, Kishore Hari, Sean Charlesworth, Kayte Sabicer, Bill Doran, Ariel Waldman, and Darrell Maloney.
@@TravelingStacker it's just my opinion dude, you don't have to like it. I'm not trying to convince you to think the same way as me. I'm here to see savage content.... Not whatever, this is Have a nice day
The thing I never understand we in the U.K. are struggling to feed our families and heat our homes . Lots of families in food poverty yet go buy a $1200 laser cutter or 3D bambo printer. This is why I find tested no longer relative to me as a maker. Most people live in the real world not the world of me me me it’s all about me look what I have . Shocking advert
One this thing is a rip off... you can get a much nicer hobby laser set up for half the price. Two people buy these to make money. I made back the cost of my bambu printer 2 times over since I got it, issue is I always want more toys, but this thing is trash I was looking at glowforge because my local community college has their CO2 lasers, but 1200 bucks for diode that is designed to lock you into their software and replacement parts oh hell no. I got 200 buck laser strapped to an old ender 3 max that can outperform this thing and it costed me less then this even with the enclosure and dryer hoses and duct fan I use to vent the fumes lol. I was looking for an upgrade but this is an overpriced underpowered hobby laser lol.
Welcome to real life. I got 3 3d printers and a table top CNC, I already fitted a laser to oen my old printers, its amazing suff I can do with nerve damage in my dominat hand now a days. I just make clumsy art in adobe, and I can engrave it into things, I also started designing my own display features in cad software for the printer and CNC machine to make parts for. Its crazy fun world, no long got have simple practiced skills to make things. I don't got spend hours practicing using saw machine now i just design vector file, and estrude it along vector lines and my CNC can cut out shaps for me lol.Then I can lazer my logo and custom images into it if I want fun times. And people like custom art better then AI art, you gonna be clicking for hours, and honestly if you can draw using a touch pad or a drawing tablet with your pc really helps. You still very much got take time to do things
Glowforge Aura: glowforge.com/aura/main
Disclosure: this product was sent to us by the manufacturer for purposes of review.
Laser cut designs shown:
Cola sign: www.designsbyphil.com/glowforge.html
California state sign: omtechlaser.com/collections/diy-craft-kits/products/state-series-california-diy-css
Puppy brooch: www.thingiverse.com/thing:1128752
Astronauts, crow, and landscapes: www.thingiverse.com/mishkin2/designs
What about the little corner angle tool you cut.. can you post that link?
so a laser cutter that doesn't do anything particularly well , uses proprietary web based software doesn't appear that great to me unless you are really into glowforge.
He ... Glowforge got the review they paid for.
An online only control software is a no go for an expensive machine like that.
So I kind of feel like I got a guest shot on Tested! the jig in the Aura starting at 17:12 is my invention. It says "back".
I would LOVE to know where to purchase that so I can have one AND support the person who invented it!
1200$ for 6watts of optical power is abysmal. At that price point competitors are pushing 2-4x the power without the proprietary ecosystem
I agree. I wish Tested would take a look at some of the competition. Elegoo recently expanded from 3D printing to also have a laser cutter, and it seems like a much better value.
Not to mention you have to use their online cloud based tools to use the cutter if memory serves. As for $100 for a paper filter, I don't think so.
I'm honestly surprised Glowforge is still in business.
@@coder543Yea, it would be better if they did.
This is the outcome of accepting sponsorships sadly.
@@SardiPax we considered glowforge years ago at a side business for an automated engraving process. Decided not solely due to the always online cloud requirements
$130 "a few times a year" for replacement filters is rough.
I think it’s insane. It’s highway robbery. I think it’s also actually robbery.
6w? Wow is that weak. My 20w output Comgrow (diode) outperforms this at half price and includes air assist, honeycomb, filtered exhaust, cover, etc. also. Look at other products, like XTools, longer, or run the risk of irrelevant. At 12x12 is also crazy small. Most other models seem to start at 15x15 and with off shelf extruded aluminum, gantry can be greatly enlarged - just need to extend any cord or tube
yeah i preordered the 20w elegoo phecta and it was 40% off so very cheap. with air assist, honeycomb and filters, and a rotary.
almost as much as glowforge air filter alone.
@@smittysbuildssame, mine will arrive next month
He did say entry level , are those other models easy to use and beginner friendly for in home use?
I used to work at Full Spectrum. I’m absolutely blown away they’re still in business either from the owners inability to run the company or the sheer number of active lawsuits.
Not only is the glowforge outrageously overpriced, the fact that you have to send your project through their "cloud based" server that then sends it back to your(?) cutter is absurd. Not only does that mean that everything you do goes through a third party (umm... privacy, anyone?) but it also means that if there is a server outage, you aren't using your(?) cutter. Plus, WHEN the server goes dark - and make no mistake, it WILL eventually go dark - you now own a $1200 paper weight.
I'm going to stick to my AtomStack laser engraver that sells for a fraction of the cost; where I actually OWN the hardware that I purchase; that runs on local side software; where my work remains under my control at all time.
I'm at least glad to see that it's now called a "cutter/engraver" as opposed to their original designation of their machines as "laser printers." 🙄
Well damn.
Okay, but to make the atomstack fully enclosed and office safe you're spending way more than this, for what? The ability to cut thicker materials and have to worry about way more maintenance. Nevermind the total lack of optical alignment and so on.
@@SK83RJOSH Please... explain. Why is there "way more maintenance" on my Atomstack? Both are diode lasers, so the maintenance would be exactly the same.
I don't think that the Atomstack I was talking about here can actually cut thicker materials because it's a 5watt as well, but my other Atomstack can because it's a 20 watt, but still a diode laser (and STILL cheaper than the glowforge's 6 watt aura), so... again, the exact same maintenance.
"...total lack of optical alignment..." What are you even talking about? Again... same diode laser modules so the same "optical alignment," whatever that means in this case.
As for the enclosure and "office safe..." just a quick search and the first "office safe enclosure" I found is under $200 (and I am sure there are cheaper options, but..) so add that to the $400-500 for the laser itself and we are still at least $300 cheaper than the $1000 for the glowforge.
And that still doesn't address the privacy issues or the dependence on a third party server that will render the glowforge a paperweight WHEN it goes dark or even when there is no internet connection.
If you like the glowforge, great... go for it. People like you keep them in business. But please do not try and act like the glowforge is superior in any way. At the very LEAST, it is comparable to other, cheaper, options. But given the other aforementioned issues... 🤷♂ but you do you.
Are there any similar products that do not rely on or require a cloud connection? It's a pet hate of mine that kit like this forces a dependency on both internet and 3rd party server connectivity to function, especially when there are often no good technical reasons to do so.
Yes, plenty. The Roly Automation Lasermatic is cheaper and extremely well designed for a diode laser. It's 10W (optical power) but they are coming out with 20W and 30W versions later this year. Best used with Lightburn software (not free but worth the relatively minimal licence cost). Get the Lasermatic version that includes the enclosure. EDIT: also the technical support is outstanding.
xTool M1 is fully enclosed and while the software is proprietary, it doesn't require an Internet connection (or even WiFi, you can use an USB cable) to work.
@@YaaLFHit's also nearly double the price with a smaller cutting area.
@@SK83RJOSH Double the price of what? Definitely not the Aura.
give elegoo 2 years and they will dial in their lasercutters to be 100% better and 70% cheaper than this. I like glowforge, but damn that pricetag for a 6watt laser is crazy
Elegoo makes damn good products. My first printer was the Neptune 3 Plus and I haven't had any major problems at all. I plan on getting a resin printer from them too.
They already better and cheaper only reason I want a Glowforge is Co2 so I saw they had a new 1200 buck model had to search for a review. I got nicer set up strapping a 10wat to an old ender 3 lol I mean come on I just used my comgrow encloser for it and used dryer hose and a duct fan to blow the fumes out an AC unit window exhaust. Then 130 for a new filters holy crap this thing is just a rip off every wich way I mean I could maybe say filtration would be nice, but I can get a filtration system and nicer desktop laser and enclosure for this price and still have money left over
Overpriced, underpowered, walled garden. This ain’t it.
3:30 The laser I'm working with now combines 6 lasers to output 36 watts. It's crazy fast.
I see they still use the web based software, people's biggest complaint about the original Glowforge.
Yep and even basic features are locked behind a 50 dollar a month paywall
More companies will push it soon enough, all for profits and data control.
Many believe cloud is the future, I believe it too but for other reasons: total corporate control.
Can I use a non brand acrylic sheets instead of the GlowForge brand ?
Love this review!
Thanks Norm! Very well done!
No power button is an instant "never buying that". Restricted to proprietary web software is an instant "never buying that." It's slower, more expensive, and less functional than other laser cutters. This is ensh*ttification in action.
You should test the new XTool P2 next and maybe do a side by side comparison to the Glow Forge. I'm curious which is better, since they're close on capabilities, but the XTool is a bit less expensive.
what's funny about this comment is that the ad PRIOR to the video...was for the XTool P2.
Norm mentioned a vinyl cutter; I just looked it up and this can cut vinyl transfers as long as its rated for lasers (no PVC). So this could actually pull double duty.
Yeah. Only problem is that most vinyls have pvc; the selection of pvc free ones is extremely limited.
"So this could actually pull double duty." That statement is true of EVERY diode laser on the market.
@@BlueLightSpecial2023 I wasn’t saying it was specific to this laser cutter, only that this could replace a vinyl cutter for those with limited work space.
Yikes. This is e-waste.
$1200 gets you 60, 80, or even 100W in a fully floor-standing unit with a huge work area, motorized Z, and other things. Or it gets you the nicest, absolutely home-friendly K40 cutter with upgrades, a good control, a copy of completely offline Lightburn(which is miles better than whatever junk Glowforge's web-only thing can offer), air filtration, a supply of filters, materials, spare lenses, and other stuff.
But it's not diode.
@@3DJapan Low power diode lasers offer zero benefits, especially with a controller that has similar rise and fall times to cheap CO2 systems.
I replaced my glowforge+ with a k40 when the glowforge broke thanks to the there terrible engineering and it's literally 6 times better it's faster more repeteable and reliable than something that I payed nearly 3800 for
@@3DJapan Diodes are not that great and you can get a diode hobby laser kit for less then this that cuts and engraves better and faster lol. I got 10w attached to an old ender 3 that makes this thing look like it belongs in the under 200 buck catagory. Only thing nice is air filtration but its 130 bucks for new filters, and honstly you can get so much nicer stuff then this. Plus its software has a paywall and its cloud only lol.
Stop promoting glow forge. We regret purchasing ours after you guys first started covering them. We have a founders version and the BIGGEST let down is that it is cloud based. They go out of business and you have a $5000+ paper weight. It might as well be as bad as a subscription service. If they ever come out with standalone software for using it without needing any time of internet, THEN it’ll be worth it.
My plus broke after like 18months cause they used textured paint inside the cable protector and there answer was buy a refurbished unit that's not even cleaned let alone actually refub and they wanted 1500 and my old one back so they could put a 10 dollar cable in it worst company I ever did business with
Yikes. So, slow and low power. What's the use case? Exacto knife is much cheaper and faster.
Thanks Norm these product reviews are always very balanced and informative.
A great review, so detailed. Thank you
Will the diode be made to speed up in the future? I’m a crafter and 76 years old, will this be a good buy for me?
Where did you get your magnets for the Aura and did you build the Back alignment tool or buy it?
Wow, thank you for your video. I have a question. How did you come up with the jig? And where can I get one from?
Great review on this product... with so many slow motion and over dubbed audio clips you can't really get a good sense if this product will work for me or not. This is true even with the big machines. you have a feeling of lost or alone once you really start to learn your new tool. So, Thank you for the insight and also clarification on the indoor air system. Everything you covered allows me to decide if this or other lasers will work for my projects. Awesome job.
At that power it's going to be painfully slow compounded with glowforge very slow cloud only software it's likely to be a very disappointing experience
How does a paper filter remove toxic vapors from vinyl or plastic materials? 🤨
Excellent review! Thank you!
I really find Glow Force’s markup mixed with their pretty meh customer service is a hard sell.
I badly want to love their products, and used to be a believer, but I’m not anymore.
More than meh there customer service is literally the worst people I've ever had to deal with I've met shady eBay people with better customer service
@@Hazzardstarzak Yeah, I was probably being too polite.
Hi! Have you tried to cut a 1/8" mirror acrylic? I can't find any recommended settings for the Aura. Hope you can help!
Really? I never thought Tested would become a corporate shill for anyone. But here we are. Shame on you for this "review" of a tiny 6W laser machine that requires an Internet connection to function...for the low, low price of $1200!
Ya my respect went down for them 100 percent
Yeah, Tested really damaged their brand with this video. If they are smart, they will post another video with an apology and a pledge never to post a positive review of a product based on brand name and the fact that they were sent a freebie. Very disappointed and disillusioned by this. I wonder if Norm passed this by Adam before posting?
Glowforge, the Cricut of laser cutters.
I’m just watching your video. How was the setting u used on the red round cut acrylic
Norm used the phrase "laser cutter" but didn't ever say engraver, and the only engraving we saw was the coca cola bottle I think. I would love to know more about how it does engraving, but mainly I'm just glad to see a small diode laser for "home" that has an ENCLOSURE & VENTILATION SYSTEM, and although I doubt I'll ever step into glowforge's walled garden, they are trend setters, so I'm happy to see what the competitors have for this.
The xTool M1 has been on the market for over a year.
@rebeltaz123 What would you recommend for a STEM classroom that could also handle etching stainless steel mugs (for a fundraiser)?
Seems like the goal is to give the cheapest and fast mass produced at a very low powered laser for the highest price.
Should make a video on a one day build laser cutter with a 60w S6 Pro.
How is the speed for engraving
Cam this cut through Foamboard stock? I do a lot of small custom papercraft and using exacto blades take forever. I've been wanting to upgrade for a while but don't want to burn the studio down just yet.
is it handicapped like the pro where it cant read the global standard dxf files (unless you pay a subscription)?
That’s a shocking amount for a crafting item
Just run some secondary power to the fan with its own switch for when you want to manually turn it on. Or find the power source and direct connect with a switch to bypass the internal logic
Or get something with all that built in for half the price
Great video, you think is possible prototyping PCB on it ?
Like cutting copper layer only, keep intact the fiber board itself, even pass trough a mask clear coating
No, it's a weak diode laser, it will not make a dent in any metal.
Norm seemed to move heavily to the function of a trip sensor when he was speaking about the door open sensor. In my opinion, that features purpose is more for operator safety than a safety measure for leaving the machine unattended. Inexperienced people may want a closer look and not understand the dangers of laser technology.
Hello,
If you know, can you post a very defailed video on engraving slate with the Glowforge Aura?
Thank you,
Lawrence
Friends don’t let friends buy overpriced, under-featured, proprietary driven Glowforge products. Lots of other products out there that are so much better and don’t require proprietary web-based only software, turning your machine into an expensive paperweight when their service is down or your internet is out.
I need new friends. :)
Wish they would support their existing system better than making and pushing a new system. 😞
Do better Tested. Glowforge products are e-waste.
Does anyone know when (if?) this will be available in the UK? The Glowforge website directs me to Hobbycraft, but it's not on their website or in stores...
You should hope it never is!
Just get an xTool M1 instead.
Can the Aurora cut 10 mil Mylar
Horrible review, all glowforge products are over priced, too cloud depend (you can't actually use it without being connected to the internet. Your job needs to be sent to their cloud server and then back down to your printer. This means anytime they have an issue your device is completely useless which has happened a few times in the last couple years.)
Then there's literally the abysmal support and horrible packaging that this comes in our first ones came with lenses that were cracked and would smoke. And took sending multiple videos of this to support to get anything done.
Really these "paid" reviews are just absolutely useless.
ABSOLUTELY all of this.
It is very sad for the consumer who is looking for REAL feedback before spending that big chunk of money (which isn't so big for folks who are getting paid to use and talk up the free machine they got).
ALSO - the machine is NOT returnable and NOT exchangeable. So if/when it breaks, you've got a $1305 paper weight.
Your opinions are all wrong
@@xxBLKSNXxx care to elaborate?
It's a local (highly over priced) drive what requires the cloud to pass information between the client device.
And this cloud connection requires accounts to be created and maintained. Meaning that if their servers have an issue, your Internet, DNS or they take issue with you. Your device is a paper weight.
@@xxBLKSNXxx I been using diodes for a while you can get a nicer laser set up for half this price, only "neat" thin is the air filter, but you can attach that to any enclosure anyways and there is a number of options that cost less then this monstrosity lol. Its like the Apple of hobby lasers. I mean I got an old ender 3 max with a laser fitted to it that is more power, just as accurate, and does its jobs faster with a bigger build area, I just use a dryer hose, and a duct fan with a portable ac unit window mount to deal with fumes. Whole thing costed half this, and there is better hobby laser kits now like xtool models who blow this away.
You paying to pay basically they got paywall on the software you want full access you got sub, you can't do anything offline, and the filters on that thing are 130 a pop. Its like buying cannon printer except you paid 1200 bucks only for them to milk you for the ink cartridges or in this case the filters lol.
You might as well be burning money with this laser it such a rip off lol
Oof! Seems they're following Canon, Epson (and Apple?) pricing models. If the machine needs that filter gizmo, it should be supplied as part of the kit rather than an extra cost. The 'consumables' are well over-priced for what they are (in material/manufacturing costs). I'll stick to my second hand vinyl cutter for now thanks. (Unless Glowforge want to send me a free one for 'reviewing'. Nice gig if you can get it.)
You don't need the filter thingy unless you can't or don't want to vent out a window.
@@ellenkingartdirector You can vent out the window and outperform this for half the price lol. I got ender 3 with a nicer laser the laser costed me 200 bucks, its faster then this because 6wat is kind sad for that price even with the "lens" its like no shit I got 10 wat with a focusing lens two that cuts same level of detail faster lol. And I just run dryer hose and a duct fan out the window its pretty damn cheap to set up lol
Thank you for the detail review.
Awesome printer norm sir
Wallets?
I plan on getting this to earn money to buy the plus or pro
Just learned about this and came here for a review. Was really interested until I heard it could not do clear acrylic. That is a total deal breaker for me, as clear acrylic is a large reason I would want a laser cutter.
What is that Godzilla suit in the back? 👀 I want one
These cheap laser cutters are still not really worth it. Not being able to cut clear acrylic is a big disadvantage.
Seems to me it would be better to hold off and save for a more expensive laser cutter that can handle more materials.
The slow speed also pushes me to that conclusion. If it's not fast enough, and useful enough then I can see myself not using it even if I had it.
The lack of an off switch is a safety hazard.
You can get omt vertion of the k40 with the us safety upgrades for slightly more than 1/3 the price of this junk and not have to deal with there cloud software
dissapointmentforge
Why are their products so expensive, I mean the materials are not competitively priced to make them resaleable, and the dangers I've seen with this machine make it a nightmare to operate with small children in the house. On one review it said always be standing by with a fire extinguisher when operating the machine.
sweet i've been thinking about getting one of these.
Meh, still too expensive and underpowered. And if Glowforge thinks I'm going to pay for their overpriced prepared media, they can bite me.
I was with you until you said "generative imaging software" and "type command prompts" which sounded awfully like it might be AI "art".
Bluetooth connection for the frigging air filter? Pass. Give me hardware power switches and don't use wireless for stuff that doesn't benefit from being wireless.
There has to be some better option than this or the dangerous as fuck DIY kits you can get online.
Your hair legit looks like Jamie's beret.
Norm.. is that A Gorn on your wall?
This is on sale at Best Buy for a Black Friday price of $999 but now that I see that I'll need the air filtration system also - which Best Buy doesn't sell, no thanks.
I wish I would have seen this (and all the comments about GlowForge) before I drank the Kool-Aid from all of the Social Media influencers who were also gifted this machine and PAID to sing it's praises.
The marketing for this was also atrocious - it was VERY hard to find any information on this machine!
Side note - I'd love the link to that alignment tool!
Its a hobby laser that costs 3 times too much, with filters you got replace on reg for 130 bucks lol I got a laser that is better strapped to an old ender 3 that outperforms this thing, and I use a dryer hose, and a duct fan to vent it out the window using the portable AC window attchments lol Nicese thing on this is the filtration system and for 1200 bucks you could get a nice laser with out cloude based software, and attache it to an enclosure lol
This machine is hilarious, it’s jewellery, looks pretty and that’s it. Expensive and looks good, apple should have made this product! how on earth does glowforge exist as a company😂. The certified materials are even better, £25-35 for a single piece of 30x30cm plywood 😂 such a bargain and according to glowforge these are “materials not available anywhere else” 🤯. Is this a new type of plywood? Which material isn’t available anywhere else! Kryptonite? Can a 5w laser cut kryptonite? Glowforge is such a closed ecosystem that you can’t used the air filter with anything else, no third party software like lightburn which is the most common used product out there. I don’t know how the reviewer kept a straight face trying to convince us this is a product you should consider buying, bravo Oscar performance 😂
Such a major achievement though to cut paper in a single pass, just buy a pair of scissors!
Glowforge is the Apple of the laser cutter world.
Full spectrum laser was pretty bad at replacing certain lasers especially for their defective 3d printers. They made people pay over 300$ for their defective bluray lasers 😂 that's pretty crazy. Then they took millions from the government and just ghosted customers. However on the plus side they did used to have a brilliant software engineer before he quit.
12 v 12 .. def a gamer
Spend half a day to make a 20$ item?
Very cool, good way to make stencils out of paper then use them on art projects or street art.
Or you could just get a Cricut and pocket the $800-900 you save for the same function.
Pepsi is also available...
Equivalent to Cricut. Propriatory tools, online stuff and expensive as.
Nice design tho and will suit gear snobs.
Bet that would help create the signs, like from the maker that made the Las Vegas and the Apollo Liquors signs. I keep looking for someone to sell such things, but haven't had much luck, so would likely need to make it myself.
Its diode it can't cut clear acrylic you better off getting an xtool hobby laser for less money that will cut better then this if you want diode lol. If you want to do acrylic you need a router cnc wich cuts with drill bits its the cheaper option or get a CO2 laser that costs more then this thing.
So its diode and its weaker than the one I got on my cnc 3018 sigh. Seriously you can buy a desktop one with same power and set up the enclure and filtration system for like 700 bucks sigh... I mean my set up was less then 500 bucks the laser costed me 200 bucks, and its 10watts And cuts deeper faster... And I just made my own system using a dryer hose a duct fan, and AC exhaust to blow it out the window when lasering...
I heard something other than "crumb tray" lol
Rather get a Omtech instead
11:27 homestuck??????
I guess those of us outside the US will have to buy alternative machines ☹️ why glowforge, why?!
Such a rush to be locked into a totally proprietary ecosystem that relies on cloud servers
@@thefatmoop yes, but it would be nice to have that choice and be tempted in 🙂
I've done some skipping, the cloud system isn't available outside the US?
@@meliciapilgrim5802 Glowforge hardware isn’t officially sold outside US. That said there are plenty of alternatives.
@@meliciapilgrim5802 the point is if glowforge goes under, or if they decide to drop support of the model you bought: you're stuck with a paperweight
Just modify youre ender3 v2 people much cheaper
A very poor choice ... cheaply made, low diode power, slow speed, wifi dependent, monthly fee. The only good think I can say about it is their great customer service ... you will need that ... a lot! Any 10 watt laser engraver would be a better and cheaper choice for you.
My Wife hates this machine. Laser goes crazy, doesn't cut, score, engrave properly, we have been on with support non-stop it is a garbage machine and would not recommend this to anyone.
Nope Nope Nope. Roly Automation Lasermatic 10 is a much better machine for less money. In fact, it would be difficult to find a worse value than this thing in a diode engraver.
there is a huge disparity in hobbiest...1200 isnt something the average worker can afford. Thats my mortgage and I live check to check as probably most of the world does. never happening. cant afford and x/s or ps5...so this is way out of my range. I'd like to know how much jossling a kid does to cause your job to stop?
Takes all the fun out of stencil making.🚫 Still have to finish by ✋ hand.🔪 But for $500 can't really complain🤷♀️
I want one of these but I can't justify the price on my salary, so I will wait for china to knock it off and get them down to like $350 and be a massive fire hazard.
Don't bother I can't justify it even if you got money to afford it. You can already get nicer ones then this for 350, with out the airfilters lol. Hell I got 200 buck laser strapped to an old 3d printer that is better quality then this thing. I just use dryer hoses and duct fan to vent the fumes out my enclosure out the window lol
Wheres Adam?
Tested is more than just him.
@@TravelingStacker shame
@@beard-bear-420 How is that a shame? Tested is a team of talented and creative individuals.
Tested is also: Norman Chan, Joey Fameli, Josh Self, Ryan Kiser, Kristen Lomasney, Kishore Hari, Sean Charlesworth, Kayte Sabicer, Bill Doran, Ariel Waldman, and Darrell Maloney.
@@TravelingStacker it's just my opinion dude, you don't have to like it. I'm not trying to convince you to think the same way as me.
I'm here to see savage content....
Not whatever, this is
Have a nice day
The thing I never understand we in the U.K. are struggling to feed our families and heat our homes . Lots of families in food poverty yet go buy a $1200 laser cutter or 3D bambo printer. This is why I find tested no longer relative to me as a maker. Most people live in the real world not the world of me me me it’s all about me look what I have . Shocking advert
One this thing is a rip off... you can get a much nicer hobby laser set up for half the price. Two people buy these to make money. I made back the cost of my bambu printer 2 times over since I got it, issue is I always want more toys, but this thing is trash I was looking at glowforge because my local community college has their CO2 lasers, but 1200 bucks for diode that is designed to lock you into their software and replacement parts oh hell no. I got 200 buck laser strapped to an old ender 3 max that can outperform this thing and it costed me less then this even with the enclosure and dryer hoses and duct fan I use to vent the fumes lol. I was looking for an upgrade but this is an overpriced underpowered hobby laser lol.
Be an artist without taking the time to do things.
Click, click, NAAA.
click, click NAAA.
click, click maybe.
Who needs anyone w/ artistic talent?
Welcome to real life. I got 3 3d printers and a table top CNC, I already fitted a laser to oen my old printers, its amazing suff I can do with nerve damage in my dominat hand now a days. I just make clumsy art in adobe, and I can engrave it into things, I also started designing my own display features in cad software for the printer and CNC machine to make parts for. Its crazy fun world, no long got have simple practiced skills to make things. I don't got spend hours practicing using saw machine now i just design vector file, and estrude it along vector lines and my CNC can cut out shaps for me lol.Then I can lazer my logo and custom images into it if I want fun times.
And people like custom art better then AI art, you gonna be clicking for hours, and honestly if you can draw using a touch pad or a drawing tablet with your pc really helps. You still very much got take time to do things