Released Dec 2015
The Glowforge Pro is a 40-45W CO2 laser cutter and engraver with a 12"x20" cutting area, Passthrough slot for unlimited length, and speeds up to 12x faster than base models.
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I currently have a Glowforge Pro and I'm thinking about selling it to get the Xtool M2. I was wondering if anyone has both machines and could give me some insight on how they compare. I'm really interested in the printing and tumbler capabilities of the M2. Also, I'm not a fan of the Glowforge camera system. Any help would be appreciated!
Glowforge Pro has two cameras, though, which sounds cool.
Sounds like the Glowforge on-line tools are nowhere near as good as my Adobe suite of tools, mashed-up with Lightburn
Glowforge is the "easy" choice.
I do like the idea of the size and weight (will fit comfortably on a desk or worktable, and is less than 100 pounds, which is good for my back).
But I've heard horror stories about cleaning this unit.
costs 600 a year just to use their software (worse than light burn and requires internet at all times)
Gloforge does have a market of hobbyists looking for a tool that is easy to get into fast
it was a process just to get in contact with their sales department, which means that customer service would have been even worse.
Third Dead Glowforge Pro Unit In Less Than Two
the software is a thousand times better. Just being able to use Lightburn makes my life so much easier.
we can no longer use any cloud-connected devices
Xpost What Would You Pay For A Used Glowforge Pro
It's a great machine for hobbyists. Don't expect the speed of a professional machine but it's less of a hassle than a Chinese machine.
it's less of a hassle than a Chinese machine.
I had already arranged to buy a Glowforge Pro for my research lab, but now I'm reconsidering after seeing reports from Glowforge user group members about getting several non-working machines in a row. The Glowforge Pro's bed size and pass-through at about $7K with a fume extractor were the key reasons I preferred it over other hobby lasers. I also have $5K in funding that I can only apply to the machine if it arrives within 4 weeks, which Glowforge supposedly can do, but I'm also hearing they're often taking much longer lately, so that's no longer a reason to stick with Glowforge. Now that I've started looking at Omtech, their phone support, 2-year warranty, larger beds, pass-through capability, and ability to cut material thicker than 1/4 inch, all for much less, make me wonder if I should cancel the Glowforge and get a 60W Omtech for $2-3K instead, even though it'll take 8 weeks. Then I could use the expiring $5K for a good chiller, fume extractor, machine upgrades, and other lab items I was planning to buy. Can anyone with experience using an Omtech after other lasers say whether missing features like a motorized bed or autofocus are a real problem or a major hassle with Omtech or other Chinese lasers? Any general thoughts on choosing between the Glowforge Pro and a mid-range Omtech? Glowforge seems to have such a poor reputation overall that I was already hesitant, but Omtech user groups are much smaller and less active than Glowforge groups, so it's harder to gauge what kind of experience people are having with Omtech machines. I'd really appreciate any opinions or insights anyone can share!
There is no third-party source for the control board.
a camera is definitely useful for leather. It lets you get the most out of your offcuts and helps you skirt around imperfections in the material.
Time To Upgrade From My Glowforge Pro
the idea of setting up prints without the camera view of the cut bed seems like it could be challenging.
I have to admit the Glowforge's user-friendliness is hard to beat
Anyone Have A Good Glowforge Pro Vs Xtool
Software is easy to use
Simple to use, easy software
Almost any adult could move it around themselves, without having to call the neighbors for help.
Tons of custom parts. The laser tube, chiller, fan, and almost all the electronics are custom to Glowforge. If something breaks, you're either buying replacement parts from Glowforge, or throwing the machine in the trash.
Third Dead Glowforge Pro Unit In Less Than Two
And talk to customer support. They can pull logs from the machine that might show why the light is yellow.
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