HIGHS
Overall ease of use
Build Quality
Software Integration
Proofgrade Materials
Large community
Project Library
LOWS
Online access only
Price
Locked software
Monthly subscription for some features
Price History
Active Promo Codes
Up to $500 Off
Technical Specifications
Power
Dimensions
Performance
Software
Features
Specifications
User Reviews
Reviews for This ModelVerified Owner
Nothing, it’s broken. I guess I liked the software before they pay gated a lot of features
When it broke, supports only option was for me to mail it back and I could buy a refurbished unit for $2500… I ended up not doing that and just holding onto the broken laser for 2.5years
Once you figure out the settings cuts nicely. Quick for last minute gift.
Customer service, took four months to get a replacement. It was not a good time waiting to talk to someone who knew what they were doing. I went through several "layers" of customer service before I got someone to help. That you have to have internet connection to use it. The four months I was without a Glowforge the warranty didn't stop even though I didn't have the Glowforge. When time to replace the Glowforge I will look at other companies.
When it actually work it was great …. 2 weeks in had a replacement unit then 6 months down the road had my 3 unit that did not last 1.5 year …….. $5000 paper weight as I write this ….. luckily I had my navy brother let me use his toll P2 which was great …..
2 years 3 machine and now a paper weight in my office.
Ease of use
Web based software
Being able to create an actual, sellable product instead of just decorating items with vinyl.
Increase the speed
More Reviews from glowforge Owners
These reviews are from other glowforge machines and may not reflect this specific model's features
I’m not sure if it’s the pro but it’s their largest machine with the pass through, (which I never figured out how to use). I think the best things about the laser is the…the bed is removable, I like that the head with is removable too. I guess that it has a camera. I hardly use it any more I use my Rabbit (rebranded Chinese laser with ruida controller much more).
It’s small and the software is subscription based and doesn’t work very well. I also find it frustrating to dial in power and focus because it’s all relative to their settings. It’s not just mm/sec etc.
Simplicity of bringing in an image or SVG and cutting within a few steps
My Kickstarter machine is old and I've had to replace parts. It also sometimes doesn't want to start up from powered off due to the door sensor. It has its quirks.
It is very simple to learn and use. Doesn't require focusing or complicated calculations to use.
The things that make the Glowforge a good starter machine (except for the price!) are the things that quickly become frustrating. The proprietary software allows for little customization and the machine is, in effect, just too simple. I can't go more than a few jobs before I have to do a cleaning of the Glowforge. All jobs really have to be masked. Speed is bad.
