All Things GLOWFORGE!

I got a GLOWFORGE this summer!


Image result for glowforge images
The Glowforge is a 3D laser printer. You can see what it does in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysCaqh38JVQ
After posting some of my creations on Instagram, I started getting a lot of questions so I thought I would put some info here.

First off, if you are thinking about getting a Glowforge of your own, I can save you some $$$!  Depending on which model you buy, you can save up to $500 by using my link:

https://glowforge.us/r/AAIRNBDL


Here are some of the things I have made (and I'm just getting started!):

The GF can cut shapes up to 11.5" x 19.5" for the Basic and Plus models.  
20" x unlimited for the Pro model.




Phone stand - This was a free cut file someone posted on the Glowforge forum.

My sister became a grandmother this year!

Made some Tic Tac Toe Games - FSU for my daughter :)

Made a ring!

Yes, I engraved pencils on my GF!

Clemson Version :)

Large Clips/Clothes Pins (see Amazon link below)

Magnets

More Clips/Clothes Pins



Monstra Leaf Coasters




Made this keychain for my father.  Coordinates to our family home.

I am thinking of all kinds of Christmas tags I'll be making...


Name Puzzle


Are you thinking about getting a Glowforge???  Here are some of my favorite tips, tutorials and info:

The Glowforge Forum 
Have a specific question?  It's probably here.

Laser Design Basics
When I first read this before I got my machine, I had questions about this.  This makes 1000% sense once you get the machine and start playing around with it.  I was mostly used to working with raster image programs (Photoshop) but you will need to use vectors (Inkscape or Illustrator) to upload to Glowforge.  This explains it all.

Community Glowforge Tutorials: Table of Contents
I am using Inkscape to upload my SVG's to cut.  There are a ton of great tutorials for Inkscape and Illustrator here.

Glowforge Interface - Tips & Tricks for Using the Glowforge App
This is the software where you upload your designs for GF to print or engrave.




Is it hard to learn?  I've been asked that several times.  It depends.  If you have NO experience with any graphics programs, then yes, you will need to learn Inkscape or Illustrator and how to do a few things to design and upload what you want to cut.  I knew my way around Photoshop pretty good but was VERY limited on Illustrator.  I decided to use Inkscape as it was easier to learn than Illustrator and I had the hang of it in a few days.  I have Illustrator but there is quite a learning curve to it so I'm pretty much sticking with Inkscape for now.  Plus Inkscape is free.  You can download it here:
https://inkscape.org/release/inkscape-0.92.4/   If you have a basic understanding of graphics/design, you can do it.



Glowforge Needs and Wants
This list is kind of out of order and random, but stuff that I'm using and like.


Window Vent You need to vent your Glowforge out of a window.  The laser creates smoke and smells that you don't want circulating through your house.  I looked at many ways to accomplish this and this option below was the easiest way.  No assembly - just unpack and pop it into your open window.  I did have to remove the screen.  The Glowforge has a hose that connects from the back of the machine onto this window vent.  Easy peasy.

 



Dirt Devil Scorpion I have this exact model and LOVE it.  I also have a cordless vac similar to this but this corded Scorpion has double the suction power and gets EVERYTHING.  Why do you need this?  Tiny pieces of wood will go inside your machine and on the floor around it.  If you've every stepped on a lego barefoot, that's what its like to step on tiny pieces of wood on the floor.





Small Fire Extinguisher:  Safety first.  Just wanted to have one next to my machine in case of emergency.





Make-up Sponges?  This is my #1 method of painting - especially ENGRAVED pieces.  I tried several types of brushes but kept finding it impossible to keep paint out of the engraved area.  I saw these in a small pack at Hobby Lobby in the paint section and thought maybe that would work.  It did!  I just put some paint on a plate and dab it in the paint and onto the wood.  As long as you don't press too hard, it stays on the surface and doesn't go into the engraved areas.  And, I'm no longer washing brushes all the time.  I use one and throw it away.  They also have these at Target.





CA Glue and Precision tip bottles:  If you plan on making any signs with lettering, you will most likely have some tiny/thin pieces to glue down.  I use CA Glue for all of my projects (wood, mdf, gluing magnets, etc).  The CA glue has a small tip but not as good as the precision tip bottles.  You only need a tiny bit of CA glue and the precision tip bottles help keep it in control so that is doesn't leak out under your letters.

       



Lazy Susan:  Not necessary but makes painting easier when you can easily turn it to get all the sides.  I bought a plastic one that cost more than this.  I would much rather have this one:






Fun supplies:  These are the large clothes pins and mini pencils I have used in some of my projects.  I also have the magnets that I use linked.

            



Xacto Do It Yourself Kit:  On the rare occasion that a piece of wood (Baltic Birch) doesn't cut all the way through, I use my Xacto knife to get those little parts that want to hang on.  I wanted a tiny saw blade to help make this task easier and found this kit.  It helps when I need to cut small things out.




Shelving:  This is what I got to store my 12x20 Proofgrade wood on.  It fits perfectly!




Not necessary, but helps - Air Purifier Totally not necessary but I have my Glowforge in a small space and this helps clear the smell out faster.





Acrylic Scorer:  I bought some larger sheets of acrylic that were 24" long and needed them to be 20" to fit.  This tool scores the acrylic so you can snap or break it into the size you want.

 



Caliper If you venture out beyond proof grade materials you might actually wish you had this. You will need to measure the thickness of whatever material you are using and this is what a caliper does!

 

Paint: I buy most of my acrylic paint at Michaels/Hobby Lobby.  Folk Art brand or whatever is cheaper. I did buy this set from Dick Blick so that I would have every color when I need it.  The tubes are small so it wouldn't be great for large items, but it is great for lots of smaller projects (magnets, clips, letters, etc...
https://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-studio-acrylic-sets/?clickTracking=true&wmcp=pla&wmcid=items&wmckw=01637-0489&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiP2qg_Kj4wIVip6fCh0mxwBEEAQYASABEgL5LfD_BwE#photos

Wood:  In addition to the Proofgrade wood from Glowforge (and you get a nice sample set included with your new Glowforge), I have been using a lot of MDF from Wooditis on Etsy.  He ships insanely fast!  I also just ordered some walnut wood from Home Depot online (its an online order only, you can't pick it up there).  They will cut it for you and ship it to your home.  I had it cut 12"x20" to fit the Glowforge but it hasn't arrived yet.  I will update if it works out good.


I LOVE my Glowforge!  I am having a blast.  I am far from an expert but please ask me if you have any questions.   Don't forget to use this link to save a lot of money if you decide to purchase your own:  https://glowforge.us/r/AAIRNBDL The discount will show up only if you purchase via this link :)

81 comments

  1. I bought a glowforge, and sent you the referral. Was looking for a teacher to give to and found you. thanks

    Also you etsy button isn't working, pointing to https://www.etsy.com/shop/SoPrettyPersonalized

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! Yes, I am taking a break from Etsy now that school is back in session :)

      Delete
  2. Thanks for the share! I just purchased one with your referral link!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nice article I was really impressed seeing this article, it was very interesting and it is very useful for me. You might want to check out cashier's check vs money order 

    ReplyDelete
  4. Appreciating the persistence you put into your site and detailed information you provide. It’s great to come across a blog once in a while that isn’t the same outdated rehashed material. Excellent read! I’ve saved your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account. Also checkout Warlock Names Generator

    ReplyDelete
  5. Your article is very informative and helpful to me. Thank you for the post, it’s really nice. This is more good! Visit my site. how to raise your credit score 200 points in 30 days

    ReplyDelete
  6. Slotxo We are the world's leading online gambling game provider, updating the latest betting games for you to play every month, and to make you enjoy our gambling games even more, we provide you with excitement. From our new games even more, you can experience a new type of betting game that can be played very easily with easy access channels. slotxo

    ReplyDelete
  7. The Lucky Piggy Golden Piggy Slot has an RTP of 96.79% with a multiplier rate of up to 20,000x! Therefore, it is another new slot game that is worth watching. And especially if you are someone who likes to try something new, the more you can't miss it. The game itself has a strong point that the unique feature adds an extra line to the reels. pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  8. Slots, if we see it as a casino game that hasn't caught my eye Let's read the experience. that I myself had thought of this before, let's see Then you will know that in fact, the slot game is a gambling game that is the tip of the horse. No one expected to have the ability to pump money to players unexpectedly. that we see that only a few baht per game สล็อต

    ReplyDelete
  9. sight to leave each other with that, and if anyone wants to continue to make profits, we recommend some eye care. The fruits that are in this section are high in vitamins that help nourish the eyes, and we would also like you to come to know the benefits of different re pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  10. All-in-one service on a single website, AMB, no need to search for additional subscription sites. pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  11. Through the auto system and most importantly, there is no limitation in playing various games in order to make more money for yourself. pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  12. Games on one site packed with quality and international standards accepted worldwide superslot เครดิตฟรี

    ReplyDelete
  13. Exciting online earning site We would like to be a part of the success of all gamblers. บาคาร่า

    ReplyDelete
  14. and especially in the era of covid with the country closed make playing online slots games become popular สล็อต

    ReplyDelete
  15. YouTube is giving away free credits. where you have to comment free credit via YouTube in the channel slotxo

    ReplyDelete
  16. A tournament that is extremely fun and exciting. But a card game that can be equally fun. ambbet

    ReplyDelete
  17. centered in merit and in Dhamma. No greed, anger, nor delusions are allowed to defile me.
    pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  18. Online slots in our website You will find the best service system. And players can come to play 24 hours a day, no matter what you do. or where in the country ข่าวบอล

    ReplyDelete
  19. Did you guys go to the Army/Navy store for your gear? Multicam with desert digital with whatever you want to wear that day I guess. superslot

    ReplyDelete
  20. Playing every game will have a chance to earn a profit in every turn.

    And most importantly, to play online games in all online game slotxo

    ReplyDelete
  21. Scatter Symbol The symbol is a boat as a special symbol if 3 Scatter appears on one of the reels. will enter free spins mode ambbet

    ReplyDelete
  22. Direct web slots that can make the most money like Slotxo that come with the highest breakout rates. ambbet

    ReplyDelete
  23. For customers who are interested in the game and want to apply for pgslot, AMB can apply for membership and friends can contact admin at @YAB168 pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  24. Because our website can support more than 100,000 users can use the service. Welcome sexybacarat

    ReplyDelete
  25. Promotion online slots and fish shooting games, jili and slot joker, great promotion, free credit, hot promotion pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  26. Free credit giveaway activities, which will be organized in rounds. Each round is limited to the number of users in the distribution can be tracked on the web page. winbigslot.com amb

    ReplyDelete
  27. Playing online gambling games nowadays I must say that it is very easy to play. All you need is a communication device. that can play the internet ข่าวบอล

    ReplyDelete
  28. for PGSLOT entrance There are all kinds of channels. Mainly, there will be a PGSLOT app that can be downloaded for both Android and IOS systems. สมัครสมาชิกสล็อต pg

    ReplyDelete
  29. Bonus Game In this feature, you have to fight with lions. to receive many prize money back ข่าวบอล

    ReplyDelete
  30. and the game is easy to understand It's not that complicated, but which game? Welcome pgslot เว็บตรง

    ReplyDelete
  31. Online slots games are simple games that anyone can play. Only then you have money to bet. Then press the lever of the Slot machine and wait to win the prize money. Usually we meet สมัครสมาชิกสล็อต pg

    ReplyDelete
  32. It is a popular gambling game in casinos. which this player will be like a toy or a machine that creates more enjoyment for the general public amb

    ReplyDelete
  33. Our web service provider will improve the system even further. With over 10 years of experience, we will definitely not disappoint our players. ambbet

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hello, admin has something to inform you.
    in a short time We will have a combination of brands.
    Raja joins GIANT - GIJ - GLI-all at Giant GAB. pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  35. Premium with a new beige cabin and center console decorated with piano black material, making your life easier. Approximate price 420,000 baht ข่าวบอล

    ReplyDelete
  36. pg slot 2022 direct website is ready to present new betting styles for you to be. pgslot เว็บตรง

    ReplyDelete
  37. Online slots promotions and fish shooting games, both brands pgslot, great promotions, free credit, hot promotion pgslot เว็บตรง

    ReplyDelete
  38. s we’ve all know INTERNET the most modern way to communicate with the people around the world. The INTERNET began to operate in บาคา

    ReplyDelete
  39. thus becoming popular with players who like to play old-fashioned slot games to play more online slots games sexybacarat

    ReplyDelete
  40. ready to help provide excellent facilities and deposit for playing more of your slots ข่าวบอล

    ReplyDelete


  41. The website that chooses to use the service is very important. It must be a standard website. Nowadays, there are many new slots web sites. One of them is PGSLOT.TO. joker123

    ReplyDelete
  42. pgslot direct website, the website can make real money, more advantages than high... Web Year Games, Online Slots, Best Games Site pgslot เว็บตรง

    ReplyDelete
  43. Of course, each game has different rules and regulations. It doesn't have all the same stereotypes. jili

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hundreds of thousands of giveaways can be withdrawn for free with no minimum. It is a safe service. pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  45. บริการเกมสล็อตออนไลน์ปี 2022 เกมให้เลือกเล่นมากกว่า 1,000 เกม โปรสล็อตสมาชิกใหม่ ฝาก10รับ100 วอ เลทสล็อตเล่นผ่านเว็บ ก็ได้เช่นกัน สมัครเล่น SLOT สล็อตออนไลน์ superslot.li

    ReplyDelete
  46. Anyone can use it chillingly, not complicated, not complicated, all new players.welcome pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  47. The most important thing is to recommend a good site for your friends to play on, possibly the same site you visit. pgslot เว็บตรง

    ReplyDelete
  48. Newest online slots 123WIN88 get free credit
    There are more than 10 online slots games. ดูบอลออนไลน์

    ReplyDelete
  49. Apply for free, the newest PGSLOT website opens in 2022
    entrance to play slots welcome slotxo

    ReplyDelete
  50. No vest, high security, reliable, straight joker slots. Everyone can trust to bet with peace of mind. pgslot เว็บตรง

    ReplyDelete
  51. Whether it's an online slot game, the bonus is broken, giving away hundreds of thousands, no withdrawals at all. superslot

    ReplyDelete
  52. and at present Slots are also available in the form of online slots can be played. pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  53. pg slot, deposit, withdrawal, no minimum, heavy break, not passing the new web agent of the year 2022 pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  54. The game that is as popular as the first game is a game that is quite high quality and interesting this year has been developed so we can guarantee fun and satisfaction. ดูบอลสด

    ReplyDelete
  55. as well as easy to play Also, there are always real money giveaways and withdrawal ดูบอลสด

    ReplyDelete
  56. Daruma dolls or Japanese famous red biennial dolls which can be regarded as a symbol that can be compared even if you fall a few times is always ready to rise again บอลโลก 2022

    ReplyDelete
  57. slot website is a slot website. that gives away the most free credit right now, even if you have capital or no capital to play You can claim free credits. AMBKING

    ReplyDelete
  58. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  59. slot in the coin. And try your luck to get them. To be able to catch the lovely cute doll you want. will สล็อต

    ReplyDelete
  60. You will post messages on various social media. When you watch clips on social media or even listening amb

    ReplyDelete
  61. modern Responding to the new generation of gamblers, the strongest, the safest. Available for you to choose from more than 10 leading casinos in one place. pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  62. slotbar888, choosing to play slots with straight web, easy to crack which is the pinnacle of Asia Will help you enjoy the world สล็อตออนไลน์

    ReplyDelete
  63. because it is a matter that players need to know and today we have to tell you all 3 things that you should pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  64. Per player, which our website has a minimum bet of only 1 baht, can be considered 1 baht and can win because the bonus breaks up to 5,000 AMBKING

    ReplyDelete
  65. you could go to the hyperlink so you can get details of many books. The time that you spend to examine books will continually provide your desirable returns. เพื่อนฟุตบอล

    ReplyDelete
  66. "Mrs. Gilchrist, your post on all things Glowforge is truly enlightening! The possibilities seem endless with this innovative tool, from personalized gifts to stunning home decor.
    macorner discount code

    ReplyDelete
  67. It's inspiring to see how technology can empower creativity in such unique ways. And for those eager to embark on their own Glowforge adventures while being mindful of their budget.
    speedy cash promo code

    ReplyDelete
  68. "I thoroughly enjoyed reading this blog. Your unique perspective and well-supported arguments make it a standout piece. Keep up the excellent work!"
    youtooz discount code

    ReplyDelete
  69. "Your blog has become a go-to source for me. The depth of analysis and clarity of presentation set it apart. Well done!"
    tiffs treats coupons

    ReplyDelete
  70. I am always searching this type of blog post. I hope I will see this again soon.

    ReplyDelete
  71. I like learning new stuff. So, thankuou for this information of yours.

    ReplyDelete
  72. There are some great ideas above. Thanks for providing this good stories

    ReplyDelete