GlowforgeSpark Laser Engraver for Crafts and DIY, Craft Cutter and Engraving Machine

The media could not be loaded. I was so excited to receive my Glowforge Spark and begin using it for projects. The set up was very easy, you get step by step instructions on how to unbox it, how to set up the exhaust, how to connect it to WiFi, etc. I was able to use the step by step instructions to make my first cut and from there I was able to start adding projects from their catalog into my designs in the Glowforge website. I ended up making mandala earrings and a cutout Doodle Dog Car Charm.I have used a Cricut Maker in the past for cutting projects, like making decals for cars and home decor, stickers and other inserts for my planner, and iron on vinyl for t-shirts. I like that the Spark is specifically made for cutting thicker materials (compared to the projects that I have used my Maker for), and I don't have to keep replacing blades like I would need to on the Cricut. I also like that I don't need to have a cutting mat like I do for my Cricut.The Glowforge Proofgrade materials make it super easy for a beginner to be successful in making projects. I used the Proofgrade Cherry that came with my Glowforge to make the dog charm, and I purchased Proofgrade Basswood at JoAnns for the Mandala earrings that I made. I plan on getting their Proofgrade Acrylic to cut Stanley lid toppers, Christmas ornaments, mini milk crates, bookmarks, and more earrings! I am looking forward to learning how to use the Glowforge website some more so I can make my own designs for more personalized projects.If you are ready to level up from a Cricut like I was, I definitely recommend the Spark as an entry level machine, especially if you want to cut things like wood and acrylic without having to regularly replace cutting blades like you would for the Cricut.

I was so excited upon receiving this machine as it was my first step into cutting and engraving on wood. Upon doing my research, I found that it was recommended to get the glowforge air purifier to go along with this unit to help with fumes.Setting it up was simple, I had no issues when it came to setup, although getting the machine to connect to wifi was tricky. With the glowforge, you also get a free trial of their glowforge application that you use with your machine. With this subscription, it allows you to have access to their premium features and allows you to send the design faster to your machine whereas without the subscription, it would make processing the design to your machine slower.For about a week, the machine worked great. I was able to make some early Mother's Day gifts with ease. I didn't mess with any settings on the glowforge, but began having issues with cutting and engraving on the same wood I had been using. No matter what settings I chose, I couldn't get it to cut through. I chalked it up to more than likely being because I didn't use their proof grade material and found a box of laser safe basswood to use that was cheaper compared to the $20 they want you to spend on only one piece of their proof grade wood at Michael's.Overall, the glowforge is a great machine if you have the money to put into it. I wish I would have done more research on their subscription + the cost of the grade proof material and also finding out that in order to replace the filter for the air filter it's also another $200.I recommend doing more research and weighing all of your options before going to glowforge.

Not easy to use. No customer service help whatsoever. You can’t even use a simple text box to engrave unless you commit to a membership with them that’s paid monthly or annually. Total rip off save your money. Don’t buy this.

I was very excited to get my Glowforge Spark in the mail. I’ve been a long time creative and previously used a Cricut machine for paper and vinyl cutouts. Using a laser cutting tool takes these projects to the next level with the ability to cut or engrave wood, acrylic, leather, etc. This truly makes the possibilities endless.The setup was user friendly out of the box with step-by-step video instructions from unboxing to connecting the filter (I purchased this separately) and syncing with the wifi. I saw other reviewers had difficulty with this step, but I ran into no issues.For my first project, I made a small dog tag and ornament for my parent’s new dog, Louie, out of the Proofgrade Cherry Plywood that came with the machine. The laser cut and engraved the wood with no issues. There was a bit of trial and error with customizing the design, but it was similar enough to the Cricut Design Space layers that it did not give me too much trouble. There are plenty of YouTube videos to help assist as well. I’m looking forward to working with leather for bracelets and Christmas ornaments.I’ll return for an update after I’ve had a chance to test out other materials and make new things, but overall, I’ve had a great experience with my Glowforge and highly recommend.