Laser Cutting Mistakes - Don't Do This with Your Glowforge

[@85thandPine]

After years of perfecting our craft, we have officially launched The Ultimate Glowforge Guide! Included are 13 files/products for you to sell year round, videos on how to edit those items, setting we use, materials we use, as well as pricing and marketing assistance. Check out our Ultimate Guide here: 85thandpine.com/products/the-ultimate-glowforge-guide

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

I feel like people do have a tendency to think you can push the button and walk away. I know I get over confident at times. I worked at a MakerSpace and had several fires so that’s kinda made me more careful. However… I still get too confident sometimes. Two weeks ago I had some masking that was hanging over the edge of my material. The design cut too close to the edge and caught the masking on fire. Luckily I was close enough that I saw it and caught it before any damage was done. But it sure gave me a scare.

[@angela0037]

Hello! I've been debating buying this for awhile - nervous about spending so much! I finally got the courage to do it so I just ordered the Pro model. I used your referral to purchase.... Hope this helps you and your family out a little!! :) Thanks for the videos!

[@85thandPine]

Hi Angela! I completely understand - I was very nervous about the money... it’s definitely not cheap! But I was determined to make it work so I’m sure you can too! Thank you SO much for using my code! It means more than you know. Wishing you the best and feel free to email me any time if you ever have questions!!

[@dyalyani]

Thanks for the video. FYI I just ordered my Glowforge Plus using your code. Happy New year!

[@85thandPine]

Thanks so much! My family and I really appreciate it!

[@mozimzim]

I just got my GF and the Vent. I've only used it for a few days. Do you just lay the filter sheet on top of the filter? I didn't realize how fast you can through it! I thought it would last much longer. Thanks for the advice on the filter sheet! I enjoyed all the information and will be following you!

[@85thandPine]

Hi there! Yes, just cut the sheet to size and place it right on top of the filter underneath the lid.

[@Bruno_MECL]

Hello! Congrats for the video. I'm a brasilian maker and liked your job. In this days, I'm looking for others contextes of this univers to learn more about it and help as I can. Can you tell me more about your last mistake? How do you exactly use the carbon filter?

[@85thandPine]

Hi! Thank you. I buy the carbon filter on Amazon and cut it to the length of the air filter cartridge. Then, I place it right on top of the cartridge and close the lid over it. This helps it collect more debris before it gets into the replacement cartridge, thus, slowing down the buildup of debris in the cartridge.

[@Bruno_MECL]

​@@85thandPine Cool! Tks so much for the anwer ! Have a great 2022!

[@Wertyuiopasdfghjjkl]

Thank you for the good video! The one you used in the video Where's the paper on the wood? Please let me know if you purchased it (when engraving) thank you

[@85thandPine]

Hi! Thank you. We use Tape Man Blue paper transfer tape.

[@karenturner5443]

Do you ever consider doing an online course on how to create digital files?

[@85thandPine]

Funny you mention that. I have a video series starting next week on how to use Inkscape to design your own files.

[@jackofalltradeswoman]

@@85thandPine have you created and published this course yet?

[@85thandPine]

@@jackofalltradeswoman I do have a series focused on using Inkscape. It is posted every Tuesday afternoon. There are several listed on my page currently. :)

[@jen_profit_machine]

Do you use the carbon filter on top of a new replacement filter? I just finally realized I need to replace mine. Ugh-- SOOOO expensive. That is the one thing that I don't like about GF. The machine costs alot and to have a $250 filter replacement stinks. Any other ways around it? Thanks!!

[@85thandPine]

Yes, the carbon filter just sits right on top of the filter, underneath the lid. It is expensive! After a while, I ended up using an inline fan to help vent out a window that was much more cost effective. I have a video here if you are interested in checking it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHnRiYywp7RmrMksi=o-xfqCRUKPyjTNXD

[@MsPeaches50s]

Hi! Do you recommend purchasing the glowforge extended warranty? I’m thinking about buying a pro or a plus before their prices go up

[@85thandPine]

Hi!! I honestly didn’t know they had an option to purchase extended warranty. I tried looking it up but couldn’t find it... how much does it cost and how long is it for? We haven’t had major issues with our machine and we’ve had it for a year and a half. I only had to buy replacement parts for it once or twice due to my own error. But if the extended warranty is reasonable, it may be a good idea.

[@MsPeaches50s]

@@85thandPine you only see it when you go to check out & scroll down to see everything in your cart. For the plus for example it’s $599 for an additional year or $799 for 3 years.

[@85thandPine]

@@MsPeaches50s Oh ok. In my personal experience, I probably wouldn’t buy the extra warranty. This is why: We use materials that are not proofgrade (for the most part). So if something goes wrong while we are cutting on non proofgrade materials, it’s not covered. So for me, it wouldn’t be worth the extra expense to buy the warranty.

[@celeitamccoy6413]

Can you show us step by step how to do a name puzzle

[@85thandPine]

Hi Celeita! I will add that to my list of videos. Thank you!

[@tokeca1]

Trying to find out of we can cut metal and if so how thick. Thanks

[@85thandPine]

Hi! Here is an answer for you from the Glowforge website about metals... “Glowforge can etch some metals, like anodized aluminum, directly. Other metals, like stainless steel, work best if you spray them first with a product such as Cermark. This process discolors the metals but does not engrave them away, so the surface still feels smooth to the touch. Unfortunately the power levels of a desktop machine aren't quite enough to cut metal, so your best bet is laser cutting a template or jig, then using that as a guide for a blade or saw.”

[@symsymma2699]

This was very helpful info! Thank you!

[@85thandPine]

Thank you! And you’re very welcome.

[@bekktek]

what do you believe caused the fire? I've heard several things - masking, acrylic, dirty machine.....

[@85thandPine]

I’m almost positive it was the freezing temps outside which caused my masking tape to peel off and create air bubbles, which then caught on to the small flame of the laser burning. I was venting out the window when it was under 30 degrees and left it exposed to the cold air while I got everything ready. I noticed it had air bubbles under my tape but I didn’t think much of it at the time. :)

[@JuguemosconSentido]

hello from Puerto Rico

[@OctavianVoicu]

The pins 🤯

[@ariadragonn]

Hello, I really like your videos. I use your promo code to buy my Glowforge. Is there something else you do to try to prevent a fire?

[@85thandPine]

Thank you so much!! Really, the main reason fires can happen is if the masking paper tape peels off during cutting, which can result in a flame. As long as the tape is adhered well and there’s no cold air coming through the vent to peel it off, it should be okay! Just be sure to monitor the machine while it’s running.

[@jackiepcan7]

Hello 🙋🏻‍♀️thank you for the videos they are very helpful. My biggest fear is my glowforge causing a fire 🔥 what are things that can cause it to have a fire ? How can we prevent ? And what can we do if it starts one ? I did buy a fire blanket from Amazon. Also do you mask your wood before you use it or do you pre mask all your wood to have it ready when needed ? Thank you

[@85thandPine]

Hi! Thanks for the comment! Honestly, fires are not super common (in my experience). I only had the one significant fire but other than that, I haven’t had any issues. I think the reason I had the fire was because I was venting out a window when the temperature outside was under 30 degrees. So, that made some cold air come through the vent while it wasn’t running which in turn made the masking tape on my materials less sticky and started to peel away. This caused the loose masking tape to catch fire. All I did to stop it was cancel the print job by pushing the button on the machine and opening the hood. I didn’t have to use any other reinforcements at that point. I think if I avoided letting cold air through the vent as much as possible, it would have helped. That means I would just have to wait to put the vent out the window right when I was ready to print rather than letting it sit while I prepared everything. I usually just mask my materials as I go, when I need to. If I have a lot of orders coming through, I mask a bunch of materials at once if I have time just to make it easier. Hope that helps!

[@MattLaClear]

Thanks for sharing your mistake. Was that using the tape you mentioned wasn't fireproof?

[@Aimin4strz]

Here I go... Hopefully, You will continue to make more videos so I can figure this thing out before it gets here... Using your referral code now. :-)

[@85thandPine]

Haha thanks Alicia!! And yes, I will definitely be making more videos. One will be coming up soon about how to use the machine :) Good luck and let me know if you have questions!

[@jenniferbowman2892]

Where do you purchase your masking for your projects?

[@85thandPine]

I usually buy Vinyl Ease Paper Masking from Amazon. It says not to use for laser cutting because of potential fire, but haven’t had issues besides one incident. I know that a lot of people use this. The company I buy my wood/acrylic materials from also recommends it.

[@marilyncooper4846]

Can you link the filter stuff that is on Amazon?

[@85thandPine]

AF Cut-to-Fit Activated Carbon Filter Charcoal Air Filter Sheet 16"x48" for Air Purifiers CP-6005 www.amazon.com/dp/B000U204W2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_81XDW15651B0E5SC44Q8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 😊