Glowforge Aura: Getting Started with Craft Lasers

I am introducing the new Glowforge Aura! If you have ever wanted a craft laser, this is the product for you! This video is sponsored by Glowforge, however, all projects and opinions are my own. Watch as I unbox and set up Glowforge Aura and test it by making a few projects. Cut and engrave thicker materials when you upgrade to a laser in your craft room! Stay tuned for future content as well as there is so much this machine can do!
Links below may be affiliate links.
Learn more about the Glowforge Aura on the Glowforge website: glowforge.com/aura
Get your Glowforge Aura at Joanns and Michaels stores. NOTE: I will add links as they are live!
Michaels: www.anrdoezrs.net/click-75214...
JOANN stores: click.linksynergy.com/deeplin...
Website for designing/printing: app.glowforge.com
IKEA Alex Drawers www.ikea.com/us/en/p/alex-dra...
Be sure to follow me on social as well!
Instagram / angieholdenmakes
Facebook / angieholdenmakes
Cricut Facebook group / cricutlove
TikTok / angieholdenmakes
#glowforgeaura #glowforge #laser
0:00 Introduction
0:45 Unboxing and Setup
2:30 Pass through tray
2:46 Safety
3:35 Ventilation
6:19 Website setup
6:36 Environmental conditions
7:02 Turning on and off
7:24 Proofgrade Materials
10:42 Other Materials
12:26 Materials NOT to Use
13:16 Materials You CAN cut
14:43 Material sizes
15:22 Glowforge software
19:46 Making a cut
26:02 Removing the masking
27:02 More project examples
28:11 Cleaning
28:45 My review
29:21 Where to purchase
30:04 Do you need it?
30:42 Wrap up

[@Craftygurlcreations]

I Loved your step by step narration about what was happening. That spoke my language. I’m sitting here at home Waiting Impatiently for my Fed Ex delivery of my Glowforge Aura !!!!!

[@AngieHolden]

Good luck!!

[@amydamrow5304]

Great demo! I got the Glowforge Aura for Christmas and can't wait to try it. You make it look so easy and less intimidating to get started. Thank you!

[@Dee_B23]

Hi Angie! This looks like the perfect Crafter's Laser. Thank you for the to the point Demo. Can't wait to see what you make in upcoming Tutorials. Happy Crafting!🤗

[@AngieHolden]

You are so welcome!

[@melaniejurgovan]

Wow. This is a game changer!!!!!! Thanks for the review Angie. You are the best!!!!

[@AngieHolden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ChristaRnNV]

Thank you Angie for your VERY thorough review! When there's new products or techniques, I always go to your channel for explanations and detailed videos. You helped me through a converted epson sub printer catastrophe!!!! I am adding this laser cutter to my bucket list of must-have craft tools/machines!! Can you do a video laser-cutting very intricate, small wood items - for example: jewelry (like a name), ornament, key chain? And also a video on engraving on wood very intricate designs for like a jewelry box or on jewelry? Thanks again!

[@nicoleweber7936]

I JUST learned of this new laser cutter from Glowforge yesterday! This was an excellent tutorial Angie, thank you so much!!!

[@AngieHolden]

You are so welcome!

[@christywilcox237]

Thank you! I've been scared of trying out a laser cutter but your video really breaks it down and makes it seem doable!

[@AngieHolden]

You can do it!

[@girlmisty2]

Angie, you always have Great reviews!! Looks like a super machine!

[@AngieHolden]

It is!

[@robinjones2765]

Thank you so much for your dedication to doing these videos. I just purchased this machine yesterday and the filter. I'm glad I found your video made me a lot more comfortable in buying this and I understand now what can be done with it. Thanks so much

[@AngieHolden]

Glad I could help!

[@TheDiscerningPath]

Thanks I follow you for other crafts you do. I just purchased my aura and was looking for videos on use and you cropped up. so glad to see a familiar face using this.

[@AngieHolden]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@tanafranklin9927]

You do a wonderful job with your tutorial videos. For a beginner wanting to learn I will definitely be following you! Thank you!

[@AngieHolden]

Thanks for watching!

[@juliejacobs7225]

Angie, you are literally the only KZbinr I will trust when deciding whether to purchase something! Your new product videos are perfection! I think I might definitely buy the Glowforge Aura!!

[@AngieHolden]

Yay! Thank you!

[@logoidea4u]

You will regret if you buy this machine, Aura is a 6w diode machine, not a CO2 LASER MACHINE, the power is very low, the work space is small, you can buy a whole 10w diode lasers sistem with less money, with more work area, Air assist, rotary tool for Steele bottles, faster and more powerful, with enclosure an smoke extractor included!! This Aura machine is a rip off!! Just need to investigate a little in the internet and you will know what aim talking about!!.

[@michelegrice4938]

Hi Angie, l have watched a few glowforge reviews and out of them all l would definitely say that you covered a lot more than any other reviewer. You were straight to the point with no fluffing about and you also explained what would or could happen. This was a direct to the point review and l am amazed at all the things tbat it can do. Thankyou kindly for sharing your knowledge of the glowforge aura machine and your time in making this review, l appreciate it.

[@AngieHolden]

Thanks for the great comment!

[@betaniajervey6993]

Good afternoon Angie? You you us glowforge on t-shirts?

[@emilygraham9008]

Thanks for this video! Would love to see engraving. I definitely want to get this when my budget allows or if it ever goes on sale. I think it would be fun to make Christmas ornaments.

[@AngieHolden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@annevisser8429]

Thank you! I'm looking forward to seeing your video tutorials. This is the perfect machine for me.

[@AngieHolden]

Great to hear!

[@imeldaoneill7747]

That was a great, detailed review! Thank you!

[@ayeshaazhar6891]

Thank you so much Angie.... I was thinking to buy one laser machine but couldn't decide....cant wait to see you do more projects on Glowforge Aura:)

[@AngieHolden]

More to come!

[@TarnishedRoseMinis]

I have one of the larger Glowforges that I bought a few years ago. I don't use Glowforge materials much because of the high cost, but I do know from talking with friends that cut laser kits for a living that I can use other woods & materials. To keep the char to a minimum, I use masking tape on rolls that I purchased from Amazon that works with the laser. I vent my cutter to the outside using a window vent kit made for a clothes dryer. I just relocated the security system sensor a little upward so my security system still works, and I added a lock to keep the window down on the vent. HOWEVER, you will still get the smell of burning wood/paper/etc., so place it in a room that is not near the main living area if you put it in your house. NOTHING is going to stop that smell if you have it inside.

[@CLTGeek]

Something will stop that smell if you have it inside! A powerful 6" inline fan - instead of relying on the built-in Glowforge fan. That's what I have on Glowforge Pro and I have zero smell inside. It's vented through a metal window vent that's sealed around the window frame and insulated. Also be sure your existing GF fan is clean and its grill not impair airflow. Check the GF community for details on potentially removing the existing fan grill and/or fan to improve airflow when combined with an external inline fan.

[@TarnishedRoseMinis]

@@CLTGeek Thank you! I’m going to do that.

[@03581356]

Can you use clear acrylic material if you put colored tape on it? The video lost me at not being able to cut clear acrylic as that is what my preferred use would be. ☹️

[@CLTGeek]

@@03581356 Moderate and low power diode based lasers, like the Aura, are not able to cut clear acrylic. You may be successful at engraving it using a surface treatment but you will not be able to cut it. This is a fundamental limitation of the laser frequency and power being used.

[@ChrisMasto]

@@03581356 No. This type of laser isn't physically capable of cutting clear acrylic because the wavelength just passes through it. If you did that, it would only cut the tape.

[@marthaalvarez214]

Thanks Angie. Can’t wait to see more videos on this.

[@AngieHolden]

More to come!

[@lindsayl.7198]

Thank you so much for making this video! You’re very thorough with everything!! 😊

[@AngieHolden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@scrapnstitchtawnya5423]

Thank you your videos are always good. I would love to see card stock cutting. Thanks again Angie for your time.

[@AngieHolden]

Noted!

[@nicoledecleene7161]

I’ve been eyeing glowforge for a while now but the price has kept me away. SO excited to see this little crafter’s version at a cheaper price! Thanks for such an informative video!

[@AngieHolden]

You are so welcome!

[@ker_possible]

Same. The price but also the fact it needs proper ventilation and needs a proper set up for safety measures.

[@labratt527]

Thanks for this video! Ive been contemplating a Glowforge and you made it feel less scary!

[@AngieHolden]

Glad I could help!

[@LisaVornhagen]

That is a really cool machine! It would so much fun to play with! I would love to see anything that is engraved. I have a thing for coasters, so that would be great to see.

[@AngieHolden]

Sounds great!

[@eschercat88]

Wow, thank you for this amazing video!!!

[@AngieHolden]

Glad you liked it!

[@juliegayson7947]

Thank you so much. So convinced now that I need one. You explain so well. Thank you x

[@AngieHolden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ammiewelteroth6966]

Great review!! Thank you. I would to see a video on how to do larger projects using the pass through slots on each side. Maybe like a 3’ welcome cut or engraving.

[@AngieHolden]

Noted!

[@eevietheclown7457]

i was so intimidated by this machine until i watched this video! excellent and very informative

[@AngieHolden]

Great to hear!

[@valissaburns6539]

Hi Angie! Just seeing this video. Thanks so much for your time. I am trying to convince my husband that I NEED this. 😆 😆 I have always been a crafter but between school, full-time work and 4 girls (including 11yoa triplets) I have never been able to make the time. I am getting closer to retirement but I will still most definitely need to keep an income until my girls are a bit older. Crafting I think is the way I could do what I love with an additional bonus. I am no subscribed to your channel and can't wait to see all the things you (we) 😉 will do!!! ❤ ❤

[@AngieHolden]

Thanks for subbing and welcome!

[@dianenortness2131]

Thanks for your thorough review! Very informative!

[@AngieHolden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sabrinalea7919]

I just got my Glowforge Aura set up and am really interested in learning the ins and outs of custom designs

[@user-uv6cx3dh9z]

Looking forward to it being available in the UK

[@DrSam2u]

Thanks for another informative video. 💜

[@AngieHolden]

Any time!

[@jacquelinebennett8067]

Hey Beautiful, I will be getting this one, thank you for your videos, love ya!!!

[@AngieHolden]

Hope you like it!

[@amberdrosinos1584]

Can’t wait to get mine should be here in the next few days so excited 😊 would love to see more videos of other things you can create

[@AngieHolden]

I have several videos now. Any Spark or Aura videos on my channel can work with the Aura machine!

[@amymanganaro4243]

So cool! I would love to see fabric 🥰

[@AngieHolden]

Coming soon!

[@ako3180]

Wow, very informative. Thank you!

[@AngieHolden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TALISHAMON]

Good video. I would like to see you cut leather large enough that it needs the pass-through. Interested in this or Venture for bag pattern pieces.

[@CLTGeek]

This is the video I was waiting for!

[@AngieHolden]

Yes!!

[@anitaulmer]

I love this! I've been wanting a laser but not the learning curve or price involved. Definitely going on my Christmas list!

[@AngieHolden]

Go for it!

[@luv2craft]

You and me both!

[@yungzubass9648]

Making 3D project. Like to see Cutting woods more. Thank you for sharing.

[@AngieHolden]

More to come!

[@brookelanigan6166]

So glad I found you! Got my Aura today and can’t even figure out the paper box, ugh. I use a Cricut but this software isn’t intuitive. I would like to see a more detailed “how too” with the Glowforge software.

[@AngieHolden]

Oh I can do that!

[@staceyengstrom2012]

you are extremely thorough!!! Love this info, soooo helpful as the key element that I'm concerned about is ventilation. I dont' want to have a window open...that would be a pain. thanks for all the info!!!

[@AngieHolden]

You would just need to also purchase the air filter.

[@forestpkguy]

that looks amazing

[@AngieHolden]

It is!

[@cindycisneros322]

Thank you for this very descriptive and informative video. I just purchased the GF Aura and now I can't wait to try it out. I'm sure I will continue to reference your video :)

[@AngieHolden]

I hope you love it!

[@cindycisneros322]

Thank you! I tried to make my first project yesterday and was completely confused! I think I need more tutorials :0@@AngieHolden

[@AngieHolden]

More to come!

[@cindycisneros322]

Thank you!!@@AngieHolden

[@andreatthatsme]

Thank you Angie. Really wish it was in my budget 😢. I'm tapping out of crafting. 😢. Over a 6 year time period, I have spent over $7k in a combination of leather products because i wanted to make handmade goods like purses, bags, wallets, and other real leather related products. Then add an additional $4k-5k in misc. random crafting supplies like vinyl, paint, sublimation iron ons, resin. Enough. I just paid off my Solo cutter thats costs $400 and i only used it 3x's so far, i still have a Sizzix eclipse2 in the box never used. I can't do it anymore 😪. But i don't fault you for your positivity and creativity. Time for me to start doing something so i can destash, sell, and end my bad behaviors. Trust that this eye candy is a struggle to pass on. 😊.

[@TheMusicaEclectica]

Sounds like you are having a challenging time deciding what it is that you really want to dive into and are buying all the things only to lose interest in working with them. Before you destash (if you haven't already done so), take one of your pieces of equipment and really learn all there is to learn about it and make a wide variety of items. If you decide it's really not your thing, then get rid of it :)

[@faithyates7826]

Great video Angie!

[@northstar8783]

I would love to learn more about using GlowForge for fabric/quilting. Thanks:)

[@AngieHolden]

Noted!

[@leinettejohnson4412]

I’d love to see you make a puzzle!

[@TheGpnanny]

Thank you for your informative video, as always. I would really love to see writing and engraving on leather videos. I tried making dog tags with the cricut maker and finally had to abandon it.

[@AngieHolden]

Great suggestion!

[@charlenegreen9107]

Hope to see more videos on using this and software

[@AngieHolden]

Coming soon! I have a bunch of content planned!

[@JJenn2590]

Thank you for this wonderful video! Makes me want one even more! I would like to know if it cuts felt for felt flowers?

[@AngieHolden]

Hmmm. I know it says fabric. I would need to test that!

[@dianememories]

Awesome video!

[@AngieHolden]

Thanks!

[@starbrown3367]

Great review. I would like to see you cut acrylic for earrings. Thank you.

[@AngieHolden]

Will do!

[@ninalatting7333]

Angie, thank you for such a clear calm and thoughtful presentation of this product. Have been curious about how they work, but the warning to keep a fire extinguisher nearby will deter me at this time. 😊 However I am VERY interested in learning from the ground up how to use my Cricut Maker! Please point me directly to whichever is your best pre-beginner/entry level most basic instructional video for a crafter without deep computer skills or experience in Cricut terminology. Thanking you in advance! 😊

[@AngieHolden]

Of course! Try this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZ-bpaCOmt-Kipo

[@eltonnoway5692]

Great video ... lots of information. That said, I'm glad I also watched the KZbin video titled: Glowforge Aura Part 5: What’s That Smell?

[@gigig3623]

Loved the video!! I treated myself to one today I took advantage of the $200 off for the holidays. I can’t wait to get it.

[@AngieHolden]

YAY! Happy crafting!

[@gigig3623]

@@AngieHoldenthank you received it today 😊

[@tammypottinger3691]

Great video!

[@AngieHolden]

Thanks!

[@costercrouse]

Most excellent video

[@NanadoosPlace]

Super excited for this machine! Great video.. ad always. I am anxious to see more if your projects. My main question at this time is what is the price of replacement filters?

[@AngieHolden]

I am actually not sure!

[@kirstencorby8465]

Very informative, TFS.

[@AngieHolden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mrgrinch61]

What a fun little thing May I have to get me one

[@ReinaJohnsontransformed]

Great review.

[@AngieHolden]

Thanks!

[@embroidery-world]

great video! as usual - I keep thinking I want to try a laser, just can't quite justify it yet. My main interest would be metal signs, which I might be able to do with my Maker, but haven't tried yet. Keep trying to think of stuff that doesn't look like you can get it at Walmart, like most of the GF free designs. Thank you again for the great video and info.

[@AngieHolden]

I will be doing more so maybe that will inspire you!

[@sherisserobinson-cole1029]

This looks amazing, can’t wait to purchase it. When is it available on the glowforge site so we can purchase it in the UK 🇬🇧? We always get left behind 😢Same with Cricut venture (obsessed with buying craft machines 😅)And an engraving video be cool 👌

[@AngieHolden]

Very soon!

[@luv2craft]

I have wanted a Glowforge for years but just could not justify the price especially when they raised all the prices on the 3 model's by $1000 each. This is so much more affordable, this is going on my Christmas list. How much is it to subscribe?

[@brookelanigan6166]

I would love to see etching on leather. I want to make my own bag tags that I will sew onto my bag projects.

[@AngieHolden]

I showed one in this video but I have plans for more soon!

[@LizzieWestBathandBody]

Thank you so much for your review. People forget that lasers have been around for quite a while I had been in the laser business since 1987 and back then a laser was the size of a 2-car garage and would set you back about 150 Grand! Very nice to see this unit!

[@AngieHolden]

You are so welcome!

[@traceybartlam7737]

Wow! I remember in my first job the computer was in a room of its own and the keyboard was basically desk sized. This giant machine used floppy disks and took two different disks to generate one set of accounts 😂 You could probably almost do the same on an app now

[@marlenet5449]

I would like to know more about the types of material it can cut. Especially, brands of acrylic other than glow forge.

[@charlenegreen9107]

Love to see how to use the software I’m new to this

[@AngieHolden]

Coming soon!

[@rodneyswearingen1020]

Very interesting and informative. If roy are able to etch glass on this machine I would love to see if done sometime.

[@AngieHolden]

You cannot etch glass as it would fall under that "no clear things will work" statement.

[@cosplayunlimitedplus3575]

This is a great thorough informational video! Really appreciate your efforts in telling us how it works and what it does! I do have a question! For material like fabric, or materials that may not have the masking already on it, what kind of masking would you recommend? Or just any works? Ill be using this for fabric and other similar products. Also, Id like to see fabric projects both cutting and engraving! Thank you!

[@AngieHolden]

I have a fabric video on my list! I also need to do a video on masking as I did find a good one!

[@cosplayunlimitedplus3575]

@@AngieHolden Yes please!! I'm so curious! And I'm actually amazed how GlowForge youtube doesnt have a video on all the works with cutting and scorching fabric. Least I couldnt find any, nor anyone trying it out. But you are so informative and educational that I'd watch your first regardless, lols!

[@maiger712]

Ty for your awesome informative videos. But my question is how different is this from the x-tool?

[@AngieHolden]

I actually do not have an xtool so that is hard for me to answer. Look for a video from Hey Let’s Make Stuff on that soon!

[@peebee620]

Thank you so much for your awesome tutorials! Question: can we engrave stainless steel items, like tumblers?

[@AngieHolden]

The items added to this must be flat. You can see more here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYCVp2CnqdyWZ5I

[@TallyWeinbergSpaceFluff]

This is gonna HIT on Black Friday 🤣

[@hhernand0206]

Hi Angie, I would love to see you make something on fabric.

[@AngieHolden]

I am sure that is coming soon!

[@letypreciado6272]

Thank you Angie for this tutorial. Very well done. I do have a glowforge machine and it’s a great machine but what I don’t like is that glowforge locks you in to their materials and their program. And all of their material are very expensive. This price point is not bad but not everyone will be able to afford all that you would need for a hobby machine. Looking forward to your new projects.

[@AngieHolden]

You can use other materials you will just need to experiment with settings.

[@carrieknighten9824]

Thank you! I was starting to regret getting this machine because it has limitations compared to the bigger glowforges but they have a bigger price tag as well. Do you have more videos on how to use their software? I would love to learn more on how to use my own designs, perhaps some from my silhouette software.

[@AngieHolden]

Try this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2G5cn57j5KWjKs

[@tinabond8946]

I would love to see how to engrave things like laptops, etc. and more information on that. It seems to me that the heat would damage your computer. Looks like an amazing machine.

[@AngieHolden]

That project makes me so nervous!!

[@Alina_tch]

Thank you for this amazing informative video !! Does it cut white and mirror acrylics?

[@AngieHolden]

I have not tested all acrylics but chances are those will be too light.

[@MyNailsandMorebyJohna]

great I love it

[@theresamowry1327]

Please I'd like to see you do all the things. I'm on the fence right now. 😬

[@badputts]

Wonderful video… thank you! I would love to see fabric cut ( could use it for appliqués ) also, will it cut fabric with heat & bond light ironed on the back? I assume you would not want to use a metallic fabric, also ? Thanks!

[@AngieHolden]

I need to do some testing but that is on my list!

[@dazzleddollz]

great video thank you!

[@AngieHolden]

Glad you liked it!

[@vickieenglishtheoctavemusi3869]

Thank you so much for all of the information. Does this cut this 12x12 thin foam pieces I see at hobby lobby, Michael's, etc? Also, what is the rub and buff stuff you were talking about? I really appreciate how you teach!

[@AngieHolden]

I haven't researched foam yet! You can see more about rub n buff here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWqTioOvfJyEaJo

[@EmmilieRoseBoutique]

Kinda bummed about the clear acrylic being what to avoid... hope there will be a work around soon. I would love to see this make some leather tags for hats. I saw that you made one, but would love to see the process. And can you use faux leather or just certain ones? Thanks.

[@AngieHolden]

Should be laser safe leather or leather with no chromium.

[@traceybartlam7737]

Great video. I’d be so excited to try out different materials. If I was ever to make products for sale it would possibly be laser cut items. I’m not but still enjoyed your video.

[@AngieHolden]

Thanks for watching!

[@traceybartlam7737]

@@AngieHolden thanks for sharing. It looks great fun!

[@anthandant]

Hi Angie, thank you for the tutorial, this looks like an amazing (affordable) laser cutter. Can you cut Gold Mirror Acrylic? Rose Gold? Silver?

[@AngieHolden]

Any reflective acrylic may have issues as well with a diode laser.

[@gloriag4853]

How would you incorporate this into card making? Great video and informative. Thank you.

[@AngieHolden]

Good question! I need to look into paper more!

[@erinstevenson8395]

I’d love to see how it cuts cardstock and fabric.

[@RVlivingcoast2coast]

Thanks for all the details on the Aura, I've had the full-sized Glowforge for years and enjoy making my laser crafts, but was curious about the smaller one. You mentioned clear acrylic can't be used in the Aura? I know I've cut & engraved clear acrylic in my unit for a lot of projects over the years, provided it's properly masked, so I assume this is just a limitation of this new Aura unit?

[@AngieHolden]

Correct. It is a different type of laser than the larger one.

[@amael1224]

Hi Angie! Can the Aura GF cut or engrave using acrylic pastel colors? Thanks great video.

[@AngieHolden]

I have only tried the teal. I need to test more colors and brands.

[@thebajets]

More please!!! Been hoping for a scaled down version for beginners!!! I’m in Hawai’i and we dont have Michaels or Joanns. Can you tell me if I can purchase from Glowforge? I don’t see it on their site.

[@AngieHolden]

It will be on their site eventually it is just not on there yet!

[@rosealaniz95]

Love this tutorial! What kind of leather can be used with this? Does is have to be specifically from this company?

[@AngieHolden]

Needs to be laser safe or laser ready.

[@brendaanderson3680]

Hi Angie. I liked the video. Was very informative. How about earrings or a keychain.

[@AngieHolden]

Great idea!!

[@lindyfarmer8548]

Hi from Australia Angie. Thank you for your video, you’re always very thorough in your explanations. I’m hoping the Aura will be available in Australia eventually 🙂

[@AngieHolden]

I hope so too!

[@user-uk9og1bn6e]

Great video thank you. Our glowforge is new out of the box but it is not showing the live view. Is there a setting we need to change?

[@AngieHolden]

You should not have to change any settings. Did you connect the two yet via the wifi connection? They do have to be connected.

[@robinmoreno1066]

Nice!

[@AngieHolden]

Thanks!

[@staceycollins9232]

I have been wanting a Glowforge for my classroom but they were too expensive. I would like to see cutting projects that would correspond with my welding class.

[@AngieHolden]

Noted!

[@revere.studio]

I wish they would ship these to australia!