Dear Glowforge, We're Breaking Up

[@tamaradavis]

You just saved me $6000.00. I’m thinking of getting the Aura Glow forge but even with that one, you can only use glow forge materials. That can be costly.

[@unicornconservationco]

Happy to help!

[@johnniegreen2552]

We've had nothing but problems with our Glowforge since it was new, just over a year ago. When it was less than a month old we tried to return it for a refund, but couldn't because we had done over 50 prints. Before purchasing, be sure to read the warranty. And there is no phone support when something goes wrong, only emails and the forum. Oh brother! No matter what we done with or without assistance, we've never been able to get it accurately aligned, so the prints are always off. We hoped to use it for a business, but gave up on that and were only able to make gifts for friends and family. After our initial disappointment, the machine sat for 8 months, then we decided to give it another go. Now the issues are worse. The auto focus stopped working, the print head is much further out of alignment and we can no longer run any of the calibration tests because they all fail. And still no real support from GF, only emails. This machine was a total waste of $7000. Hope this helps someone before they purchase. Don;t waste your hard earned money on GF.

[@unicornconservationco]

I hope your comment can help someone. It seems the have a real quality problem. I'm so sorry you had to deal with this! And you're right that it's so frustrating that they only do email support.

[@rhbruning]

That is horrendous! ...and yours isn't a year old. TRUE - no phone support either. It's promoted like crafting joy for all and feels like the airline or insurance industry.

[@remlya]

Hopefully your review shows up in any search of Glowforge. I would definitely want to know this. I had problems with my Cricut electronic cutter and it was nowhere near the cost of this machine. Nice that we’re getting these new tools that help with creation, but doesn’t seem like companies are doing adequate testing or supporting their products.

[@unicornconservationco]

I hope it does! Many owners haven't had problems, but this huge repair cost and lack of support is a deal breaker in my opinion. I'm sure we will see more and more affordable options (which have been tested better).

[@rhbruning]

That's just it. They don't. They want to sell and then rent. They are not interested in creation, servicing, maintenance or customer experience. Are they ever interested in laser cutting and crafting? ...the current board? I am amazed this business is still running considering all of the alternatives out there.

[@tonjabailey5635]

I read reviews like this before I went ad purchased my GF, but my thought process was simple….im not going to be running a business and it will be for a fun occasional hobby…which it has been. I’ve overcome small hurdles and kept moving…It has been just shy of 2 yrs and I barely use it but loved having it handy when I wanted to do something. Well, a month and half ago, my auto focus stopped…I could work around the issue until I wanted to do my first passthrough cut ever…..it failed and has not worked properly since. After running several fixes with the Support team , I was told i needed a new printer head…..$500 replacement. When I asked to speak with a supervisor I was told the supervisor would tell me the same thing….so GF wants to pay supervisors to NOT deal with customer concerns. Not going to happen! It will be given away for parts. DO NOT BUY!

[@unicornconservationco]

I hope our experiences can keep others from buying! The funny thing is that it's almost worse if you rarely use it because their warranty is relatively short and they don't care at all if the machine hasn't been used much. Sorry you had to deal with this. Thanks for sharing.

[@williamngo1884]

This is definitely a design flaw. My first unit wouldn't power on and the only repair option was to have it replaced with a refurbished unit for $1,600. After having that for less than a year, the adhesive began to fail and the lid is becoming unglued from its hinge. It's actually incredibly surprising that this heavy glass hinge that is meant to be opened and closed repeatedly is only attached on to the hinge by adhesive.

[@unicornconservationco]

I just got my replacement and huge surprise - the hinge is now different! It's bolted in. I'll try to do a video on it, but I'm upset that Glowforge insisted that it wasn't a flaw. Obviously it was or they wouldn't have gone through the cost of changing the hinge design. If you have to get your hinge replaced, you might mention this. Maybe it will help...but not crossing my fingers.

[@richardpogue4959]

XTOOL the Glowforge killer

[@shellyomeara1067]

That's terrible. What put me off was the monthly fee and the fact that you have to use their software and it's way too much 😮😮

[@rotate85]

The madness of the subscription model must end. The investors won't give a dime to a startup until they have a reoccurring revenue as the business model. The ethos of the business has to change.

[@unicornconservationco]

Agreed! I don't mind the subscription model for designs - some people get great value from it but to subscribe for faster processing and basic line and circle tools - insane. I also agree on the subscription model madness. We use Illustrator and Photoshop a few times a month, but have to pay the same fee as people using it daily.

[@rhbruning]

I couldn't agree more. It is so bizarre to me and you said it best. The product isn't even bad and they're being lapped.

[@bobdrawbaugh4207]

I’m helping my wife buy a desk top laser. The minute I found out it was a cloud based system and slow your system down if you don’t got the subscription route. We crossed the glowforge off our list. Nothing else matters after find this out.

[@unicornconservationco]

Happy I could help. Not really sure why they chose to go this rout given the cost of the machine. I hope you find a great desktop laser!

[@DavidSpira]

Thank you for sharing this. I didn't know a lot of this stuff.

[@unicornconservationco]

You're very welcome! I now know that I need to do more in depth research before taking the seemingly easy route. Another thing I didn't compare was wattage. There are many laser cutters out there in a similar price range with much higher wattage meaning faster cuts and engraves.

[@danielm7089]

Thanks, I was looking at Glowforge but no now.

[@unicornconservationco]

Some of the comments on the video might help you find other lasers to look into. Hope you find a good one!

[@BossSpringsteen69]

Thank's for the warning.

[@unicornconservationco]

You're very welcome. You'll see in the comments that I'm not alone in my experience and you'll also see some great recommendations on other lasers.

[@kathypariso6102]

Thank you for letting us know your experience. I am totally done being slammed by “monthly subscription” fees and “internet based” reliability. The “fees” alone sound like amazing “greed”, so unless you are making income with it, it’s an investment that won’t pay off.

[@unicornconservationco]

For some the fees work out - like if you want a lot of templates. But our experience was that is was just plain frustrating to not have some basic tools provided without a fee. You're right that it seems like a money grab on what already feels like a pricy tool.

[@momiantonio7012]

The lid broke off of mine and we epoxied it back on. So far so good. However, we're much more careful when opening and closing it. I bought mine used for a really good price and really enjoy it. But I dread the day something goes wrong and I can't fix it myself. When that day comes, I'll just throw it out because I refuse to ship it from Hawaii back to glowforge.

[@theperfectshuffle]

Totally agree! I hate my Glowforge, whenever it actually did die I was happy I would no longer have to battle with it and pull out my hair. I have since bought a Chinese laser with bigger capacity and kitted it out with air assist etc. It’s come in at less than half price for a better spec machine that I can fix from off the shelf parts if I need to. And no need for internet connection. 5:42

[@unicornconservationco]

Sounds like a dream! We decided to pay for the repair to so we could continue our projects in the works while researching a new laser but I'm so ready to be fully done with Glowforge. Congratulations on breaking up with them too!

[@mslee889]

May I know which Chinese laser you bought ?

[@theperfectshuffle]

@@mslee889 Omtech 60w

[@jinnajim]

​@Eoin O'Hare do you have a referral code to share? I'm about to buy a new laser, jumping away from the GF

[@theperfectshuffle]

@@jinnajim Omtech have regular sales. It depends on where you are, just be careful of import duties.

[@johnfritz3477]

thanks for the video! please tell us what you ended up with! thanks

[@mattrix4200]

When Glowforge loses confidence from good people like yourself, we KNOW something needs to change. Thank you for letting us know and hopefully Glowforge learned a valuable lesson and will improve moving forward....

[@unicornconservationco]

It could be a fluke, but I'm not putting any more money into it. I've been talking to a lot of escape room owners to get their laser cutter suggestions. We might end up having to invest more, but I think it will be worth it.

[@dennisraby6325]

I bought a Glowforge Pro in March of 2020. I have only been a light user. My third Glowforge Pro has just failed; I still have not paid it off. The bill ...? $1651 ... hmm. Three strikes & they are out. I just dumped my Pro for $750 as is and bought an XTool D1 Pro. I could not justify dumping another $1651 in Glowforge given how undependable it has been. I will let you know how I like the XTool.

[@PurpleRay444]

Hi There! How is the XTool D1 Pro working for you? I two am on my 2 nd Glowforge and as of last week. The head is no longer retaining the lens therefor the prints are distorted and the cuts don't cut through. Glowforge claims the head needs replacing and at a replacement cost of $566. I'm not to happy about it and considering ending my relationship with glowforge.

[@kspec2001]

thanks for sharing your experience. ive been doing research on a few models but havent chosen anything yet

[@unicornconservationco]

Happy to help. If you read some of the comments, you'll see that quite a few people have had issues. You'll get a pretty, easy to use machine but there seem to be better options out there at the moment.

[@RobbEmmanuel]

I was thinking about getting a Glowforge, but I ended up getting a Gweike Cloud. Paid $3100 for it and have already made some coasters, wood art and other crafts with the basic online software it has. Haven't paid for anything else.

[@unicornconservationco]

Sure is nice that it comes with free software! I've always been annoyed that you have to pay to use Glowforge software (even to make a basic shape like a line or circle). I bet coasters make great gifts!

[@TheRealKingDong]

@@unicornconservationco you can also use lightburn with Gweike. No need to be online.

[@doctorz01dberg]

@@unicornconservationco It's actually better than just having their free software. Both it and the Omtech polar (both basically the same unit) work with the industry standard software, Lightburn. Lightburn is great and it is a one time purchase instead of subscription based. It's around $120 (one time) if I remember.

[@henrylong1245]

Thanks for sharing this information. My wife and I have saved $5500 and we were going to have enough to purchase a Glowforge next month. But, after watching your video we have decided to hold off. We're going to look at Omtech Polar, OMTech, Gweike Pro and Thunder Laser. Please let us know what laser cutter you decide on. Thank again!

[@unicornconservationco]

Happy to help! I have sadly been so busy that we haven't had a chance to research and buy a new machine so we are slogging away with the Glowforge (and all the tiny problems that seem to show up every other cut). I'm curious what you end up choosing too!

[@PLTWCastro]

We got one as a grant for our school. Worked for about a year and now we get lid open error. Have tried reseating cables, lids, trays, sensors, replaced the lid hing board and black cable and all we get is lid open. We are done with this machine. Wasn't too thrilled with subscription model but we mostly used pdf's and imported imasges and skirted the monthly fee. Hated that we needed our IT guy to assign it space on our network to be able to talk to it. Enough is enough. We are boxing it up and will eventually list it on our county disposal site. Our big tech lab has an Omtech AF2440-100. Same prince as this glowforge pro, uses readily availble software to communicate. 100W CO2 Laser and a long Z axis so we can work on material thicker than .5 inches. I will be looking to get another Omtech for our classroom. Maybe the POLAR 350 50W DESKTOP LASER ENGRAVER. It's comprable to the Glowforge and half the price.

[@unicornconservationco]

How disappointing. I used to be high school media teacher and I know how much work it takes for grants. Glowforge really nailed their marketing and perhaps put less money in creating a reliable tool. I hope you find the perfect laser. Would love to know what you eventually go with.

[@lightspeedlaserengraving6048]

I just ordered my third GF plus. Have had no problems at all and love it/them.

[@unicornconservationco]

I hope you continue to have good luck with them!

[@rhbruning]

Thank you for your honest review. You were a lot more reserved than I would've been. The internet only connection is VERY limiting. This would randomly cost me hours to days - and it wasn't my provider. Mine machine only connects to 2.5GHz routers (changed?) Yes, if you just want to trim some scrap - Create a new design, send it through the cloud, realign, focus, ... import, ... etc. Pay monthly and you can add squares, lines and circles using a wonky interface, Oh!, plus some clip art. There are tiers of clip art - some art still costs extra. Equivalently-capable decent quality enclosed cutters range in price from about the same to half or less. Feed-through is not extra. The higher costing units off deeper focus ranges, and a rotational axis. Almost all standardized file types from free, open-sourced and/or professional laser software. You can connect directly, by USB or WiFi with now cloud. Glowforge IS good quality hardware that is strategically uncrippled as you pay more up-front and monthly. The cloud-only interface is uncalled for, greedy and weird. It's been several+ years and I've seen little product improvement. A tad with the web "app." Frankly, don't have a web app att all. If you want to skip the design studio application, then build a simple interface application with good drivers and be done with it. The only way I can explain the better hardware is they probably don't want field serviceability AND don't want to repair anything - unless they can get 50% of the machine again in charges. Someone, please, How does this remain like this for so many years and still exist at a premium cost? Is it a fashionable brand? Frustrated too long...

[@unicornconservationco]

I think Glowforge is popular for a few reasons. 1) They spend a ton of money on marketing 2.) Regular people can get a huge commission from referrals - so tons of people recommend them. 3) It's advertised as a very simple cutter - which it is - so people who don't want to diy or be technical choose this. It's all great until it isn't. I think a lot of buyers don't do much research and just pay up. I'm lucky I know Illustrator so I don't have to use their software - it's ridiculous to pay so much just to have the ability to draw a line and square.

[@joselynhasty5842]

Absolutely! First one died after only 1 and half years. Out of warranty so another $1500 to get refurbished replacement. 9 months in and it also is dead and they want another $1500 to repair or replace. I haven't even finished paying off the first two. If you start googling problems with GF you will see that machines lasting about a year seems to be the norm! Way too expensive to be dying like this! I am now using omtech polar and so far so good.

[@unicornconservationco]

I'm so sorry you had problems too! It really is a huge disappointment to spend a large amount of money on a machine that is not dependable. Glad to hear you'd found a new machine!

[@lightningstrikelures2393]

Good lookin out. I am in the market for said machine. Didnt like their practices...glad i saw this. Thanks so much...sorry for your woes😢.

[@sandywright-leonard5238]

Mine is SOOOOOO finicky!! I can't ever tell if it's going to cut all the way through!!

[@unicornconservationco]

Same here!!! I have wasted so much wood! I know wood grain can make a difference but sometimes it just feels like it's the cutter.

[@davidmateus7147]

Hello , l had the same problem couple’s days before my Glowforge stop to work and the magic button turned yellow they suggested to send pictures and then suggested to send the machine to repair $1600

[@unicornconservationco]

I'm so sorry you have problems too. It's insane how expensive how much repairs are.

[@zacharyjames9434]

I've had my forge for almost 3 years and I'm upgrading to an omtech 80w. So excited to be done with glowforge problems...good riddance!!

[@unicornconservationco]

Congratulations!!!!! The Glowforge is so darn buggy. I hope you're loving your new machine.

[@GurvanCustom]

On my first one the power supply went bad after barely a month, took three months to get a replacement and was a pain to ship that thing back... I found it so sneaky they - after the purchase - changed their plans, introducing those basic functions at a cost, and a subscription at that, what a rip off... And like you said the fact that they voluntarily slow things down at a software level is a lame practice. After 3 years the laser seem done and I will surely not give them any money to get it fixed... I am so done, lost so many hours loading their slooow online app...

[@unicornconservationco]

I think the laser replacement cost is still very cheap because they guaranteed it. I saw that they were shipping refurbished models a few months ago instead of fixing the laser. So.... you might want to see what they are doing right now. You could get a refurbished and sell it, getting you a good amount of money back to buy your new laser.

[@atienne_navarre]

Unfortunately this is a fairly common practice. I once paid (OK, my company paid) 20K to IBM for a processor upgrade. They send me a disk and had me insert it and reboot. When it came back up, the machine automagically had four more processors. I was flabbergasted.

[@Lawyerforlife1]

I have a glowforge but my next laser machine will be a Thunder laser. I have seen good reviews on this item.

[@unicornconservationco]

This has been in my top two to research! Creators I know in the escape room space have recommended them. Sounds like a solid choice. Would love to hear how you like it.

[@Bob-se6rr]

My Glowforge was a nightmare as well. A couple of other problems I ran into, the wifi is finnicky, if it's not connected, the unit won't run any jobs, and there is no hardwired option. This wasted so much time for me over the couple of years I used it. Also, the unit isn't great at 'priming' on startup, meaning the printhead won't align and you'll have to constantly shut it off, turn it back on until it aligns properly. These people rushing out to buy the Aura right now are going to be in for a lot of surprises if the design hasn't improved.

[@blackjacko]

Cannot go wrong with epilog, it’s way more expensive though, mine cost $38k. But it’s robust, made in the USA. I have some Chinese made lasers machines they’re very good, cost about the same as your glow forge, but none of that big brother control. How would design a product for mass market and have the machine’s functionality dependent on an internet connection, that’s what made me withdraw when this was being crowd funded

[@unicornconservationco]

Wow! That's a pricy cutter - I imagine its great for high volume work.

[@miahandrea]

My glowforge pro literally just came off the track today! I purchased it in February of last year and I’m very disappointed!!

[@unicornconservationco]

Oh no!!! I'm so sorry you have issues with yours too. I hope you can troubleshoot and get it fixed without a costly repair. You might also check the credit card you bought it with. Some cards offer extended warranties and can really help in a situation like this - I learned this the hard way. Now I always check the card benefits before a big purchase.

[@COR0NAD0]

Have you chosen a new laser yet and if so what did you go with and why? Thanks for sharing and great video!

[@unicornconservationco]

Sadly we haven't. We're not sure if we do enough laser cutting to warrant investing on a better (and slightly more expensive cutter).

[@COR0NAD0]

@@unicornconservationco Make sense!

[@celticwoodworking8706]

I have owned HP printers for businesses for 30 years. HP is now the same with their printers, not a subscription base, but if you do not use their ink, the printer will not work, period. Do not buy anything that the company controls after your purchase. Thank you for the video, you are not the only one upset with Glowforge. There are too many good options out there to have to put up with this.

[@unicornconservationco]

Happy to share my experience. It's sad that printers do the same. And they constantly change the ink for subsequent models. We just had to get a new printer and the newer model uses different ink, so now we have a bunch of useless very expensive ink that we have to figure out how to sell.

[@crystalcalendars142]

When they sell the machine and require the materials, for me, that's a no no no!

[@CatsPurrfect]

Oh myyyy That SUCKS..!!!..all that money down the drain…u just saved me for buying that 🤔🤔🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨This company is too much… I am looking for a different one toooo….

[@unicornconservationco]

Sorry that you are looking for another as well. Sounds like you have had issues too.

[@gsmith5140]

First, the Aura now this. Gonna leave GF alone. Thanks for posting.

[@kayceguthrie5235]

Do you by chance know what you would get instead yet by chance?

[@unicornconservationco]

Sadly, we haven't purchased a new once because of the cost of the models we are looking at - they are more expensive than Glowforge but much more powerful and dependable. There are some great suggestions in the comments and a lot depends on cost (of course) and what you are using the cutter for.

[@RogueA.I.]

The minute I hear you need “the cloud” I’m out.

[@unicornconservationco]

Smarter than I was...

[@atienne_navarre]

Amen - Thats why I got something else. What happens when they go out of business?

[@spaka1]

Thank u, I saved money

[@unicornconservationco]

I'm so happy to have helped. I hope you find a dependable machine!

[@pinkeye00]

Get a better fan. Laser cutter exhaust setups are a real thing.

[@debrina007]

I wanted to buy a Glowforge but it was too expensive for me. I ended up buying OmTech K40. I only focus on making jewelry and small accessories so the size is perfect for me. I paid $450. I changed the motherboard so I can use LightBurn. I added the camera. I still use an aquarium pump to run the water in a tube and I use an air pump for air assist. I've been using my laser for 2 years. I recently changed the power supply and the lens because they were worn out. I spent around $100 for both items. That little machine can cut 1/4 inch (6mm) baltic birch ply in a single pass. That little machine is my "best buddy"! lol!

[@unicornconservationco]

Wow! What a score! Seems like you made a great choice and are also pretty savvy with your mods.

[@briannajazmin7144]

My lid popped off as well & I had to order a refurb 😢

[@unicornconservationco]

Oh no!!! I'm sorry you had the same problem. I really think it's a design flaw. When I think about how many times I opened and closed it, It has to be under 200 - you don't see car doors or refrigerator doors falling off. Hope your refurbished model holds up!

[@andrea.rivers]

Yeah- Glowforge is a nope for me. I felt they had a great concept but it's obvious they spent a lot of money on marketing and didn't adapt to the pace this technology is growing. Because, as time goes by- other manufacturers are showing them up and the costs are coming down just like they did with filament and resin printers. The turn off for me was the subscription software format and other nickel and dime aspects aside from the hefty price tag. I mean yeah- they are a business and they need to make money, but when the technology is moving fast, they need to adapt their pricing model with warranty and repair or they will get left in the dust and be a thing of the past. You're not the first to back away from Glowforge. You won't be the last. I can't imagine the frustration of trying to run a business with a machine that just keeps disappointing. Thanks for sharing!

[@unicornconservationco]

I wish I had done a deeper dive into researching the Glowforge before committing. They have a brilliant marketing strategy by offering huge rewards to those referring them, so they are EVERYWHERE. Many don't realize until later that many of the videos singing praises for Glowforge are making very nice commissions. I agree with you about the trajectory of tech like this. Things change so quickly - it is nice that there are now more options and lower price points for consumer friendly entry level machines.

[@studioalek66]

Gweike cloud Pro Rotary CO2 (50W)

[@artzbee9461]

I am on my 4th glowforge in a year! I really wish I wouldn't haven't spent so much money on such a bad product. :(

[@unicornconservationco]

Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear this. Do you also have problems with the tech support people? They are super nice but seems to run me in circles.

[@ThingsKatieMakes]

get a THUNDER!!

[@unicornconservationco]

Do you have one? Always interested to hear user experiences.

[@dexterbaxter4434]

@@unicornconservationco see my short breakdown I just posted above for more options

[@michaelameredith]

Gweike

[@bobs152]

I would look into the omtech polar. same power, desktop unit for half the price. No internet BS.

[@unicornconservationco]

Good to know! Thank you. So much research to do!

[@doctorz01dberg]

I second this, I received my a few weeks ago and it's great! Similar footprint and design as the Glowforge but better in basically every way, and has more capabilities. Best part, half the price and no subscription nonsense!

[@Tearstank]

Glowforge = RIPOFF

[@unicornconservationco]

Sadly, I think you're right. I wish I had done more research before buying.

[@ambercrystal4562]

They have the worst customer service

[@unicornconservationco]

Totally agree.

[@jeffdannenbaum2159]

Glowforge is over priced junk! I have a Thunder and its a beast! Check out Gweike, Thunder, Aeon or Mira.

[@unicornconservationco]

Thanks! These are all on my research list (except Gweike - one more to look into).

[@dexterbaxter4434]

The Mira line is made by Aeon. Can't go wrong with Aeon or Thunder

[@pinkeye00]

Is a maker ... and fails to fix shit. Listen .. makers should understand that shit breaks.

[@Duraltia]

@0:16 - Me: i.imgur.com/NkMk1Hv.jpg - Sheesh... For a moment I thought you *_BOUGHT_* three Glowforges... If you like "pretty" Machines, then going with either a *_G·Weike_*_ Cloud_ or an *_Omtech_*_ Polar 350_ might be an option for you - They're virtually identical Machines ( pretty sure G·Weike makes them with Omtech licensing them ) so choosing which one you go with should be of little concern to you ( should probably consider Omtech as they seem to be more US focussed? 🤔 ) Both the _Cloud_ and _Polar 350_ support *_LightBurn_* ( one-time Purchase with the _option_ of paying for yearly Version Upgrades ) with G·Weike additionally providing both a free Offline and Online Alternative which I wouldn't bother with. They'll still be loud and smelly, and you will have to dial in your own settings but there's a craptop of LightBurn Tutorials ( like the ones from _The Louisiana Hobby Guy_ ) out there that help with that so not too much to worry about. You'll be losing the Camera based Autofocus but you can work around that by using the right Settings combined with proper Material Profiles: imgur.com/gallery/ERbKixd And if you're *_REALLY_* dedicated ( probably not ) then you can even add a Red Dot Laser Pointer to the Machine imgur.com/a/NAdpfub

[@unicornconservationco]

THANK YOU for all the suggestions. Whew! Our list of lasers to research keeps getting longer. And yes, we would have been crazy to have gotten three Glowforges.

[@SarbarMultimedia]

The Glowforge was in principle a great idea, to hide the laser technology from the user (as much as is possible) but in essence its a cheap $400 K40 machine that's beem fitted into a brand new and very expensive sleek looking case (that's obviously not that well made) and pimped up with all sorts of high tech. fitments. Processing your files away from the machine is a suspicious idea and just like Apple i tunes, locks you into a singe source vendor where you have zero competative choices once you have jumped. The montly fee is the real killer. The Gweike and OMTech are cheaper alternatives that process files in the machine and dont need a wifi connection (although this option is available with Gweike) but with 2 years experience. esprecially as you are running a business, perhaps it's time you moved to the next step and bought a proper machine that will run MUCH faster and will give you the option to explore the technology if you wish to advance your skills. You will not be locked into any expensive material sorce and it will process all your Illustrator files seamlessly. If you are spending that much money on a Glowforge take a serious look at AEON machines aeonlaser.us/mira. They are in a different class of engineering, support, and speed.. Although this are a Chinese company they have a big USA presence (there may be an agent near you?) and this is way above nomal Chinese standards. The Mira 5 seems like it is where you may be headed. Look seriously at this before you consider the smaller format cheaper Glowforge copies. You have surely learnt something from this experience,. Why repeat your bad experience for less money? By the way I have zero connection to AEON but I have lots of laser experience and have many happey AEON corespondents. If you finish up buying such a "next step" machine and wish to learn more about how to enhance your skills and extract the best from this laser technology, then can I suggest you take a look at this laser series that steps you through from square one laseruser.com/the-concise-rdworks-learning-lab-menu/ All best wishes for your onward journey.

[@unicornconservationco]

You are right. We are totally ready for the next step - and ready to do more research and learning if it means a better and longer lasting tool. Thank you for all of the resources to look at.

[@dexterbaxter4434]

@@unicornconservationco he's partially right about Aeon.. While the majority of it is made in China its final assembly and check are done here in the states and it is NOT a Chinese company. Founded by Danny Martinez and his friend they are bringing more and more of the manufacturing over here. It's not everyday you actually get to email and talk to the ceo. It's either Thunder based in Texas or Aeon, I went with the Aeon Mira 5. Only problem with Aeon is you have to wait a few months for delivery.