GLOWFORGE - How to Clean it and make it Quiet [When Geeks Craft]

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

If you are looking to get a Glowforge you can use our referral code to get: $500 off a pro, $250 off a plus, or $100 off a basic. We'll get credit too! Use the link below. We love our Glowforge. Feel free to message us with any questions! glowforge.us/r/DSKCNJZL

[@brianbarnett7885]

I just came across this video, and my exhaust fan has been making some nasty sounds ( all crudded up), so it was perfect timing! I bought the new fan that you linked and removed the internal fan in my glowforge. OMG!! it is whisper quiet now! Checked with a decibel meter and it was only 28db! And it sucks the smoke out way better! Good looking out! THANKS!

[@SkimoStories]

Love these types of maintenance videos. Not everybody really thinks of this stuff, and while it's not as glamorous as showing off a new project, it's still very interesting and very useful to some out there, I'm sure.

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

yea for sure! We love putting out art videos but when something this life changing (i say life changing because i am no longer going deaf lol) can be quickly taught...We had to show it!

[@chestermicek]

You folks made a good video, so thanks. Lowe's, Home Depot, and similar places, actually sell vacuum cleaner attachments made to work in the tight spaces of computers. Among the seven or so attachments you get with a "computer cleaning kit, is a conical shaped attachments that narrows to an intake diameter of 1/4". You might find this a useful attachment for cleaning your disgusting fan blades. I find it very useful when vacuuming sawdust out of my CNC machine. Furthermore, Amazon sells about 60 different of computer cleaning kits. That said, the two best devices for getting into out of the way corners, nooks, & crannies are the aforementioned, conical shaped attachment and its 30-degree angled companion tool. Check the kit out because it might save you some time,

[@RyanNiemer]

I've been following Josh for a long time now, actually used his code way back when to get my forge!

[@Qazmon]

When removing the gantry that has the laser on it, the roller wheel side ( right hand side) has a 3mm nut in the middle of that roller wheel. You turn it clock wise and it loosens the wheel and the belt falls right off. I used to take the belts off and on like you did until I found out about this wheel adjuster. Added to how easy it makes pulling this part off, every time you put the belt back on you can actually make sure the belt is nice and tight! Thanks for the fun video.

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

good to know! thank you!

[@artwyoming]

Thank you! Nice kitty back there!

[@firebirdleather]

You have saved me. I love my glowforge but the noise was killing me and this mod seriously changed the whole thing. The external fan is also way better than the built in and evacs fumes so much more efficiently. Thank you on my and my neighbor's behalf!

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

You are certainly welcome!!! I am so glad it helped!

[@jesscmoore]

So excited. I am a full time RVer and there are days I just can’t take the noise in my house and was considering a whole new trailer. Um, this is such a cheaper option 😂 and I love my travel. Now to cut the grate...

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

Hahhaha yup!! Def a cheaper option!!

[@jesscmoore]

@@WhenGeeksCraft Circling back, today is the maiden voyage of the new fan. Thanks for post and walking through installation. Life is good. Mega Maid has gone from suck to blow!

[@starboy71]

Can of air works great on the lens fan as well. Great video!

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

I end up using the air compressor for that now. Blowing from inside out lol

[@DaveP3d]

Great video! I did use your link to buy the fan and it works like a dream! I can hear again!

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

Good!!! Glad you have your hearing back!

[@dailytheology1689]

This is GENUIS! I just ordered the fan from your link. Thank you.

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

Thanks!!

[@katcuseo8559]

Great video! I’ll probably wait a couple months for my warranty to run out, but I’m definitely looking forward to making my Glowforge quieter. Also really helpful step by step cleaning tutorial.

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

No problem!!! Yea def wait until you are out of warranty. :)

[@ScottRedstone]

A new comment on adding a Terra Bloom in-line fan to your GF. I installed one and the GF is so quiet. Watching the laser is so eerie now - it silently slides through things with such ease. I did a review of the TerraBloom fan on Amazon and mentioned When Geeks Craft. I hope they send you a free fan or something. As I said before my shop mates are very happy and now watch the laser magic rather than putting on headphones and grumbling.

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

Thank you!!! We feel the same. No head phones is awesome!

[@tsevgamesalot]

It IS eerie! I just modded my glowforge with the inline fan. What fan speed do you typically use for the terra bloom? Do you keep it at 100%?

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

Always 100%

[@mm0901]

This was soo helpful, thank you!!!

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

No problem!

[@jasminev.martinez4826]

Thank you for this video! Josh is the first person I followed. I loved all the cool things he made and I felt inspired. Hope to get one soon.

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

He's an awesome dude and a good friend!!

[@cameronpehl6795]

Fan-tastic, thanks! Love all your vids.

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

Hey thanks!!!!

[@thesamenametwice9464]

I'm glad you guys are increasing the number of video you're uploading.

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

Thanks :) We are doing what we can! I wouldn't expect much more than 2 a month because... full time jobs... but we are trying to mix up the content a bit !

[@thesamenametwice9464]

@@WhenGeeksCraft I like it! A suggestion from someone who's done the inline fan mod, verify that yours is is rated for the recommended airflow needed. I had to send back my first one because it wasn't and had noticeably more scorching and burning with non-proofgrade materials.

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

Oh yea def. The model we had was very diligently calculated by our friend.

[@macrumpton]

If you add a rubber mat under the fan it will be even quieter. I have even heard of people putting sound insulation over the fan for max quietage.

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Such a thorough process, thanks you two!

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

You gotta make your glowforge quiet now! Life changer.

[@GeeksWoodShop]

@@WhenGeeksCraft So true! I don't run as often as y'all, but seems a very worthwhile upgrade. No/ low noise would be a game changer.

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

Absolutely!!

[@reanie1985]

This video is soooooooooo awesome. Thank you for your content. It’s helping me with my research.

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

No, thank you for watching :)

[@cybercapri]

Next time you're in there cleaning, you may want to fully remove the internal fan. It's restricting airflow plus is spinning as the exterior fan operates. Sometimes when you spin a fan, it acts like a little Generator, and can send power back up the lines. If they are disconnected then no worries but if connected could cause issues for lower wattage items or capacitors. Also the exterior fan will have even more airflow when you do remove the interior fan. Cheers...

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

someone else shared the same info. we are definitely going to remove it with the next clean! No reason to have it there if its not needed!

[@jasonrosa5160]

When you pull out the internal fan, can you update this to let us know if the honeycomb material needed to have been cut out or if it was just sandwiched between the housing and the fan?

[@CptnCobblestone]

I’d like to know this too!

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

@@CptnCobblestone I don't know if I'll be able to give a good update in that or not with ours removed already. I can say I'm about to clean the glowforge this weekend and I'll let you know how it goes as I will likely be removing the fan then

[@KimberlyZimmer-x9f]

Great video. I will be using this when I go clean it first time. I Installed the inline fan. Is there a setting on gf to shut off the Internal fan?

[@larryallred9301]

Great video! My only suggestion would be to add the cuss words I always seem to spew when reattaching the rubber belt. :)

[@eunice8473]

Is this fan a similar alternative to the Glowforge Airfilter? Do you know how they compare besides price? Thanks so much! Love your videos.

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

The air filter is designed so you don't have to be bear a window. Our solution is so we don't have to use the loud on-board fan. If you can put your forge bear a window it will save hundred in extra expenses. I don't know the cost of the air filter but I'm pretty sure it's around 900 and my external fan is like 100

[@eunice8473]

@@WhenGeeksCraft Thank you so much!

[@krystamarie24]

Thank you so much for this! :)

[@NKraaijeveld]

Hi man! Are you disabling the fan what's inside the GF, now you're using the external. Or u use em both?

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

There is an option in the settings to disable the fan and this is what we do.

[@jav9888]

Great video! not sure if someone has asked you already but can you just take the fan off completely? so its not even hindering any air flow. Its off anyway and disabled, so just wondering if you can either unplug it or just set a side ?

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

You can but it's REALLLLLLLLLLY hard to get out. I wouldn't recommend unless you are out of warranty

[@macrumpton]

Thanks for this super useful guide. It's strange that Glowforge did not just charge an extra $50 for the better fan for a product that was designed to be used in a home (rather than an industrial setting). The noise is quite overwhelming. I's also curious that there seems to be little thought given to how people were to clean the machine (aside from the mirror/lens assembly). It does get quite gross inside if you do a lot of wood cutting, and a lot of areas are nearly impossible to reach. I use wide masking tape to cover high buildup areas like the gate so that when it gets dirty enough, I just peel off the tape and put a new layer on. I wonder if the new fan will make less deposits of resin on the inside of the machine.

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

They just charge 900 for an external filter thing instead. Better business sence for them I guess

[@amclymon]

Year later, how is the fan? Everyone is saying to get the s6 cloud line but as being on a budget I am looking at your option. Any response helps. And thanks for the video

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

I'm still going strong with it. It works great!

[@CptnCobblestone]

I’m considering buying a Glowforge. I live in an apartment so i’m concerned with the smell of smoke and the noise. I saw the extra 4 inch fan exhaust and love the idea! I’m just a little worried about what others will think. If you have any advice i’d love to hear it, thanks!

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

With the fan addition it really is quiet. You definitely can smell it outside when it is vented out but it smells like camp fire lol not too bad!!

[@weezie64weezie]

I'm also worried about the smell and smoke for my neighbors since I live in an apartment also. I'll be doing the inline fan for sure.

[@CptnCobblestone]

Just an update. I finally got my Glowforge and bought the fan before my Glowforge came. It’s SUPER quiet and doesn’t bother anyone including myself! I can never go back to the regular settings again. Thanks so much guys.

[@Titousensei]

Why not remove the internal fan also? I did that for mine (unplug it and remove 4 screws), and I got a much better air flow.

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

Not a bad idea. May do that with the next cleaning

[@SaltMakeCity]

We thought about that too...we didn’t want to mess with the wiring in addition we thought who knows there may be a case where we need/want two fans!

[@elleryfg7853]

In my opinion the internal fan is adding unnecessary resistance to the air flow. Removing it would improve the efficiency of the exhaust system therefore improving the extraction of fumes and particles. You should definitely try it.

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

So I tried to do it in my last cleaning but there were nubs in the way... So I just left it again.

[@ClintSalvato]

@@WhenGeeksCraft some dude on youtube bought a special tool to remove his fan for cleaning. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmKlnGN3rMSVZ8k

[@MrChucklepuff]

The blast gate link has been unavailable on amazon for awhile. Any other suggestions? I may take the ventilation and wood in and out when I’m not using it but I haven’t decided.

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

Sorry about that! Honestly any 4" blast gate will work! amzn.to/2TaWZ2c heres a new link. They can be found at almost any hardware store :)

[@MrChucklepuff]

When Geeks Craft I wanted to help feed the cats. Thanks! :)

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

The doodles thank you for your support :)

[@weezie64weezie]

I've watched so many Glowforge videos but this one was so informative since I have not bought mine yet and am still deciding on which model to get. Now that you've had the 4" inline fan for a bit, do you think the bigger 6" fan might have been a better choice? I'm still debating which size i should get. I'm also very nervous about the smoke and smell since I live in an apartment but I live downstairs and my window is on the street side. I'm sure my neighbors might not like the smell...ugh, so many decisions but I do know I'll use your code.

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

Thank you! If you are in an apartment I would HIGHLY recommend an external fan. The machine is super loud if you don't. No I don't think a 6-inch fan is needed. my 4 inch fan works great! I have a friend that uses this same fan for two glowforges at one time. There is really no reason for the 6-inch other that personal preference. You can smell it outside but it honestly doesn't smell that strong. Like a burnt match for wood and a nail salon for acrylic. It dissipates really fast. There are so many people i have talked to that are super scared of the machine. As long as you use Glowforge materials OR materials that are Laser approved (like inventables wood or johnson plastics durowood/Laserbitz ... also really any CAST acrylics), the fumes are not going to harm you. Never put anything PVC in there because that is not good for you and will destroy your machine. The biggest recommendation is to not be afraid of it and just educate yourself about what is and is not safe to laser :) Feel free to ask any other questions!

[@ShellyFansler]

Great video! May I ask how the fan is doing? It wont hurt the glowforge to add it and turn off the glowforge fan?

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

I have had the fan mod on for 10 months. Working great!

[@ShellyFansler]

@@WhenGeeksCraft tysm!

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

No worries!

[@tabithaswan6498]

What did you use to wipe down the inside of the gloforge bed and lid?

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

I use standard lysol whips ( precovid when they were available) Now i use just a rag lightly dampened with water or windex specifically for the lid

[@yubidubi]

Awesome video

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

Hey thanks!

[@niestriel]

A colleague of mine bought a glowforge as a complement to a 3d printer. I had the opportunity to play with it for a while and I must admit that this laser is terrible xD It does what it should, but this speed and quality xD On a daily basis, I have other lasers at my disposal so I realize that my opinion is highly distorted :P

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

That's fair lol this is the only laser I have so I think it's pretty fast 😂

[@buzz25]

Can you remove the stock fan to increase the air flow?

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

Yes you can. You need to remove the top glass panel to do so. It's something I wouldn't recommend doing while still in warentee. You pose the risk of breaking the glass panel

[@Lunabelle_105]

Thanks so much for the videos and tips! Just ordered my GF yesterday, using your code. This video convinced me to NOT buy the $1000 filter and just use the in-line fan. I’m still deciding on where I’m going to put it, and I wonder if you have any thoughts about the length of the ducting? I bought the Pro, so I need to consider the pass-through feature and therefore, I can’t set up directly against the window. I assume I should keep the fan close to the GF?

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

As long as you have a straight shot you can be a little bit away from a window but consider looking at our video on adding an external fan/cleaning. That might help you pick a quiet external fan and plan for ducting. As long as your pipe is straight you are good

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

Ingore my stupidity as I blame you tube for not showing me what video you commented on!!! You just watched that one....my goodness lol. Like I said though, just make sure you have a straight shot out with as few bends as possible and you should be good

[@dropshoprecordings]

How did you clean the left inside part of the glowforge

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

carefully. I use a vacuum and get my hand in there with a dry cloth

[@Solzara]

So, it's been a while since you added the inline fan, and you've moved and your new craft space is done, are you still using the 4" inline fan?

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

Yup! Same fan as when we installed it. Still runs great!

[@karastainbrook6265]

I’ve cut a ton of Mdf. I’ve been scared to clean it deep as it’s my first time and I had tons of orders. My printer head is complete dust. Can I use air on the print head?

[@davidleslie1963]

Have you thought of using a Dremel tool with their brush? They have wire and plastic brushes.

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

No I haven't but that's a good idea! Thanks!

[@leilanisills4861]

How did you cut the back honeycomb out? What tool do I need?

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

We just used a side snips. Nothing too crazy

[@dumpling130]

Does this replace the air filter as an alternative (given that we are placing the glowforge near a window?)

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

If you are eputting your glowforge near a window the air filter is unnecessary! If you are placing the glowforge not near a window, this does not change the air filter requirement

[@dumpling130]

When Geeks Craft thanks for the quick reply! So, could this option be used in addition to having the air filter? Since I read reviews saying the inline fan method is still quieter than the air filter.

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

@@dumpling130I want to be very clear. The air filter is ONLY required if you do not have a window to vent out of. If you are planning to vent outside, then you can just buy the glowforge as is. As is, the glowforge is loud. The fan we install in this video is only necessary of you want to make your machine quieter.

[@hop2it197]

Can you use this if you are using the GF filter?

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

I'm not entirely sure. Since we don't have the air filter itself I can't answer that with any certainty i'm sorry

[@dvdmementos]

Maybe I missed it but did you disconnect the internal fan? If not, how do you keep it from coming on?

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

In the app on line if you flip the switch in the settings it stops the inter al fan from spooling up

[@SomeAssemblageRequiredMKGunn]

Thank you so much for showing a machine that actually looks like it gets used. Mine looks just like yours 🥰 used and loved! Is there a quieter option if you cannot vent to the outside? I am unable to do that at the moment and definitely looking for a quieter option.

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

You're welcome! Honestly...I don't have a good quiet option for venting inside. I would think a fume extractor would do the job but I don't know how loud they are and they are expensive

[@SomeAssemblageRequiredMKGunn]

@@WhenGeeksCraft thank you 😊 I just noticed that you have your gf next to a window, which I read before I purchased cause I’m a dork like that, that it’s not recommended 🤷‍♀️ maybe I’ll rearrange my room and put my table back at the window and figure out how to vent outside. Thank you so much for this video. It was very helpful and real.

[@TFJotin]

Hey, thanks for this. How has the fan performed in the 4 months that you purchased it? has it been worth the 75$ investment? I watched the video on the products amazon link and at full blast it goes to about 70 decibels which is about the same as the glow forge at full power. Is it really that much quieter?

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

It's much quieter. The glowforge fan sounds like a little jet engine. That added fan sounds like a box fan in the window on full blast. It's significantly quieter. Four month in and it's still great

[@TFJotin]

@@WhenGeeksCraft thanks! Mines right in my office and I work on the phone at home. This will make it so I can cut anytime. I joined your patreon and already learned a few techniques and I've had the unit for a year. If you're interested in what I've made too check me out @ instagram.com/justinappledesign/

[@DaveAnson]

Nice video. Do you think the pro is worth it over the basic for a hobbyist?

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

Personally I have a business that is completely focused around the basic model. Pro to me is not necessary

[@DaveAnson]

@@WhenGeeksCraft That's where I've been leaning. Thank you! Will use your referral when I pull the trigger.

[@jaredjones6570]

So it's been a few months since you switched to this setup. Does the glowforge seem to accumulate dirt more slowly now? Is it about the same? How often do you recommend completely cleaning all the fans and lenses of the glowforge? Once a month?

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

Fan has been working great. I clean all the lenses as needed. Those dirty depending on the projects you have been doing. More wood engraves dirty the machine faster. I have done one full clean since this video.

[@jaredjones6570]

Thanks so much for the info! Last night I ordered all the parts to replace my noisy fan. I'm so excited! I also tried to remove the metal backing behind the fan. It proved to be more of a challenge than I thought it would be. How did you "cut it out"? I cut all the way around the rubber/foam seal that surrounds the metal backing, and attempted to wiggle the metal backing out of the Glowforge using pliers, but it wouldn't budge.

[@jaredjones6570]

@@WhenGeeksCraft nevermind! I got it out with bolt cutters! I attempted to remove the fan with an allen wrench and failed. So I went crazy and removed the inner part of the fan (blades and motor) with the bolt cutter. The square frame the fan was sitting in is still there and I can't remove it. At least now the air will have a straight shot through the system!

[@jaredjones6570]

I found this article on how to remove the fan (a little bit too late, but whatever): community.openglow.org/t/exhaust-fan-removal-replacement-on-the-glowforge/251

[@jaredjones6570]

@@WhenGeeksCraft Thank you guys so much!!! My Glowforge runs so well now and I could even fall sleep with this level of background noise!

[@pingpong1525]

I purchased this same fan and got my GF yesterday. However, looking a little more closely at the specs it looks like the GF fan is 200 cfm and this fan is only 160. Have you noticed any reduced ventilation due to this?

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

Nope I have had no issues with it. It actually seems less smelly with the new fan

[@jm98navy]

When Geeks Craft so really you just went with a lower fan? Do they sell the same 200 cfm fan that is just as quiet? The 200 might be required because of the fumes, safety first. Maybe confirm with glowforge first what is the lowest you can go before causing some danger to your home while lasering.

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

It has been working fine with us. No fumes what do ever in the room. I have a friend that operates two glowforges off of this one fan. It's all up to you with what you are comfortable with

[@jcspinkston]

What are the specs for the fan you two used?

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

There's a link to the fan in the description. Specs can be found there.

[@kmillmedia]

Are you worried about any debris from the cuts going through the new fan? The Amazon site states that debris could damage the blades.

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

I worried about the same thing honestly but then thought about how lasers vaporizer and don't just send through saw dust. It's mostly smoke and not particulite that's going through. We will definitely have to clean it like the other fan but our friend has had this installed for a year and has had no issus

[@RyanNiemer]

Also, I'm glad my laser isn't the only one that is filthy lol

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

hahahaha yea our gets gross soooooooo fast

[@RyanNiemer]

@@WhenGeeksCraft I just did the camera calibration on mine for the first time yesterday after cleaning....wow!

[@Fiestafunjumps]

Hello We’re can I buy the quiet fan ?

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

Link is in the description

[@Fiestafunjumps]

@@WhenGeeksCraft Didn’t see it were ??

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

In the parts list within the description. Where it says terrabloom fan. TerraBloom ECMF-100, 4" Inline Duct Fan - amzn.to/2z1GjDl

[@latoshamercado8717]

How often do you clean it?

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

Like every three months or sooner if it's looking dirty. It all depends on the usage

[@BarbusMaximus4]

❤️she said Grody!❤️

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

That i did

[@ScottRedstone]

Saw video. Did two things. 1) removed honey comb grate 2) ordered Terrabloom fan. Quiet awaits.

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

God speed my friend

[@ScottRedstone]

I’m replying to my own comment. Today I installed Terrabloom fan on my GF. It is super powerful and quiet. The people who share my work area are equally pleased. I hope Terrabloom people are watching and thank you for highlighting their product.

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

@@ScottRedstone hahahahha I'm so glad it worked well for you!!! It really is a game changer in a shared space! I hope they know I'm driving people to them. They deserve to pay me lolol I'm just kidding 🤣

[@lynnreynolds905]

I spend about 15 min each day prior to running my GF and use a rag to wipe it down. This keep's it clean, all the time. One day I will do a deep clean most likely will only need to do this once per year. I also clean the exterior fan about every 4 weeks.

[@Delfire]

now how do i make my glowforge airfilter quiet

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

your guess is as good as mine lol

[@christinawhitis9758]

Why don't you just remove the fan inside the glowforge?

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

It takes a good amount of effort to remove. You have to remove that glass panel to get good access to it

[@Walsfeo]

I suggest removing the internal fan.

[@WhenGeeksCraft]

Yup