This was such a wonderfully informative video. Thank you so much for the insight. I look forward to seeing more of your videos about how to use this machine including the process of using my own designs. I've been wanting to purchase a Glowforge since they first came out, but the expense was more than i wanted to take on as a hobby. As soon as i came across the spark pre-order, i jumped on it. Ill be using this as a hobby and also to create gifts for my real estate clients (mostly coasters and keychains).
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
This is perfect for that!
@PhillipSchacherbauer6 ай бұрын
Thank you for this video, I just pre-ordered my Glowforge Spark this evening and can't wait to add these projects to my crafting adventure.
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
I think you will love it!
@Angelswed6 ай бұрын
Thanks for the information, I actually have the XTool M1 but want this machine for smaller projects like earrings etc, I pre ordered yesterday
@j.c.75556 ай бұрын
I just love all your instructions on any unboxing or project. You really have a talent and is appreciated. Thank you. Excellent instructions.❤️
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@darlenekrisak29626 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for sharing an affordable alternative to begin Laser Crafting!❤️
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
Of course!!
@cindiuboutiq956 ай бұрын
Hi Angie, hope all is well. This was very in depth. Thank you so much for sharing. 💚
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@caagan1236 ай бұрын
Thank you very helpful, I just pre-ordered mine and can't wait to try it!
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
I hope you love it!
@bechillin12346 ай бұрын
As far as acrylics, would adding a layer of painters tape help with cutting? Also can this laser score and engrave acrylic inorder to get a frosted look?
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
A layer of tape doesn't really help as the laser beam still does not work with clear. You also cannot score or engrave on clear. Other colors work.
@andreamolyneux1656 ай бұрын
I would really like to see a speed comparison between the Aura and the Spark. 😊
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
Aura is faster - slightly!
@OhanaSchoolhouse3 ай бұрын
@@AngieHoldenI came on here to ask this question. Do you have an actual time difference? Say with that monstera coaster that you made.
@emilygraham90086 ай бұрын
Great video! If I had the money, I would definitely want yo get this as a fun tool.
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
It is fun!
@Alwayscraftingsomething6 ай бұрын
Love!! Can this do pastel acrylics? I really want to do earrings with a laser but none of the smaller ones seem to be able to do it aside from wood earrings.
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
I have done an aqua on this machine and I have seen a purple that works as well. Really light colors do not seem to do well in my experience.
@Brinalea10316 ай бұрын
Just out of curiosity could you put a dark piece of paper or something over a light colored acrylic to make it work or would it only go through one pass and not see the acrylic?
@RGIII094 ай бұрын
Hello! Great video! So I’m a bit confused as to the acrylic portion use for this machine. I know it could engrave but what do you mean when it can’t cut clear? Would it have to be like purple, orange or mirror like?
@AngieHolden4 ай бұрын
A diode laser needs a color there in order to cut or engrave. So it works on things like wood because you can't see through it. When it comes to acrylic, you will not be able to do clear and you could struggle with light colors or light blue. Darker colors of acrylic work just fine for both cutting and engraving.
@47bettie6 ай бұрын
Hi Angie great video as always great instruction and information! Just thought would let you know Joan-ann's has it on for $599 I just check it out, take care hugs liz Liz 😊
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
I learned that after I filmed the video! But yes you can get it two places now!
@47bettie6 ай бұрын
@@AngieHolden Thank you!🙂
@dianachau78576 ай бұрын
Do you have video about engraving slate?
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
It would be the same as for the Aura and I did that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYCVp2CnqdyWZ5I
@analidishmey35666 ай бұрын
If I’m starting a business on Etsy, do you recommend buying this machine? Or spending more money and getting the bigger one?
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
For business needs, you will want a larger one. You can definitely start with something like this but be aware it is very slow and you will want to upgrade quickly if you get orders.
@lynn67992 ай бұрын
More power equals faster cuts and engraving. I suggest checking who is using what machines for their personal laser business.
@gventura20096 ай бұрын
How does the spark work with slate tile? Wanted to do coasters and is the “engraving” deep or merely etching? Thanks for a great video!
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
On slate, it basically removes part of the black if that makes sense and it will be white in those areas. It will work the same as the Aura in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYCVp2CnqdyWZ5I
@trell19795 ай бұрын
Hello! I was wondering if you could cart hardboard for sublimation on the spark?
@AngieHolden5 ай бұрын
I tested that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2fTZXWPmpxkpK8
@darlenekrisak29626 ай бұрын
Very cool. Can you engrave on a cutting board? Or does it have to be the size that fits in the bottom well?
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
You can but it would have to fit in the bottom. It is about 9 x 12 inches so anything smaller than that.
@deannacaplett30712 ай бұрын
Must you have Internet to use glowforge? Can you use a hotspot with the laptop or a phone?
@AngieHolden2 ай бұрын
You do need internet and a laptop or computer. There is no good option for phone.
@bobslfcu7736 ай бұрын
Nice video. How long does it take to cut out an image, also, does the software work on a Mac?
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
Software does work on a Mac. I am on a Mac in this video. It depends on your image how long it will take!
@thebeautifulcakes6 ай бұрын
Hello!! Thanks for the video very informative, however I am a little bit confused you list the Acrylic in the list that it can cut and then in the list that can’t cut certain colors. I would love this spark to make an acrylic cake toppers and few other stuff for my brand. Can I use it to cut Acrylic if so what about pink color, gold color white etc?
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
It can cut acrylic but it WILL not do clear. You may also have issues with light colors.
@lynn67992 ай бұрын
White is very difficult to try to even etch with a diode laser. I think a co2 laser would be best for that. I've had good success cutting black acrylic on a diode but it took 6 passes on my 20 watt laser. You definitely want to vent it outside. Acrylic stinks a lot when you cut it. You could test different coatings on white acrylic to see what works best such as paint or possibly marking spray.
@nikkicarson55656 ай бұрын
Can you put a removable coating over light colored material, like acrylic? I'd like to use white acrylic and make my own sublimation blanks.
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
I have played a bit with it but the issue is the light from a diode laser goes through the material as there is nothing there to stop it. So I haven't had success.
@judykritikos29536 ай бұрын
I thught I saw another video where they said you CAN do a 12" x 12", but you have to do something like put a line - or make a line,, and only do half of the item... then stop, move the wood forward a bit more, then it will do the other half. So - will a 12"x12" piece of wood fit in? I'm curious because aren't most pieces of wood we'd use - or whatever material - normally be 12x12? AND - sorry for more ?s... is there a link to getting the various types of wood you mentioned? I got my pre-order and am anxiously awaiting it's arrival. I was a bit sad to see that the air filter system is nearly as much as the machine itself - so that put it over $1,000. Still... less than the aura/filtration... so... off we go!
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
12 x 12 will fit. That is what I used. You will not be able to go all the way to the edges in this machine without cutting the material in pieces as you stated. I am using proofgrade material in this video from the Glowforge website.
@KKayfhill6 ай бұрын
Can the Spark make intricate cuts on card stock ie. snow flakes
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
It can! You need to play with the settings for paper.
@flo98695 ай бұрын
Are you able to buy a different ventilation system that works with the machine?
@AngieHolden5 ай бұрын
I would only get the ventilation system made for this machine. Any others could be a safety hazard.
@flo98695 ай бұрын
@@AngieHolden ok thanks
@MaryPhelps-o9i6 ай бұрын
Can you engrave tumblers on the Aura or the Spark?
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
No. Neither one of these has any attachments that would allow you to do rounded items.
@rednurse13246 ай бұрын
How long would it have taken, in comparison to cutting the coaster with the aura
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
The Aura would be slightly faster. I did not try sending it to that machine however.
@Watchdog_McCoy_5.7x286 ай бұрын
What wwas the complete start to finish time for the coaster you made in the video?
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
It was the time I showed on the screen of 21 minutes and 52 seconds.
@Watchdog_McCoy_5.7x286 ай бұрын
@@AngieHolden i must have missed it. Thank you.
@rednurse13246 ай бұрын
Will the spark or aura cut out mylar stencils?
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
Stencil material would be clear so a diode laser would not work with it. Also be careful as most of these may be made from hazardous plastics. Looking and I do see a blue stencil film made for laser cutting. This one may or may not cut it as it is blue and transparent.
@hoopman7326 ай бұрын
Im just about to order my spark and I got a question as far as non proof ready wood. Is it a simple process to use non proof ready wood. Love your videos and all you do
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
Yep. You just need to either do the settings manually or pick settings for proofgrade and tweak them to work.
@colleenmeyers26276 ай бұрын
can this engrave pencils and pens?
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
I have seen someone do pencils!
@MsKkayc5 ай бұрын
Can you cut your own sublimation earring blanks?
@AngieHolden5 ай бұрын
Try this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2fTZXWPmpxkpK8
@MsKkayc5 ай бұрын
@@AngieHolden that helps but I was curious about the spark cutting the blanks. Thank you! 🫶🏻
@victoriad11276 ай бұрын
Will it be featured on HSN???
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
Sorry not sure.
@colomadavid735 ай бұрын
Can it cut 1/4 inch walnut?
@AngieHolden5 ай бұрын
It can do up to 1/4 inch thick.
@mandyn86636 ай бұрын
Can you engrave a shot glass ?
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
Not with this type of laser.
@angelaestes8866 ай бұрын
Hello
@MrVillafum6 ай бұрын
I love your channel, but I think you missed the mark endorsing this machine. It's so slow and wattage so low that they wouldn't even readily list what it is on their site. I'm sorry, but putting a 6 watt laser in a plastic box doesn't make it worth $700. (not on sale...) I mean come on, even cheap $200 printers have 3" digital screens. V
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
I actually think this is a great product for those that want to give lasers a try but don't want to spend a lot of money until they are sure they will enjoy the craft.
@kimmajor43016 ай бұрын
Are you only able to use their images
@jaynemansfield1406 ай бұрын
No, you can use any svg file. I’ve downloaded some from Creative Fabrica.
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
I uploaded one just yesterday. Just click the plus button at the top and you should have an option to add your own image. Or you can always scan something using the camera.
@jaynemansfield1406 ай бұрын
The Aura is so slow, I can’t believe they made a product that is even slower.
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
It is slow but not that much slower than the Aura.
@Thecraftyblacksheep6 ай бұрын
If you are watching this…. DON’T DO IT! You will be disappointed. Purchase a XTool S1 instead. I have the XTool and they are superior
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
I also have the xTool S1 and while it is a great laser it is way more expensive than this one and I wouldn't say it is compares to this one. This is small, portable, and intended for those just getting started with laser crafting. There is a market for both!
@Brinalea10316 ай бұрын
Sorry not everyone can shell out the money for a xtool. I love my Glowforge Aura and the Spark seems like it will be more affordable for hobbyists.
@craftysarah29776 ай бұрын
I can’t even believe GF came out with another machine after the Aura has been such a debacle.🤦🏼♀️
@over50runningDustin-hd1jx6 ай бұрын
Can you engrave say a MacBook lid, with a phrase?
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
To be honest, I am scared to try anything so expensive. Maybe I will be brave one day!
@craftysarah29776 ай бұрын
I bought the Aura and a huge disappointment, nothing but problems.
@AngieHolden6 ай бұрын
Try contacting Glowforge as it is probably still under warranty.
@angelatrotman91563 ай бұрын
My spark doesn't even work, and I have never used it Ca