Gweike Cloud Pro 50W CO2 Laser Cutter is the Unexpected Glowforge Killer! Review and Test

[@JTMakesIt]

Be sure to check the BIG Christmas SALE: bit.ly/3BLnUbm Or buy here: hobbylasercutters.com/go/gweike-cloud-pro/ Use coupon code "JT Makes It200" for 200$ off! DETAILED WRITTEN REVIEW: hobbylasercutters.com/gweike-cloud-pro/ (affiliate links which help me to make these reviews for you for free. There is no extra cost to you and it helps me to get some discount coupons for you)

[@RobbEmmanuel]

Just received my gweike cloud after ordering one last month. As someone who has never used a laser engraver, I'm pretty excited on my future art projects.

[@JTMakesIt]

Awesome! You will have a lot of fun learning new stuff!

[@jiii6099]

How is it?

[@9Rich7891]

I have a Gweike Cloud Laser, bought about 8 months ago. I have burned a lot of products and use only Light Burn because the included software and their Cloud software does not work. Calibrating the camera will be frustrating and lengthy. The place where they fail is service, if you need parts you have to find a 3rd party in the country you live. They will not take orders for parts. My X axis stepper belt broke, I have been trying for 5 months to order one. Sales does not want to deal with it and support cannot order parts, so they push the issue to sales, and nothing happens.

[@tegheim]

As I heard from people here in Sweden that Co2's have limited life span, even if they aren't used, I asked Gweikecloud about that. They answered that they have a lifetime of approx 15000 hours, and cost today $400 to replace. I'm guessing that they don't meant in absolute hours, but using hours :-) Didn't get a solid answer about aging standby.

[@JTMakesIt]

These are hours of use. But if not used, co2 tube shoukd still last around 5 years. This is more or less the same for all co2 laser cutters And not running the machine at full power (but at 70% max) will extend its life significantly. 400usd for a new tube after few years seems a lot but if you think differently, you will realize that you can earn this money back with this machine in just a couple of hours making stuff for other people.

[@tegheim]

@@JTMakesIt less than $7/month really. I'm only thinking of using laser for my bicycleparts marking logos and also my own cardboard packaging. Was aiming for xTool/Atomstack diod 20w, but this is kind of interesting also even though it's twice as expensive...

[@JTMakesIt]

@@tegheim just know that this laser can't mark metals directly. It can only remove anodizing or paint. For marking metal directly you need a fiber laser (last video I have made)

[@tegheim]

@@JTMakesIt yes, I'm aware. Was over at a laser-firm today and got my anodized aluminum marked with a co2laser from Universal Laser Systems (~$30 000). Satified with the results. Got even more want for a own laser.

[@tegheim]

@@JTMakesIt sent you a picture on instagram 👍

[@loetzs.878]

my wife already hates my rather nice diode-laser, because it's getting too much attention. Damn this Gweike would be the perfect upgrade.

[@MitchHeil]

Not really unexpected. Glowforge is overpriced proprietary trash.

[@lisaw1085]

Great video! I was thinking of getting an xtool d1Pro but now I’ve got to research more! Your computer generated voice is just fine 👍🏼😊

[@JTMakesIt]

Thanks! I'm reviewing some new machines from xTool soon, so I recommend you to subscribe so you don't miss the video :)

[@wlouws]

FYI. The offline software provided by Gweike is clearly an (unbadged) version of RDWorks. The software’s version number is even equal to the latest version of RDWorks.

[@JTMakesIt]

Interesting!

[@scalebuildings]

Interestng video - there is a small screen underneath the resting position of the head - what is that used to display please?

[@JTMakesIt]

That display shows the measurement of the electrical current running through the laser tube

[@scalebuildings]

@@JTMakesIt Thank you - I've just got my paws on one of these and am having big problems finding out if its tube is OK - lots of pink purple light and that gauge shows 09mA using their offline software at 50% power yet no cuts - Im not overly technical so wondered what it was actually for ratehr than me guessing. Thank you for the clarification - really ace 🙂

[@JTMakesIt]

@@scalebuildings some light can ce seen when the tube is working. I think the max current is somewhere around 20mA. I think the pink color is OK. If becomes red then the tube is near its end. Maybe the beam is not aligned and is not hitting the mirror on the head. Check the gweike tutorial for beam alignment.

[@jwmadzelan101]

where can I find engraving test for my gweike pro as you have show here. also thanks for the video. Just had my delivered and have much to learn

[@JTMakesIt]

hobbylasercutters.com/download-test-files/ Enjoy you machine, you will have a lot of fun :)

[@Actio83]

Also everything going through the cloud can be taken by glowforge, I also bet it says some about it in the EULA. In case you make something you want the rights for.

[@JTMakesIt]

That is good to know! Thanks for the input!

[@anthonygrey9282]

Great video, thank you for making it. You have convinced me to get this model, when funds allow! The robotic voice isn't too bad at all. I would be happy to narrate a script for you for free if it helps you out?

[@JTMakesIt]

Thanks! First I need to establish better workflow when I edit the videos. Now its all over the place 😂

[@karthikprabu5632]

Hi JT, As I said earlier in different video about my recent purchase of Sculpfun S10. You gave me good tip to solve the issue. Now I have a trouble in coloring the engraving. I purchased a pack full of Mica Powder and tried. The result is not good as the fan in the laser blows the powder away when the laser head comes near the position before it starts engraving. Do you have any solution for this. Will be highly appreciated. Thanks.

[@JTMakesIt]

What material are you trying to engrave?

[@karthikprabu5632]

Balsa wood thin material 2mm thickness. Actually the fan in the sculpfunn laser head always on, when it comes near the position, the mica powder blows aways.

[@JTMakesIt]

@@karthikprabu5632 You can try to make some piece of plastic "shield" under the bottom of the module where the fan is blowing to direct the air to the side. but you must not block the air flow. Just redirect it. I never used mica powder, so I don't have much experience.

[@karthikprabu5632]

@@JTMakesIt thanks for your time. I will try and do it tomorrow, will update the results to you. If possible, post some videos for color engraving. Have a nice evening. Cheers.

[@billpeiman8973]

The voice sounds like it is computer generated...

[@JTMakesIt]

Because it is. I am not a native English speaker and have little narrating experience and voice actors are too expensive :(

[@Whatsamattau2]

Yep…Cuz it is

[@InTheLab3d]

Nice Video... Do you have a link to the honeycomb hold down things ? thanks

[@JTMakesIt]

Hi, I will add them to the website probably later today. Check back later or ping me here if I happen to forget :)

[@JTMakesIt]

Hi, sorry for my late reply, I didn't forget :) hobbylasercutters.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/LaserHoldfast-gweike.zip You can generate your custom one here: www.festi.info/boxes.py/LaserHoldfast

[@robc4277]

You say that CO2 lasers use mm/sand diode lasers use mm/m, but they are interchangeable units. Simply divide mm/m by 60I run a diode and mm/s.

[@angelicafuller93]

@@JTMakesIt I was trying to open the link to the honeycomb tie downs, but it wouldn’t let me open

[@ghosted404]

Can I use this on Cardstock and cardboard?

[@JTMakesIt]

Yes

[@macrumpton]

it is kind of overkill for those materials. You can cut those easily with a $300 diode laser.

[@callumwilkinson9966]

Why the robot voice?

[@JTMakesIt]

Not a native english speaker with poor narrating abilities :( Voice actors are too expensive

[@J0BeKillinEM]

Is there a pass through option?

[@JTMakesIt]

It is. A slit on the back. It is mentioned it in the video

[@J0BeKillinEM]

@@JTMakesIt really that's awesome. I must have missed it. What time is it shown ?

[@JTMakesIt]

@@J0BeKillinEM check the video. I think it is in the first part