Glowforge Spark Review: What You Need to Know About this Compact Craft Laser!

Want to try laser crafting at a lower price point? Check out the new @Glowforge Spark! This compact craft laser can cut everything from wood to leather to acrylic to cardstock, allowing you to customize and personalize a wide range of projects! Here’s my full review of this small but affordable laser. You'll get a full overview of this machine and see how it compares to Glowforge's other lasers.
A big thank you to Glowforge, who sent the Glowforge Spark to me for this review. As always, my opinions are my own.
Supplies used in this video (includes affiliate links):
• Glowforge Spark: heyletsmakestuff.com/recommen...
• Glowforge Personal Filter: heyletsmakestuff.com/recommen...
Helpful blog posts: heyletsmakestuff.com/glowforg...
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0:00 Intro
0:23 What is the Glowforge Spark?
0:57 Glowforge Spark Price
1:41 Type of Laser
2:27 What Can You Make?
5:31 Glowforge Spark Overview
7:12 Venting the Glowforge Spark
8:22 Glowforge Spark Materials
10:34 Glowforge Spark vs Glowforge Aura
11:25 Final Recommendation
12:48 Wrap Up

[@brandihardman8886]

Thank you for a very clear and concise comparison of the two machines! Thank you!!!

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

You are welcome!

[@meghanfournier8571]

Thank you, I've been looking at this laser as a little project hobbyist and so many people seem to not understand the beginners and hobbyists just want easy plug and play to get their feet wet rather than a learning curve and business.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

YES! I feel like there's a big segment of people who just need something super easy.

[@robincardy2994]

Clear concise and very informative information. Great video! Thankyou!

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Glad it was helpful!

[@librarymarna]

Would love for you to do an off-market materials demo for any of the Glowforge machines. I realize trial and error would go along with any new material but it would be so helpful to know some inexpensive products that do well with these laser machines that you have tried or would be willing to try for us. Love all that you do and appreciate all of the time and effort you put into these videos!

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I actually have a post like this on my list of videos to film soon!

[@jillswanson712]

I just ordered this machine and I can't wait for it to get here! This video helped a ton with questions I already had! Thank you so much! I'd love to see a video of off market items used in the spark.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Great idea! I did use non-proofgrade material in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYaYmWhqn7ucgdksi=kFhJ7BUjS9x9rk9I. I have a video about specifically cutting acrylic coming soon!

[@nildaperez4324]

Hi 👋🏼 is possible to cut rubber to make a stamp? Thanks

[@weekend-craft]

Wow this is the first I am seeing of this! What a great price point thats going to be a game changer for people getting into laser cutting. What wattage is the diode laser?

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Six watts!

[@BrigetteBrzezniak]

Thank you for the review! Can you print on metal picture frames? I’m brand new to laser cutting and considering the Spark!

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

You can engrave metal is coated for engraving (there are lots of options!). BUT...I don't know if this would be my pick specifically for metal. I think a higher powered laser would give you much better results.

[@BrigetteBrzezniak]

@@HeyLetsMakeStuff Thank you! I'm thinking I want to go bigger just based on project restriction. Thank you so much for putting this together and responding!

[@lucycaldwell7113]

Can you cut chipboard with this machine? I make dollhouse miniatures and use a lot of chipboard (usually cut with my Cricut Maker). Thanks!

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I haven't done it myself, but I believe you can! www.confetetievents.com/blog/glowforge-aura-cardstock-chipboard

[@mtz3843]

what is the laser size, 20w or lower?

[@jjcustomcards]

Hi, I'm trying to find a machine that I can custom design images for foiling on paper. Is this a machine I can use on a low heat setting?

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I don't think this machine will work, but have you looked into the foil transfer tool with the Cricut?

[@lifeofdarlyn678]

Hello, I have pre ordered. Do you know if it can cut Gold acrylic?

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Probably not! It's not good with anything reflective in addition to anything clear and many colors of blue. Houston Acrylic has a great selection of acrylic tested on a diode: houstonacrylic.com/collections/diode-tested-materials

[@juliebuxton5220]

Can you make rubber stamps with this machine? Or the Aura?

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Great question! I haven't done it myself, but I think it might be possible based on this post in their forums: community.glowforge.com/t/cutting-rubber-stamps-w-aura-settings-i-used/129658

[@debrarobbins2411]

would this cut mdf wood for sublimation thanks

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I wouldn't recommend it - MDF causes a lot of debris and takes a lot of effort to cut through.

[@PatrickWard4]

You are not limited to just their images, correct? I'm not familiar with the file formats, but can you just use your own images like an .SVG file like you would on a cricut? One annoyance with the cricut design space is that you have to be online to use their software, are there any weird restrictions like that?

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Correct! You can upload your own SVG files with the basic software, you're not married to their designs :)

[@PatrickWard4]

@@HeyLetsMakeStuff awesome, thank you for the info!

[@debrarobbins2411]

mdf board for sublimation can this be cut thanks

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

It technically can cut some, but not very well and it creates a lot of debris that can mess with the quality of your cuts.

[@CarverEngraver]

Does it cut metal .. like silver ?or etch it ?

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

It can etch metal (you need a crazy powerful laser to cut metal) but I don’t think that’s what it’s best at.

[@jenn6471]

Can this make a wooden puzzle from a family photo ​@@HeyLetsMakeStuff

[@IreneBlanchette]

Can you design something yourself then cut it with the glowforge spark?

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Absolutely! I make a lot of my own designs in Adobe Illustrator but there are other programs as well.

[@kalikennetic2902]

can it cut shrink plastic on the lowest setting?

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I don't know, honestly. It can't cut clear so I am guessing no?

[@joytothesoul3828]

Why does it take over an hour for one project (the house sign)?

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

It’s a less powerful laser - 6W compared to a larger CO2 (like the Glowforge Pro which is 45W). Much less expensive but with the cheaper price comes a much slower machine!

[@joytothesoul3828]

@@HeyLetsMakeStuffThank you.

[@JohnThomas-ir7ko]

personal filter air filter = $399 ouch

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Yes, but it's about half the cost of the xTool version, and it's much lighter and bluetooth connected to the laser. Definitely a cost, but it could be worse!

[@lynn6799]

You can buy a dryer vent hose or any airtight hose to clamp onto the vent pipe, then make a basic frame that fits your window, run the pipe to the frame and seal the edges with duct tape. You can vent it outside. Way cheaper.