Desktop Laser Engraver Compared: Glowforge Pro, OMTech Polar, and xTool D1 Pro

[@wendymoore3615]

I have been researching lasers for about a year now, this video is by far been the most helpful out of the hundreds I have watched. Glad I was able to find your channel & subscribe, looking forward to seeing more of your videos

[@jessicagiangreco7104]

I'm just starting out on my journey to research laser cutters. This video was very informative and really helped me understand which features I may want in a laser cutter. I've been leaning toward the xtools D1, but I'm definitely going to look at the om Tech as well.

[@TheJonb1974]

I did a bit of research on lasers and ordered the Omtech Polar a few weeks ago. Seeing your videos (along with others) made me decide on it. Thanks for all the great info

[@ImaginationDesign]

After seeing some things people in other crafting groups do with their lasers, I decided I HAD to have one. I initially fell in love with the X-Tool because of the entry level price. Then I was swayed by the K40 lasers because of their power. But then I realized there were additional things I'd need like an enclosure (x-tool) or a chiller (k40) among other things. Then I started to hear about the polar. I liked the all-in-one aspect (I could do the tweeks to the other units, but I knew I would only do some of them). The price point was definitely higher of the 3 but the hassel factor was much less. Now I just need to figure out 1) where to put it and 2) how to tell my SO.

[@vanschat]

I wish this was shown last week! I just bought my first laser and had to do my own research which wasn't easy. Thanks for the video!

[@merakicustomade]

This is the video I've been looking for!! Wow you guys, what a great video idea and channel! You just got a new subscriber! I really needed to see how the camera works on the Polar compared to the glowforge and there was not even one video on KZbin showing that. Besides Yours! I'm so happy I found your channel! You are the best, thank you for your time and dedication to KZbin!

[@JeanneBagley]

I purchased the Omtech Polar based on your video. I was leaning toward the XTool P2 previous to your video. Just waiting for the Omtech to arrive! So excited. I already have the Xtool D1 (non pro) and wanted something faster and that cut acrylic. Love your videos!

[@Ontheboatagain]

I would be interested to compare the Xtool S1 instead.

[@nickstickford1]

Great video! How do you think the Polar stacks up against the xtool P2?

[@leishaberry524]

Thank you for the comparison. I was tossing up between Omtech and Glow Forge.

[@HalfAssHomestead]

I started with the Ortur 10 watt diode, didn't really much care for it, as it is so light it moves all over the place. So I upgraded to the Fox Alien 20 watt, easy to use, but again is light weight and moves around so has to be clamped to the table. I then went huge with the OmTech 60 Watt Stand alone CO2 laser, with a commercial chiller unit. I also upgraded the rotary to a Mansfield Customs rotary, which is the best of the best. But I didn't give up on the diode so fast, and also have the XTool D1 10 watt, which is heavier than the other desktop diodes, doesn't move, and probably the best for doing just engraving. I haven't played with the rotary yet, as I do most of that stuff on the OmTech. I did have to create a custom charcoal filtration and exhaust system, but the cost is rather cheap, and the air assist is awesome. Glad to see that the OmTech won your comparison, but I'm with Garrett, love all my children...lol

[@nipajhaveri434]

Thank you for the review. Glowforge was out for me because it is way too expensive to begin with, and $50 a month is just too much for me. I already have an xtool D1 Pro 10W, and I am currently dealing with how and where I am going to vent it. I was thinking Omtech also, and you helped me make up my mind...still can't afford to buy it yet, but it's on my wish list.

[@minnesotamakes]

It should be pointed out that the Glowforge premium subscription is NOT required to use the machine. Existing users got a free month of premium when it first came out, but I never used it. I do everything I need in Silhouette and upload my SVG. The only thing I wish I could do in the GF UI is flip things over. I love my Glowforge and highly recommend it if you want to get up and running quickly with a short learning curve. That said, if I was starting today, I would probably go with the Omtech Polar, based on features and price. The rotary alone sets it apart.

[@HaltWhoGoesThere]

I'm confused. Other reviewers I've watched have complained that Glowforge REQUIRES the $50/mo subscription to really do much of anything with the unit. Are you saying this is incorrect? Thanks for any clarification you can give. I'm researching and this $50/mo requirement as I understand is a negative dealbreaker for me.

[@minnesotamakes]

@@HaltWhoGoesThere You absolutely DO NOT NEED the subscription to use the machine. I found no significant value in it for my purposes (even when it was discounted to $15/mo when it first came out), so I do not subscribe to it. If you go to the FAQ on their website, look at the second question under "Wifi and the cloud" (last section) Q: Do I need a paid subscription to use my Glowforge? A: No. All the software you need to use your Glowforge is included, forever, for free, with your purchase. If you'd like additional design software, free catalog designs, and other add-ons, you can subscribe to Glowforge Premium.

[@lightspeedlaserengraving6048]

I just bought my 3rd Glowforge plus. I also have the polar 350 but Glowforge wins hands down for me.

[@tracywilliams61]

My laser is very similar. Started with an othur, was way to scary and not the best to learn on, luckily my wonderful husband surprised me with a glowforge for Xmas 2021. Glowforge is pricy but it taught me soooo much. Unfortunately, my glowforge caught fire (cardboard) I started the cut and ran to take a potty break and poof fire. Word of advise don’t turn your back otherwise you run the risk of burning your house down. Luckily I didn’t damage it beyond repair and only need to replace a couple parts. After the fire I was devastated ( this was before I knew it wasn’t a loss) My hubby sprung into action and we went big with a Thunder nova 100 watt. Downside to the thunder is it’s takes up almost half of my craft room. Night and day in how long cuts take. Glowforge takes 20 minutes to cut the 1 Minute with my Thunder. I thought Glowforge was fast.

[@janita851]

Wow tell me your hubby is rich without telling me he is rich.. 😅

[@jinnajim]

I have a glowforge but recently went caput, they're offering me a refurbished one that my credit card warranty should reimburse me for but I'm considering the polar now. Is lightburn difficult to learn? I love the GF plug and play!

[@rjeckols]

Yes! this was super super helpful!!! Thank You!!

[@leanewman]

I’m needing out on these comparison videos. Thank you for this. As a beginner/first timer… I’m almost ready to jump in with an XTool just because of cost. This is my first one. Question though. I noticed you mentioned ventilation is needed for glowforge and polar… is it needed for XTool? Also… what else do I need to have for the workshop? As I mentioned… I’m brand new to all of this. Thanks for your help

[@mickhaynes7945]

Great information as I’m in the market for a laser! Thanks!!!

[@karenhadden4980]

Go Omtech!

[@matthewruble5900]

Just starting. Really vid thanks

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

Glad to help. Good Luck! ~garrett

[@HolzTattoo31]

What do you think about the xtool M1 compare to the other.

[@richardgorton2498]

Excellent run-off. Was considering GF Plus. After watching this comparison, I’m seriously looking at OT 350. As a woodworker, there are shapes that vary in the ‘Z’ axis which the OT appears to have greater flexibility. Question: engraving a baseball bat - neither of these have the length to accept say 33” L item. What is your suggestion? Thanks again for an informative video.

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

Hey Richard! I think both of these machines would have problems doing a baseball bat, BUT I think the xTool P2 would be perfect at doing a baseball bat. I has risers, large pass through, and does curved surface engraving. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIi7laaNarBqfrssi=vJ1IjJ6dCJ7omEaZ

[@sherillfeathers9755]

I've been researching lasers and so glad I came across this video. You mentioned the bed size on the omtech...also saying it has a pass through. Would it be difficult to cut say like a 22 inch round (doorhanger) using the pass through? TIA

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

No, the passthrough slot in the OMTech is only like 14" wide. You should checkout the xTool P2. That might meet your needs.

[@rileycrain5784]

Are you guys going to be getting the xtool p2? That laser has been high on my radar

[@tracywilliams61]

Can’t wait to see who wins

[@CarrieDickinson-Terry]

It was helpful. I am leaning towards the xtool (maybe not the d1). Seems like a good starter machine without as much investment

[@amysinger2201]

does the omtech cut clear acrylic?

[@blondefoxcreations]

xTool didn't send any of the materials you mentioned when I bought mine. All they sent was a couple of pieces of wood, a couple of pieces of round glass and some little metal business cards.

[@mba8869]

For me it was an additional cost for the "material package". So their package could have included the materials for an increase cost. I wish they would send the material pack standard but unfortunately they dont.

[@ParkImaging]

@@mba8869 Ah yes! You're probably right on that one.

[@kkkkkk320]

I have been seeing more and more horror stories about the Glowforge so I will definitely be avoiding that brand. I've been seeing more and more nice things about the X Tool so that might be the way I go. I think it is a better fit for me because I'm not, like, all crafting all the time. the price point, light weight/mobility and ease of use sound like a good deal for a light weight user like me. If I get to a point where it no longer meets my requirements as I get more experienced with lazer stuff, I'll check out the OMTech when I'm ready to upgrade. Thanks so much for sharing this comparison.

[@CharlieBatchelorJr]

Thank you this was very helpful.

[@ShyneflowLC]

Ugh, thoughts on the P2 xtool is creating ?

[@sandragentz9442]

Good morning. Keep these videos coming 🙂🎥🎬

[@janinelew2483]

How come the xtool P2 wasn’t in the mix? Was it not available yet?

[@quinettabrown8836]

In looking at Omtech & Xtool

[@CreativeCustomDesigns]

GREAT video ......we have a Glowforge Pro, and looking to get a larger laser. We'd love to stay desktop so we can get it in the basement, but I'm thinking it will have to go in the garage. For our next laser, we are looking at Thunder. You guys mentioned you had a larger laser, I'm wondering what you have?

[@wcs39204]

just got my omtech polar 350! You guys actually got me setup with your unpacking video, so thanks for that! Even got lightburn setup, and the camera calibrated! Thank you for that video! Could you please give me a link to the table you have yours on? I have mine set up on a cafe table, it's plenty sturdy enough to hold it, but it rocks when the Polar is moving fast. Thanks!

[@MountainGirlCustomDesigns]

Nice video! I enjoy watching the two of you. I would have enjoyed in the other video your investigating of the bike over the painted letters. ;o) Keep up the good work. I’m just awaiting for my Glowforge to arrive. 4 more sleeps. :o)

[@johntrue3120]

I'm a current Glowforge basic owner, I'm really thinking about moving to the OMtech Polar 350 mainly because of the price is so much lower than the GF pro.

[@protozee]

I would like to know if the xTool D1 can do 3D laser engraving

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

Hey! We are actually planning on trying that out for next weeks video. Kim is super excited about 3D engraving.

[@amylouwoods]

I’ve been researching the crap out of these and was really conflicted! Thank you so much for this video !! I’m definitely leaning even more towards the omtech now ! My only question is Even with it all encased and vented well out the window will my indoor office smell ?( my heat press always smells fishy so I’m moving that out to the garage ) It’s also my guest room so that’s my only concern . Thanks again I love all your videos !!

[@minnesotamakes]

I have a Glowforge, currently in my basement which is also a guest room. There will be some smell (like a campfire smell) but it's not terrible and I don't think it lasts too long. It doesn't bother me. If you cut acrylic, it will smell like a nail salon. An inline fan helps; you could also run an air purifier or essential oil diffuser.

[@miriambrooks4861]

Great information. Thanks for sharing

[@shughes599]

Great content. Anyone know how old the glowforge is on market? I will never own another proprietary only software, too easy to brick, inconvenient to need wifi, etc etc. The bad air assist and exhaust of glowforge and lack of rotary make me think it is just 5 year old tech.

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

I agree with it all Scott! xTool contacted us about testing their P2 and this thing looks like the nail in the coffin for Glowforge. ~garrett

[@devonphillips805]

Can the omtech cut Velcro hook and loop??

[@lisawhite9725]

❤ thank you! I do love my glowforge!! It really does hold my hand…lol

[@thewisetaurus8]

can any of these 3 do 40oz tumbler wraps?

[@nwmi493]

how much can the work piece vary in thickness before the focal point needs to be re adjusted? (irregular thickness workpieces) thanks

[@sndesigns5820]

I was searching for laser cutters to start a new business from home. This video really helped me and I really like omtech, don’t know why but this one is not showing online, to buy in the U.K. can someone please help if there is anyone who sells OMtech desktop in the U.K.?

[@angeljm87]

do you think the new xtool p2 will be worth it??

[@amandagrodeman7841]

I’m wondering the same! Help! I was literally about to purchase the GF Pro and then.. I seen an ad for the x tool p2 and I think I’ve changed my mind but I’m SO indecisive

[@vbrown5943]

Which company has the best customer service?

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

neither... if I had to pick xTool. It's all through email.

[@vbrown5943]

@@KimandGarrettmakeit Thank you!

[@kathyc5831]

Can you do this with all the "craft" versions of these machines lol

[@peachcreamkrafts]

I love this channel

[@loiserwin4364]

Shocker😮😮😮😮Thought for sure you were going with your gloforge. I sure misjudged that one...😅😅😅

[@wileycovington4497]

I'm eyeing that Omtec Polar or something like a Gwekie cloud. I want all of the features of Glowforge without the extream price. Not to mention not having to worry about being screwed if WiFi goes out or if I move where there isn't Wi-Fi. I want something not cloud based. I also want to be able to replace parts myself. No need to send the whole unit back if something breaks.

[@Steph-x4b]

Watching this in Feb 2024. Glowforge has significantly come down in price, probably due to increased competition, but still doesn't seem like the best option.

[@bettydaltonnewbold2019]

I have the Glowforge Pro and I don't like it. The proprietary interface (you can not use any other interface with it) is limiting and inferior to what I had with my Universal M-300 (which let you use Coreldraw direct printing). The old M-300 worked for around 15 years and is now defunct. THe Glowforge is the only one I have now and is expensive ($7000), does not accept COreldraw desings directly (you have to export them from Corel as SVG images), and the air exhaust is very weak causing a lot of hassle with smoke damage to the finished pieces, and if your internet connection ever goes down, you're dead, as you cannot operate your Glowforge without it! Also, Glowforge does NOT have a repeat this cut feature. You always have to resubmit it to their cloud, have them recompute it and resend it to the Glowforge again. A real P-I-T-A. I am looking at getting the Omtech Polar as a replacement for the Glowforge so I can get back to normal laser cuttting operations. This is my humble opinion. Cheers.

[@HaltWhoGoesThere]

Oh wow, so in order to even use the Glowforge you HAVE TO pay a $50/mo subscription?! (For the significantly higher price of the thing, this seems like company greed in my opinion.) And you must have internet? Yikes. Dealbreakers for me.

[@jacobus57]

Glowforge--why?? 600 bucks a year just to use the thing. What a scam.

[@ambitiousbeauty1013]

I'm glad I saw your comment. I won't be getting a Glow Forge because I can't afford to pay $600 for a subscription to use it.

[@jakeblue0]

mic is so bad