Laser Engrave Everything with a Glowforge!

Laser engrave over 50 materials including wood, metal, plastic, masonry, fabric and a few others.
Ready to buy a Glowforge? Use my referral link to save up to $500: share.glowforge.com/w7t6xqea
My own speed and power settings and banned materials list:
bit.ly/39LSmkK
Community speed and power settings:
bit.ly/34fhe3d
If you'd like to talk more about the Glowforge, please reach out to me at [e-mail] - I built my whole business around this machine. I'd also be happy to do a live demo over Zoom and send you some samples if you'd like (you can even design the samples). Or, we can just chat. Asking questions in the comments works, too :)
I'm also building a Glowforge for Beginners course: glowforgeforbeginners.com
The course won't be finished for a few months. Although, I'm offering early access (super-discounted) to the course to help kickstart this thing! I hope that you'll consider joining.
Cut metal via SendCutSend: sendcutsend.com/
Full material list:
maple, walnut, cherry, baltic birch, white oak, padauk, pine, purple heart, wenge, alder, redwood burl, cork, MDF, bamboo, cardboard, cardstock, stainless steel, titanium, brass, copper, chrome, powder-coated, anodized aluminum, cast acrylic, Flexicolor acrylic, delrin, PLA, PETG, Corian, marble, sandstone, granite, ceramic, slate, agate, cotton, denim, leather, ultrasuede, felt, cork fabric, canvas, rubber, glass, evo foam, and bone.
Tools used in this video (some are affiliate links):
Glowforge: glowforge.us/r/yNqbNs
Paper Masking: amzn.to/2ZewsEV
Fire Blanket: amzn.to/2UKnvk8
Fire Extinguisher: amzn.to/3e1R9ZN
Cermark Marking Spray for Metal: amzn.to/2yE6qQu
Cermark Marking Spray for Ceramic and Glass: amzn.to/2xSdHMd
Carbide-tipped blade to cut aluminum: amzn.to/39MWT6y
00:00 Samples
01:31 Wood
03:42 Metal
05:15 Plastic
06:30 Stone
08:24 Fabric
Thank you to The College of New Jersey for cutting out my agate slice on your incredible waterjet.
Thank you to @eflyguy on the Glowforge community forum for designing the "LASER ALL THE THINGS" meme! Bahahaha!!

[@JohnKuiphoff]

Ready to buy a Glowforge? Use my referral link to save up to $500: glowforge.us/r/yNqbNs - I'm also creating an entire Glowforge course: glowforgeforbeginners.com

[@Glowforge]

You did a fantastic job on this John! The whole team here at Glowforge has been anxiously waiting for your video. Thanks for sharing! -Ellen

[@JohnKuiphoff]

Thank you very much, Ellen! I'm thrilled that the team enjoyed the video! It was a lot of fun to research all of these materials. I plan to release videos more frequently now - I think that you'll like the video that I'm working on next. It's got a healthy mix of creative coding, data visualization, science, Arduino, CNC, and laser cutting/engraving.

[@chasityshull7276]

Can you engrave tumbler cups?

[@ThatSocratesguy]

Wait let me get this right, you can't engrave metals like stainless steel, silver or gold with the glowforce (without the workarounds you mentioned like the spray or powder coating)?? That's a bummer. 😓 So that means the glowforce basically isn't really meant for engraving jewelry like stainless steel or silver bracelets /pendants etc?

[@macrumpton]

@@ThatSocratesguy To really engrave metals directly like you mention you would need a much more powerful laser. The workaround is that you can coat the metal piece with some kind of paint and then use the laser to burn through the areas that you want engraved, and then put the metal into an acid bath that eats away at the metal where it is not covered by the paint.

[@MrRenoracerx]

@@ThatSocratesguy sounds like there is a fix... the spray looks like a great workaround.. think of reflection.. want to engrave your surroundings?

[@nicolesnellgrove5018]

I bought my gf 3 years ago. I downloaded Mr Kuiphoff's spreadsheet and have used it on a regular basis! My computer crashed and I lost the spreadsheet. I didn't realize how much I used it until I didn't have it! If you have a gf download this spreadsheet! Mr Kuiphoff has put in so much work, time and energy and it is absolutely the most valuable tool I have!!!! Thank You so much!!!!

[@JohnKuiphoff]

Thank you so much!!!! I really appreciate it!

[@billperez8657]

Thank you for taking the time to do and make the settings available. This video was helpful.

[@8-wolves]

The settings list is really helpful to have! this video came out really well and i'm excited to play around with new materials.

[@kevanpokemon515]

That was super well put together and filled with extremely useful information! Great job!

[@MakerCuisine]

Wow, I had no idea you could engrave half of those materials, I didn't even know some of those existed. Awesome 👍

[@BearMaked]

Yaaasss! So many ideas from this video. Thanks for putting in so much work, John!

[@DennisNestor]

What a great resource on laser engraving. Well done John.

[@Nickporter17]

Been waiting for this drop! Thanks John!

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks John, some really interesting ideas in here. Your data sheet is really helpful as well.

[@dwburger]

This is probably the most useful video I've ever seen on KZbin. It took a lot of time and effort to put all this data together and I really appreciate it! A huge service to the Glowforge community!

[@JohnKuiphoff]

David Burger Wow, thank you very much! You made my day! I really appreciate it. I’m glad that you found it helpful.

[@dwburger]

@@JohnKuiphoff I am sure I will use the spreadsheets you shared in future projects. I often start a project by searching the web for settings. Won't have to do that at all or, at least, less often with the data you've shared in the spreadsheets. This really is the best thing since sliced bread! 8-)

[@topcat1tanks]

Thank you so much. My wife and I just started a business and one of the hardest things is to get the settings right for non proof grade material. Now we have a starting point.

[@Moncriefs]

I appreciate your quality and effort put into this. You deserve millions of subscribers

[@TheGrantAlexander]

Love that mug! Really cool to see all the different things!

[@cheecho2001]

Great video John! Very informational and well put together.

[@dickiecox]

What a stellar reference guide for materials! Now to turn my daydream of owing a Glowforge into a reality.

[@brawl0621]

Great Job John! The video came out Great!!!

[@mjmccoy97]

John -- this is an enormously valuable reference. Thanks!!

[@julianalimones1627]

Awesome tutorial/info video John! Thank you :)

[@legoturtle92]

Thanks John, this is perfect. I plan on showing this to my supervisor so we can try to order one. This will help justify it even more and I'll try to use your code.

[@JohnKuiphoff]

Thanks, Jared! It's great to hear from you. How's remote teaching going? Yeah, I'd definitely recommend a Glowforge for a school setting. They're great machines and there's literally no learning curve - you can focus more on ideas, design, etc.

[@royalmaster203]

Thank you for boat load of info, I appreciate your time.

[@tvdeavers]

Great place to find all need information. You have put together a wonderful video. Thank you.

[@skylarexplores1950]

Thanks for the great video! Just used your referral code and ordered a glowforge plus! Cannot wait to get started!!!

[@JustMightDIY]

Wow - had no idea the Glowforge was this versatile. Great overview of the engraving capabilities.

[@carlalevintt2771]

You're THE best. THANKS for all the knowledge and the settings

[@chrisk2061]

Definitely the most informative video related to the glowforge, I was on the fence about buying one...but, ordering today (glowforge pro) you pushed me over the top, will use your code. I have an x-carve that I love, this seems like it would be the perfect addition. Thanks again for the amazing resource you have provided.

[@JohnKuiphoff]

Hi Chris! That's fantastic! Thanks for the kinds words. Yes, the X-carve and the Glowforge make a great pair. I made another video where I use both the CNC and the Glowforge (kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYDWh518q6xpnZo) - it's a technique I use a lot. A few years back, I upgraded to a Shopbot, however, I originally owned an X-Carve and loved it. The two machines working side-by-side can make almost anything. Good luck with the Glowforge!

[@csherwoodb]

Your data sheet is amazing! Thank you! Hope you have plans for more videos soon!

[@erikschannel]

Wow they're so much useful information is video and has inspired me to try new things thank you

[@arisguz]

Thank you very much. This is exactly what I was looking for.

[@michellebrown6185]

John, my husband and I are so glad that we found you. We were so frustrated with our calibration and with metal. Thank you so much! We will subscribe to your channel and support you in any way that we can.

[@JohnKuiphoff]

Hi, Michelle! Thanks so much!! I really appreciate it! I've actually started to film a full Glowforge course. It should be released in March or April. If you'd like early access to it, feel free to email me at kuiphoff[at]gmail.com - I'd love to have a few Glowforgers try it out before I release it. It's designed to be the course I wish I had when I started. It covers everything from setup, materials, design software, maintenance, tips/tricks, interviews, etc. I only started filming two weeks ago... but now that I'm finding my rhythm, the videos will start getting uploaded up very quickly. My email is kuiphoff[at]gmail.com

[@mahreeortiz]

Great video John.

[@katelynhunter]

I’ve been watching Glowforge tutorials allll day and this is BY FAR the most helpful!!! Thank you so so much for taking the time to make this video!! :)

[@JohnKuiphoff]

Thank you, Katelyn! I really appreciate it!

[@JohnKuiphoff]

I also wanted to mention in case you might be interested - I'm working on a Beginners Glowforge course now. It's still pretty early and I hope to have it finished in a few months... but feel free to take a look. It's free at the moment: gfcourse.com/ - It'll include setup, materials, design software, tips, maintenance, interviews, etc. Thanks again!

[@katelynhunter]

@@JohnKuiphoff Omg it looks perfect for me! Thanks so much for letting me know about it, just signed up!! Can't wait for it to launch in May :)

[@JohnKuiphoff]

@@katelynhunter Thanks! I hope to have a collection of laser-specific Illustrator tutorials uploaded next week. Thanks for signing up :)

[@ScrapCatStudio]

Thank you for the information! As a newbie I appreciate all the information I can get. Great resource.

[@JohnKuiphoff]

Thank you! Let me know if you ever have any questions :)

[@ACNailedIt]

Great video John! Man, you're putting out some fantastic work, and this one will be a reference for me in the future when I buy a laser 💪💪💪

[@JohnKuiphoff]

Thanks, Alan! They're really nice machines.

[@reny...2080]

U explained everything.. literally everything.👌👍♥️

[@houseofmimi656]

Such a great video! Wow --- definitely subscribing!

[@JohnKuiphoff]

Thank you!

[@TroytheMaker]

This is so dope! 👍🏾

[@ErdbeerkoboldDe]

Thank you for this great video! I used your link for my Plus order! Especially for the lists of parameters, a big thank you! Greetings from Germany

[@JohnKuiphoff]

Thank you!!! Congrats on the new Glowforge! I’m currently making a full course if that helps: gfcourse.com/ - I still have a ways to go, but it might help to get things started. If you ever need any help, please feel free to reach out. I’ve been working with a lot of new materials and will be updating the materials videos soon.

[@cherylmoors3455]

Thanks so much for this highly useful information.

[@northerndust]

This is an amazing and informative video!!

[@Marc_Miller]

You got both size ice picks, nice! Great info, thank you.

[@JohnKuiphoff]

Marc Miller thanks! The big one got stolen so I bought the little guy. But then through a strange sequence of events, the large ice pick found its way home. Haha!

[@suzyqcraft321]

Awesome video definitely using this for a reference video!

[@chrisadkinswork5016]

You had me at TOAST! I can engrave messages on my kids breakfast.

[@jessicaodett9376]

Well done. Very informative. Thank you.

[@nicoleshort1391]

This is amazing!! Thanks for this vid!

[@godfatherfeederfather6350]

This may sound silly but I was about to throw in the towel with my glowforge, this has given me hope! Thank you so much for your video

[@JohnKuiphoff]

Thanks so much! It'll get easier with some practice and a little swearing. ha! I've actually started to film a full Glowforge course. It should be released in March or April. If you'd like early access to it, feel free to email me at kuiphoff[at]gmail.com - I'd love to have a few Glowforgers try it out before I release it. It's designed to be the course I wish I had when I started. It covers everything from setup, materials, design software, maintenance, tips/tricks, interviews, etc. I only started filming two weeks ago... but now that I'm finding my rhythm, the videos will start getting uploaded up very quickly. My email is kuiphoff[at]gmail.com

[@Crystalwren]

Wow, thank you! This is great info!

[@arleenrobertson7050]

Great video! Thanskfor the helpful lists.

[@MarcusRitland]

Thank you John! I learned about some new materials too - cork fabric!?!

[@JohnKuiphoff]

Thanks! Yeah, cork fabric is really fun to work with. I'm trying to figure out how to better integrate it into things. It seems really durable as well...

[@amycgx]

Game changer, thank you!

[@emeryhope]

So informative!! Thank you!

[@reggycide]

Really enjoyed this. I'm about to get into some larger scale cutting and this was very useful

[@JohnKuiphoff]

Thanks so much! I appreciate it.

[@bonnieweaver8072]

Love your ideas, thanks

[@andreaalaniz8206]

the best video I've seen yet

[@capriscraftycreations3909]

Lots of great info!

[@hugoender]

Amazing video! Of all the youtube referral codes, yours is the one I will use if I decide to buy a Glowforge. The amount of time, effort, and attention to detail is amazing!

[@JohnKuiphoff]

Thank you very much! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any help with the Glowforge. It’s an amazing machine.

[@hugoender]

John Kuiphoff I ordered one so you should be seeing a $100 credit from me. Keep these great videos coming!

[@JohnKuiphoff]

@@hugoender Thanks, Hugo! Getting the $100 credit notification from Glowforge made my day (I thought that it may have come from you)! ha! I plan on using those credits to purchase supplies for an inlay tutorial video that I'm still trying to work out / research. I'm also finishing up a new video that shows how to cut thicker materials using custom laser cut router templates - it should be out early next week. Thanks again and congrats on the new Glowforge!

[@jackharris9740]

Super helpful video. Thanks!

[@kendalplanas9937]

Super helpful stuff here! The bone threw me for a loop 😂

[@craftsquirrel3418]

Best video - thank you!

[@SabineOh]

Awesome video!!

[@JahrTurchan]

Awesome video, thanks so much for making this. What sort of paint were you using on the corian?

[@MakersGottaEat]

Excellent video.

[@pejdpink]

I really like your videos!!!

[@richardwhite8794]

Great stuff Thank you

[@jackiekelley]

Thank you so much for sharing!

[@mrbrent62]

You remind me of Dwight from The Office without glasses... Cool Machine.

[@sweetstreetcakery3625]

Great video and very informative

[@stacywest05]

Wow! What an amazing video.

[@JohnKuiphoff]

Stacy West thank you, Stacy! I’m working with my Glowforge to prototype parts as we speak :)

[@ScottFerence]

Just bought our Glowforge Pro with your referral code. Thanks for this video!

[@JohnKuiphoff]

Thank you, Scott! That’s fantastic! If you ever need any help, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to help! I’m also making a Glowforge course this summer. If it helps, you can sign up for free: gfcourse.com

[@FirstUPdaGREAT]

This video was super helpful and top tier quality! If you aren’t sponsored by Glowforge and did this on your own, JUST WOW! (The bone bit at the end threw me off but it was funny lol)

[@JohnKuiphoff]

Thanks so much! No, I'm not sponsored by Glowforge yet. ha! In case you're interested, I started to work on a Beginners Glowforge course: gfcourse.com/ - I'll be working on it throughout the summer and plan to walk through a lot more materials. Thanks again for watching!

[@owatagi]

Great and informative, thanks

[@missodessaTV]

I once met a guy who worked for Omax on an airplane had to have been in 2004/2006 and he gave me a butterfly he had cut with the machine and a softwear cd from omax. I wish I could remember his name because he was seriously really cool. This is the first time Ive ever seen someone post one of their machines in a video and it brought back the memory lol

[@jimpalmer6752]

Just got my Basic. New to all this. Very helpfull

[@JohnKuiphoff]

Thanks, Jim! I'm putting together a Beginners Glowforge Course at the moment. It's still pretty early in the process - it'll be finished in May 2021. Feel free to sign up! It'll cover setup, design software, materials, tips, maintenance, and interviews: gfcourse.teachable.com/

[@jimpalmer6752]

@@JohnKuiphoff thank you I just might

[@AndyBirkeyMaker]

Dang, I knew lasers were frinkin' cool, but I had no idea how cool! Thank you

[@JohnKuiphoff]

Thanks, Andy! BTW - We are finally taking the plunge with three Shaper Origins in my lab. It’s a bit like the Glowforge in some ways with computer vision technologies. I think the shaper and the Glowforge will become good friends. I hope to buy one for my home shop as well in the nearish future.

[@olivedrabdesigns5715]

Awesome clip! I’ve got around 5 yards of moss green ultrasuede I’d love to engrave on any idea what setting I should use on the Glowforge Pro?

[@richardsanchez8005]

very informative video!

[@deenawillis1597]

Hey, John thanks for the informative video. Can you do porcelain tile. What would the settings be. I didn’t see it on the list of materials. TIA.

[@DelaneyFarmer]

Any particular handheld sander you recommend? Great video!

[@emmanuelfregene5650]

Awesome video! Do you know of a service that can cut colored anodized aluminum pieces into specific shapes?

[@Biancaa_camacho]

Wow thank you

[@DeannaMaurice]

awesome video

[@brilove3600]

Thank you!

[@MooseheadStudios]

VERY useful thank you

[@ChesneyAdventures]

Love the video! Can you engrave text into wood that has been lightly painted, using the glowforge? Thank you.

[@JohnKuiphoff]

Chesney Adventures Thanks so much! Absolutely - although you might want to put some of that paper masking on it so that you don’t get soot on your paint (blue painters tape also works in a pinch as long as you don’t overlap it). But I’d you do get soot on your paint, a magic eraser or mild soap and water usually works. Also, it goes without saying... you’d want to avoid anything with old lead paint on it. Ha! Thanks for watching!

[@SherylLynn333]

great video...thank you

[@melissasonntag347]

What about tempered hard board? What settings would you recommend for cutting and engraving? I am planning g a craft that I would paint, so I am thinking I would need to have the rough side be the front of the finished product. Can a piece be cut and engraved at the same time, or would you cut it out and then engrave it?

[@denisecampoy8981]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

[@diamondnynic]

How will it work with sea shells? Flat or rounded surfaces, looking for best way to etch for sea shells in general. Ty

[@kochykoo]

When you engraved that powder coat did it melt the powder on the edges??? How deep will that engraved on the metal???

[@Sasha-qv6jq]

Hi John, Have you tried Olive wood? I am having trouble with the settings

[@marek_vanco]

Thanks you very much John for a nice demonstration. What about epoxy resin ? Can engrave it also? It's engraved on surface or we can engrave also into material by focusing on low layer (into transparent resin ?). Thanks you very much for response!

[@JohnKuiphoff]

Marek Vančo thank you! Unfortunately, it’s not safe to engrave resin (something like total boat) as far as I know. I believe that it might release some pretty toxic gases. With that said, you can use a CNC machine to cut into resin - I do that often. You might even fill that with colored epoxy to make it look engraved. Hope that helps. Thanks again for watching!

[@nancyfoster7096]

Amazing well thought out video. Thank you! Is there still a link to find or buy the materials cutting google doc? Sounds like bit would be an amazing resource as we start working on new materials on our glowforge! Thank you John!!

[@JohnKuiphoff]

Hi, Nancy! Thanks so much. I really appreciate it. Sure, you can find my own speed and power settings: bit.ly/39LSmkK - There's also the community list as well: bit.ly/34fhe3d

[@yvettec7650]

Thank you so much for this information! I’m wondering if you have tried the Glowforge on seashells?

[@JohnKuiphoff]

Yes, I have! It doesn't make much of a mark. However, if you paint fill the engraving, they look amazing!

[@annahenderson2171]

Hey John! This video was so incredibly helpful, thank you so much for all the detail! I'm wondering if the settings in your linked spreadsheet apply to all versions of the Glowforge or not? Are these settings only for Pro, or will they work with Basic/Plus?

[@JohnKuiphoff]

Anna Bokman thanks, Anna! These settings apply to a 40 Watt Basic/Plus. I bought my Glowforge before the Pro was introduced. I hope this helps and thanks for the kind words!

[@annahenderson2171]

@@JohnKuiphoff Thank you, this is very helpful! Can you tell me if you have any preferred vendors for your wood? I am looking for a baltic or birchwood that will cut and engrave using the settings in your spreadsheet.

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Interesting stuff

[@ValueDrivenLife2024]

This was awesome. I'm interested in your course when will it launch. I have a question about the canvas...was that a traditional canvas wrapped around wood? Did you take the canvas off the frame? I didn't think it would fit in the glowforge...too thick...

[@JohnKuiphoff]

Thanks so much! I appreciate it. I didn't take the canvas off of the frame initially. You're right, it was too thick at first... so I removed the crumb tray and put a few pieces of wood under it to get it to the right height (using the no math tool). Also, we're inviting students to sign up for the course early (the full course will be launched in February 2022). Early backers get immediate access to the "unfinished course" - you'll see content as it's being uploaded to the course. Early backers also get a 1:1 tutoring session with me: glowforgeforbeginners.com/

[@angelmonge1333]

On the material...how think of a piece can you put on the Glowforge for engraving.

[@chantellebellock4485]

That's crazy, thank you! How did you do the stainless? Did it require anything special? Like a spray or enhanced laser?

[@JohnKuiphoff]

I usually order the cut pieces from SendCutSend.com as the Glowforge (or any other C02 laser) can't cut metal. It's easy, I just upload my vector file to their website, pay about $30 and get a ton of parts back in a few days. Once I get it back, I spray the stainless steel with Cermark Marking Spray and mark/engrave it in the Glowforge shortly after (300 speed; 100 power; 370 LPI). After that, I just wash off the cermark spray and it's done. Sometimes I got it with Everbright to protect it and bring out the blacks. I didn't use it in this video because I didn't know about it until recently :)

[@Missprincessjaney]

Is there another transfer tape that you use? The one from your link is not available