Laser Cutting Materials - What I Use For Glowforge

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- HI everyone! In this video I go over laser cutting materials I use with my Glowfroge.
My Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/85thandPine (Use code SVG15 when you buy 3 or more individual digital files to get
15% off!)
SVG Pins for Glowforge for warped materials: www.etsy.com/listing/95332572...
Material Links:
Smokey Hill Designs: smokeyhilldesigns.com/
Woodpeckers (also on Amazon): woodpeckerscrafts.com/
Woodworkers Source: www.woodworkerssource.com/
Another source for acrylics that I did not mention in the video is CM's Acrylics. I haven't bought from them yet, but hear they are really good. cmsacrylics.com/
Settings I use with the materials from Smokey Hill:
1/8" Sapele Plywood:
(CUT) Speed - 160, Full Power, 1 Pass, 0.08 Focus Height
(ENGRAVE) - I use PG settings for medium basswood plywood
1/8" Cherry Plywood:
(CUT) Speed - 135, Full Power, 1 Pass, 0.13 Focus Height
(ENGRAVE) - I use PG settings for medium basswood plywood
1/8" Clear Acrylic:
(CUT) Speed - 140, Full Power, 1 Pass, 0.12 Focus Height
(ENGRAVE) Speed - 545, Power - 70, 1 Pass, Focus Height - 0.12, LPI - 270
1/8" Baltic Birch Plywood:
PG settings from Glowforge work well with this for Medium Basswood Plywood
1/4" Baltic Birch Plywood:
(CUT) Speed - 128, Full Power, 1 Pass, 0.11 Focus Height
(ENGRAVE) - I use PG settings for Thick Basswood Plywood
My Instagram: @85thandpine
My Email Address: [e-mail]
DISCLAIMER: I choose to buy materials other than proofgrade materials. You will need to make sure the materials you use are laser-safe. Per Glowforge, “if you buy from other suppliers you'll need to do some research first to make sure they are laser-compatible. A Glowforge is like a microwave - putting the wrong material in can damage it.” - glowforge.com/faq/materials-a...
Thanks for watching my video! Please feel free to comment below, email me, or message me directly with any questions you may have about Glowforge!
About me: I run an online Etsy shop where I sell mostly laser cut goods and files. At first, my business was mainly crochet and knitwear, but I recently pivoted to strictly laser cutting. I really like the infinite possibilities laser cutting brings, and also enjoy coming up with my own unique designs. 😊 Intro Song: I have the rights under a license to use the following song in my intro - Endless Bliss - Sounds Like Sandler. Distributed from www.soundstripe.com

[@85thandPine]

After years of perfecting our craft, we have officially launched The Ultimate Glowforge Guide! Included are 13 files/products for you to sell year round, videos on how to edit those items, setting we use, materials we use, as well as pricing and marketing assistance. Check out our Ultimate Guide here: 85thandpine.com/products/the-ultimate-glowforge-guide

[@jackybailon7]

Thank you for being so detailed in the settings you use !! great video

[@85thandPine]

You’re welcome!! And thank you!!

[@mm0901]

Thank you so much for this! And for sharing the settings too… extra helpful!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@85thandPine]

No problem!!

[@liwhite484]

Thank you so much! This was a great video with great info. Thank you for putting the settings below. (most helpful) ❤️

[@85thandPine]

Thank you! You’re very welcome!

[@KarenDriscoll-Scrapbyscrap]

Catherine, thanks so much for all your helpful tips!

[@85thandPine]

You’re very welcome Karen, and thank you!

[@krissyskreations]

Thank you for all the information you share. I’m really considering purchasing a GlowForge. Just doing all the research I can to make sure it’s user friendly for me. Thanks again!

[@85thandPine]

Thank you! I'm glad I could help! Let me know if you have any questions :)

[@annnerren9370]

Love your videos so informative I just received my glowforge and I’m so excited to get started

[@85thandPine]

Thanks so much! I’m excited for you!!

[@ricohernandez2394]

Thanks you so much for all of your useful information!! I just ordered 5 pieces from from Smokey Hill Designs thanks to you! I am receiving my Glowforge on June 28th. I will keep your channel handy! thanks again for all of your efforts, You do a great job with your videos too! Awesome work all - around!!

[@85thandPine]

I’m excited for you, Rico!! Thanks so much for the compliments. I’m glad I can help! Let me know if you ever have questions :) -Catherine

[@robertforbes7666]

Thanks for the info! Very useful information.

[@85thandPine]

No problem! Thanks for watching!

[@roseporter7548]

Thank you for your info i really enjoy your videos.

[@85thandPine]

Thank you Rose. You are welcome! Im glad I can help!

[@Truecrimequeen68]

Great information. Ty

[@cindykersting1992]

Great info and tips. Thanks.

[@85thandPine]

Thank you! And you’re welcome 😊

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

Thank you for these videos. I’m. Not sure why I wasn’t already subscribed. You do always show up in my feed. So I do get to see your videos. LOL. Anyhow… I’m super curious if you would share what lighting you use and lav mic?

[@85thandPine]

Thank you so much for following! I use a ring light from Amazon and the Rode microphone also bought on Amazon.

[@jacquelinelane2858]

I really enjoy your videos. You’re very informative and I am excited that I found you and I haven’t gotten my Glowforge yet it’s being shipped I have not a clue how to use it or how to do any of the programming or any of the file formats it’s all foreign to me and I’m wondering how in the world am I going to learn at all?

[@85thandPine]

Don't worry! I was the same way - had no idea how I was going to learn everything. But everything you need to know is on KZbin! There are so many helpful videos out there and Glowforge is very user-friendly. Just jump right in and you'll get the hang of it quicker than you may think.

[@SawdustandWood]

I just subbed! Also my glowforge will be coming in the mail in 2 weeks, would love to share ideas with you and maybe get some tips.

[@85thandPine]

Thanks so much! Feel free to email me 😊

[@Rdswoodturning]

Hello thank you for your code for the glowforge I just ordered mine can’t wait

[@85thandPine]

Thank you so much Robert!!

[@MzHarlem127]

Which one did u buy?

[@Rdswoodturning]

@@MzHarlem127 I got the plus any questions about it please let me know feel free

[@Rdswoodturning]

@@MzHarlem127 I have a code that you can get $250-500 off feel free to contact me

[@joybidwell9487]

You are always so informative! My gf should be here in a few weeks.....getting excite AND a tad nervous! Can we talk about your name? 85th and Pine. I absolutely love it! Thank you for sharing all your information!

[@85thandPine]

Thank you so much Joy!! That is so kind of you. And I’m so excited for you too!! You’ll love it! And I was nervous at first but I think that’s just the case with trying anything new 😊 And thank you, I actually changed my name right before I started getting into laser cutting so I’m glad you like it! Best of luck to you and let me know if you ever have any questions! ❤️

[@babysweet8903]

I just ordered my Glowforge today im really scared cause it cost a lot of money as you know. But please keep making videos. I'm going to need all the help I can get. Thank you for making videos

[@85thandPine]

I completely understand the fear! I needed my husband to keep reassuring me that it was the right decision right after we bought it. But I know how much it has worked for me so I really think it can work well for anyone who’s willing to try it out. If you have any questions, feel free to let me know!! I will definitely keep making videos :) I’m glad they are helpful! -Catherine

[@frankgatto4092]

Your videos are very informative thank you for making them. Question on settings, when you say the settings didn't work very well. What do you mean? Does the laser not cut all the way through because of the power setting or it doesn't etch deep enough? Thank-you.

[@85thandPine]

Thanks for your comment, Frank! When I tried out the cut settings that Glowforge has set up for their materials, it didn’t cut through all the way around my project when I tried those settings with the Smokey Hill Designs materials (1/4” Baltic Birch Plywood specifically). So, even though Smokey Hill recommended trying Proofgrade settings of Thick Basswood Plywood for their Thick Baltic Birch, it didn’t cut well when I tried it. So that’s why I had to adjust the settings quite a bit and decrease the speed and focus height. But the engraving settings always seem to work well, just not the cut settings. Hope this helped but let me know if you have more questions!

[@ariadragonn]

Hello- thanks for all your videos :) For the smoke hills designs plywood. Do they come masked like the acrylic?

[@85thandPine]

No you have to mask it yourself.

[@francescalink985]

Hi! new to GF and I am loving your videos!! You mentioned staining the leather, have you seen a diy video for that? Thank you again!

[@85thandPine]

Hi Francesca! Thank you so much. I did watch a few videos on staining leather. I can't remember the specific videos but I do remember watching a few from Springfield Leather Company on KZbin and I also just searched how to stain leather.

[@francescalink985]

@@85thandPine Thank you!!

[@gamechrissy]

Thank you so much for this video. I just got my glowforge a week ago and needed guidance where to buy materials and what settings to use. I went to the smokey hills designs page and was ready to stock up, but sadly nearly everything (including tge naturals you listed) are all out of stock. I have no idea how quick they stock up, but im bummed now...lol...guess I'll just have to wait

[@85thandPine]

I’m glad I could help!! They do go out of stock quickly but they also come back in stock pretty fast from my experience! I would sign up for their notifications to let you know when specific items are back in so you can be one of the first to know! That’s what I do :) Best wishes to you!!

[@gamechrissy]

@@85thandPine thank you. Yes I joined their fb group and went ahead and ordered anyways yesterday. They said it would take a while till they got baltic birch in again. I ordered some acrylic and their 1/8" sample box. Really excited cause its coming tomorrow, so really fast shipping

[@85thandPine]

@@gamechrissy that’s awesome!! They do have fast shipping which is great. Excited for you!

[@allisonharrigan4226]

Your site is great! I just need some advice..I don't have an etsy shop but have made some bracelets and sold locally on a small level..would you recommend investing in the glowforge..

[@85thandPine]

Hi Allison! Thanks for the compliment. Good question... so, I haven’t personally experimented with jewelry too much besides making earrings (which was really easy), but I know Glowforge can engrave on certain jewelry depending on the material - if that’s something you were interested in. Since Glowforge is so versatile in making different things, I personally think it’s a great investment no matter what you decide to create with it. If you don’t plan to get an Etsy shop/website and just plan to sell locally, I think it can still be a great tool. It is pricey obviously. So, it just depends on what you’re comfortable doing with your money. It can also be useful and beneficial to do local craft shows (if you don’t already). I think if you ended up buying one, you might find yourself making more than just jewelry just because there’s so much you can do with it, plus it’s just fun to create a variety of things 😊. But like I said, it really comes down to your financial situation and if you are willing to take a risk. It worked and still works great for me and my business, so I can’t help but recommend it to others. But that’s just my personal opinion. 😃

[@Truecrimequeen68]

Can you suggest settings for Baltic birch and red oak 1/8" on both. Ty so much

[@85thandPine]

We use 128 speed, full power for the Baltic birch! I would try that on the red oak initially too and adjust as needed

[@BeckaBrand]

Thanks so much for this video. Subbed!! What do you usually use to finish the wood? And do you use the finish before or after you cut it (may be a silly question! LOL). Thank you. ❤️

[@85thandPine]

Hi! Good question! I finish it after I cut. It would’ve a lot quicker to do it beforehand if I’m using a whole sheet, but I’m not sure if it’s safe to laser the finish... I assume it is since proofgrade materials are finished, but can’t say for sure! 😊 I use Minwax Satin finish.

[@pawprintsandstardust8147]

I purchased some 1/4" BB from SmokeyHill and I tried your settings, but I think the piece that I am using was warped so it didn't cut through all the way in certain areas? Maybe do 2 passes in that case? Do you ever use magnets or just the wood pins?

[@85thandPine]

I run in to the same issue from time to time. Sometimes it may be because the board is warped like you said. I only have tried pins so far. I’ve also heard that plywood’s can have this issue just because of the composition of the wood and the glues that it’s made from can cause areas to not cut through all the way. Unfortunately, it probably cuts through all the way 85% of the time. Sorry, I don’t have a resolution for that just yet!

[@jenniferpennington2023]

Smokey hills Baltic birch is out of stock would you recommend the white birch??

[@85thandPine]

Yes we use that as well

[@cheyennecrick6299]

I'm researching about the Glowforge currently. Do you think I'd be able to use it to make my "Mischief Managed" grad cap design?

[@85thandPine]

Oh for sure. It's just a matter of choosing what material you want to cut it out of. It can do that with ease, and so much more!

[@frankstella7947]

Good morning Christine…. Per your video, I’ve been purchasing my wood from Woodpeckers. I’m finding that many of the boards are pretty warped where they don’t lay flat in the glow forge which is causing some issues on the cuts. 2 questions Are you finding the same and what do you do about it Are you adjusting your laser Strank’s and what settings are you using if you do That’s probably for questions. Lol As always appreciate your help Frank

[@85thandPine]

Hi Frank, I used to buy from Woodpeckers but haven't used their materials since last December. However, if the materials come warped, I find it's helpful to pin them down into the honeycomb tray with pins. I have a digital file you can purchase to print pins yourself on 1/8" material (acrylic works best but you can also use plywood). Here is the link to them if you are interested... www.etsy.com/listing/953325720/svg-pins-for-glowforge-digital-file?ref=shop_home_active_33&crt=1 Whenever I would pin my materials down, it would take care of the problem. I used medium basswood plywood proofgrade settings for 1/8" baltic birch plywood from Woodpeckers and that seemed to cut well for me. :)

[@frankstella7947]

@@85thandPine ordered the file…. Is there somewhere else to purchase wood that you find better.

[@85thandPine]

@@frankstella7947 Yes, I recommend Smokey Hill Designs. smokeyhilldesigns.com They have a lot of great wood options and are good quality.

[@grams9583]

Do you know if you can pre paint and seal before masking and cutting

[@85thandPine]

Hi Connie! Good question. I haven’t done it myself but I’ve heard of others doing it. It just depends on the ingredients in the paint or sealer because you don’t want to burn anything that has toxic fumes. When I’ve asked Glowforge about this, they said they also heard of people doing it but would recommend contacting the manufacturer of the paint/sealer you use and check with them to make sure it’s laser compatible

[@Cocomarie2021]

Do you have any settings for the Maple from SmokeyHill?

[@85thandPine]

Hi Ashely! I haven't tried out the maple plywood but I would recommend trying the settings for Sapele: (CUT) Speed - 160, Full Power, 1 Pass, 0.08 Focus Height And for engraving, keep the material thickness at 0.125 and try medium basswood plywood settings. Cannot say for sure these would work but that's what I would start with and adjust the focus height and/or speed from there.

[@ashez2ashes]

So dumb newbie question, can you get materials at a regular home supply store like Home Depot or Lowes to use in the glowforge?

[@85thandPine]

Yes you can. I tried 1/4” Baltic birch from Home Depot and personally didn’t care for it, but there are definitely other options you can try as well.

[@annnerren9370]

Does the material from smoky Hill come masked?

[@85thandPine]

the acrylic does. The wood does not

[@frankstella7947]

Are you finding your settings listed below cuts your 1/4”? There is a setting you listed 0.11 focus height. I’m assuming that it’s somewhere in the settings I can change? Good information! Thanks

[@85thandPine]

It cuts the 1/4” for the most part. 95% of the time I won’t have an issue but other times there may be a very small area where it doesn’t cut all the way. And yes, you can change the focus height in the same window where you enter the speed and power.

[@frankstella7947]

@@85thandPine Thanks Catherine. I very much appreciate your help!

[@85thandPine]

@@frankstella7947 no problem!!

[@SF_Curious]

What’s the maximum size you can cut acrylic with that machine?

[@85thandPine]

For the basic and plus the cut size is 19x11". The pro has a passthrough, so it would be 19x as far as you want.

[@tammyknutson4527]

How thick is your mat?

[@85thandPine]

The materials I mainly work with are 1/8” thick but I also use a lot of 1/4” plywood’s :)

[@jacquelinelane2858]

I noticed a lot of creators are doing videos like you are on how to do things and also selling digital prints and talking about their ideas that worked for them and their ideas that made them money. How do you know when you’re doing something that’s OK and that you’re not copying somebody and that you’re notusing someone else’s ideas I just don’t feel comfortable with that. I’ve never done this before so I thought everything had to be original.

[@85thandPine]

Everyone seems to fend off of other people's ideas. I get inspiration from other people and make things my own. I never copy someone, but there are times when an item is trending and there are just many variations of it out there from multiple sellers. And that's ok - that's just competition. The digital files you buy from people typically have commercial licenses (meaning, you can sell the physical product).