We review the 9 things you need after you've got your Glowforge.

[@SaltMakeCity]

What surprising tools do you use with your laser?

[@ForestKnight111]

just got to the cardboard part... i work at costco, and if you have a membership, go ask for some "slip sheets" (probably at sams too, or bjs, or many places that get palets of product)... and also, kind of like when i was a kid, go to furniture stores, and appliance stores... and ask for boxes... made some great halloween mazes when young, now older, and makes an abundance of cardboard for glowforge use

[@meepleswoodworking]

I built my own machine, a bubble level is something I use all the time to make sure the machine and material is level. I also just learned green degreaser soak will make it so you can scrape the masking off acrylic super easy! Acrylic paint for filling engravings. Painters tape for mirror alignment. Elmers glue for a removable test glue. So many things!

[@SaltMakeCity]

Nice work building your machine! We'd love to see it some day!

[@Mandi7M]

Great videos. You guys have had the most useful information I can find on the Glowforge. I've read a lot of lists and watched a lot of KZbin videos pertaining to things to know before you buy your glowforge and maintenance. You have been the most knowledgeable and have included things that other lists and videos have not. Thank you.

[@SaltMakeCity]

Glad it was helpful! let us know if there's anything else we can help you learn! We might not know it yet, but we'll try and find out!

[@bubba7531]

Thanks guys! More vital info. This is the second video I have watched that you have shared. Thank again.

[@SaltMakeCity]

Glad you enjoyed it! Keep watching!!!

[@Mtertainment]

you can use a sharpie to coat your metal and it works almost as good as the expensive spray, just make sure you don't leave any gaps in your sharpie-layer

[@SaltMakeCity]

That's a whole new thing to try!!!

[@wendyvandalm1435]

How do you get the sharpie pen marks off?

[@brianawhelan2544]

Oooo I’ll be trying this! I’ve used windex to get sharpie off of my mirrors before and it does a pretty good job (my bathroom mirror is where my to do list lives!).

[@danielsalce84]

Try Dry Moly Lube. Works just like that spray but price is cheaper

[@elizabethvaughnburns6201]

Thank you for these Glowforge videos! I am considering getting one so I am trying to learn as much as I can about them, and your info is really helping me think through all of the details. Thanks!

[@SaltMakeCity]

Thanks for watching! We hope we’ve provided some useful information for you.

[@danielsalce84]

Instead of getting ceramark which is like $70 for a 12oz can, get dry moly lube. It’s like $15-$20 a can. It does a great job. Mark’s slightly lightly but just as good.

[@NissySlim]

Cardboard is a gateway drug...aha! I can see why it's a good place to start though! Really cool stuff here guys, love your content and it's not even in my aren but I'm a sucker for learning new things !

[@SaltMakeCity]

Thanks! The nice thing about cardboard is it's a relatively inexpensive easy way to get into morphing a 2D material in to a 3d object! You can take that concept and apply it to building, modeling, sewing...etc!

[@carriekirkes5599]

Ordered my Plus today! Your video and all of the amazing links you shared are AWESOME! Thanks so much for contributing so much to the community!

[@SaltMakeCity]

Thanks! We love having the Glowforge in our workshop!!! Congrats on your order!! Best advice...don't let it rest long...the more you use it, the better you'll get at it!

[@carriekirkes5599]

@@SaltMakeCity Thanks for the reply! It's here! And we've had a thunderstorm come through and haven't had electricity all day!

[@MrUltraHide]

Great video and very well made!

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

Great video, great production. You guys need more subs.

[@SaltMakeCity]

We agree whole heartedly, though we're shocked at the speed at which our subscriber base is growing we couldn't be more excited! Please share and help us grow!

[@Invisiblenotbroken]

Thanks for the PVC note.

[@SaltMakeCity]

No problem! It's really hard to create if you're dead...or (what's more likely) it causes havoc on your equipment

[@QuiltersHandyman]

Wife and I have been considering purchasing a Glowforge and so thanks for the video. Just watched your 10 things to know before.... As you were talking about cutting cardboard I thought of a website called MakeCNC ( I have a CNC) that makes, what they call puzzles, but they are not the run of the mill puzzles. You can get a 3d TRex other dinosaurs , cars, planes, birds, many animals and more. Cut them out of cardboard to start and then turn to fiberboard, MDF, 14" or 1/2" wood or plywood. Great for schools, kids, and adults. By the way I have nothing to do with MakeCNC other that live in the same state.

[@SaltMakeCity]

I can't believe I missed this comment, Looking this up RIGHT NOW

[@SaltMakeCity]

What format do the files come in?

[@QuiltersHandyman]

@@SaltMakeCity When you go to their site and look at one of the offerings they will tell you. The projects each come in many sizes and formats and I suspect that each of them could be used for laser cutters, CNC, or scroll saw. Enjoy, I did and do.

[@SocialConfidenceMastery]

Thanks for sharing this video!

[@SaltMakeCity]

Our pleasure! We love doing it, so we keep going!

[@ElizabethSampson]

Very informative! Thanks for this!

[@SaltMakeCity]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jumapili]

This right here is an absolutely fantastic post. It really is to bad you don't have more subscribers.

[@SaltMakeCity]

We're just getting going! Subscribe and stick with us! Salt Make City is growing every day.

[@jumapili]

Salt Make City well your video quality sound and editing are on point. You are also doing a good job on the descriptions. But do change your category from film to how tos and be sure your tags are tight

[@michaelmathiesen2710]

Dremel tool also helps with fine tuning sanding. Also sandpaper.... there are times when you can't mask items and sanding after is the ticket.

[@SaltMakeCity]

How could we forget the Dremel! Great tool!

[@luxurycardstore]

OMG I loved this video, but the music makes it REALLY difficult to concentrate on what you are saying. Trust me when I say that you two will still look and sound cool without the music. And without the music you will keep people like me glued to your channel living vicariously through your lives. (because you have a Glowforge and I don't)

[@SaltMakeCity]

luxurycardstore thank you for the feedback. And thanks for watching!

[@harrysaunders6180]

Oh yes, although I didn't find the background "music" too distracting on this presentation, I do prefer the sound of silence whilst watching videos. I must say though, apart from the music, I found the production to be excellent. Making something like this look easy requires a lot of research and rehearsal and enthusiasm to make it a polished performance.

[@Janene221]

I don't mind some music, but maybe a little quieter. I didn't really think about it, though, till I saw this comment, so it's not enough to distract me.

[@SaltMakeCity]

@@Janene221 Yeah thanks to feedback, we've changed the way we do music now in our videos...turning it down a little more...

[@luxurycardstore]

@@Janene221 That's nice that it didn't distract you, but not everyone is like you. I stand by my comment.

[@WayneandAngela98]

Could you make a video on how the pass through slot work on the Glowforge Pro

[@bubba7531]

I can see an artist swivel knife will be handy. Instead of a credit card to apply the transfer tape, a vinyl sign squeegee will last much longer and no bubbles. Thanks guys.

[@SaltMakeCity]

Yeah we actually have some vinyl sign squeegees that we use now to keep that transfer tape down! Thanks! and Keep commenting Bubbsa

[@dugggins]

I always keep a Lens Pen next to mine. You can brush away particles and the lens cleaner is great.

[@Taliaris]

As a cheap alternative, you can probably use a Dollar Tree make up brush!

[@dugggins]

@@Taliaris Lens pens aren't that expensive. Sure, you have a valid option, but are we really considering saving a few bucks when we're talking about a multi-thousand dollar machine?

[@Taliaris]

Just offering options, when sometimes we don't have any.

[@donproctor3445]

Very familair with the "masking" "weeding" tools I was in the imprinted sportswear business for 10 yrs. We had vinyl cutters for sign. decals, and twill materials for sew on graphics. Did a lot of weeding lol

[@martinturner9295]

can the Glow forge etch on smooth gem stones that are hard material (.755 on the mho scale, diamond is 1.00.) The gem is amethyst. rough one side and smooth on the other. size 1 inch x 1/2 inch x 1/8 inch thick

[@k913gunner]

AWESOME VIDEO!!! Thank you!!! I feel really dumb but is there a link for the specific fan you show in the beginning?? Thank you again!!!

[@mindy1208]

Thank you

[@chrishummel]

I use a lot of acetone with acrylic stuff. Acrylic welding is an artform in itself. Also, there isnt a lot of videos on using the passthrough feature, a video on the features and how to maybe of that would be something to think about.

[@SaltMakeCity]

It's on our upcoming list. We're going to put the pass through feature through an ULTIMATE test!

[@craftywithkat2105]

@@SaltMakeCity I just got a Glowforge pro, would love to see a video on the passthrough!

[@eddielazo4367]

Loved the video!! helped me on my decision but I do have a question I was wondering what if I wanted to do my business in a mall would you recommend it seeing how you talked about the smell and noise the glowforge makes

[@jamessinger8078]

CRC Dry Moly Lube is AWESOME on SS and aluminum AND....$7 per can!

[@jessicaroth3222]

Hey guys! The 12” transfer tape you linked actually says “do not use with laser cutter/engraver devices” in the description… do you have an updated recommendation?

[@slickbackbrown948]

Stumbled on your guys page and love it! My wife bought the transfer tape that you guys recommend, but on the paper it says not to use with lasers....Thoughts?

[@thrillyourheart1061]

Can you cut sheets of metals? If so what type ? Thank you!!

[@marcisnee2150]

In the video they state you can engrave on metal, but it doesn’t cut metal.

[@vksdub7185]

So im looking at the glowforge aura pro. says you cant use clear acrylic but if you mask it, doesnt that make it so its not reflective? Or did i get something wrong?

[@vernettasaunders3921]

Have you ever thought about using freezer wrap paper ironed onto the surface and then cut? I am not sure if that would work or not. I have been checking into the glow forge and had found your videos. Freezer wrap is inexpensive. You would put the shiny side down onto the item. thanks

[@SaltMakeCity]

We haven't tried that. The Transfer paper has actually lasted a long time, and it's been easy to use. No Iron needed. We'll give it a shot!

[@veronicamiley7495]

Any concerns with the recommended masking tape as, according to amazon, isn’t recommended for laser cutters

[@donnap.leonard5374]

I was very delighted to come cross ur page. Very interesting. I would love to know how can one go about putting the glowforge on a credit card. Or do they let people use a credit card?? ❤

[@tasiatay1588]

that is exactly what I did. my credit card has 0% interest for 6 months. I plan to have it paid off by then. I just called them up to let them know I was making a large purchase so I would not get a fraud alert.

[@donnap.leonard5374]

@@tasiatay1588 Can I ask, do u know how much the payments would be a month??

[@boomdok]

Gorilla Tape is great for removing masking tape. This eliminates the weeding tools for me.

[@SaltMakeCity]

That’s an awesome tip. We’ll give that a try. Thank you.

[@OneStopMomAndPopShop]

@@SaltMakeCity love my gorilla tape!

[@keishawilliams6606]

Can you post a video of how you use your gorilla tape to mask material?

[@boomdok]

@@keishawilliams6606 you use the gorilla tape to remove the paper making instead of using tweezers, knives or whatever you are using now.

[@ananapa.miller4188]

Great videos , but when I try to buy the masking tape you recommend , said NOT USED IN LASER

[@wendyvandalm1435]

Where do you make your designs? What software do you use?

[@candiebratton5921]

How is this for engraving, not cutting? I'm wanting to engrave on cutting boards.

[@karenharker4632]

Can you engrave cement stepping stones

[@willo84]

Can u use a jigsaw to cut the material?

[@06monik]

Thank you guys !!! We thinking about buy one ...Do you have the Glowforge discount Link?

[@SaltMakeCity]

We do! Hope this helps! Our machine rarely goes unused. glowforge.us/f/DQDPVGED

[@06monik]

Thank you 😊 guys!!!

[@lisah.mahadeo1257]

What is the cutting space on the glowforge? N

[@storageaddict]

Great video series guys. I'm a new Glowforge user and could really use your help. The PG material samples that came in the box cut great samples as expected, however I've purchased non-PG materials from both Lowes and Home Depot (MDF Maple for example) and can't get a clean cut to save my life! They cut, but the wood is basically burnt like I just pulled it from a camp fire. I've wasted several boards running small test circles adjusting speeds, laser power, number of passes, etc, and can't seem to get this dialed-in. ANY advice that you or your subscribers could offer would be awesome. Maybe you could do a video on good baseline settings for different materials? Thanks!

[@wendyvandalm1435]

Did you put the tape on it?

[@anandvyas671]

Tape

[@francesvr]

Which graphics program do y’all use? I’m trying to purchase a Glowforge. Don’t have one yet. I’ve enjoyed your videos

[@SaltMakeCity]

We use Illustrator, but there are lots of options out there!

[@sylviacarey9575]

I been thinking about purchasing a Glowforge wanted to know if I can use finished plywood from a hardware store .... '

[@danielsalce84]

Yes you can.

[@kellydavis8192]

Thank you guys for the much appreciated Content I have been enjoying your tips and what to expect before and while making a $5000 investment in a Glowforge and after you have your Glowforge. Keep up the great work!

[@Darylleighmarie]

I’m wanting to make wood signs, would you guys recommend getting one of these? I’m thinking just the base model but this would be my first time with anything like this

[@smittybuilds52]

Darylleigh Laidman what king of wood signs are you looking to make? Depending on size, material and other details, another tool might be better suited. When it comes to signs I would think either a laser cutter or a CNC.

[@SaltMakeCity]

One of our first regular projects was engraving on cutting boards. You do have a limited space with this laser, and CNCs are a great option!

[@thom7yv01]

Can the pro engrave a pattern on a gun stock since it has a large pass through?

[@danielsalce84]

The pass thru slot can only accept material that’s I think 1/4 inch. But if you take the honey come tray out you can fit an object that’s 11x20 and a max height of 2 inches

[@yayaangel9805]

i use a laser at a makers space and thinking about getting a glow forge neither me nor my husband can "fix" stuff, so if i have a problem with the machine how easy is it to get a repair person

[@SaltMakeCity]

We haven't had any major issues with the Glowforge, if it's too complicated you really need to send it back, but their customer service has been really good overall.

[@twilajohnson2313]

Thank you for the info. It’s kinda hard to hear everything over the music.

[@juliannaarmstrong1486]

which model do you have? Do you think there is $2000 diff between basic and pro/plus?

[@SaltMakeCity]

Julianna Armstrong the pro and plus have a slightly more powerful laser. The pro has a pass-through feature that allows you to cut/etch things of theoretically unlimited length. I believe these are the biggest differences.

[@matthewkelly-watt2551]

This was super informative, however half the supplies listed are not available sadly

[@SaltMakeCity]

Looks like we need to go in and update the links!

[@TwoCaptainsOneShip]

Great and informative videos guys, the background music is a bit loud and should be turned down a little. Love the content as we are exploring purchasing a Glowforge machine for our home business. Thanks!!

[@SaltMakeCity]

Noted! We've taken a look at that for sure! Thanks for the feedback!

[@monikascarborough2984]

Is there a laser that does cut pvc.

[@SaltMakeCity]

No, it creates the chlorine gas. You really want to use a water jet, or a CNC for something like that.

[@MysticMary-g9s]

MDF?

[@marcushynek7075]

There are 4 ways to measure on a caliper NOT 3

[@brendalee569]

The music is louder than your voices.

[@motormaker]

Hey fellas. Those are 4 way calipers.

[@SaltMakeCity]

Hey thanks We’ve just always heard them referred to as calipers! But that totally makes sense!

[@motormaker]

Salt Make City yeah you mentioned 3 measurements in the video. The fourth is a step height measurement on the head end behind the readout.

[@pengiethebird]

The music is annoying and too loud. It doesn't add to the video. Good info otherwise.

[@mikerockwell5242]

TURN OFF the Crazy 'Music'.. It sucks! Can't hear you

[@waynelast1685]

Experimenting with materials...yikes be careful what you cut.

[@SaltMakeCity]

yeah you do need to be careful what you experiment with! Fortunately we have found some resources (included in the description) that sake some of the experimentation out of it...ie PVC....