The really big issue is 99% of the folks on here use a laser and know what it can do and not do.
The GlowForge is mass marketed to people who think its cool to have not only just a laser but 3D one at that. They know nothing about lasers and only believe what they read on the GF website and marketing. When they do finally get one they discover that some of the features work, some don't and they really don't understand. The purchaser who is planning on making money is soon disappointed.
The phone calls and emails start, the FAQ gets expanded the Help Forum is crowded with users that have the same complaint and so on. I don't see a happy ending. I do see a lot GF machines headed to Craigslist.
Retired Guy- Central Iowa.HVAC/R , Cloudray Galvo Fiber , -Windows 10
I have a pretty big problem with Glowforge. They've been marketing the laser as a 'home accessory.' See the video where the family has the laser set up in the kitchen with no visible exhaust and children using it. I think we're going to hear about somebody burning down their house, or poisoning themselves by not properly exhausting.
I keep getting people asking me if it's legit and my standard response is that I would never buy one.
Epilog Helix 24 - 50w
Kern HSE 50x100 - 400w (rated at 479w!)
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Rabbit RL_XX_6040-60 watt Laser engraving/cutting machine Oh wait its a 3D Printer my bad LOL
Lasercut 5.3
CorelDraw X5
10" Miter Saw with slide
10" Table Saw
8" bench mount 5 speed Drill Press
Dremel, 3x21 Belt Sander
I believe this thread was supposed to be about the shipping times but it got a little side tracked. I have been watching the whole GF thing closely. It is very interesting to me. Here is a post from GF to a user question on facebook about shipping dates. This was posted on March 19, 2016.:
"Thanks so much for asking Matt. Sorry that wasn't totally clear up front.
The first Glowforge beta units are preparing for shipment now. Based on beta feedback, we'll see if we can ramp production immediately, or whether we need to fix any issues before increasing production.
The next step will be to ship all of our pre-orders. All things being equal, we'll ship based on the order date. Our plan is to have all the units that were ordered before 10/24/15 shipped in the first half of 2016.
If you placed an order after 10/24/15, we are planning to ship in later this year, after our crowdfund units have been shipped. Once we hit full production, we can start shipping units very quickly.
When your unit is almost ready to ship, we will email you to get your shipping address. Once you provide us with the address, we'll ship your Glowforge shortly, so that's how you'll know when it's ready.
Unfortunately we don't have more specific information at this point, since shipping dates depend on whether our early units meet our quality tests and get positive user feedback. We're going to ship as fast as we can, while making sure that the product is terrific!"
Last edited by Doug Griffith; 03-23-2016 at 11:10 AM.
I design, engineer and program all sorts of things.
Oh, and I use Adobe Illustrator with an Epilog Mini.
There is a similar startup company that is going to market a car that gets 85mpg and only costs $6800. Google "Elio" and read all about it. Thousands and thousands of potential customers have paid $600 each (IIRC) for the privilege of being among the first buyers. Some have been waiting for many years now. Their website and marketing efforts have improved over the years but the delivery status appears to be the same as it was when the product was announced.
I'm old enough to remember the first time fusion power was described as "about 25 years away". Still is, near as I can tell.
(Note that I'm not counting solar power, which I suspect would be a lot less popular if it were known by its technical description: "thermonuclear". )
Yoga class makes me feel like a total stud, mostly because I'm about as flexible as a 2x4.
"Design"? Possibly. "Intelligent"? Sure doesn't look like it from this angle.
We used to be hunter gatherers. Now we're shopper borrowers.
The three most important words in the English language: "Front Towards Enemy".
The world makes a lot more sense when you remember that Butthead was the smart one.
You can never be too rich, too thin, or have too much ammo.
While I've been relatively neutral about Glowforge, THIS is the scariest thing I've read so far:
Ummm... Just me, but if I was building something to sell, I'd probably do a little quality testing before I asked someone to buy the thing......shipping dates depend on whether our early units meet our quality tests and get positive user feedback.
--that this much time has passed, AND the 'beta units' haven't even been produced or at least delivered yet, AND, apparently, future production appears dependent on whether the beta units survive a 90 day warrantee (<conjecture), THEN all I can say is, methinks GF may have bitten off more than they can chew...
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ELEVEN - rotary cutter tool machines
FOUR - CO2 lasers
THREE- make that FOUR now - fiber lasers
ONE - vinyl cutter
CASmate, Corel, Gravostyle
All I can say is my Chinese 3D printer works just fine and it was delivered on time. with a warranty that I saw before I bought it.
If the Help and advice you received here was of any VALUE to you PLEASE! Become a Contributor
Rabbit RL_XX_6040-60 watt Laser engraving/cutting machine Oh wait its a 3D Printer my bad LOL
Lasercut 5.3
CorelDraw X5
10" Miter Saw with slide
10" Table Saw
8" bench mount 5 speed Drill Press
Dremel, 3x21 Belt Sander
Yoga class makes me feel like a total stud, mostly because I'm about as flexible as a 2x4.
"Design"? Possibly. "Intelligent"? Sure doesn't look like it from this angle.
We used to be hunter gatherers. Now we're shopper borrowers.
The three most important words in the English language: "Front Towards Enemy".
The world makes a lot more sense when you remember that Butthead was the smart one.
You can never be too rich, too thin, or have too much ammo.
I like it when these threads take on a humorous note.
Hi-Tec Designs, LLC -- Owner (and self-proclaimed LED guru )
Trotec 80W Speedy 300 laser w/everything
CAMaster Stinger CNC (25" x 36" x 5")
USCutter 24" LaserPoint Vinyl Cutter
Jet JWBS-18QT-3 18", 3HP bandsaw
Robust Beauty 25"x52" wood lathe w/everything
Jet BD-920W 9"x20" metal lathe
Delta 18-900L 18" drill press
Flame Polisher (ooooh, FIRE!)
Freeware: InkScape, Paint.NET, DoubleCAD XT
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