Glowforge laser cutter $500 off a Pro, $250 Plus, $100 Basic discount coupon - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 11, 2015, 06:04:13 pm
content: I took a gamble and preordered Glowforge laser cutter. They sent me a couponwith which up to 10 people can get $100 discount coupon(and I can get $100 back, yeah multilevel marketing).So if you already considered to order this thingy, this might be useful for you:CouponApril 2019 UPDATE: it's now became $500 off a Pro, $250 off a Plus, or $100 off a Basic version.Mine was finally delivered, yay.

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2015, 07:19:33 pm
content: This looks nice, but I can't find any shipping price. You say you ordered for the UK shipping as that is cheaper... Well someone in the FAQ states its $954 !!!Also, if it's true you can get a $100 discount each for up to 10 people (so $2000), then doesn't that look like a pyramid marketing scam? I bloody hope not...

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2015, 07:34:12 pm
content: I was impressed also - UNTIL i saw that shipping cost FAQNo chance i'm committing to a buy with a "Unknown" $99..$1500 shipping tag./Bingo

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 11, 2015, 07:47:56 pm
content: Shipping (basic model) is $478 to UK and $968 to Latvia+ customs will charge VAT on the shipping, so even worse. You can see shipping cost right away when on preorder page select product quantity and country.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 11, 2015, 07:49:47 pm
content: Fancy commercial:

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 11, 2015, 07:56:43 pm
content: Quote from: bingo600 on October 11, 2015, 07:34:12 pm$560 to Denmark (basic model)

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2015, 08:01:15 pm
content: That's a crazy cost, even though cheaper than $900.I could prob get a returnticket to NY for that cost, like you i'l have to pay 25% VAT of the full price including the shippingcost.I'm OUT/Bingo

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 11, 2015, 08:09:17 pm
content: Quote from: bingo600 on October 11, 2015, 08:01:15 pmYes it is, Latvia wasn't on the list at all. Emailed them, and they added it after a few days, then I've seen a price and it was like WTF. I guess such price is because of the weight and size, and probably is considered dangerous goods too because of the CO2laser.

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2015, 08:26:42 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on October 11, 2015, 07:49:47 pmFancy indeed:MATERIAL DETECTED: MacBook Air 13"(1:41)

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2015, 09:10:46 pm
content: They claim they are only charging at cost shipping? How much does this thing weigh? How big is it going to end up?I think they are being extremely lazy and have chosen the most expensive carrier like FedEx at consumer rates rather than negotiated business rates... and then adding on all the overpriced insurance options and rapid express delivery+++Why not just send them out using USPS standard airmail? I mean there is clearly going to be a hell of a lot longer than December to get these so the extra weeks wait of using normal post airmail vs months of wait for manufacture is no big issue.I really would like one, but the other thing that rings alarm bells is this "it requires the cloud" to work.Is that marketing bullshit bingo words or does it really need the fucking cloud to actually work? why? Obviously there is some subscription model being worked on...I'm just cynical I guess.Ok, basic model...$2478 delivered to the UK-$100 discount thanks to wraperconverted into GBP circa£1600+ 2.7% - 4.5% duty (depending on classed as CNC router, or laser cutter respectively.)+ 20% VAT (this is payable on duty too!)£334 in taxes£~30 for the courier to charge you for the complicated calculation I just did=======£1964 deliveredI'll sleep on it...

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 11, 2015, 09:14:45 pm
content: Quote from: Macbeth on October 11, 2015, 09:10:46 pmThey promised to release some open source firmware, so it could be used without internet for those who want to tinker with it.

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2015, 09:19:57 pm
content: Now the most important thing - will it cut copper on FR4? I mean making fancy leather pieces and cutting through perspex is great, but I want some freakin' PCBs here!

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2015, 09:49:43 pm
content: I have not checked the specs or web site but in the video they mentioned the laser is 40 watt, so i guess you could work from there if it is possible to cut copper on a pcb.

author: Richard Crowley
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2015, 11:25:35 pm
content: I ordered one. They don't offer pickup instead of shipping. Else I would hop on the train up to Seattle and grab it.@wraper and I each got a $100 discount. Thanks!

author: Richard Crowley
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2015, 11:27:39 pm
content: All that glass and self-alignment and "custom extruded aluminum" rails and belts and likely glass laser tube probably make it too delicate to just throw in a box and hand to the post-office people.

author: wired360
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 12, 2015, 03:19:30 am
content: Anyone thinking of purchasing can also use this link to take off $100, just to let you guys know!http://glowforge.com/?kid=96RDhh

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2015, 06:27:40 am
content: Quote from: wraper on October 11, 2015, 07:49:47 pmGosh, what a BS video, a laser cutter right in the middle of the house kitchen. Where is the damn vent pipe ?On a side note, doing CADs stuff on a iPad would be my worst nightmare...

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 12, 2015, 07:33:54 am
content: Quote from: Bud on October 12, 2015, 06:27:40 amThere is an optional air filter, no vent pipe needed. You can see it attached on the bottom at 1:58.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 12, 2015, 09:18:22 am
content: Quote from: Richard Crowley on October 11, 2015, 11:25:35 pmThanks, now for me it cost the same as for you (except the insane shipping cost and import duties). Didn't know about any coupons when ordered myself.

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2015, 11:45:11 am
content: Quote from: wired360 on October 12, 2015, 03:19:30 amI've fixed that link, you cheeky fly-by spammer!

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2015, 03:46:48 am
content: The laser can cut copper clad laminate.With some provisos.It will not ablate copper off the top surface. It will cut and char grill the laminate.A laser capable of touching copper needs to be somewhere in the UV range.I would order one if it were not a glass tube based CO2 laser but a fiber laser based machine.

author: Richard Crowley
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2015, 03:53:45 am
content: Quote from: IconicPCB on October 13, 2015, 03:46:48 amI don't really think this is going to be very practical.However, I am interested in using it to expose photosensitive resist, or maybe even blast through ordinary spray paint "resist".

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2015, 04:30:14 am
content: No it will not be practical.You will end up with charred pieces of laminate.Paint might be an option but i suspect not.A lot will depend on laser driver's capability to modulate output.Further any photo resist You use needs to be IR sensitive. Again most materials I am aware of are UV sensitive.CO2 tube output is at 1040nm typically. There may be some third order harmonics contributing to some UV .. but then how much etc.You might get some JOY by researching non linear crystals used to frequency multiply IR to UV ( say 340nm) but then.. the optics post frequency conversion need to be able to handle UV.A well known laser copper ablating machine uses a solids state IR diode ( approx 10W in TO3 package ) and some of this IR to UV conversion magic to handle copper laminate.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 17, 2015, 06:12:48 am
content: 2 people already used this coupon. Actually did not expect anyone would use it at all. -$200 for me

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2015, 08:57:58 pm
content: So wraper, how did you decide to get the Glowforge? What do you get for the extra money compared to a regular Chinese laser cutter?

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2015, 09:53:19 pm
content: Quote from: edavid on October 17, 2015, 08:57:58 pmHaving had one of the latter, I'd think the main benefit is having something you can just plug in and use, without dicking about with crappy external water cooling, flaky motion controllers that crash randomy & set fire to the work, hard-to-align optics and appallingly awful Chinese software.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 17, 2015, 10:53:17 pm
content: Quote from: edavid on October 17, 2015, 08:57:58 pmFirst of all precision as cheap Chinese ones seem to be making very crude cuts/engravings. Also ease of use, I don't want yet another tool another tool which needs a lot of fiddling. I'd better use my time for something else.

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2015, 11:19:19 pm
content: So only the cameras are new? What else differentiates this between the already available prooven laser cutters on the market?

author: Ribster
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2015, 12:16:19 am
content: Quote from: Macbeth on October 11, 2015, 09:19:57 pmNever.It's a CO2 laser. Those work at 10600 nM.You need a green laser for PCB's. There are some pcb lasers around, although expensive.They use a fiber laser i think, or maybe an Nd:YAG laser..

author: Ribster
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2015, 12:18:27 am
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on October 17, 2015, 09:53:19 pmCan second on that. It's the ease of use, interface and the camera system.They do surface mapping, adjust the height of the laser, with presets for different materials...

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 27, 2015, 11:40:45 am
content: They raised the price but coupon still seem to be working. Got 7 referrals so far, 3 short to the maximum.

author: veatei
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 31, 2018, 12:58:58 pm
content: As the other links have been posted over two years ago, it's important to note there's a limit on the how many refferals a person can give, so in case the others are used up, mine is still available. I would appreicate it and I'm sure if you're purchasing one, you would too.$100 off refferal linkIf you want $100 off, please use my link and you will get $100 of the total amount.Link:https://glowforge.us/OFRNXLRX

author: aargee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2018, 11:51:12 pm
content: I'd love one of these but don't have the real estate or executive permissions.Has anyone actually got one? Just curious.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 01, 2018, 12:10:08 am
content: Quote from: aargee on January 31, 2018, 11:51:12 pmThey started shipping only recently after big delays. According to emails from glowforge 1 referral of mine certainly got it and 2 another just received it or will receive very soon. I'm supposed to receive it a bit later as US orders are shipped first. As I posted referral link in this tread only, quiet likely they are forum users.

author: mairo
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 01, 2018, 12:20:04 am
content: Will this be useful for depanelization of PCBs - ~1.6mm FR4 with no copper?

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 01, 2018, 12:29:58 am
content: Quote from: mairo on February 01, 2018, 12:20:04 amIt should be able to cut FR4. But I guess edges will be burned and will smell awful. Also without using protective tape, smoke products will likely deposit around the cut. Once I get it, I could try cutting FR4.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2018, 09:38:58 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on February 01, 2018, 02:29:51 amFibre/fiber lasers are a specific type of architecture that use an optical fibre as the lasing cavity, and are replacing many older types in high power applications.Q-switching is a technique applicable to most types of lasers to increase peak pulse power.

author: taydin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2018, 09:55:58 am
content: Even if you manage to configure the laser so that it doesn't char the FR4 substrate, how is this going to give the 0.1mm precision that many modern high density PCB's would require? What is the beam diameter?

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2018, 10:25:35 am
content: Quote from: taydin on February 01, 2018, 09:55:58 amYou can't use CO2 lasers for PCBs directly.ISTR a few people have managed low-res work using a CO2 to burn paint resist off, but it's way cheaper, easier and more reliable to use toner transfer or UV and traditional etching

author: trevwhite
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2018, 10:42:06 am
content: This fella seems to have had some success with lasers and PCBs.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 24, 2018, 02:00:07 am
content: Quote from: aargee on January 31, 2018, 11:51:12 pmI finally sort of got mine a few days ago. Sort of because it was delivered to UK address of my sister as shipping to Latvia was exorbitant $1k which was twice as much as to UK. Will get my hands on it in around 2 months once she drives to Latvia by car during her vacation. Not that I currently have a space to place it anyway. If anyone needs a discount coupon, seems one in the starting post should still work. Although now it says -$1500 on pro version and nothing about basic.

author: tpowell1830
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2018, 04:08:20 am
content: Quote from: wraper on March 24, 2018, 02:00:07 amWhen I click on the 'Coupon' link on your first post, it just takes me to the Glowforge website, no coupon.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 24, 2018, 11:31:37 am
content: Quote from: tpowell1830 on March 24, 2018, 04:08:20 amFixed that, ref ID in the link remained the same but link itself changed a bit. As I clicked on similar looking link in recent email before, it appeared as if this was working.

author: tpowell1830
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2018, 10:59:50 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on March 24, 2018, 11:31:37 amOkay, the link works now, but it says Regina gets $500 now.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 25, 2018, 12:10:05 am
content: Quote from: tpowell1830 on March 24, 2018, 10:59:50 pmIt was $100 both ways back then and worked for any model, and those were much cheaper than now. Although it was sort of gambling and in the end I waited for 2.5 years. Now it's 1500/500 for pro model.