We have a glowforge midrange machine. Had it for a year running full time. It started having problems. Couldn't get any support from glowforge. It's our business so we bought another to use while the other gets fixed & can be used as a back up. My son basically started just replacing parts & the carriage turned out to be the problem. We had the new machine for 2 months. Nothing but problems with it. It wouldn't cut on normal settings. It also would start randomly not cutting or excessively burning on higher settings. Finally glowforge sent a "referbished" replacement for our brand new 5000$ machine. The refer machine showed up with cooling liguid leaked all over. Tried running the machine at glowforge support request & the entire laser arm is off center running crooked & is completely noisy because the track wheels are worn. I highly recommend no one buy a glowforge. Their customer service sucks & there is zero product support. Their poor business model is a devistating model for your business if you are trying to run 9ne with glowforge.
I got a glowforge basic back when they were $2k. I love it, and use it semi-regularly as a hobbyist. I will say that since seeing them introduce the subscription service and push it so hard, I've had the constant sneaking worry that one day they'll try and lock all function of my glowforge behind a paywall, but so far they haven't done that. I only ever upload designs so I have no need for the subscription. If they ever do decide to brick it for a subscription (or go under and their webclient ceases to be), I'll look at other companies, but I can't afford to upgrade as long as I've got a working laser already. Despite my overall very positive experience with glowforge, I don't think I'd recommend them to someone now, when you can get a more powerful laser that can run in house software for less money. When it was 2k, it was also one of the only really user friendly lasers on the market, and one of the cheapest lasers. At twice the price, and still locked into glowforge's online software, I just don't see why anyone would pick it over a competitor.
I remember hearing that a few years ago Glowforge did have plans to have everything behind a pay wall but when enough people found out they went (rightfully so) ballistic and the plans were changed. Dunno if it's true, came from someone who was very VERY deep in the laser world
Thank you! I was looking to upgrade from a diode laser but space is limited so the big OMTech was out of the question. I was just about to buy a glowforge basic and after seeing this video I placed my order for the polar pre-sale!!! I had no idea they made a desktop version. I used your link, I hope you get affiliate credit!
Thank you for always updating us on these machines. They are extremely helpful and I have started my personalization business with lots of help from you to picking my first machine.
Hi! My shop newly owns an OMtech Polar, and we have been trying to figure it out. We got your courses and I've watched them all. They were SUPER helpful for learning and mastering Lightburn, but I was wondering if you are planning on doing any more that are specific to the Polar. I haven't found anyone else on youtube who is as easy to follow as you and who is covering the polar. This isn't our first rodeo- our main laser is an old beast from a defunct company in China, but sometimes all the bells and whistles are almost more complicated. I'd love to see videos on the camera, or more explaining how to use the z axis. I've got engraving down, but we're struggling with cutting through material in a reliable way. Thank you for all the videos you made so far!
I just built my own laser. It’s bigger and faster with 120 watt co2 and was $4000 Canadian dollars all said. Put many many hours on the machine and it’s been awesome.
I have a glowforge. I would never recommend a glowforge because I own a glowforge. I want to get rid of my glowforge and get a "real" laser cutter and not a laser "printer".
Very pleasing to hear of your generosity toward your local school. However, given Glowforge's online-only pay monthly subscription model, I'm not too sure you've done them any favors.
I've looked at Glowforge but I refuse to buy it due to the online service requirement. I'm tired of the trend of subscription services to use hardware and the amount of e-Waste it creates when they go out of business. Thanks for showing some alternatives.
i use the Honey extension on my desktop, and when i put your code in my order i added it to Honey so now it will automatically add it to peoples carts when they use the extension for coupons 🙌
for $3500 I got a 100w chinese laser that can cut 23"x37" and has a motorized bed, rotary attachment, chiller and air assist compressor. Granted you should have some experience before going this route, but you can get a lot more for your money.
I think there is a lot of nuance in getting the right laser cutter. The Polar looks like an interesting machine and I might be interested if I was getting something for my house. I'm a teacher and the Glowforge works best for my classroom. The footprint is just right for the classroom (looks similar to the Polar). The web interface is a selling point, allowing us to manage multiple users easily and not worry about software. I only use the interface to set up my cuts, where the camera is very useful. Everything else is done in Illustrator, Inkscape, or Vectornator. The subscription is completely optional and unnecessary. Respectfully, the review makes it sound almost required - that is simply incorrect. I have 5 Glowforges (the plus model). They are used constantly, the oldest being 3 years old, and I have never had a serious problem with any of them. Support was quick and helpful when an issue did present itself, the GF was cutting again by the end of the day. It is a no fuss machine - and that is what I need when working with 100 students each quarter. If I were buying a hobby machine I would have different requirements, but the Glowforge is pretty awesome for us. Just wanted to provide a different perspective/experience.
Great points! I need to do a better job describing what you get with the free software, if your doing your designs in another program than it’s totally doable! I actually just donated my Glowforge to a local school for the exact reasons you outlined. Very easy to use, safe, and normally it just works without much fuss.
I have the Glowforge Pro and I don't like it. The proprietary interface (you can not use any other interface with it) is limiting and inferior to what I had with my Universal M-300 (which let you use Coreldraw direct printing). The old M-300 worked for around 15 years and is now defunct. THe Glowforge is the only one I have now and is expensive ($7000), does not accept COreldraw desings directly (you have to export them from Corel as SVG images), and the air exhaust is very weak causing a lot of hassle with smoke damage to the finished pieces, and if your internet connection ever goes down, you're dead, as you cannot operate your Glowforge without it! Also, Glowforge does NOT have a repeat this cut feature. You always have to resubmit it to their cloud, have them recompute it and resend it to the Glowforge again. A real P-I-T-A. I am looking at getting the Omtech Polar as a replacement for the Glowforge so I can get back to normal laser cuttting operations. This is my humble opinion. Cheers.
You might not read this comment, but if it would come down to your own money, and not public funding (which I guess the glowforge is paid for), would you then still use the glowforge? asking out of curiousity, since I recently came into similar situation, I opted for open source and cheaper, sacrificing some ease of use, but opening more options for everyone in the end.
Pretty good, I started with glow forge now I have omtech and glowforge is really easy if you don't know anything but def omtech is amazing !!!! I love the omtech and light burn!
10:52 you should mention that co2 laser beams are actually a little more dangerous that diode lasers because you can't see the co2 laser beam so you will have no blink reflex if it hits you in the eye, you need eye protection for any laser, not just with led
I will never support a compnay that requires a monthly payment in order to use a product your purchased from them. 50 a month to use a glowforge outside the most basic of options is an insult
I'm honestly amazed if anyone can still consider Glowforge at this point... I just don't get it how anyone could recommend them over the Competition consider all the drawbacks you buy into when going with them starting with a more than doubled price for a technically identical but lesser capable System that doesn't even include an Air Filter, having to pay a Monthly Subscription like 3-4x that of a Streaming Service to get things done and dealing with the outlook of your $7'000 investment turning into a giant Brick once their mandatory Cloud Service gets shut down - Holy fuck man.
I bought the wife a GF Pro @ about $6500 maybe 2 yrs ago. It was my fault for not pricing other machines first. Tit for tat, the OMTech does seem the better buy. At the time we were willing to spend more for something more simple but in reality, it had just as much learning curve if you were making your own designs. Plus GF still has an annual fee a lot of ppl dont talk about. Anyway, within a yr we sold the GF for what we owed on it and moved on to other things. IMO, it was WAY over priced for what it was and could do.
@@DuraltiaI don’t think it’s that people consider a glowforge over say an omtech, it’s that glowforge jams their marketing down your throat if you even do a google search for laser cutters. I purchased a plus a few years ago because in all honesty I had a job I needed a laser for, had limited time to research and it just kept popping up. Fast forward to now, I sold my glowforge for a profit I might add due to them raising their prices and got what I have now which is a 24x35 omtech. I have upgraded air assist with high and low volume air, an upgraded exhaust, rotary and an infinitely more powerful machine for the cost of the pro. Not to mention I can use lightburn which is the absolute gold standard of laser software and I don’t have to pay a monthly fee just to draw a square on my machine. So I guess what I’m saying is they use marketing to really hammer the idea into your head that they are the best and only option that you just forget to research further.
Thank you for this. I own a diode (M1) and I want to upgrade. I’ve been on the fence between polar, gweike and a Mira. I don’t want a Glowforge (nightmare) as several people I know have one and they told me don’t get one. I am patiently waiting for my polar, just purchased. Look forward to learning more from your videos!
Just discovered your channel. Mark me as a new subscriber. Some great content here. Also couldn't help noticing your shirt... You must be from my neck of the "woods." Cheers!
Be careful saying that it's safer because the CO2 beam is invisible. Just because you can't "see" it doesn't mean it can't blind you. If the enclosure windows don't completely filter/block (gaps/seams are an issue too) the laser light then that's a problem. Proper laser safety glasses should always be worn when operating any laser device such as these.
I remember how I bought the cheapest CNC2418 from Alibaba... came with a drill and a laser... I basically drilled and lasered everything... my neighbours happened to be on a holiday... else I would have drilled and lasered them too. Where is the laser tattoo robot booth? Since the 90ties people love piercings and brandings and tattoos... Let's have a Kickstarter for that.
Hey! Just used your affiliate code and bought the 80w Omtech! Thanks for making content like this you really made it easier to narrow it down which one is for me and my new business.
i love omt tec ! I HAVE the k40 and now they go desktop !! soo cool need this one directly ordered 1 greets from germany.. i did not bought the glow force because of the not opensource software and the complications. i just need lightburn thats it freedom is important.
*i'm only four minutes into this but would like to know how noisy are these machines?...i've noticed that the reviews i've seen of these are typically silent which tells me that noise could be an issue...i'm also surmising there is a substantial ventilation and filtration/catalytic system to deal with the smoke and vapors from these while in operation...make no mistake, this is not a criticism as i could really use one of these for my long list of maker projects and design concepts...it just seems that it should be mentioned at least once*
Question, I plan on reproducing old RC airplane kits, which machine do you recommend? Space is not an issue. Looking at the 60w one with the manual z axis…🤔🤔🤔 Good video, 1st one I’ve seen on your channel 🤘🏻
I've been comparing the Omtech Polar to the Gweike Pro and the Omtech looks a little nicer but it's $1000USD more money. I'd say for that much difference Gweike wins.
OMTECH support has been very good, so I'd say the price difference is worth it. I don't have both to compare, but keep in mind it is possible better components are used in the Polar, so it isn't necessarily a direct comparison.
Seems that the Polar's biggest drawbacks are the heights you can engrave both flat and with the rotary. Flat is .66 inch with tray and 2" without the tray and the rotary is 1.18 to 2.91 inch. Don't know many shot glasses or glasses that small.
Is there any possibility you could do a comparison and overall review on a Omtech 2440 and anything that is comparable to it like the thunder or whatever else? I am going to the ISA Expo in Vegas in April and will be purchasing something.
Love your videos...so thanks for them 👍 Have you had any experience with the Gweike RF desktop laser? I currently own the Ortur LM2 Pro & use it mainly for engraving ceramic tiles & slate. I would like an upgrade in speed 🤔
The RF actually just got delivered to my shop last week. Planning to get a review out on it before the end of the year. But just looking at the specs the speed your able to get from the better motors on a metal tube laser look awesome!
How would you compare the Polar to the Gweike RF laser system. I am interested in your thoughts about comparing the 50W DC to the 38W RF laser source. Looing at quality of the laser, speed of cutting/engraving a quality of the engraved product.
Super helpful. I do have the middle of the road Glowforge. Super glad I got it. Very happy with it. But I’m looking to get a second laser. And Omtech was what I almost got the first go round. Where I work they are also wanting to incorporate some laser work and maybe the Polar would be a good option. Either that… or my Glowforge will go there and I’ll get a larger laser for home. LOL. Either way… thanks for the review.
Hey! What desktop laser cutting machines would you recommend for cutting sheet metal? Or have you done a video on this already, hoping you can help! :)
My Glowforge is CRAP! It was still in warranty at the time when the glue that bonded the glass lid to the hinge failed. It was a huge surprise when the glass lid popped right off. I contacted Glowforge customer service and confirmed the warranty and they wanted me to pay $200 + shipping fee to ship it back to have the glass/hinge repaired. From that point on... I've been disappointed with the company and discouraged to use my Glowforge. I honestly thought they're going to send me a pre-paid postage sticker to send it back for repairs & being that is under warranty, i thought the repairs would be free. It is now an expensive paperweight and taking up space in my house.
Hi, what laser setup would be best for table top coaster making ? Using tile, wood, cork cloth and so on. I just want to focus on coaster making only. Thanks. And you videos are great.
I would love a CO2 desktop laser primarily for cutting acrylics (though I’d love to do some wood projects as well). The price point of the Polar is appealing but I am also looking at the Full Spectrun Muse 3D-could you compare the too? What makes the Muse 3D worth so much more? Is it really an overall better investment?
I keep thinking I want a laser but then I realize that I would use it like twice a year. They are super cool and I want one but just can't justify it. Better to know someone who has one than buy my own.
Do you have a teaser/ overview video of the content I will learn from your omtech/lightburn course? Im very interested in purchasing this, I would like to know more. Thanks!
I just got mine yesterday and came from glowforge so was super nervous about how user friendly it would be. Everything worked great out of the box- I followed Cam’s setup instructions. I had a couple initial hiccups running it with my Mac (no usb and I needed a usb to usb c conversion and then still my Mac not recognizing it for whatever reasons and next trying to run it through a gfci outlet was a no go and still trying to figure out Wi-Fi/Ethernet connection stuff). But now running lightburn on my daughter’s pc it is working great. Much more powerful /fast/capable than my glowforge plus and wow for the price. If you follow the unboxing and setup videos that are on UA-cam, read the manual thoroughly, then it doesn’t take long to understand it and get running. TBD if I can get my Mac to recognize it. Also 7mm hold down pins was my first cut and that appears to be the sweet spot
Jill, Which machine did you get? My GF just died and instead of getting the refurbished model they're offering at a "discounted" price, I'm considering a new machine but lightburn scares me, lol. Would love to hear what you ended up with and how it's going now.... thanks
Did you ever end up getting this to work with your Mac? I have a Mac with no USB (highly annoying that Apple took out the USBs on the MacBook pros...like seriously...WHY) and I have had issues with using the USB conversions and the dumb mac still not recognizing items.
How do the three CO2 machines you mentioned fare when compared for noise output? The 60 watt machine in your video, is the $530 chiller that they sell with it worth the money? I am looking to move up to a CO2 laser from Diode lasers, what sort of things am I going to have to adjust my mind to when doing so? What important practices are more important with one than the other? And is there any sort of rotary tool that works with the 60W Floor model?
My wife recently went from a Glowforge Plus to a Thunder 100w Nova 51. She’s doing ok with the transition to light burn but still having trouble using the rotary attachment. Any recommendations or tips I can pass along to her?
Heard someone say you have to life it up a bit. These desktop laser all have two things in common, they always charge $$$ than a similar watt laser and they barely can fit a tumbler without modification. Not worth the $$$
Glowforge’s demise is their “software” (and technically price). Forcing you to use their proprietary cloud crap and then changining it to force you to pay a subscription. I wish I never saw their video and that Adam Savage wasn’t involved. We would have never wasted $5000 for the pro (we were “founders”). Seeing this is disheartening that a hell of a lot better laser is cheaper.
You'll need to use other software like Lightburn (paid) or RDWorks (free). But I've made lots of designs in Photoshop/Illustrator and then import them then. So as long as you can can make a vector file for doing cuts or a jpg/png for images you'll be good to go!
Omtech and all these videos seem to ignore some things. Like they are dirty secrets. Omtechs PR stuff says engrave wood acrylic rubber leather but glass is not mentioned and considering that the depth is 30-70mm (1.18 to 2.9 inches) glasses/mugs/beer steins don't seem possible. 2 emails to OMT and no reply and no reply from their FB page. Also nothing on replacing the tube. Can we do it or does it need a tech or sent in ? And the power supply is it replacable off the shelf or a special built one ? End user replaceable or service call/tech/sent in
@makeorbreakshop Just wondering if you can fit a piece of material that is 12x12 on the Polar's cutting bed? I realize that the cutting area is 11.8 or something like that but can you still fit a 12x12 inch piece of material flat on the cutting surface? Also would this be able to cut 6mm Acrylic on a regular basis? Thanks again for all the great videos.
It seems like your Omtech prices are way off right now, I just looked and the Polar is showing right around $4000 while the Gwike Cloud is $2800. I thought it might be because Omtech is showing me Canadian prices but no, the CAD price is only $3600.
phone support? At omtech? Idk if that’s true. I spent 3 months trying to get customer service and never had phone support. It was all email. That said, I do like my k40 machine.
Hey, I was just on your website trying to find the laser test file download. I eventually found it (great tool, thank you so much) but it took a bit of surfing around until I found it in one your review pages. I understand why you would have it embedded in a review, logically it makes sense in that spot and it also drives more clicks around your site, but could you add a link under one of the resources? Or add a new resource for utilities that has the test file and other useful utils? That would be awesome.
Depends on the thickness, but these CO2 machines shouldn't have a problem with acrylics of reasonable thicknesses, like diode ones have. Its not about the power, but absorbtion spectrum of acrylics, which works better with CO2 wavelength.
I have owned an Omtech 100W 24x36 for more than a year. The only thing I disagree with in your video is the "Omtech has great technical support." In my actual experience, every issue is responded to (in emails - no return calls) is to clean everything and refocus the machine. In fact, they didn't even read my email, which asked about being able to buy the on/off pushbutton switch that is sticking, and their response was to ignore me. I asked to pay for a service call. At this point I have actually convinced two people to buy a competitors model and I am working on my third person. I purchased the laser and requested support from the Anaheim California location, but I have not seen anything to let me know that the entire company is not represented by the same lousy service. I would be fine with their lack of help, but even when I asked if there was anyone who could help, I was met with silence. I was finally able to find someone who does service for Laser in LA, and I was happy to pay for the help. I am very disgusted with Omtech's complete lack of service. If you are going to buy a laser, try to find someone who has and uses one. Service / Customer Service / repair is very hard to find.
I received my Polar 350 today. I also own a zf3551, a FSL PS20, and a custom-built 5w UV. I bought it thinking I could use it as a semi-portable. Here's my thoughts: 1) Not really meant to be portable. 2) Very fast from uncrating to lasering. 3) In Lightburn, unless I'm missing something, the focus (z-offset) has to be set for every layer. 4) Camera calibration was easy - except a bit inaccurate (so I guess not as easy as it seemed). It would not even detect the dot pattern unless I opened the lid part way. It seemed like Lightburn doesn't like the 180 pano camera lens, but this is my first machine with a camera. I'll fiddle more tomorrow.
Exacly how compatible is the Polar with Lightburn? Are you able to use ALL of the Polar's features with Lightburn, or only some of the features? Such as the camera, auto focus etc? Asking because I just got the Xtool P2 that claims to be compatible with Lightburn, and yes, it sort of is, however its VERY limited. Cant use cameras, no auto focus and I have to manually put in stats of my cut material each time. It sucks. Pretty much have to use the Xtool software which is nowhere near as good as Lightburn! I'm considering getting the Polar instead.
I've been trying to find a laser engraver with an auto focus Z adjustment. I've watched a ton of your videos and they are very informative! I've heard you mention in a few of them that it is possible to get the auto focus on the Z, but the only laser I've heard you say that supports this is the Glowforge. I am not really a big fan of the glowforge due to the price and the monthly subscription... ridiculous! But I'd really appreciate it if you could point me in a the direction of an autofocusing laser! I'm wondering because one of the main products I currently produce is full of 3D contours that I think would look incredible with engravings on them.
I would like to buy my first laser machine a OMtech MF 1220 -50R 50W but I’m scared how to handle the area to cut if there’s no camera to see where to put the design I want to cut in a piece of material that I already been using but still has space to use it.
Will the polar work well with material that isn’t level? You mentioned about the auto focusing with the rock but would it truly be an issue in most circumstances?
I know this is kinda off the beating path - but since you briefly featured your MF2028-60, do you happen to have any data on that machine's precision? @omtechlaser doesn't publish it, and I've been trying to get an answer from them for a week or so now. Kinda concerning that this isn't readily available from them. I have a K40, and they actually do publish a 0.010" precision rating for that machine, but nothing for the 55 or 60W machines. Anyways - figured I'd ask you because you've been using OMTech for a while. Thanks MOBS!
Does any one know what the laser eye safety protocol should be for the OMTech Polar vs the 60W? It looks like the 60W has laser safety glass on top while the Polar has clear glass. I assume the clear glass will pass reflected laser light. Does that means that one would have to wear safety glasses when in the room with the Polar but not the 60W?
We have a glowforge midrange machine. Had it for a year running full time. It started having problems. Couldn't get any support from glowforge. It's our business so we bought another to use while the other gets fixed & can be used as a back up. My son basically started just replacing parts & the carriage turned out to be the problem. We had the new machine for 2 months. Nothing but problems with it. It wouldn't cut on normal settings. It also would start randomly not cutting or excessively burning on higher settings. Finally glowforge sent a "referbished" replacement for our brand new 5000$ machine. The refer machine showed up with cooling liguid leaked all over. Tried running the machine at glowforge support request & the entire laser arm is off center running crooked & is completely noisy because the track wheels are worn.
I highly recommend no one buy a glowforge. Their customer service sucks & there is zero product support. Their poor business model is a devistating model for your business if you are trying to run 9ne with glowforge.
I got a glowforge basic back when they were $2k. I love it, and use it semi-regularly as a hobbyist. I will say that since seeing them introduce the subscription service and push it so hard, I've had the constant sneaking worry that one day they'll try and lock all function of my glowforge behind a paywall, but so far they haven't done that. I only ever upload designs so I have no need for the subscription. If they ever do decide to brick it for a subscription (or go under and their webclient ceases to be), I'll look at other companies, but I can't afford to upgrade as long as I've got a working laser already.
Despite my overall very positive experience with glowforge, I don't think I'd recommend them to someone now, when you can get a more powerful laser that can run in house software for less money. When it was 2k, it was also one of the only really user friendly lasers on the market, and one of the cheapest lasers. At twice the price, and still locked into glowforge's online software, I just don't see why anyone would pick it over a competitor.
I remember hearing that a few years ago Glowforge did have plans to have everything behind a pay wall but when enough people found out they went (rightfully so) ballistic and the plans were changed. Dunno if it's true, came from someone who was very VERY deep in the laser world
Subscription is a hard NO!
What laser/printer would you suggest to make jewelry?
I’ll be purchasing a laser next year and your videos have been invaluable; definitely will sign up for one of your classes once I get it in my shop!
Awesome, glad they help!
Thank you! I was looking to upgrade from a diode laser but space is limited so the big OMTech was out of the question. I was just about to buy a glowforge basic and after seeing this video I placed my order for the polar pre-sale!!! I had no idea they made a desktop version. I used your link, I hope you get affiliate credit!
Oh awesome, it’s brand new so that’s why you probably hadn’t seen it before. Your going to love it!
I love the Polar. I've had mine about 2 weeks now and use it daily for DIY kits. Thanks for the comparison.
Can it cut clear acrylic?
Thank you for always updating us on these machines. They are extremely helpful and I have started my personalization business with lots of help from you to picking my first machine.
The multiverse thing...FANTASTIC. 👏
Great viddy! Man. Hard to see how Gf can keep their prices that high. Especially with sandboxed software.
My heart still wants that big 60w one.
Hi! My shop newly owns an OMtech Polar, and we have been trying to figure it out. We got your courses and I've watched them all. They were SUPER helpful for learning and mastering Lightburn, but I was wondering if you are planning on doing any more that are specific to the Polar. I haven't found anyone else on youtube who is as easy to follow as you and who is covering the polar. This isn't our first rodeo- our main laser is an old beast from a defunct company in China, but sometimes all the bells and whistles are almost more complicated. I'd love to see videos on the camera, or more explaining how to use the z axis. I've got engraving down, but we're struggling with cutting through material in a reliable way. Thank you for all the videos you made so far!
I just built my own laser. It’s bigger and faster with 120 watt co2 and was $4000 Canadian dollars all said. Put many many hours on the machine and it’s been awesome.
Custom builds are awesome for what you can get for the money!
I have a glowforge. I would never recommend a glowforge because I own a glowforge. I want to get rid of my glowforge and get a "real" laser cutter and not a laser "printer".
Sell it ASAP, thats what I did
Man I’m with you! Its sooo frustrating and to inclusive
Or is it exclusive
So true! Glowforge is just a money whore! Spent way too much money for way too little support and equipment that is crap. Honestly.
How much you want for it?
Very pleasing to hear of your generosity toward your local school. However, given Glowforge's online-only pay monthly subscription model, I'm not too sure you've done them any favors.
You can still use the machine without the subscription, you just use other free software to create it.
I've looked at Glowforge but I refuse to buy it due to the online service requirement. I'm tired of the trend of subscription services to use hardware and the amount of e-Waste it creates when they go out of business. Thanks for showing some alternatives.
I may have missed it in the video but the Diode and CO2 are different wavelengths and burn different materials, not just power concerns.
i use the Honey extension on my desktop, and when i put your code in my order i added it to Honey so now it will automatically add it to peoples carts when they use the extension for coupons 🙌
for $3500 I got a 100w chinese laser that can cut 23"x37" and has a motorized bed, rotary attachment, chiller and air assist compressor. Granted you should have some experience before going this route, but you can get a lot more for your money.
Which one did you get?
Which one?
I think there is a lot of nuance in getting the right laser cutter. The Polar looks like an interesting machine and I might be interested if I was getting something for my house. I'm a teacher and the Glowforge works best for my classroom. The footprint is just right for the classroom (looks similar to the Polar). The web interface is a selling point, allowing us to manage multiple users easily and not worry about software. I only use the interface to set up my cuts, where the camera is very useful. Everything else is done in Illustrator, Inkscape, or Vectornator. The subscription is completely optional and unnecessary. Respectfully, the review makes it sound almost required - that is simply incorrect. I have 5 Glowforges (the plus model). They are used constantly, the oldest being 3 years old, and I have never had a serious problem with any of them. Support was quick and helpful when an issue did present itself, the GF was cutting again by the end of the day. It is a no fuss machine - and that is what I need when working with 100 students each quarter. If I were buying a hobby machine I would have different requirements, but the Glowforge is pretty awesome for us. Just wanted to provide a different perspective/experience.
The other thing is that he said you have to look at the GF Pro to compare it to the Polar and the Pro has a pass through to do unlimited length.
Great points! I need to do a better job describing what you get with the free software, if your doing your designs in another program than it’s totally doable! I actually just donated my Glowforge to a local school for the exact reasons you outlined. Very easy to use, safe, and normally it just works without much fuss.
I have the Glowforge Pro and I don't like it. The proprietary interface (you can not use any other interface with it) is limiting and inferior to what I had with my Universal M-300 (which let you use Coreldraw direct printing). The old M-300 worked for around 15 years and is now defunct. THe Glowforge is the only one I have now and is expensive ($7000), does not accept COreldraw desings directly (you have to export them from Corel as SVG images), and the air exhaust is very weak causing a lot of hassle with smoke damage to the finished pieces, and if your internet connection ever goes down, you're dead, as you cannot operate your Glowforge without it! Also, Glowforge does NOT have a repeat this cut feature. You always have to resubmit it to their cloud, have them recompute it and resend it to the Glowforge again. A real P-I-T-A. I am looking at getting the Omtech Polar as a replacement for the Glowforge so I can get back to normal laser cuttting operations. This is my humble opinion. Cheers.
You might not read this comment, but if it would come down to your own money, and not public funding (which I guess the glowforge is paid for), would you then still use the glowforge? asking out of curiousity, since I recently came into similar situation, I opted for open source and cheaper, sacrificing some ease of use, but opening more options for everyone in the end.
Just staring at that jacket collar the whole video 😂 thanks for the info tho!
Will you do a video showing the Polar, or Gweike passthrough in use.
Pretty good, I started with glow forge now I have omtech and glowforge is really easy if you don't know anything but def omtech is amazing !!!! I love the omtech and light burn!
have been considering this machine for a while
10:52 you should mention that co2 laser beams are actually a little more dangerous that diode lasers because you can't see the co2 laser beam so you will have no blink reflex if it hits you in the eye, you need eye protection for any laser, not just with led
Great info!
Glad it was helpful!
I will never support a compnay that requires a monthly payment in order to use a product your purchased from them. 50 a month to use a glowforge outside the most basic of options is an insult
Great review, thanks for your research!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I used your link to purchase my polar today!
Glowforge is going to have to make a pretty big decision in the next few years.
They are appealing to the first time user, which works well since their tech support is good and you could train a monkey to use it. It worked for me.
I'm honestly amazed if anyone can still consider Glowforge at this point... I just don't get it how anyone could recommend them over the Competition consider all the drawbacks you buy into when going with them starting with a more than doubled price for a technically identical but lesser capable System that doesn't even include an Air Filter, having to pay a Monthly Subscription like 3-4x that of a Streaming Service to get things done and dealing with the outlook of your $7'000 investment turning into a giant Brick once their mandatory Cloud Service gets shut down - Holy fuck man.
I bought the wife a GF Pro @ about $6500 maybe 2 yrs ago. It was my fault for not pricing other machines first. Tit for tat, the OMTech does seem the better buy. At the time we were willing to spend more for something more simple but in reality, it had just as much learning curve if you were making your own designs. Plus GF still has an annual fee a lot of ppl dont talk about. Anyway, within a yr we sold the GF for what we owed on it and moved on to other things. IMO, it was WAY over priced for what it was and could do.
@@DuraltiaI don’t think it’s that people consider a glowforge over say an omtech, it’s that glowforge jams their marketing down your throat if you even do a google search for laser cutters.
I purchased a plus a few years ago because in all honesty I had a job I needed a laser for, had limited time to research and it just kept popping up. Fast forward to now, I sold my glowforge for a profit I might add due to them raising their prices and got what I have now which is a 24x35 omtech. I have upgraded air assist with high and low volume air, an upgraded exhaust, rotary and an infinitely more powerful machine for the cost of the pro. Not to mention I can use lightburn which is the absolute gold standard of laser software and I don’t have to pay a monthly fee just to draw a square on my machine.
So I guess what I’m saying is they use marketing to really hammer the idea into your head that they are the best and only option that you just forget to research further.
@@DuraltiaWhat would you suggest to make jewelry?
Thank you for this. I own a diode (M1) and I want to upgrade. I’ve been on the fence between polar, gweike and a Mira. I don’t want a Glowforge (nightmare) as several people I know have one and they told me don’t get one. I am patiently waiting for my polar, just purchased. Look forward to learning more from your videos!
Just discovered your channel. Mark me as a new subscriber. Some great content here. Also couldn't help noticing your shirt... You must be from my neck of the "woods." Cheers!
Be careful saying that it's safer because the CO2 beam is invisible. Just because you can't "see" it doesn't mean it can't blind you. If the enclosure windows don't completely filter/block (gaps/seams are an issue too) the laser light then that's a problem. Proper laser safety glasses should always be worn when operating any laser device such as these.
Awesome stuff man!
I remember how I bought the cheapest CNC2418 from Alibaba... came with a drill and a laser... I basically drilled and lasered everything... my neighbours happened to be on a holiday... else I would have drilled and lasered them too. Where is the laser tattoo robot booth? Since the 90ties people love piercings and brandings and tattoos... Let's have a Kickstarter for that.
You are a GREAT guy! Thanks very much!!!
Hey! Just used your affiliate code and bought the 80w Omtech! Thanks for making content like this you really made it easier to narrow it down which one is for me and my new business.
Oh awesome! Hope it works out for you
Great video! Very helpful! Would you consider the desktop Omtech safe for the home enviroment? Thank you🙏
I just bought a Gweike (comes in 3 days!) after seeing your video reviewing it. Now I see this one and feel I should have went with an OMTech Polar..
Both a pretty similar so I think you'll be set either way!
i love omt tec ! I HAVE the k40 and now they go desktop !! soo cool need this one directly ordered 1 greets from germany.. i did not bought the glow force because of the not opensource software and the complications. i just need lightburn thats it freedom is important.
*i'm only four minutes into this but would like to know how noisy are these machines?...i've noticed that the reviews i've seen of these are typically silent which tells me that noise could be an issue...i'm also surmising there is a substantial ventilation and filtration/catalytic system to deal with the smoke and vapors from these while in operation...make no mistake, this is not a criticism as i could really use one of these for my long list of maker projects and design concepts...it just seems that it should be mentioned at least once*
Question, I plan on reproducing old RC airplane kits, which machine do you recommend? Space is not an issue. Looking at the 60w one with the manual z axis…🤔🤔🤔
Good video, 1st one I’ve seen on your channel 🤘🏻
I've been comparing the Omtech Polar to the Gweike Pro and the Omtech looks a little nicer but it's $1000USD more money. I'd say for that much difference Gweike wins.
OMTECH support has been very good, so I'd say the price difference is worth it. I don't have both to compare, but keep in mind it is possible better components are used in the Polar, so it isn't necessarily a direct comparison.
Seems that the Polar's biggest drawbacks are the heights you can engrave both flat and with the rotary. Flat is .66 inch with tray and 2" without the tray and the rotary is 1.18 to 2.91 inch. Don't know many shot glasses or glasses that small.
It's highly likely that GWeike is producing the OMTech, GWeike is the OEM for a huge portion of the chinese import market.
Is there any possibility you could do a comparison and overall review on a Omtech 2440 and anything that is comparable to it like the thunder or whatever else? I am going to the ISA Expo in Vegas in April and will be purchasing something.
Love your videos...so thanks for them 👍 Have you had any experience with the Gweike RF desktop laser? I currently own the Ortur LM2 Pro & use it mainly for engraving ceramic tiles & slate. I would like an upgrade in speed 🤔
The RF actually just got delivered to my shop last week. Planning to get a review out on it before the end of the year. But just looking at the specs the speed your able to get from the better motors on a metal tube laser look awesome!
@@makeorbreakshop thank you for replying, I'll look forward to your review 😊
@@makeorbreakshop cant wait for the RF review
@@makeorbreakshop Hi...have you received your RF machine yet? If so, how does it compare to the 50w glass tube?
How would you compare the Polar to the Gweike RF laser system. I am interested in your thoughts about comparing the 50W DC to the 38W RF laser source. Looing at quality of the laser, speed of cutting/engraving a quality of the engraved product.
Coming very very soon ;)
Super helpful. I do have the middle of the road Glowforge. Super glad I got it. Very happy with it. But I’m looking to get a second laser. And Omtech was what I almost got the first go round. Where I work they are also wanting to incorporate some laser work and maybe the Polar would be a good option. Either that… or my Glowforge will go there and I’ll get a larger laser for home. LOL. Either way… thanks for the review.
Sounds like good options to have!
Hey! What desktop laser cutting machines would you recommend for cutting sheet metal? Or have you done a video on this already, hoping you can help! :)
Gweike is pronounced “G-wic”
Gweike is also the collaborative partner with OMTech meaning they manufacture the polar.
Got to say G machine is way more fun to say
Haha agreed. I just shared your video in our OMTech users group
Pretty good price point, I was surprised it was affordable as it is.
Can you make a video of the speed of the polar for leather patch engraving and cutting?
My Glowforge is CRAP! It was still in warranty at the time when the glue that bonded the glass lid to the hinge failed. It was a huge surprise when the glass lid popped right off. I contacted Glowforge customer service and confirmed the warranty and they wanted me to pay $200 + shipping fee to ship it back to have the glass/hinge repaired. From that point on... I've been disappointed with the company and discouraged to use my Glowforge. I honestly thought they're going to send me a pre-paid postage sticker to send it back for repairs & being that is under warranty, i thought the repairs would be free. It is now an expensive paperweight and taking up space in my house.
Hi, what laser setup would be best for table top coaster making ? Using tile, wood, cork cloth and so on. I just want to focus on coaster making only. Thanks.
And you videos are great.
I would love a CO2 desktop laser primarily for cutting acrylics (though I’d love to do some wood projects as well). The price point of the Polar is appealing but I am also looking at the Full Spectrun Muse 3D-could you compare the too? What makes the Muse 3D worth so much more? Is it really an overall better investment?
My whole lean is the acrylics aswell
I keep thinking I want a laser but then I realize that I would use it like twice a year. They are super cool and I want one but just can't justify it. Better to know someone who has one than buy my own.
Thanks for the vid
Kind of like having a truck, sometimes it just better to have a friend with one ;)
Do you have a teaser/ overview video of the content I will learn from your omtech/lightburn course? Im very interested in purchasing this, I would like to know more. Thanks!
I just got mine yesterday and came from glowforge so was super nervous about how user friendly it would be. Everything worked great out of the box- I followed Cam’s setup instructions. I had a couple initial hiccups running it with my Mac (no usb and I needed a usb to usb c conversion and then still my Mac not recognizing it for whatever reasons and next trying to run it through a gfci outlet was a no go and still trying to figure out Wi-Fi/Ethernet connection stuff). But now running lightburn on my daughter’s pc it is working great. Much more powerful /fast/capable than my glowforge plus and wow for the price. If you follow the unboxing and setup videos that are on UA-cam, read the manual thoroughly, then it doesn’t take long to understand it and get running. TBD if I can get my Mac to recognize it. Also 7mm hold down pins was my first cut and that appears to be the sweet spot
Glad to know its shipping and was pretty easy to get set up!
Did u try running parallels or something like that to see if it worked?
Jill,
Which machine did you get?
My GF just died and instead of getting the refurbished model they're offering at a "discounted" price, I'm considering a new machine but lightburn scares me, lol.
Would love to hear what you ended up with and how it's going now.... thanks
Did you ever end up getting this to work with your Mac? I have a Mac with no USB (highly annoying that Apple took out the USBs on the MacBook pros...like seriously...WHY) and I have had issues with using the USB conversions and the dumb mac still not recognizing items.
How do the three CO2 machines you mentioned fare when compared for noise output? The 60 watt machine in your video, is the $530 chiller that they sell with it worth the money? I am looking to move up to a CO2 laser from Diode lasers, what sort of things am I going to have to adjust my mind to when doing so? What important practices are more important with one than the other? And is there any sort of rotary tool that works with the 60W Floor model?
You said you use the tracing feature of the laser itself. What does that mean? Just laying out the work piece to cut out with the outline of the work?
My wife recently went from a Glowforge Plus to a Thunder 100w Nova 51. She’s doing ok with the transition to light burn but still having trouble using the rotary attachment. Any recommendations or tips I can pass along to her?
Great video! Would any of these machines be appropriate for cutting thin aluminum sheets? Or what would you recommend for that? Thanks!
Great breakdown. Is the working area deep enough for Yeti tumblers on the polar? I see the rotary but it doesn’t look very deep.
Heard someone say you have to life it up a bit. These desktop laser all have two things in common, they always charge $$$ than a similar watt laser and they barely can fit a tumbler without modification. Not worth the $$$
@@7stitches977 more than a bit. 1.18 in to 2.91 in for it with the rotary.
Glowforge’s demise is their “software” (and technically price). Forcing you to use their proprietary cloud crap and then changining it to force you to pay a subscription. I wish I never saw their video and that Adam Savage wasn’t involved. We would have never wasted $5000 for the pro (we were “founders”).
Seeing this is disheartening that a hell of a lot better laser is cheaper.
Starter-question: Where is the main difference between LED- and CO2-laser in possible material or thickness?
Can these machines engrave tumblers? Glass mugs? Ceramic mugs? Thanks in advance 😊
Can I use Adobe or Silhouette business with the Omtech polar?
You'll need to use other software like Lightburn (paid) or RDWorks (free). But I've made lots of designs in Photoshop/Illustrator and then import them then. So as long as you can can make a vector file for doing cuts or a jpg/png for images you'll be good to go!
@@makeorbreakshop Great! Thank you!
Are you still recommending the polar? I watched the video but noticed that it is over a year old. Looking to add a Co2 desktop laser to my shop.
Omtech and all these videos seem to ignore some things. Like they are dirty secrets. Omtechs PR stuff says engrave wood acrylic rubber leather but glass is not mentioned and considering that the depth is 30-70mm (1.18 to 2.9 inches) glasses/mugs/beer steins don't seem possible. 2 emails to OMT and no reply and no reply from their FB page. Also nothing on replacing the tube. Can we do it or does it need a tech or sent in ? And the power supply is it replacable off the shelf or a special built one ? End user replaceable or service call/tech/sent in
@INBOX ME ON TELLEGRAM 👉MakeOrBreakShop ????
@makeorbreakshop Just wondering if you can fit a piece of material that is 12x12 on the Polar's cutting bed? I realize that the cutting area is 11.8 or something like that but can you still fit a 12x12 inch piece of material flat on the cutting surface? Also would this be able to cut 6mm Acrylic on a regular basis?
Thanks again for all the great videos.
It seems like your Omtech prices are way off right now, I just looked and the Polar is showing right around $4000 while the Gwike Cloud is $2800.
I thought it might be because Omtech is showing me Canadian prices but no, the CAD price is only $3600.
Hello. How long does a laser tube last? Let's say you're producing 500 ornaments per week.
I can't decide between the Polar and the OMTech...
phone support? At omtech? Idk if that’s true. I spent 3 months trying to get customer service and never had phone support. It was all email. That said, I do like my k40 machine.
Hey, I was just on your website trying to find the laser test file download. I eventually found it (great tool, thank you so much) but it took a bit of surfing around until I found it in one your review pages. I understand why you would have it embedded in a review, logically it makes sense in that spot and it also drives more clicks around your site, but could you add a link under one of the resources? Or add a new resource for utilities that has the test file and other useful utils? That would be awesome.
Great point, will do!
Is the customer service based in the United States? Currently have an XTool and their customer service is not great.
not going to pay over 900 for any laser, its completely stupid if someone does.
Cloud-based only...? subscription....?? Yeah, that'd be a big fat NO from me GlowForge.
Thanks for the review, I’m thinking of purchasing one in the future. Do you know if the Omtech 60W machine is able to cut clear or frosted acrylic?
Depends on the thickness, but these CO2 machines shouldn't have a problem with acrylics of reasonable thicknesses, like diode ones have. Its not about the power, but absorbtion spectrum of acrylics, which works better with CO2 wavelength.
@@ayasugihada thank you
I have owned an Omtech 100W 24x36 for more than a year. The only thing I disagree with in your video is the "Omtech has great technical support." In my actual experience, every issue is responded to (in emails - no return calls) is to clean everything and refocus the machine. In fact, they didn't even read my email, which asked about being able to buy the on/off pushbutton switch that is sticking, and their response was to ignore me. I asked to pay for a service call. At this point I have actually convinced two people to buy a competitors model and I am working on my third person. I purchased the laser and requested support from the Anaheim California location, but I have not seen anything to let me know that the entire company is not represented by the same lousy service. I would be fine with their lack of help, but even when I asked if there was anyone who could help, I was met with silence. I was finally able to find someone who does service for Laser in LA, and I was happy to pay for the help. I am very disgusted with Omtech's complete lack of service. If you are going to buy a laser, try to find someone who has and uses one. Service / Customer Service / repair is very hard to find.
Do the lasers have a lifespan? If so, how do they compare?
I the website says 10000 hours but YMMV. It will burn out faster if you're doing a lot of heavy lifting.
God it would be amazing to watch a laser cutter operate at 400 meters per second 🤣
ha, amazing what one small "m" can do in a typo
We've all done it
Hey man. Do you know if you can buy these anywhere, if you aren't from US or UK? :-/ Can't find anywhere to buy from (i'm from Denmark)
Would this machine die cut through .035” HDPE? Or is there something else on the market that would better suit what I’m needing?
Hello! Would you know if Omtech has a trade-in/buy back program? For people who wants to buy a smaller OMtech machine but eventually want to upgrade?
I received my Polar 350 today. I also own a zf3551, a FSL PS20, and a custom-built 5w UV.
I bought it thinking I could use it as a semi-portable.
Here's my thoughts:
1) Not really meant to be portable.
2) Very fast from uncrating to lasering.
3) In Lightburn, unless I'm missing something, the focus (z-offset) has to be set for every layer.
4) Camera calibration was easy - except a bit inaccurate (so I guess not as easy as it seemed). It would not even detect the dot pattern unless I opened the lid part way. It seemed like Lightburn doesn't like the 180 pano camera lens, but this is my first machine with a camera. I'll fiddle more tomorrow.
What can you do with this machine? 🤔
Exacly how compatible is the Polar with Lightburn? Are you able to use ALL of the Polar's features with Lightburn, or only some of the features? Such as the camera, auto focus etc?
Asking because I just got the Xtool P2 that claims to be compatible with Lightburn, and yes, it sort of is, however its VERY limited. Cant use cameras, no auto focus and I have to manually put in stats of my cut material each time. It sucks. Pretty much have to use the Xtool software which is nowhere near as good as Lightburn! I'm considering getting the Polar instead.
I've been trying to find a laser engraver with an auto focus Z adjustment. I've watched a ton of your videos and they are very informative! I've heard you mention in a few of them that it is possible to get the auto focus on the Z, but the only laser I've heard you say that supports this is the Glowforge. I am not really a big fan of the glowforge due to the price and the monthly subscription... ridiculous! But I'd really appreciate it if you could point me in a the direction of an autofocusing laser! I'm wondering because one of the main products I currently produce is full of 3D contours that I think would look incredible with engravings on them.
Can the omtech polar cut 1/4 acrylic?
Okay so OMTECH polar or G-machine overall? I know polar is brand new so that worries me but I do like US based.
I would like to buy my first laser machine a OMtech MF 1220 -50R 50W but I’m scared how to handle the area to cut if there’s no camera to see where to put the design I want to cut in a piece of material that I already been using but still has space to use it.
Hi powered... 40 watts..... we made it to the big leagues, have fun cutting 1/4 inch of anything except baltic birch.
do either of these have a pass through for longer items?
Will the polar work well with material that isn’t level? You mentioned about the auto focusing with the rock but would it truly be an issue in most circumstances?
I know this is kinda off the beating path - but since you briefly featured your MF2028-60, do you happen to have any data on that machine's precision? @omtechlaser doesn't publish it, and I've been trying to get an answer from them for a week or so now. Kinda concerning that this isn't readily available from them.
I have a K40, and they actually do publish a 0.010" precision rating for that machine, but nothing for the 55 or 60W machines. Anyways - figured I'd ask you because you've been using OMTech for a while. Thanks MOBS!
glowforge forged ahead in price and lost me lol glowforge pricing itself out of the market and having a monthly fee. no way
What laser would you recommend to cut out leather patches for hats? Not for hobby, but for production.
Are you wearing a timbers shirt? PTFC!
What Priz
the difference in work enviroments for this machine smells of silhouette vs cricut
Does any one know what the laser eye safety protocol should be for the OMTech Polar vs the 60W? It looks like the 60W has laser safety glass on top while the Polar has clear glass. I assume the clear glass will pass reflected laser light. Does that means that one would have to wear safety glasses when in the room with the Polar but not the 60W?