Well, it's here! I received my Glowforge in the mail and it has been busy working through my first few creations!
Upon arrival, I unboxed my new baby and got her all set up. The trickiest part for me was getting it connected to my wifi. It requires a 2.4Ghz connection and my provider generally uses both connection levels interchangeably, which caused the Glowforge app not to see my wifi on the system at all. It really only came down to creating separate networks for my two different speeds on the Xfinity account website. It wasn't all that difficult, but I imaging it would be a big hurdle if I wasn't already comfortable navigating these types of tech issues. I recorded and posted a video of my unboxing and initial projects.
Once I got the Glowforge setup, I began with the first recommended project, the Gift of Good Measure. This is a little ruler keychain. As I ran this first project, I noticed some smoke coming out from under the lid. I was so worried that I had made a mistake putting this thing in my house. Then I realized my newbie error... when I set up my ventilation out the window. I used a connector with a sliding door. Silly me, I forgot to open the dang door before I started the print! Lesson learned!! The second run went smooth as butter and I was in love. I featured my second project in my video. It was a small snap-together box with a lid. It turned out great and was my first attempt at adding my own personal logo to a design. Here, I learned how a gray-scale can effect the depth of an engraving - super cool feature as it can help create gradients!
The last project of the night was for a custom order. I will save the details for after the gift is delivered, but I was really excited about it - and I look forward to sharing it soon.
My next creation was completely my own design of a 100 Chart Number puzzle. I have had something similar before, but my design worked out the kinks I have found in other models. The puzzle includes a double-sided board with numbers engraved on one side and blank spaces on the other. The 100 numbered pieces fit onto either side of the puzzle and the board's divided sections allow for accidental bumps or tilts without losing progress. Many similar boards are made or plastics or do not have the section dividers allowing pieces to slip and move around. This puzzle is an excellent tool for building number sense and fine motor skills. I am really pleased with this design and I know you will be too, if you choose to order one of these for a little one in your life! Check out my video showing off the new design:
My next creation was completely my own design of a 100 Chart Number puzzle. I have had something similar before, but my design worked out the kinks I have found in other models. The puzzle includes a double-sided board with numbers engraved on one side and blank spaces on the other. The 100 numbered pieces fit onto either side of the puzzle and the board's divided sections allow for accidental bumps or tilts without losing progress. Many similar boards are made or plastics or do not have the section dividers allowing pieces to slip and move around. This puzzle is an excellent tool for building number sense and fine motor skills. I am really pleased with this design and I know you will be too, if you choose to order one of these for a little one in your life! Check out my video showing off the new design:
Today I updated my ventilation setup with a slide-fitted window insert which houses the ventilation hoses for both my Glowforge and AC unit using my own laser for a custom fit! So cool to be able to create my own solutions for household needs!
I will be working on some other custom designs over the weekend including some customizable holiday ornaments, home decor items, and some other puzzle activities. If you are interested in any of the designs I have already created, or have ides of your own, feel free to reach out or place an order on my Etsy shop!
I am sincerely so thrilled with my investment. I know I have only dusted the surface of what I can do with the Glowforge and I am so excited for the future of it all. Remember, if you have any interest in getting your own Glowforge, you can save up to $500 on your own with my referral link.
I am sincerely so thrilled with my investment. I know I have only dusted the surface of what I can do with the Glowforge and I am so excited for the future of it all. Remember, if you have any interest in getting your own Glowforge, you can save up to $500 on your own with my referral link.