Thank you! Lots to learn!

I will be, you’ll need to bear with me though as I have lots to do and need to plan and release them over time but I’ll be getting on to them asap! Thanks for watching!

Hi Stephen, thanks for reaching out and a particularly BIG ThankYou for using my referral link! It means a lot! Have you joined my Glowforge UK Facebook Group? If not, please feel free to do so as there are many resources I've put together there that you may find really useful, including a Guide with lots of info including venting! To your issue. If you felt air coming out the back of the machine then it definitely sounds like your hose wasn't on tight enough, hence the smell. I got my AC Infinity Cloudline extractor from Amazon but you can shop around - I got the 6" version plus reducers to go from the 4" hose to 6" unit. I used foil tape, used in loft work, to help create a tight seal as well as crocodile clips - again all via Amazon. I actually put together an Amazon list of recommended accessories, tools and other optional extras - you can get this via the group. By joining, you'll also have ongoing support from myself and the community - I'm not paid by Glowforge but am recognised by them as an "unofficial" group for the UK and have built a close relationship with them so you'll be in good hands. If of course, you're already in the group, give me a shout so I know as there are 600+ others and I can't always keep up with who has joined and who hasn't among those I interact with outside of the group! Anyway, I hope this helps for now, do reach out again anyway you prefer if you need to and I'll get back to you asap!

I knew at least one person would appreciate that!

Hi there! thanks for reaching out! For me, it's been a steady process of learning, practicing and then sharing my experiences via a UK centric group on Facebook called Glowforge UK (catchy I know!) - I have other creative commitments and also manage long term chronic illness and other things like being agoraphobic and autistic - so progress is slower than I'd like but all in all, It's been a really interesting, exciting period that has driven me to enthusiastically encourage the popularity of the Glowforge here in the UK, as, in my opinion, it is an amazing, versatile machine that suits creatives from newbies to pros! The idea of the group is to help other people in the UK who are, as I use to be, interested in the 'possibility' of owning a Glowforge and want to know how the process works in regards to Importing, fees, and alternative ways to get materials and accessories that are not so accessible to us via the standard methods. Proof grade material is still only available via Glowforge themselves so it's not exactly an economical option but I hope there will eventually be a dedicated UK based agent for this one day - or at the very least an EU based supplier which would at least make it cheaper in terms of shipping! So I put together a Free Glowforge UK PDF Guide, accessible via the group, that contains a whole host of info I've collated over time, during my initial enquiries over the years and from my interactions with the official GF community since owning mine. There are many links to recommended material suppliers as well as software, apps and other resources that a Glowforge owner in the UK would find very helpful! I basically wanted to help people get the answers faster than I was able to! It also helps me out as It also gives me the opportunity to encourage people to utilise my referral code, albeit without obligation, to save money on the purchase of their machine, which , quite generously, Glowforge compensate me for with materials or a cash sum as a thank you. I've experimented a fair amount and there are short clips and photos of lots of the projects I've tried throughout my social media channels but I don't yet feel I'm at the stage of sharing 'How to's' and the likes via KZfaq just yet. I am however, working on a compilation video for my channel which will show-off some of these projects so far, so look out for that. One day I hope to be at a stage where I can confidently share and instruct an audience on how to create something but if I'm going to be honest, which I strive to be, I don't think I'm in any position to be doing that just yet! I do, of course, appreciate the encouragement and anyone who takes the time to reach out in interest and I'm happy to answer any further queries!

@@artistrobfuller Thanks for the info . My wife and I are exploring the possibility of hopefully making a passive income by making items on the GF. We are both very much amateurs with no experience but feel we have some good ideas. I won’t bombard you with anymore questions on here, I will sign up to Facebook and join the group. Sorry to hear of your illness but it sounds like you’re smashing it and will be a success regardless 👊🏼.

That’s very kind! I’ll look out for you to approve you to the group - I assume your initials are D and C ! And you can feel free to bombard me with all your questions on there! And do have a peruse through the guide too! See you there!

@@artistrobfuller Yes mate but I’m setting up Facebook account in a business name (yet to be decided) will let you know when I join so you can approve. Thanks again . Dave.

Top man!

Thank you! Yes one of the brilliant features of the Glowforge (and it looks awesome when you first turn it on too) is that the liquid is built in to the tube already! When you turn it on, you hear a weird gurgling sound as the tube fills up! It’s like something out of some futuristic movie! Although that may be a little hyperbolic to some! I found it fascinating though! There’s no refilling involved or anything like that. The caveat is that it’s not as simple to swap out if/when the tube needs replacement - it needs to be sent back to GF to do for you. It’s something that worried me, being in the UK but If well maintained, the tube has a bloody long life so a bit of TLC would be advised! Be sure to hit me up if you’ve any more questions and if you do ever get one, do take advantage of the referral system, be it through me or anyone (preferably me of course) so you can save up to $500 depending on the model you go for.

@@artistrobfuller Thanks ever so much. Yeah im looking seriously into getting one, simple and not bad on the eyes (Compared to a K40 or MUSE etc) The price is a little offensive, but with what im looking to use it for - it should pay for its self in no time. Shame there isn't a UK vendor who has them on a shelf as well as the "Bits and Bobs" needed. Thanks for answering the question Rob, pop some videos of the projects your working on. Stay safe.

Yes it’s definitely worth doing the research which is why I’m trying to do that for UK based enquirers - because I really struggled to find info in regards to purchasing a GF from the UK! You’re asking the same questions I did, difference is, I can help answer you and am glad to help. I’ll be uploading videos of my progression as I’m entirely new to laser cutting but all the info about being a GF owner in the UK will be the priority. I’ll be uploading a video soon that goes over the details in regards to import fees and the delivery process etc.

There are many laser machines in the uk but the ones that are close to this one in terms of ease of use, work area, power and facilities like in built camera, are far more expensive as far as I’m aware. I looked for a long time but found nothing that I would consider to be an ‘equivalent’ at a similar price. So this was much better value for money in the end, even with the export and shipping costs.