Where to get good materials for laser projects?

Laserbits.com is also a good source.

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I think it would be a good idea to include a sample pack with the machine. This way we get to see what it can do and it would encourage us to order more of what we like from the store. Thanks for the posts guys.

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It’s a great idea mxjoker. Check out this thread; I’d love to hear your suggestions about what a sample project should be.

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Great resource for Thin Boards! The Flat Rate shipping is more than awesome!

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Wow, the idea to laser cut the packaging material for a project, is an insanely good idea. I want that! :smiley:

I got this sample box of laser-engravable products from Bur-Lane at the ISA2015 trade show. I don’t know if they send out sample kits by mail, but it could be worth asking. I saw on their site that they have digital and print catalogs available.

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CHEAP AS HECK LEATHER!

I’ve found quite a few places to buy cheap leather to experiment on, but the most out of control deals are on this Facebook group, “Leather Swap, Trade, or Sell”: https://www.facebook.com/groups/147800435424123/?fref=nf

Last week I bought twelve 6-8’ square hides for a grand total of $48.

Today, someone has a lot of 25 lbs of veg-tanned leather pieces for $50. All the pieces are between hand-sized and 4x that or so.

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This interested me immediately because I’m hoping to do some work with leather when I get the Glowforge. Unfortunately, their rules would leave people like me out, as they require proof that I have done leatherwork…which I have not…yet. Good resource though for those that have already done leather work.

Good point, @Xabbess! Here is another group that’s just as good and doesn’t have that restriction, and has many cross posts with the other group. It also allows sales of leatherwork tools, which is a nice bonus.

Leather Tools, Patterns, and Leather–For Trade Or Sale: https://www.facebook.com/groups/484035025024607/

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Thank you. I’ve bookmarked that site.

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You could always try typing in “leather goods” on google maps, and cold calling all the local companies that show up. I’m sure that there are still many who do not think about or bother to sell or recycle their scrap.

I met a bootmaker this past weekend, who, after hearing about the glowforge and what I might be able to do with it for his business, offered me scraps of their 10oz veg-tanned leather that they currently throw away. I gave him my number, and i really hope he calls. Free scraps to play with and a possible B2B sales connection? yes please.

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Thanks for the tip Morgan. Are you wearing horns??? :smiling_imp:

I was Hell’s Libarian for Halloween a few years ago. :stuck_out_tongue:

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Ny neighbor across the stree I noticed his work truck is a cabinetry contactor, I asked if he works with veneers and thinner wood pieces, No Im hoping I have a soiurce as Ive asked him so save anyu scraps. He pulled oua a beautifil maple 1 inch by 5 in by about 24 inches for me to try something with. ( MY make some pen blanks to turnm but also got some mdf with veneer laminate from him,. Now for the laser… need to get that cheep chinese laser up and running. Got one last week 0 still havent had time to look at it.

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When you get your laser reward his generosity by making him something with some of the material he provides, perhaps his logo… you never know where that might lead.
Cabinetry would likely yield a nice assortment of scrap. Trash for him, but valuable material for you.
Great resource!

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You mention CNC, but isn’t the Glowforge also technically a CNC (computer numerical control) machine? It seems like people usually mean routers when they talk about CNC, but it seems like GF is a CNC laser cutter. Am I wrong?

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I agree with you, it is a CNC Laser cutter.

Glowforge is a “3D Laser Printer”. Ready, Set, Debate! (Just kidding, please don’t. It’s been done.)

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I’m also curious about this, why do you recommend getting a CNC to compliment your Glowforge?

Not to answer for Dan but giving my own answer. Smart tools complement each other. Right now I have a 3d printer and a small CNC router (handibot) and I am all the time “cross-pollinating” I make jigs on the 3d printer for the cnc. Finished maker projects often have parts from both in the finished product. I am looking forward to having a laser cutter to make that perfect triad of maker madness!

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