Nice!
Addictive isn’t it? 
@apix, I’m considering one of these machines to use until my GF arrives. Before I pull the trigger, though, I’ve got some questions: In checking out the listings on ebay, some of them say for the 60w the max cut is 5mm. Can that be right? That’s not even 1/4". Have you tried it on 1/4" material? Also, I use Illustrator for my designing. What kind of issues will I have with the software provided? Once the software is set up, will it cut/engrave as expected? Anything else you could tell us about the software would be very helpful!
It’s a 50 watt tube, possibly less but I’ve cut through a 1/4" of wood no problem.
The software is rdworks, you can download it online. Havnt had any issues with imports
Thanks! I think I’ll go ahead and order.
I’m not an expert by any means; but from what I’ve seen around, “autofocus” for other lasers appears to be a plunger switch on the head that determines the height of the part at one point. You many want to see what they mean by autofocus.
When I have tough decisions like this, I usually make a decision-matrix. It helps because it makes you take a step back and look what at what you actually want out of the tool. And it takes the emotion out of the process as well.
Hopefully you stay with the Glowforge! 
Spot on! Dan’s making it easy is the key to making it ubiquitous. (Looks like HP is trying to do the same with 3D Printing - additive manufacturing with their new JetFusion printer.)
Im not an HP fan at all, but I have to say that thing looks SWEET
Will this unit accommodate a rotary attachment?
Yea It has a connection on the bed for a rotary, I have one ordered, should be here in a week or two
[quote=“joe, post:67, topic:2204”]
When I have tough decisions like this, I usually make a decision-matrix.
[/quote] Ya, me too. o_o
For us having a backup machine will be important since we will probably do at least some actual production with the machine, even if it’s only logo engraving on anodized aluminium parts (which looks very sweet). Since we’re not in the US, getting a second GF tube from day 1 would be preferable. Or even better, if the GF turns out to deliver on the laser utopia it promises, perhaps even a second GF… (Note to self: get one real GF first).
It would be interesting to see how the GF influences the market for other consumer lasers in the coming year or two though.
I’m definitely on the edge of cancelling my glowforge order because this thing is so impressive, I’m not sure I need 2.
Buuuuuuut I still havnt canceled and il think il wait It out a bit. The thing that scares me the most after seeing the laser is all the smoke it produces and how the glowforge will be made of plastic. The laser is so powerful that I would be afraid to cut clean through the glowforge.
But the US brand, US support and US software is what is keeping me going! Il be checking out the glowforge at the maker faire on Sunday thanks to glowforge! Can’t wait to check it out
Really, it’s sunk cost now right? 
If you plan to do any business with it, then having the second is a good thing - helps if one has an issue to have a backup.
I’m sticking with my GF order and will convert my K40 into a large format one like yours (maybe 18x24 or 24x36) although “convert” is probably a misnomer as I’ll be essentially building from scratch but it lets She Who Must Be Obeyed think that I’m reusing an old tool to make a new tool 
The bed size of the GF is the one thing I wish I could change. But, with the GF for quick, easy and non-design intensive work and a big one for when it’s worth diddling around with the software issues that these all bring (all I want is a “printer” driver from Adobe Illustrator - is that too much to ask for? 
).
I wouldn’t worry about cutting thru the glowforge, after the 1/2" focal length @dan said the power is dramatically lowered, plus it has a laser proof grid on the bottom made into honeycomb shape to break up the beam.
Also, if you decide to cut without the honeycomb in there:
I went ahead and ordered the laser cutter I was talking about. It was too good of a deal to pass up. I got them down to $3500 including shipping with every option. I am still keeping my GF order.
Let us know what you think of it!
Just got back from the Bay Area maker faire and got to meet Bailey and a few other employees!
I saw Dan walking around a few time since he towers over most of the crowd
The glowforge looks slick! The metal bezel around the top/lid looks amazing. Everything about it looks quality even though it’s plastic.
I didn’t see it running much at all besides a few hand drawn traces since the crowd was insane.
Soooo I’ve decided not to cancel my order after seeing it in person. It looks wonderful and brought me back to when I originally preordered it. The main reason is the software, i don’t think I’ve ever trust myself enough to stick a MacBook in my China laser cutter because of alignment
Yep that’s me too. While they are doing some interesting things with the hardware, the real difference is in the software - ease of use. It’s a laser for the living room. Plug & play is something I’m looking forward to. Not because I can’t manage it through the software transforms from AI to CorelLaser to laser but because I shouldn’t have to. It takes time and that limits some of the flexibility to try new things.
I’ll keep the Chinese laser as a backup