Turns out we were both right. The information about the filter performance issue was in an email to filter customers. As far as I can tell it wasn’t in an official forum post, though it was posted by a forum member. I didn’t order a filter so did not get that email.
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I know I saw it somewhere! I was at the point thinking that maybe it was a live video chat or something else outside the site since it wasn’t showing up in search. The search feature in the forum can be hit or miss, but it was bothering me that I couldn’t find it. I starting to think it was the Mandela Effect (or whatever it was called in the last season of the X-Files).
I would assume once they get a working prototype filter unit, they will beta test with select users (either public or private beta). Maybe someone who does nothing but leather to get an idea of how well and how long the filter lasts. (The last time I tried to do leather I have a great idea what wet, burnt dog hair probably smells like. Yes it was PG and made me turn down a paid project involving wool in the GF).
I know there was a couple of questions asked several times about the heat the filter produced. Would the filter increase the temp of air being sucked into the GF by a degree or two? or would back pressure running through the filter be an issue in high heat situations?
Remember a post from dan about the air filter having it"s own exhaust fan(s). If the design is working correctly I wouldn’t think any back pressure is created.
I don’t know. I just remember that being one of the questions that wasn’t answered.
What was the date of that email? I can’t find it.
I received an email specific to my Pro Glowforge delivery status on Oct 12th 2017. In my version it did not mention the filter because I did not order a filter. Assume those that ordered a filter received a modified email with text similar to that below. The date of the email may have been the same, or not.
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That’s weird. I did not get my email until October 25, and it stated:
We now have a new, estimated shipping date for the Air Filter you ordered. The Air Filter is running behind schedule and has not started production, so the date provided is a more rough estimate, and we’ll be working to refine it.
You can now find the shipping estimate for your Air Filter on your Account Page on Glowforge.com.
I am a filter customer; I ordered on Day Two.
Thanks for the helpful response.
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I received the updated email on shipment on 10/10/17. Everyone has a different date for scheduled delivery. See below from DAN replying directly to my post via e-mail to me:
Dan replied to my post with the following:
dan glowforge@discoursemail.com Unsubscribe
10/11/17
to me
dan Staff
October 11
markwkruse:
Production on the Glowforge Air Filter you ordered has been delayed, and is estimated to ship to you on 04/18/18.
That’s the date your filter is scheduled for delivery - others have different dates, starting in January.
Unfortunately the filter is powered by Fusion, which as anyone interested in the field knows is just 10 years away perpetually…
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Arriving sooner than the cure for cancer (as if there is only one) which is just 20 years away.
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And I thought a lot of folk had that on their computers?
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Crazy, I don’t remember seeing that email at all. 
I placed my order in April of 2016. The first estimate that I can remember seeing for the air filter was July, then while logging in to check on it months later I noticed it changed to September. I logged in today to confirm that my suspicions of another later date, were true, it’s now November.
A couple of months back I had prepared a lengthy post offering to sell my Glowforge to anyone I could personally deliver it to (avoid shipping costs) as it is sitting on my dining room table waiting for its filter. I wish I hadn’t opted to receive it as soon as it became available as I live in a condo and literally can’t use it without its filter (now it’s extended warranty is depleting month by month with no use). I was a little too excited to receive it and figured I could use the original 5 month wait to build a table for it and set up the room for it. Instead, due to our open floor-plan, it just sits there and mocks me on a daily basis for my own foolish impatience. 
Despite being bummed, I will say it is beautiful. And while I dust it every few days I realize I have something else I can prepare for it while I wait for its filter, a dust cover. Has anyone designed/sewed a dust cover for theirs?
And thank you OP for posting this question, I have been wondering for the past several months the same questions.
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You can’t put the vent hose out of a window? It doesn’t have to be air proof either. Let me know if you need any help.
I would look into an alternative in fact I did buy this and though difficult to connect the 4 inch to ten inch connection, it can certainly allow you to use your machine.
We had originally started looking into similar solutions back in January, but were concerned with causing subtle but lasting damage after reading specs between the two. And perhaps if we had known that the wait was going to be more like 11+ months back then, perhaps the $650 price tag for a temporary bandaid might have been worth it. We had also considered cancelling when we first got our email and going with another brand of laser that simply includes a filter, but truly wanted the Glowforge.
Unfortunately no. Our HOA is cray cray. We live on the 2nd floor and got in trouble for having one potted plant on our balcony… don’t even know how they knew about, you had to be hunting for it to even see it from down there. If we had a hose going out our window to the degree of the Glowforge documents, we would definitely have it callled in. (And our windows are these huge windows that open outward on a hinge, so it really would be obvious). I convinced hubby to buy a pet sliding door insert, and now we are tasked with trying to adapt it to fit the hose out 3feet onto the patio without being visible from below.
Thanks for offering the support though, this is such a great community.
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You really don’t need a long extension outside. A simple dryer flap is enough as long as the rest of the window opening is sealed with a piece of plywood or in your case some clear plexi.
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Maybe you need to watch reruns of Hogan’s Heroes for ideas on concealing the exhaust?
A few people have posted dust covers:
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