We just received our Glowforge and air filter 2 weeks ago. Everything has been working great, until today. The room filled up with smoke as soon as the machine started engraving (air filter turned on full power because I was engraving my first larger project). Mind you, this air filter has only been used for maybe a total of 2 hours. We have only used it with the proofgrade material, sent by Glowforge, and only used on small projects. I have checked to make sure nothing was clogged, and everything was cleaned. From doing research, I saw somewhere that the replacement filters are around $250. If the filter is already full, then this almost $1000 filter was definitely worth our purchase. Anyone have any other suggestions? I have this machine set up in my office for work convenience.
The air filter should only need to go on full if you’ve been using it for a while and the lower powers aren’t working anymore…
If you used it with draftboard it may very well be full. MDF of any type (PG or otherwise) fills up filters incredibly quickly (though 2 hours would be surprising even for that). That’s why they don’t recommend you use it for MDF, and sparingly with plywood (which has an MDF core).
If you’ve been using it solely with hardwood or acrylic, then something else is the issue.
Many folks have talked about creating a pre-filter in order to get the larger particles out before they hit the fine filter. GF also recommends you run the filter fan for an additional time after you finish your job (1 hour engrave = 1 hour running of the fan) to clear out some of the extra particulate.
If you vent out a window do you have any issues with smoke?
I’m so sorry to hear that you ran into trouble.
Just to make sure I have all of the right information, I’d like to make sure that the settings for your Compact Filter are correct. The knob on the Compact Filter controls the power to the fan. If the power is too high or too low, your filter will not work properly. I’d like to make sure it’s turned to the right setting.
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- What setting is the knob on your Compact Filter turned to?
- If it’s currently on “New,” would you turn it to use the middle setting, halfway between “New” and “Full” and let us know if that eliminates the smoke and fumes while you print?
Also, would you mind sending over a photo of the top of the filter cartridge?
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Turn off and unplug your Compact Filter
The power switch is located on the back, next to the cord. Turn it off first, then unplug it from the wall. -
Open Compact Filter
There are four latches holding the top of the Compact Filter in place. Lift the bottom of all four latches to release them. -
Take a picture
Without removing it, take a picture of the top of the cartridge seated in the Compact Filter and send it in to us.
Once we can review your fan settings, and check the image of your filter cartridge, I’ll send over the next best steps.
Can y’all please add a high contrast indicator to that knob so people with tired old eyes like myself can answer that question?
Sharpie marker on the top of the knob. (It works. AMHIK.) 
It’s been a little while since I’ve seen any replies on this thread so I’m going to close it. If you still need help with this please either start a new thread or email support@glowforge.com.