I have the GF filter connected, and I have made approx. 7 small projects for practice and about four bigger projects. I use the recommended wood supplied through the Glowforge catalog.
I was working on a small sign and the smoke began to poor out of all the cracks on the GF.
I have the filter turned to max and it is barley drawing smoke. I would hate to think that a $250 filter has such a short life span.
Are there any recommendation to get it back to full capacity?
At $1,000 for the filter system and $250 for replacement filters, it would have been nice to see a lifespan estimate for various material uses. So a consumer can make a an educated choice before purchasing the filter system.
Per prior P&S posts it should only be on max if it needs to be - too much draw will weaken it. So turn it down to the middle, see if it works. If you’re still seeing smoke try turning it up just a little and see if that helps - if you try that and make it all the way back to max update this post and let 'em know!
Also, in case it got missed, for the greatest filter life they suggest you run the filter fan after the job for as long as the job was (so 2 minute job = 2 minute fan after the GF is done/ 2 hour job = 2 hour fan after the GF is done / etc.)
The Medium Maple Ply is about half MDF and eats filters. I have used a furniture fitting on a vacuum on that brown to fair effect and a washable prefilter before the gunk gets to the expensive filter is a really useful thing you can find in a grocery store for room ACs
I’m so sorry to hear about the trouble with the Compact Filter. When your Glowforge and Compact Filter are properly set up, you may have some harmless odor during printing which will rapidly dissipate. You may also smell something when you open the Glowforge lid after a print is complete. This is not harmful.
However, if you notice a strong, unpleasant or irritating odor when printing, or see smoke, shut off your Glowforge unit immediately. Smoke and fumes could be entering the room in excessive concentrations.
It’s been a while since we’ve heard from you, so I’m going to close this thread. If you are still having trouble, please start a new one or email us at support@glowforge.com