Glowforge Talk Show #5 - Maker Faire Bay Area Recap With Special Guest!

[pomwah]

@ihermit2

I wouldn’t say maintenance free. So far we know the filter will need to be replaced eventually depending mostly on what you cut and how often. The mirrors/windows will likely need an occasional lint free wipe. And the laser tube itself while user replaceable is not user serviceable so will need to be replaced.

If, as @smcgathyfay has found with her lasers, the tube will need replacing in 8 to 13+ years I’m pretty sure I’d be happy to call that the life of the machine.

@smcgathyfay

The only time Ive ever had to realign my mirror ( and theres only one that can be adjusted) was when I installed a new laser cartridge…after 8+ years of owning it.My 13 year old laser has never needed adjustments.

Agreed, replacing the filter counts as maintenance, I had neglected that in my thinking. ATM, I wouldn’t really count wiping the mirrors as maintenance, depends how difficult it is.

[smcgathyfay]

@pomwah

If, as @smcgathyfay has found with her lasers, the tube will need replacing in 8 to 13+ years I’m pretty sure I’d be happy to call that the life of the machine

That’s for Universal lasers…the Glowforge has a different type of laser tube…more like 1-2 years life. span…

@dan

The tubes we’re using are rated by the manufacturer for two years. They’re custom tubes, so we’re collecting our own lifecycle data on them; two years is likely for light use, but under heavy use, they might not last as long.

[pomwah]

@smcgathyfay

That’s for Universal lasers…the Glowforge has a different type of laser tube…more like 1-2 years life. span…

Aha. You learn something new every day. Serves me right for not paying more attention to the details.

[MikeH]

Looks to me like you found an excellent compromise. That is a very well-rounded group and I always learn something from each show. Too bad you can’t bring Josh in, but that probably wouldn’t be fair to Josh - he’d be inundated with questions he couldn’t answer…