Recently I went to check out a 24x36" boss laser that was for sale down the street from me. I was curious as to how it would compare with the glowforge. Ive heard great things about boss lasers and their support/customer service, so I was really interested in trying some engraves on it.
The guy selling it told me that it could do 3d engraves, so I took some spare material over and let him run one through. This was the result:
Suffice to say, it doesnt do 3d. I told him good day sir and went back home to run this same engrave on the glowforge. A little while later these popped out.
2 pass on the left, 1 pass on the right.
What glowforge has made is really remarkable. I love this little laser.
P.S. This post is specifically comparing 3D/single pass variable power output capabilities, not photo reproduction which is single power stippled. Please read my in depth response below for more details