Help. Trying to print my very first project, the gift box on a sheet of paper. I follow the directions, the Glowforge aura turns on. I push the start button at the right time and the laser head moves with the laser flashing on and off, as if it is printing, but the sheet of paper never gets touched. What am I doing wrong? I can’t seem to find a step by step description of what to do to make a successful print. Where do I go to get the “walk through” that was in the initial setup instructions? I am a moderate computer user; I’ve been using the Silhouette craft machine for 14 years, so I know how to follow directions. I’m ready to learn this new technology now, but beginner step by step help seems to be hiding on me.
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Welcome to the forum. What color is the paper you’re wanting to use?
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Ditto to the colour question - the Aura is a blue laser so it does not work on white/clear/blue materials.
- but the section you’re looking for is here:
Probably specifically the Design and Print Tutorials section:
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Thank you.
| deirdrebeth Regular
May 5 |
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Ditto to the colour question - the Aura is a blue laser so it does not work on white/clear/blue materials.
- but the section you’re looking for is here:
Learn – Glowforge
Not sure where to begin? Look here for tutorials, guides, and other resources to become a Glowforge know-it-all!
Probably specifically the Design and Print Tutorials section:
Design and Print Tutorials – Glowforge
Eager to get printing? We’ve got you! These step-by-step guides will teach you everything from design to assembly on dozens of inspiring…
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FIRST thing, grab a sheet of something proofgrade and see if it cuts. We/you need to know if it’s a bad machine or bad settings.
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I’ll try that; the thought never entered my mind. Thanks.
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The description mentioned a plain piece of paper, which I discovered is misleading because I used a plain piece of white paper. Then I tried a piece of red paper which produced a very, very faint image of the gift box with just one slight “scratch” resembling the left side of a parentheses towards the top.
Was this red proof grade material?
If not, how did you come up with your settings? The machine needs to be told specifically how fast to move, and how much power to use.
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This is what I have not been able to find. Specific instructions on settings. On the very first attempt with the gift box, which was supposed to include some kind of a walk-through, it said to use a plain piece of paper, with no further description. So, I used a plain piece of white paper. Of course, nothing worked. There was no mention of any settings at all. Is there such a thing as step by step instructions for newbies. I have looked everywhere that I could find. It just told me to click on the gift box image and there were no further instructions.
The instructions are all under the links that were posted above, that you thanked them for.
You were also advised when you completed setup to go there to learn about your machine before you try to use it. Most people ignore that prompt.
It may seem overwhelming, but there are a few basic things to learn about your machine. Custom settings for non-ProofGrade materials (known as “manual mode”) is one. Maintenance is another - and is especially important on the craft lasers as they require much more maintenance.
The link directly to the page to learn about Manual Mode is:
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Thank, I’m a little impatient and I’m discovering new info as I continue to learn.
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We’ve all been there! I’d recommend a couple of things to really jumpstart your learning curve.
First, there’s a direct help page about your exact issue, I’m surprised no one has linked to it for you:
https://support.glowforge.com/hc/en-us/sections/11794574992667-Print-Issue
It’s called “Print isn’t marking material (Aura)”, and there’s one for the performance models too (for anyone else who may read this).
The second thing I’d recommend is what everyone else is getting at: Spending some time reading posts here will really help. I promise it’s time well spent. I maintain a FAQ of stuff that nearly everyone needs to know at some point or another.
Given that you have an Aura and you don’t want to spend too much time reading right off the bat (who does?), I’d recommend looking at #1, #5 and #5a first. Then scan through the topics just to see what’s covered. That way when you hit a speedbump later you’ll have a sense of what the FAQ can help you with.
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Thank you; This is what I need (besides slowing down, finding patience and breathing)
| evansd2
May 5 |
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ed_gaudet:
a little impatient
We’ve all been there! I’d recommend a couple of things to really jumpstart your learning curve.
First, there’s a direct help page about your exact issue, I’m surprised no one has linked to it for you:
https://support.glowforge.com/hc/en-us/sections/11794574992667-Print-Issue
It’s called “Print isn’t marking material (Aura)”, and there’s one for the performance models too (for anyone else who may read this).
The second thing I’d recommend is what everyone else is getting at: Spending some time reading posts here will really help. I promise it’s time well spent. I maintain a FAQ of stuff that nearly everyone needs to know at some point or another.
Common problems/questions Glowforge Tips and Tricks
Hello! You’ve been referred to this post because you have a common problem or question. Check out the list below to see what this post can do for you. Just click on a topic that interests you. • 1: I’m new to Glowforge and really have no idea where to start • 1a: What other tools/materials should I buy to go with my Glowforge? • 1b: What are the overall best practices for my laser designs? • 2: All about masking/protecting your materials • 3: I want to design/make a box • 4: What materi…
Given that you have an Aura and you don’t want to spend too much time reading right off the bat (who does?), I’d recommend looking at #1, #5 and #5a first. Then scan through the topics just to see what’s covered. That way when you hit a speedbump later you’ll have a sense of what the FAQ can help you with.
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