Should the lid be completely flush with the top?

I’ve been having some minor issues with smoke / smell. One thing I noticed is that the top of my GF lid does not sit completely flush with the glass on the top.

When I first got it, there was some friction / sticking / grinding to get the lid open / the drawer open, etc.

Any thoughts?

No worries. The lid center glass and side glass is not flush on any of the machines. However the front top left and top right lid corners should be reasonably flush with the sides. If not, your unit may not be sitting perfectly flat. Shimming the corners under the unit’s foot runners will usually make the lid fit a little better and flush at the top front corners.

If smoke is entering the room during operation the culprit is almost always a bad vent seal or other obstruction with the venting arrangement. Many of us are using metal foil tape to better seal the connection at the machine and other end of the vent hose. The fans create a negative pressure inside the unit during operation. Even very large cracks, including the Pro pass thru will not normally leak smoke. After the fans shut down residual smell/smoke (hopefully very little) will often enter the room.

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Thanks! I will check if it is level or not.

Where the crumb tray door sits - on the left and right… I can see into the machine. This is not necessarily related to the top issue, but shouldn’t those be sealed for smoke & laser leaks?

I’m guessing you can’t actually see completely into the machine but are looking past the door into a plastic edge of the case. Laser light won’t go around corners. As far as smoke coming out… Again during operation it should not. Only after the fans stop when most of the smoke is supposed to already be vented. It’s not 100% though which is why some want more control of the fans. Doesn’t bother me or my large studio space.

You can’t seal all of the cracks and if the fans are working correctly should not need to do so. Think of the very large slot in the front and back of the Pro units. It’s a huge gap and was engineered to work that way.

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From what I can gather from customer support the lid should be flush, but it will be based on the surface you’re placing it on. All machines are tested on magical granite slabs polished by woodland elves with diamond dust and laser levelers or some such thing.

Mine was pretty level but still wouldn’t close easily, after being told it was tested by woodland creatures I forced it shut a few times and that seemed to help align the lid a bit better and close more or less fully.

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Thanks @rpegg!
@ntl, would you please have a look at the troubleshooting guide with illustrations here: https://glowforge.com/support/topic/troubleshooting/print#excessive-smoke-or-fumes-during-print

If you’re still seeing or smelling excessive smoke or fumes when using Proofgrade materials, we’re here for you. Write us again and send us:

  • The name of the material you’re using
  • A description of where the smoke/fumes are coming from: the door, lid, or hose
  • When you smell the fumes: during the print or after it has completed
  • Photos of your Glowforge and your exhaust system
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Will do.

Thanks -