@rbtdanforth You’re right, I have an electric sander, wood glue, clamps. But because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, I also have a box of tiles, magnets, jewelry findings, a gazillion different materials I want to use, then I bought a printer, a vinyl cutter, a heat press, a new computer…Glowforge essentials I swear…
Here’s a video I put together a long time ago with some recommendations that seem to help a lot of people in the past:
I’ve done a few other helpful tips and tutorial videos that you may want to check out while your there. The one about an external fan is highly recommended too.
Same, I’ve actually been looking for a portable AC since the wall ac next to the glowforge isn’t doing it’s job. Also…my barn would have so many other tools that I’ll wonder why I ever bought a glowforge…and when it’s this hot and I can’t concentrate on my next project, I find myself internet window shopping for another project tool…today I spent half the morning looking at bage presses…I think I have a problem…but…at least I found ways to use most of this stuff
I forgot about duct tape. It was definitely an essential trying to get the masking off. But now that I mask my own stuff, I haven’t had to use the tape.
I’d say your most needed essentials are desire, willingness to learn and patience. The tools and supplies are easy to come by and easy to replenish but when frustration hits ( and it will)… press on. BTW- Welcome. You have already discovered the last essential in my book and that is this forum. Use it, get to know the other users. Read every post, past and closed. Make notes and use the book mark. And always feel free to ask questions.
Also, pick up a collection of any material you can afford (cardboard, paper, veg leather, etc) and do some experiments just to see what it can do. Don’t plan to far with these experiments because you don’t want to get bogged down with the details. Have fun and just crank out a few things to see what the results are like. Engrave a picture, cut out a box, make a popup card, etc.
There are a lot of examples in the forums here.
I’m going to be the contrarian here and say don’t buy anything until you have the machine and have some prints on the sample materials they provide under your belt.
Spend time learning a good design app and understanding how the machine works, then you can focus on the types of projects you plan to work on, and the additional supplies you might need.
Software that is easy to start with will become annoying once you know it. The reverse is also true. Gimp and Inkscape are a bit harder to learn at first, but are amazing once you get to know them.
I have found that playing with the programs you can familiarize yourself with most of the commands, and then when you have a specific outcome in mind you will be able to plan how to do it. If you set a specific goal each step will be a mountain to research how each step could be done, while if you are aware of the commands they are molehills.
One more suggestion: Be sure to install your 'forge on a sturdy, flat and level table or bench of some sort – preferably one you can move around if you have a model with a pass-through – and take the time to make a good venting system.
I did end up getting the cloud s6 fan and the ventworks 6" window vent which was a bit pricey but just wanted to make it as clean as possible. I do have a huge coffee table for it directly in front of the window I just need to raise it a few inches to make it level with the window vent and I will be able to make the exhaust all straight line for optimal efficiency.
The coffee is super solid and will be perfectly leveled so I should be all set with that I know any bends in the exhaust system will decrease air flow efficiency so I am really hoping to keep it completely straight but we will see once I start setting everything up.