So this came to my attention rather late in the game, but if you haven’t seen this new laser cutting machine called the Glowforge, check it out!

If you have ever looked at some of my laser projects (like these coasters and earrings or this Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy quote book) and really wanted to have a go at something similar, this machine is perfect. (or seems to be, from all of the test videos I have watched!) It is targeted for crafters and artists and people who want to get into laser cutting but have been put off by the price or by the complicated operations of both software and hardware. It seems expensive at first glance, but if you have ever looked at other laser cutters, for what it does, it is a great price (while it is half off, at least!). It has a “real-time full 3D autofocus and a flying lens, giving the ability to actually measure the depth of the material before you engrave and cut over curved surfaces, like warped wood or a MacBook,” which is just crazy! And it uses commodity smart phone components! They have set up a system to be cloud-based, so updates and changes can be made more easily. Which is a pro and con, as you have to be connected to the internet to use the machine.

There are 4.5 days left for the pre-order price of 50% off of the retail cost! Click this referral link to get $100 off of any of the three versions. If you live in the US, it essentially means free shipping. International shipping costs are killer, believe me I know. But… your own laser cutting machine! I can’t wait to see what people do with theirs. And to play with mine! They should start shipping around December.

Some other reviews:
Going In-Depth with The Glowforge Laser Cutter by Tested
Here’s What Convinced Me to Order a $2,000 Glowforge Laser Cutter by xconomy
The new Glowforge laser cutter is amazing by boing boing