Glowforge Pro vs. Thunder Laser Nova 24 (2024)

You know that I’ve been using the Glowforge Pro for a while and that I recently purchased a Thunder Laser Nova 24 cutting machine. Don’t forget that I have affiliate links to both of these machines that will be attached in this blog post. When you purchase through those links it helps me to earn money on your purchases. Let’s dive right in and learn which is right for you.

Glowforge Pro - Features and Specifications

The Glowforge Pro is available for $6,000 on their website. It features a passthrough slot as well as a 45W laser tube. The maximum printable area is 19.5” wide x 11” long, however you can make a longer item if using the pass through feature. The Glowforge Pro can cut up to 1/4” thick. Weighing in at fifty-five pounds and having external dimensions of 38”x20.75”x8.25” this machine can easily fit inside of a craft room. The Glowforge Pro does need to be vented, I purchased an optional air filter but you can also vent it out the window of your craft room.

What’s So Great About the Glowforge Pro?

The Glowforge Pro has many pros, especially for the beginner door hanger artist. The software used to operate the machine is extremely user friendly. In addition to the user friendly software, the initial set up is very simple and the machine is easy to use. The machine features a built in camera with autofocus so you can be sure your design is being cut correctly on the wood.

Due to its small design, the machine is great for small workspaces and indoor use. While the machine is small, it is still mighty! The Passthrough slot on the machine works flawlessly with the software so that you can cut door hangers up to 19”x19”.

If you’re interested in affiliate marketing, the Glowforge company has a great referral program. This program allows members to share a discount link and earn a commission on any purchases.

What Are the Cons of the Glowforge Pro?

If you’re considering purchasing a Glowforge Pro, I want to be honest with you about the cons as well. If you live in an area where your internet is spotty, this might not be the machine for you. The cloys based software requires internet connection for use. The software also has limited capabilities, with some features that are only available with the Glowforge Premium membership which is $24.99 monthly.

If you will be cutting items in bulk, the Glowforge Pro might not be the best option to get the job done quickly. It is a bit slow to engrave and cut. If you’re only using it for individual door hangers, this might not be a big deal for you. It’s also important to note that you have to use masking material to prevent scorching on full power. This is because the machine doesn’t have air assist. While the lightweight machine might be convenient, it also may not be as durable over time due to the lightweight materials.

While you may not even need assistance, it’s important to note that customer service for the Glowforge Pro might not be very helpful.

Thunder Laser Nova 24 - Features and Specifications

Let’s dive right into the basics of the Thunder Laser Nova 24. It is comparable in price as it has a price tag of $6900. The Thunder Laser Nova 24 features a passthrough slot, as well as a 60W laser tube. The camera system on the machine is optional to visually render the laser bed in the software.

The Thunder Laser Nova 24 machine itself is much larger than the Glowforge Pro. It is 57.1” x 31.9” x 26” and weighs 500 pounds. While it may not fit in an average sized craft room, it’s necessary to have some space to house this powerful cutting machine. It has an engraving/working area of 23.6” x 15.7” x 6.1”

The software LightBurn is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux and is included for two computers with the purchase. You can easily import any graphics file. An one hour remote setup training is included with your purchase, as this will guide you through set up and the basics of your machine. You can also opt for a four hour training that the company has available.

What’s So Great About the Thunder Laser Nova 24?

The Thunder Laser Nova 24 features a durable machine with high quality parts. There’s no denying that the Thunder Laser Nova 24 has some advantages over the Glowforge Pro. For starters, it allows for faster engraving and cutting on a larger cutting area. The Air Assist included in the Thunder Laser Nova 24 creates clean laser marks with almost zero scorching.

The Thunder Laser’s software is very robust which allows for flexibility in how it is used. It’s also important to note that if you have any issues with your machine or the software, the customer service provided by the Thunder Laser team is great!

What Are the Cons of the Thunder Laser Nova 24?

Of course we can’t discuss the pros of the Thunder Laser without discussing some of the cons. Since it is a larger machine, it does require a larger workspace. This is something to keep in mind if you’re limited on the space you have available.

While the cutting is faster on this machine, you still have to use the passthrough slot to cut a 20” x 20” door hanger so this takes extra steps. The camera system that shows the cutting bed in your software to be sure your wood is aligned correctly is not included either. While not required, it is $400 extra and can help with the learning curve of adjusting to the Thunder Laser.

Finally, the software for the Thunder Laser Nova 24 is complex. There is a learning curve associated with it as it takes a bit of time to learn. It’s important to take these into consideration if you’re contemplating which machine is right for you as well as how and where you operate your business.

Which Laser Cutting Machine is Right for Your Business?

When it comes to choosing between the Glowfore Pro and the Thunder Laser Nova 24, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each machine. Review the price points of each and decide which machine best fits your needs based on what you’ll be making and the frequency of which you’ll be using the machines.

Just remember, this is not a one size fits all. The machine that is right for Sally, might not be right for Susie and that’s totally okay. If you are a small crafter who is cutting a few things a day, you are very tech challenged, you have a small workspace or you’d prefer a machine in your craft room then the Glowforge Pro would be the right machine for you.

If you are a growing business who is cutting many pieces daily and you’re in need of a machine that can do that for you quickly, then the Thunder Laser Nova 24 would be a good investment for you. If considering the Thunder Laser, I would also advise that you be someone who can learn new things and has a larger workspace or garage that you can house the machine.

Both of these machines are on the smaller end when it comes to laser machines. The Glowforge doesn’t offer a larger machine, but I hope that this information will help you make an informed decision of which machine you would like to add to your business. As always, I encourage you to do additional research on your own before you make your decision.

Glowforge Pro vs. Thunder Laser Nova 24 (2024)

FAQs

What laser is better than a Glowforge? ›

While both Glowforge lasers and Thunder Laser may be able to offer quality laser cutter machines, Thunder Laser can offer more at a proportionately affordable price range.

Are Thunder lasers any good? ›

Another area the Thunder Laser excels is fast, powerful cuts. The machine I am using has 130 watts of power. It also has variable air assist, something many industrial lasers don't even have. That means you can cut and engrave fast but also deep, and that means you get clean, dark lines without as much charring.

Which laser engraver is better OMTech or Glowforge? ›

OMTech machines offer thicker cutting abilities and faster cutting speeds than Glowforge, which will save your business precious time when rushing to fill orders. The other problem with Glowforge machines is that they rely on an online app to provide power and speed settings.

What can the Nova 24 cut? ›

Acrylic. The NOVA laser system can easily and accurately cut, mark and engrave acrylic with its clean and fast no-contact technology. It can be used on a wide variety of acrylic brands, including Plaskolite, Plexiglas and Acrylite, to transform anything from windshields and food containers to trophies and plaques.

What is the strongest laser resurfacing? ›

Most powerful treatment using erbium laser to vaporize down to the deeper layers of the skin. Contour TRL has the ability to be tuned for different tissue effects to deliver the best results for the patient's skin concerns.

Is there a cheaper alternative to a Glowforge? ›

OMTech 40W

Not everyone has the budget to spend thousands of dollars on a Glowforge laser engraver. Especially if you just want to use it for hobby purposes. The OMTech 40W laser cutter precisely addresses this issue. It is one of the cheapest and most popular K40 lasers and comes in at an affordable $449.

Which is the best laser to buy? ›

The best laser levels you can buy in 2022
  • Ryobi 360° Green Line Laser: Best feature-packed laser level. Price: £148 | Buy now from Ryobi. ...
  • Kapro 862 Prolaser Cross Line Laser: Best laser level for ease of use. Price: £70 | Buy now from Toolstation. ...
  • Bosch PII 1P Laser Spirit Level: Most versatile laser level.
Dec 9, 2022

How thick can Thunder Laser cut? ›

The head that comes standard with Thunder Laser machines is designed to cut materials with a thickness of less than 10 millimeters, but this size could potentially cause problems if you use thicker materials.

Which brand of laser source is the best? ›

Many consider IPG laser sources the best brand due to their high-quality engraving results, excellent stability, and warranty (two years maximum).

Does Glowforge have a competitor? ›

OMTech 60W CO2 Laser vs Glowforge. OMTech's 60W CO2 laser is a hard-to-beat alternative to Glowforge. It comes with a high-powered laser, a large work area, passthrough capability, bundled LightBurn software, an extended warranty, etc.

Can a Glowforge engrave a Yeti? ›

You can't engrave Yeti cups.

Nope, you can't engrave stainless steel tumblers with the Glowforge. Why? They are too tall. The maximum height for anything in the Glowforge is 2 inches.

What can a Thunder Laser cut? ›

2. Our Laser Cutting Machines Are So Versatile
  • Glass etching: Personalized glassware.
  • Paper, metal, wood or acrylic cutting and etching: High-end business cards.
  • Fabric, paper or metal sheet cutting: Low-cost customized jewelry.
  • Cardboard and paper cutting and engraving: Celebration day invitations, such as anniversaries.

How much does Thunder Laser Nova 24 weigh? ›

Weighing in right at 500 pounds, and the machine itself measuring 57.1″ x 31.9″ x 26″, the Thunder Laser Nova 24 requires a little more space than the average craft room allows.

What is the size of Thunder Nova 24? ›

FOR YOUR REFERENCE: The nova 24 weighs in at around 308 pounds and measures roughly 55"x31"x23".

What lasers do celebrities use? ›

Fraxel laser has gained attention from many celebrities and non-celebrities alike who swear by the rejuvenating effects and exceptional results. Achieve incredible results for yourself by learning more about what Fraxel Laser Skin Resurfacing can do for your skin.

What is the newest skin tightening procedure 2022? ›

What is Sofwave? The Aivee Clinic's Sofwave treatment is the latest, most advanced, and non-invasive treatment using a 3D ultrasound technology that works best for skin tightening and lifting. It targets fine lines, wrinkles, and saggy skin usually found in the jowl, jawline, neck, eyelids, and brows.

Who is not a good candidate for laser resurfacing? ›

You may not be a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing if you have:
  • Active acne.
  • Very dark skin.
  • Deep wrinkles.
  • Excessive or sagging skin.

How do people afford Glowforge? ›

For those who would like to finance their Glowforge with low monthly payments, we've partnered with the most customer-friendly financing partner around: Affirm. This option is especially popular for customers who will be selling some of what they print, because it allows them to use their Glowforge to pay for itself!

Which is better Glowforge or Cricut maker? ›

Final Thoughts. It seems like Glowforge is more versatile and better for designing wood projects. The Cricut Maker can also cut through wood, but it's not as easy to use for this purpose. If you're looking to make intricate designs with a professional finish, Glowforge Plus will be your best bet.

What is the life expectancy of a Glowforge? ›

If the laser has a duty cycle of 50% on average, the 10K tube will now last 7.2 years. I only use my cutter for a couple of hours at most, every few days at most.

Are green lasers better than red? ›

Did you know that a green laser light is ten to 50 times brighter than a red light laser? Green lasers are much more efficient and visible in areas of broad daylight and direct sunlight. They are also able to travel longer distances, which is why they are so popular on construction sites.

Which laser is most commonly used? ›

The CO2, Nd:YAG, and Argon lasers are the lasers most commonly used in medicine and surgery (Table 1). The CO2 laser has carbon dioxide gas as its medium and emits energy at 10,600 nm.

Which laser level for DIY? ›

DeWalt DW089K 3-Beam Line Laser Level

Whether it's for DIY use or a professional job site, DeWalt's Line Laser level has what it takes to get the job done. This laser features three self-leveling red beams (one horizontal line and two vertical dual-beam lasers) for leveling and lining up almost any project.

Will a Thunder Laser cut metal? ›

Touch base with Thunder Laser USA — you won't find a more robust Laser Engraving and Etching Machine anywhere. We give you laser cutters and engravers for precision production on glass, rubber, wood, leather & metals.

What Cannot be cut by laser? ›

Materials you should not process with a laser

Leather and artificial leather that contains chromium (VI) Carbon fibers (Carbon) Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) Polyvinyl butyrale (PVB)

Who owns Thunder Laser? ›

Clay Luttrell - President - Thunder Laser USA | LinkedIn.

What is the best laser in the world? ›

Known as the Zetawatt-Equivalent Ultrashort pulse laser System (ZEUS), it produces an ultra-short, extremely powerful pulse of just 25 femtoseconds. A femtosecond is a quadrillionth of a second – or to put it another way, a femtosecond is to a second what a second is to about 31.71 million years.

What should I look for when buying a laser machine? ›

  • Laser type: Which materials do you want to process? The materials you want to engrave or cut define the laser type you will need. ...
  • Size of the working area: How large are your workpieces? The size of your workpieces to be engraved or cut defines the size of the laser machine. ...
  • Reliability and quality of service is key.

Which laser is easiest to see? ›

Overall, green laser levels are more visible to the human eye and will have some extended range over red lasers, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's always a better choice.

Can Glowforge engrave cups? ›

YES! It is totally possible to engrave tumblers on a Glowforge. You just need to find the *right* tumblers to engrave on it. Since the Glowforge does NOT have a rotary attachment, you do have to get a little creative with how you engrave tumblers on a Glowforge, but this video is proof that it is possible.

Is it worth buying a Glowforge? ›

The Glowforge Pro is an excellent choice for well-heeled hobbyists and makers, while the Plus and Basic models offer more affordable routes into the world of laser cutting and engraving.

What can you not cut in Glowforge? ›

Can Glowforge cut gold or silver? Unfortunately, soft metals like gold, silver, brass, copper, and the like don't cut or engrave well.

Will laser engraving wear off? ›

Yes, laser etching is permanent. A laser etched mark will remain readable for the part's useful life with better readability than other direct part marking technologies.

Is there money in laser engraving? ›

Undoubtedly, you can make money with a laser engraver. Nowadays, laser engraving is in great demand and being used for multiple purposes. It is an excellent business idea that beginners can start with low investment. There is a massive market for laser engraving.

How much should I charge for laser engraving? ›

Single run Pricing starts at $25.00 for basic laser etching for small items. Reverse deep engraving for molds $100 and up depending on time and complexity. Making and engraving signs starts at $200.00 and up depends on the materials and engraving time. Art work designing $50.00 per hour.

Can Glowforge engrave a phone? ›

Glowforge can also engrave all of the above plus glass, coated metal, marble, anodized aluminum, titanium, some phones, tablets, and laptops, and more.

Does Glowforge have to be vented out a window? ›

2. The Glowforge has to be vented. There's no way around this – you've got to vent it either through a window or by using the compact filter.

How do you get rid of Glowforge smell? ›

After printing, some materials may have an odor for as long as a day or two. This can be minimized by using Proofgrade material, removing and disposing of the protective coating (which has the bulk of the odor), and by setting the materials aside for a day.

How fast is a Thunder Laser cut? ›

One of the best functions of Thunder Lasers is their sleek speed. In just one minute, a standard laser cutter can cut about 8 meters of material — a 1,000 watt machine can even reach rates of 17 meters per minute.

What is the easiest wood to laser cut? ›

Two types of plywood that are good for laser cutting are birch and bamboo laser plywood. Like maple and cherry, birch is a dense but easy-to-use hardwood that's readily available. It's great for beginners looking to get into laser cutting because it cuts smoothly and reliably.

Where are Thunder Lasers built? ›

THUNDER LASER is a professional laser system manufacturer in China. We always focus on bringing CO2 laser systems to both commercial distributors, small business owners and the home craftsman.

Does Thunder Laser make a fiber laser? ›

You can mark powder coating, painting, planar, anodizing, and electroplating metal surfaces. Using eco-friendly materials and advanced machinery to encase the laser device. We make our fiber laser marking machine environmentally safe.

What laser controller does Thunder Laser use? ›

Designed to Work With Your Laser

We currently support most Ruida, Trocen, TopWisdom, and GCode based controllers. Supported GCode controllers,include Grbl, Smoothieware, Grbl-LPC, and Marlin. Supported Ruida controllers include the RDC6442G/S, RDC6445G, RDC6332G, RDLC-320A, and R5-DSP.

What is the most advanced laser? ›

Known as the Zetawatt-Equivalent Ultrashort pulse laser System (ZEUS), it produces an ultra-short, extremely powerful pulse of just 25 femtoseconds. A femtosecond is a quadrillionth of a second – or to put it another way, a femtosecond is to a second what a second is to about 31.71 million years.

Is xTool better than Glowforge? ›

xTool Laserbox Guarantees More Exquisite Works than Glowforge. Neither xTool Laserbox nor Glowforge will think little of cutting/engraving accuracy, but xTool Laserbox achieves higher competitive advantage over Glowforge.

Which laser is more effective? ›

Ablative Laser Treatments

These treatments are by far the most effective at reducing fine lines and wrinkles and balancing or removing skin discoloration," says Kolker. "These are also associated with the longest downtime and recovery periods.

Which laser is best for rejuvenation? ›

The best in class for wrinkle removal, treatment of crow's feet, sun damage removal and overall skin rejuvenation is the Fraxel Re:pair laser.

What laser makes you look younger? ›

Fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing, which involves using laser energy to vaporize the outermost layers of the skin, is a highly effective cosmetic procedure that stimulates collagen production within the dermis of the skin, which in turn tightens the skin and restores its elasticity.

Which is better Glowforge or Cricut? ›

Final Thoughts. It seems like Glowforge is more versatile and better for designing wood projects. The Cricut Maker can also cut through wood, but it's not as easy to use for this purpose. If you're looking to make intricate designs with a professional finish, Glowforge Plus will be your best bet.

What type of laser should I buy? ›

Almost without exception, for general purpose work your first laser should be a CO2. Carbon dioxide lasers are by far the most versatile and the most common in our industry. They can be used on most natural materials like stone, cork and leather, and will work on most plastics, acrylic and coated metals.

What is the best laser to remove brown spots? ›

For brown spots, we like Fraxel® Dual Laser or Halo™ Hybrid Fractional Laser. Both produce exceptional results with minimal downtime.

How many laser treatments do you need for it to be effective? ›

Generally, people need between six and eight sessions to remove the hair fully. That's because our hair goes through different growth phases. The bodily location where you want the hair removed also factors in. Our expert team will assess your specific situation and give you a timeline of what you can expect.

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