Glowforge Aura Craft Laser: Your Guide to Laser Crafting for Beginners

The Glowforge Aura, an affordable laser engraving and cutting machine, is a recent entry to the lineup of craft lasers. Greg and I have been Glowforge PRO owners and users for many years now. We've made many things on our Glowforge, everything from acrylic projects like the engraved plaques we showed you how to color last year as well as wood projects like this Tree of Life plaque. We've been REALLY wanting to teach you how to do laser engraving and cutting for a long time now, but we felt the price of the Glowforge Pro made it a little tough for most people. Which is why the new Glowforge Aura craft laser is so exciting — it's WAY less money than the Glowforge Pro. So many more of you will be able to get a Aura IF you want one. This video will help you decide if the Glowforge Aura is right for you!

Check out the new Glowforge Aura as we give you a first look at the new craft laser cutter and engraver, including all the cool things it can cut, how it compares to the Glowforge Pro, and three free laser cutter designs!

Topics Covered in This Glowforge Aura Craft Laser Video:
00:00 The NEW Glowforge Aura Craft Laser
00:37 Glowforge Project Examples
01:08 - Glowforge Pro and Glowforge Plus
01:45 New Glowforge Aura - Is it Right for You?
03:08 What We Like Best About the Glowforge Aura
03:30 Glowforge Materials
03:54 Glowforge Material QR Code
04:35 What Can You Do With a Glowforge Aura
05:00 Cut Dark And Opaque Acrylic on Glowforge Aura
05:18 Cut and Engrave Leather with Glowforge Aura
05:55 Cut and Engrave Photos on Wood With Glowforge Aura
07:00 Compare Glowforge Pro and Glowforge Aura Cuts
07:30 Optional Glowforge Personal Filter
08:08 Glowforge Aura Lid Protects Eyes
08:30 Larger Projects on Glowforge Aura
08:40 Glowforge Aura Price
09:02 What We Don't Love About the Glowforge Aura
09:18 Glowforge Aura Diode Laser
09:50 Glowforge Aura Material Thicknesses
10:20 Acrylic Color Limitations for Glowforge Aura
11:20 Glowforge Aura Speed
12:00 What You Can't Cut With Glowforge Aura
12:55 How Easy is the Glowforge Aura to Use?
13:36 Greg's Favorite Things About Glowforge Aura
13:50 Jennifer's Favorite Things About Glowforge Aura
14:00 Finding Projects For Glowforge Aura
14:42 Get Free Glowforge Aura Projects in the JenniferMaker Resource Library
15:10 Glowforge Aura Unboxing, Getting Started, and Where to Buy Materials
16:00 Free JenniferMaker Laser Crafting Facebook Group

Helpful Links:

#glowforgeaura #lasercutting #laserengraving

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Credits:
Introduction: PixelBytes (my daughter Alexa)
Music: Cute by Bensound (licensed, royalty and copyright free)
Videography: Jennifer and Greg on Panasonic Lumix FZ-1000 DSLR 4K cameras
Audio and Video Editing: Jennifer and Greg
Design: A Jennifer Maker original

[janieceward]

I first saw the Aura advertised last night. I'm so happy to find y'alls review this morning! Refreshingly unbiased and easy to understand your explanation of the features of the machine, especially for someone who is researching lasers!

[lauragribble]

I cannot wait for this series! I’ve been too intimidated to use my Glowforge, but I know any tutorial you do will be a perfect place to start!

[thesouthafrican]

I wish I didnt see this because now I want it 😂😂

[WhimsyEveryday]

I've been saving for the pro and realized (literally two days ago) that there's no convenient way to fit it into my craft room/library (my house is super small). The Aura is tempting, but I'm concerned about it being a diode laser and not doing everything I want it to do (also concerned that as of right now they haven't released any tech as specs for it on their site). Thanks Jennifer and Greg for the awesome video (and for paying for your own stuff so I can always trust your reviews!).

[mm]

I love my Glowforge Plus, I’ve been using it for 2 years now… but was curious about the Aura! Love seeing Greg with you, he’s a natural!!👏🏻👏🏻

[marlenecarvajal]

Appreciate your honesty about the speed and ventilation.😊

[CopperKates]

I would be very interested in more laser reviews 👍. Thanks for all the information!

[GlendasCreativePlace]

LOVED Greg in this video!!! He did amazing!! Great job Greg!! And of course, Jennifer, who is always great!!!

[kathypariso]

You guys..Thank You! I have been looking at the Glowforge PRO since it was first introduced in 2017? I just couldn't justify the price...but this...the Aura could be a perfect starting point!

[vzburns]

I have an aura on order. I have watched your cricut videos for years and can't wait to watch your videos on the glowforge. Please please make a video introducing us to the glowforge software, that is the main thing I am worried I may stumble over.
Thanks!
P.S. You two are great on camera together.

[ursulap]

Y’all are gorgeous! So great to see you two together on this video. The pictures, especially the one in Hawaii, is so sweet but seeing you in action together is just fabulous. I’ve had my eye on a GlowForge for many years, but like many people it was not practical to spend that kind of $$ as a laser beginner. I’m hoping to get this one in the future! Thanks for another great video. You are the BEST at giving all the info we need to be makers. Big mahalo to you both! 🤙🏼🌺

[belleb]

The heck with the Aura. I love love love the two of you doing videos. ❤

[sarithaprashanth_]

Looking forward to see more videos on other lasers.

[susanhilley]

Love seeing the both of you together! Can you engrave a tumbler in the Aura?

[karen]

I am a hobbiest but could consider making this a small business venture. This video was very helpful. I would love to see your comparisons so that I can better decide if any of these laser machines are right for me. Thank you!

[jsthomas]

Just watched this video!!! Hope to see more videos on the Aura. I would love the frame pattern you did with your cat.

[msvsalt]

Excellent review. I am still very interested in buying this machine but, and I think this was vital info, was its inability to cut clear acrylic and that is making me rethink my priorities. I would love to see more videos on this and other machines.

[eneidaorchard]

I'm so glad Glowforge finally came out with a laser I can use. Greg did awesome with you on your video, he should do more of them!😊💕

[oricle]

Thank you Jennifer and Greg! This has been very informative and really interesting! I wonder if they will be coming to Australia...? Look forward to seeing this series! Thanks again!

[KathleenStallard-vk]

You guys are so stinkin cute!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise! You are loved by many!!