How To Use: Glowforge Hardware

After creating your design, you can check out the Glowforge and a wood sheet from the DSI desk. 

The DSI currently provides 5 sheets of 12x20" wood per year dedicated for you to use. If you have a small design you may use a piece of scrap wood that will not count toward your 5 allotted pieces. 

 

The DSI Student Assistant will oversee you as you go through the procedures to start the machine and the print. 

Steps in the Process are as follows:

1. Plug in the filter and the Glowforge. 

2. Turn the filter on using the red button on the bottom.  Ensure the light is glowing red and that you can hear the "whooshing" sound the filter makes.  

3. Use the button on the back for the machine to turn the Glowforge on.

4. Once both the air filter and the Glowforge are on, and the laser head has stopped moving/callibrating, you can raise the lid and insert your wood piece. 

It is highly recommended that you take the time to peg down your wood with the provided pegs.  This helps with the stability of the wood and allows for a cleaner cut.  

You can tell that your computer is connected and synched to the Glowforge when you can see your wood piece in the Glowforge application window.

After you have connected the Glowforge and pressed the print button, you will be able to see the cut time of your project. Make sure that this time ends within 30 minutes of the DSI’s close time for the day before continuing.

 

 

 

Once you are ready, press the big blue “magic” button on the Glowforge to start the cut.

If you need to stop or pause the cut at any time, you can pause the print by pressing the "magic" button again or cancelling from the app.

If you have not passed the Glowforge Assessment yet, a DSI Assistant can help walk you through the cut process as a practice with the DSI Test Medallion.  You will be able to use your own custom designs after passing the Assessment.