February 2024 Class - Glowforge

My friend Sheila had been trying to get me to go to the Waukesha Library to use the Glowforge for several months, and I just never did it.  One night, she called while I was in Waukesha and told me that the Glowforge class at the library was going on that night, and even though it was late notice and said “full” online, she thought I could get in.  She pulled some strings and got me in, so off I went.

The class only had about 10 people in it, and it took about an hour.  I learned the basics of how to use glowforge and received my badge to be able to use it in the future.  The “future” turned out to be the next day, when I went in with a bit of scrap wood and stuff, I had at the house to give it a try.   I knew enough to turn the thing on, then I got the help from the ladies in Studio 321 for the rest.

Now, I have been back several times, and still need a bit of assistance now and again but have been able to use the glowforge on wood, glass, acrylic and rocks!   It has a lot of fun capabilities, and I’m looking forward to making more stuff!

Things I learned:

1.       The glowforge will etch rocks!

2.       If you want to work with leather, it has to be only certain leather that won’t cause fires or give off toxic fumes.  I’m not sure what kind that is yet – but I’ll find out.

3.       You have to coat the glass with dish soap before etching to minimize the shards of glass that are formed.