Why I Bought a Thunder Laser (or Why I Didn't Buy a Glowforge) 

Hey friends! Someone in the comments brought this to my attention, so I thought I should make a note. Thunder has apparently increased the price of the Nova 35 (80 Watt) a little bit since I ordered my machine in October 2020, due to so much demand. The price bump is pretty small and still seems pretty fair to me, but I apologize that I didn't know that it had increased when I recorded this video.

I started out with a glowforge, and it is great for someone with no laser experience. When I got it the price on the kickstarter campaign was $1900 with a $100 rebate and a big pile of material to cut. At that price it was well worth it. After a few years when I got tired of the limited power and limited size, I looked around and figured with my experience I could handle getting a more industrial machine so I got a Chinese no name brand 100 watt laser with a 38"x24" bed for about $3700, and I spent almost a year figuring out all the quirks of the machine and lightburn. I spent half that year wondering if I had made a huge mistake because everything was a struggle. I could not even access it on the network for almost 2 months. It did not help that the only tech support only spoke google translate English, and if I were to do it again I would spend a few thousand more and get one supported by a US company to preserve my mental health and time.

Congrats on getting your 35 all setup. I appreciate the shout out on the video. Looking forward to what your going to make with the 35.

I went through much the same research prior to purchasing my Thunder Laser Nova 24. I've owned it for about a year and I remain a very satisfied customer. The machine is stable, the software is easy to use and the support is phenomenal. Thanks for producing a great video that will help others in their decision making process.

Great video and thanks for sharing! Nova 35-100 on its way and am super excited. I've been watching the webinars for info as well.

great informative video, especially showing your thinking process of why you didn't go with Glowforge for your application. Love the Makersapce info too... never heard of it here in Scotland, but will look into it more for my projects.

I appreciate the video. Thank you for the Maker Space suggestion.

Great vid! Looking into Thunder laser and their rep sent me a bunch of vids to check out including yours. Thanks for the info!

This is a great video I’ve been really looking in to laser machine for long term crafting with volume. Our list requirements are super similar and I have some questions. Thank you for such great content.

Glad I watched this. The cloud thing is an absolute show stopper for me. That reminds me of those digital photo frames where they monetize the use of the device.

Awesome video. After twenty years working in corrections and ten running my own landscaping company I'm looking to find a hobbyjob to supplement my income and provide a creative outlet. I won't be starting on a machine this elaborate but hearing your input has definitely shown me a path forward if my side gig takes off. Thank you.

What an excellent video! Right on target. Really helped me make my decision.

I agree with you that local control is an absolute must. Very good video, by the way.

Yes, I would love to see some of your laser creations.

Well spoken with many valid points brought up as far as choosing a laser correct for the person, thank you

Honestly a great video, lots of info about thunder and also about glowforge, Personally I think if you buy something for what a glowforge is valued at then you shouldn't be depending on a cloud based service especially if they try and monetize a "fast lane service" that is just greedy. I have been researching lasers for a while now and thunder seems to be the one I will go for, Many thanks for the video, you have also got a new sub too!!

Thank you for this informative video! You have just earned another sub!

I just ordered my nova 35 can't wait to get it!! great video by the way..

Thank you for the no BS straight info! so rad!!

Great video!

Thanks for the Video, I liked it.

Thank you for the information. 😊

I just got my Nova24-60w. I love it, but it's still a lot bigger than a glowforge. It's not quite a desktop machine. Still i went through exactly the same decision process you did. Glad I'm not alone!

Holy smokes man. For that price difference between the top end glowforge and what you have it's a no brainer. If you have the space for something like that. Great walkthrough, thank you.

Makes complete sense to me!

Excellent discussion . . .

Thank you for getting some honest info on slowforge out there! Pricing is absolutely not worth it.

Ron time to post a video of you using the thunder? We are thinking of getting a thunder laser as well largely due to this video, so thanks. Good video

Such a fantastic video! We are about to outgrow our Glowforge and have been looking into other options! I was thrilled to open RU-vid and see your video suggested on my home page. Here is my question. After a few months of use, what is the worst thing you have found with your Thunder?

Hi! That was such a great and informative video! Thanks so much for posting! I currently use a Boss Laser at my college and have been shopping for my own. One question: does the Thunder have a camera for alignment? Not a deal breaker, I'm just wondering...

Thanks for the valuable information looks like you have had the nova 35 for a while now how have you liked it so far ? Have you had any issue or have you had to modify it in any way for it to function properly? Also this I’m sure no one has asked this question yet but does it consume a lot of power ? Do you notice a substantial increase on your power bill?

Fantastic video so glad I found this. I am a noob and great thoughts.

Ok I have officially watched all your videos. Found you because I was searching info on lasers and got sucked into watching all the rest. Look Fwd to the next video and would love to see you do videos on your laser (I am saving for the Nova-24).

Great advice!!We are considering purchasing a Nova 35 as well. What accessories did you purchase with your machine?

Thanks!

Thanks for the video, great Information. I am hoping to purchase a Nova 24 for school in the near future. I see you are in Minnesota as am I, is there any opportunity to be able to see the laser in person or do you know of other in the area that have a Thunder Laser?

Great informative video. I'm going with Thunder Laser, but wasn't sure whether to go up to a higher wattage. Why did you select 80W?

Thanks for posting, I have a GF basic and the software can be a bit glitchy! I am thinking about getting a backup laser, how is the software and precision on this I use it on Bibles/leather and it has to be exact,

Your thoughts on local control are often overlooked and mirror my own. I'm not quite ready to jump on a CO2 laser, but I am investigating them and learning my way around Lightburn with a diode laser.

Does it come ready to ready to go? I was looking into the omtech lasers but you have to adjust the mirrors, level the bed.

Great video! I am looking at a Thunder Laser also. You point about local control is well taken. One other thing you may consider is security. While companies may have the best intentions, they might have an unscrupulous employee that could pirate all of your designs and sell them or worse yet, take them and become your competitor. There is enough legitimate competition, no sense opening yourself up to a new one. Just my 2 cents.

For newbie’s does it come with a pamphlet or something with recommendations on speed, power, etc., for different items such as wood versus glass or do you have to figure it out on your own?

Do you heat your shop at all? I am looking at a Thunder but need to store it in a cold space. I was looking at using antifreeze.

we will see how this works in the future as its put through its workloads.

I'm looking into a laser for a home side business. I don't won't to go all in money wise but nervous about buying something like an OMTech. But this Thunder laser wiring is very impressive.

HI, i'm looking at starting my own business but it will only be small and don't have the room for one that big, do you still recommend the smaller Nova 24 over any other machines? I have no idea where to start as I've never done anything like this

I dont see it on their website nor did you talk about it in the video but what materials can the Thunder cut?

Thank you for your VERY thorough review of the Thunder Laser. I was literally just made aware of this company last night.... Awesome machine. I need to ask if you also looked into AP Lazer? If so, what were thoughts?

I am planning on purchasing a nova 35 as well but I do have a question. How long did it took for your machine to arrive after purchasing? Did you use and import broker and then a company to ship it to your place? How much more money did that ended adding to the overall price of the laser. Thank you

Can I ask where you have your laser at? I am terrified to move mine into my basement, but my garage gets pretty chilly.

HI ,,, About camera you have to buy from Thunderlaser or can use any ?

Hey Hi, I am from Down Under (Australia) and a complete novice in laser printers. However, my research has got me this far. I am down to two, but leaning heavily towards the Thunder. Thanks for your insights, they are extremely helpful. One question though, is about camera's. Some of the printers and RU-vid's I have watched seem to make a deal of camera's or no camera. Some seem to be able to 'add on'. My question, please, if you do not mind, is does the Thunder have a camera? Should it have a 'add on' camera? lol and quite frankly do I need a camera. Please I would very much appreciate an experienced response. Thank you again. Donna

Can you tell me what kind of air exhaust fan comes with the Thunder Laser? Is it the small round inline or the large noisy thing that sets on the floor? thanks

What does the laser hook up too. Laptop or desktop? usb cord to laptop?

loved the video, thank you.. and subscribed to your channel. Im new to lasers and in the uk. Considered glowforge for months and months, but glad I didnt go ahead for many reasons. My personal opinion, is good base machine, but the total lack of support makes it a no no for me. They seem to haver spent all their money on fantastic marketing and making the machine look decent - but then nothing left to spend on support... just doesn't sit right with me. Anyhow, I haven't gone with Thunder, but do love the sound of them. Im a subscriber to Robert at computer creations, and he has been so amazingly helpful with my many questions about lightburn - great guy, and helps so much. My laser will be here the end of this month and cant wait to play :-) very much look forward to seeing more from your channel..take care.... Terry

Hi nice video will be able to use this with gun etching?

You didn't mention any other uses besides etching the bowls, so I wonder if you could have just gotten a small Diode laser to do the bottom of the bowls. They etch wood just fine and are lightweight and cheap enough you could get several of them so you could do multiple things at the same time. I have a glowforge which I got for $2k on the kickstarter. I got it because I had no experience with lasers and it seemed simple and unthreatening. It has worked out pretty well, although I wish that the software was as full featured as lightburn. I would say it is a good laser to start if you are not very technical, although after a couple of years I am wishing for more power, real air assist and a bigger bed.

awesome

FYI, good ol' Betsy is very likely getting a new Thunder-friend this summer...

Thunder is also a Chinese machine all build in China and branded as Thunder. They did upgrade the cosmetics i.e. color, door handles, color of head, but basically there is no difference in Chinese machine on Alibaba than Thunder. The equivalent of this machine directly from the manufacturer is more than half the price. I bought one and they even branded to the name I selected. Absolute best decision I made that saved me thousands of dollars. This is not Trotec or Universal Laser system, same candy in a different wrapper. Only support is US local, which you may not ever use.

I'm very interested in this machine I've researched and I could only find it for over 9,000. If you don't mind can you share with me the way you purchased for less? Greatly appreciated thank you. Great video

I'm brand new to laser cutting and etching, but looking to get into the business side of things. I would agree, a better quality laser would be much better suited for me, like the Thunder 24. I'm super close to placing my order with them for that model. But, I'm wondering - as a complete novice, would learning how to operate the machine as well as using Lightburn as a software be pretty difficult? You started out with experience so it wasn't as hard for you to buy your first machine at this level of difficulty. Could you shed some light on how steep of a learning curve I'd be in for? Again, TOTAL novice!

I recommend the latest Boss

You mentioned $8700 all in tax , shipping. I looked today and there price listed before tax and shipping no extras $9100. Did you use a promo code or did they discount it for you? I'm looking to buy but your price sounds way better lol. Thanks

Is this only compatible with windows computer? I own a MacBook but don’t see that it’s compatible?

Great vedio!! Just found you and subscribed. I want to purchase it just for .marquetry, creating pictures with wood veneer. 1/28th inch thick veneer. So of course there is a kerf gap of probably 1,000 th if an inch that I will need to compensate for. Hopefully with the software? I could send pictures if you like. Thoughts...? Thanks just jim

Thanks for posting this. I am looking into laser cutters for a new home based business I'm just starting up. I also have reservations about buying hardware that is dependent on a cloud based software scenario.

In the market for a laser in this category. Already own a glowforge which is awesome... just need a larger cutting capacity and faster laser. Would be very interested in a video of why Thunder over other lasers in its category.

I wasn’t going to ask you why you didn’t go with Glowforge. I have read their reviews. From the reviews I have read I would say the Glowforge has an average of maybe 2 to 2.5 out of 5 stars overall. You just mentioned the price of your laser. Could you please tell me where you purchased from? Also you mentioned your lasers wattage. Is that true? I mean the actual watts you laser is putting out to the workpiece? Thank you friend!!

I have 2 Glowforge Plus and I just ordered a Nove35. One of my GF has never been used. Turned on for the set up only. It's for sale if anyone wants it.

Cost, size, and wattage were all concerns for me with the Glowforge, but the cloud based software was a serious deal breaker for me. Needing to always be connected to the internet is ridiculous but I have absolutely no interest in anyone having access to my entire file folder of projects or my history of printing. No thanks. They can keep it.

epilog/trotec/ . dont forget the mighty universal laser systems ! ULS

Early on I bought a Glowforge pro (as an aside I later bought an M3D printer that 4 years on has not made the first thing) At first there were many problems I eventually found that I was causing by using magnets that interfered with the works. However, because most of the software is in the cloud, the machine is constantly improving how it works. If there is anything that is not an improvement they will hear about in minutes and so are both careful and quickly fix any software mistakes. There is a downside to having a piece of technology that you don't have to know how to fix and that is that you cannot fix it, and it needs to be sent to the factory for the slightest repair. A major refit or a frayed wire is the same, but if you cannot figure out how to fix it the result is worse as it is like my 3D printer , just decoration. The Glowforge cannot engrave a Yeti cup and there is a huge demand for engraving a Yeti or similar cup. There are indeed many other lasers that will do that but cannot cut even 1/8" wood . I have cut 1/2" walnut and sculpted that walnut with a 3/8" deep relief carving at 1355 lines per inch, that is very smooth and highly detailed. I haven't tried other lasers so I don't know how that compares but that was a main interest when I purchased the Glowforge. The water cooling system in the pro is much less hassle that all the extra necessary equipment that takes much extra space and are a point of disaster if they fail. I did not know of that issue, but glad I do not have it. The biggest thing I like about the pro is the unlimited bed size as the work can slide any distance that will fit in the room so cutting out a 3 foot long sign is not an issue. I mostly buy 4'x8' sheets of 1/4"ply and haven't it cut into 5 _ 19"x 48" pieces and just use what I need. There are many other advantages but this one alone is well worth the extra money.

I need a mentor. I'm having to start over in a new career because I was in an accident that has left me....not completely disabled but more....diminished...in my physical abilities. It's a situation where its not that I can't move a box off a pallet....I can't move ALL the boxes off a palette before my back goes into shut down mode. So I'm trying to find a way to go back into business working for myself to earn a living. Is there any guidance you can give me? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

good！

I'm ditching my Glowforge and looking at this one. Huge buyers remorse from the Glowforge. The lid came unglued after a year and a half and the repair is $1600!

Im scared of lightburn... i need something easy to learn and use

some are finding out that cloud based systems, even when the companies are bought out, are not supported by the buyer (a case of eliminating the competition outright) I will never buy anything I don't have 100% ownership of.

Do you still stand behind your decision? We watched your video, still ended up buying the glowforge, and after 2 weeks of ownership it bricked. This led us to finding out about a class action in progress for 3-5k people who have experienced the same issue with no support resolution without an average $1500 repair charge. In any case we are now looking for alternatives that will be more reliable long term

Does it bother you that the mid-video advertisement I got was for a glowforge?

Prices have went way up since this video was made. Glowforge is now $3995 basic to $6995 pro.

Why 80 over 100 watts?

Well, I was starting to get interested so I went to their website. This machine's cost has now risen to $9900! I get it that costs to build and deliver may have gone up since this video posted. However, I'd be willing to guess most of our wages and incomes haven't increased this much (12%) in this time frame. I guess I could be the only person who doesn't make more money than before Covid, but I doubt it. Also, I wonder if the market value for the products produced by these machines has risen this much? Again, I doubt it. But, I'm also continually amazed at what people are willing to spend on these machines and the products they make, so there is that! Am I out of touch that bad? I am a little taken aback that you spent at least $8700 on equipment you use infrequently, and not to produce income.

I almost bought the glowforge, but i do agree that for $6000 plus its not worth it. My biggest problem with it is the fact that you have to be connected to the internet. No Internet = giant expensive paper weight

Ya...Glowforge is like the Cricut of laser engraver but I'm sure it's more user friendly. It's too limiting for such an awful price. I keep going back and forth between this and Boss Laser. More importantly also, because of the similar speed in engraving.

the price has increased - basic 35 is now $9100.

Wow! Glow forge cloud is lame! I own a Gravograph and it doesn’t use cloud which is nice.

You can not say that about Chinese laser cutters, most machines are made in China and just rebranded for the home market.

Drives me nuts when I see having to "subscribe" to anything to do the most rudimentary tasks, or having to send money to anyone for something that I own. "CLOUD" based anything I do not trust. I feel like I'm being watched or someone is hacking my personal stuff. What I do is nobody's business.

That is so lame that you have to first upload your project to their server before you can run the job on your cutter. I would not buy Glowforge or any other product that operates this way. Thanks for vid.

The glowforge model differences are a joke for the cost

You should get more rest "your hat is on backwards"

how in the world did you get this for 8k.... lol. That's their Nova 24 price right now.... Tell us your secret... :D

I came to the conclusion that Glowforge is way overpriced for what they are. Much better deals out there that can be made to be very comparable to Glowforge

does it have to be in a climate controlled environment

DAMN DUDE, I was really into your presentation until you mentioned that it is Chinese. I simply cannot / will not buy Chinese as it is a security risk. Are you talking about just the tube is from China? I thought they were assembled and calibrated in Texas....

Put all your designs on the cloud...... those people must be ****ing insane...... Upload it to the CLOWN it'll be safe there.......