Best Weights
The Glowforge laser has two fans, one on the laser head and one in the back left corner. They help cool the material and remove the smoke. This creates a problem for light weight flexible materials like paper and fabric. Fabric and paper must be weighed down to make it flat, prevent movement, and keep it from catching fire. Never leave the machine unattended when cutting fabric or paper.
A good weight should be:
Do not use:
-
Flat and thin
-
Heavy enough
-
Small for inside shapes
-
Long and straight for edges
-
Colored, not clear to be seen by the camera
-
Magnets. The head of the laser can cause the magnets to move because there is a strong magnet inside the head.
-
Shiny objects. If the laser happens to hit a shiny object, the beam can reflect back up and cause damage to the machine.
-
Sticky Tack Putty or Glue Dots. Putting anything under the fabric will change the depth (thickness) and make it uneven and will produce a poor result.
Coins
-
Has intrinsic value - no real cost
-
Flat and thin
-
Small
-
Use coins with a dull, worn sheen (not shiny)
-
Work great for the inside of shapes
-
Quarters are the best weight
-
Dimes are too light
-
Fit nicely into the corners of a shape
Acrylic - 1/4 inch
-
1/8 inch is too light
-
Can be laser cut into any shape
-
Leave the paper on so it can be seen in the pre-cut photo.
-
Place around the edges of all fabric
-
For cut-thru's, place on the inside of the shapes so they won't blow away
-
Small cost. Can cut many shapes from one sheet.
-
Nearly unbreakable
