rafting has always fascinated you. You enjoy creating greeting cards, jewelry, and even miniature sculptures. Moreover, you have turned your passion into a successful business and are now making custom signs, wooden plaques, and engraved gifts for friends and family. Soon enough, your business thrives.
But one problem is you can’t keep up with the demand. If you’re a crafting enthusiast, you might have encountered these two cutting and engraving machines: Glowforge and Cricut.
The Glowforge and Cricut machines allow users to create new designs according to their preferences. They can cut, carve, etch, and engrave various materials. But with unique designs, software, and price points, choosing between them can be a daunting task.
Fortunately, this post will comprehensively compare the Glowforge vs. Cricut cutters to help you make the right choice. So, let’s dive in.
What are Glowforge and Cricut?
Glowforge is a laser cutter and engraver and can cut thicker materials such as acrylic, wood, metal, etc. With this machine, you can create 2D designs. You can also use a vector graphics program to make intricately detailed designs through one of its models. On the other hand, Cricut is a cutting device.
Cricut uses a rotary blade to cut various materials. It allows you to cut through different materials like cardstock, paper, vinyl, fabric, etc. Using pre-set design templates or your own; you can create any shape and size.
There are differences and similarities between the Glowforge vs Cricut cutters. Knowing them will help you choose an ideal one.
Glowforge Vs. Cricut Comprehensive Comparison
With an understanding of what each machine can do, let’s compare them in different crucial areas to help you make the right choice.
Cutting Power and Precision
Glowforge and Cricut are both formidable when cutting through various materials. The Cricut, however, is limited to soft and thin materials. But it can cut light wood with its Knife Blade based on your preference.
Even though both machines deliver precision cuts, the Glowforge surpasses the Cricut in terms of ease of use and professional results. With its effortless ability to create intricate and beautiful designs, the Glowforge is the better choice for creating wood signs. Even though the Cricut can cut wood, the Glowforge is more convenient and efficient.
With Cricut machines, you can use blades to cut and write on various materials. Furthermore, it offers additional tools for embossing and engraving. Glowforge machines, on the other hand, engrave and cut through more substantial materials than most laser machines, including rubber Delrin, Plexiglas, mylar, etc.
Ease of Use
The Glowforge and the Cricut are relatively easy to use once you get used to them. Despite this, many consider Cricut a more beginner-friendly machine than Glowforge. It’s an excellent place to start if you’re new to crafting.
However, once you gain some experience with Cricut, upgrading to Glowforge is an excellent choice. The design process is less complex since it involves fewer parts and steps. Due to its simplicity, you can use it for more complex and intricate projects.
Aside from this, you’ll need to do a lot of weeding after creating your designs with Cricut. The process of weeding requires removing all the excess material that doesn’t belong to your design. This process can take a long time. Using the Glowforge, however, will require less weeding, which makes the process faster.
Costs
It costs about $3,995 to purchase the Glowforge, which is more expensive than Cricut. On the other hand, Cricut starts at around $230, which makes it a more budget-friendly option. Nevertheless, it’s essential to consider Glowforge vs. Cricut machines’ additional costs.
It would help to factor the cost of replacing consumable items like blades and laser tubes into your decision-making process. Moreover, it would be best if you considered the material costs when crafting.
There are a variety of creative possibilities for both cutting devices. Nevertheless, materials can quickly add up in price. Knowing the financial commitment required for these machines upfront can help you to choose the right tool for the job.
Laser Vs. Blades
Here’s where you may see the most significant difference in how the Glowforge vs. Cricut machines operate. Cricut machines use blades for cutting, writing, and scoring materials. It can emboss, engrave, and perform many tasks.
Glowforge machines are high-powered laser cutters capable of engraving, cutting, and scoring. These are two completely different processes. With several blade options available, you’re sure to get your preference, such as rotary and knife blades.
Keeping track of the blades or tools is crucial since Cricut requires you to switch them out depending on your needs. You won’t get all of them with your machine; some may not work with your machine, depending on what it is. Both devices offer engraving capabilities. But for a more reliable cut and engraving process, Glowforge will take the day.
Material Compatibility
When deciding between Glowforge vs. Cricut, it would help to consider material compatibility. Cricut Maker is compatible with over 300 thin materials, including leather, vinyl, cardstock, paper, and fabrics. Glowforge laser cutters, however, provide greater flexibility in terms of materials.
The Glowforge machine can cut through thicker and denser materials like wood, plastic, and acrylic. Additionally, it can engrave coated metals like brass, aluminum, and stainless steel. The Cricut Maker machines include Smart Materials, which you can configure and set up in minutes. These materials are available for purchase, or you can use what you already have.
Glowforge also offers proof-grade materials. These materials may include acrylic, leather, plywood, hardwood, veneer, and a digital QR code draft board. The code lets the laser cutters recognize the fabric and automatically set up the settings.
Final Take: Which Cutter Should You Choose For Your Projects?
The type of project you need the machine for will determine whether you choose Glowforge or Cricut. Regardless of the material, both cutters will offer excellent cutting performance. But each has its strengths. So making the right choice is crucial.
Generally, the Glowforge laser cutter is best for professionals or businesses that need more excellent material compatibility, better engraving, and cutting capabilities. Furthermore, it’s ideal if you’re willing to pay the premium.
If you need to cut thin materials, you’re better off using a Cricut. The cutter offers many features at an affordable price. Moreover, it’s more than enough for most basic projects and worth considering. Therefore, with the above Glowforge vs. Cricut comparison, which one are you considering investing in next?