…and what I’m eyeing for my next upgrade
If you’ve followed me at EmeeDee Creates, you probably know that I design laser-cut crafts and SVG files for fellow makers. But what you may not know is that I use two different types of laser cutters—and I’ve learned a lot about their pros, cons, and what to look for in my next machine.
A little over a month ago, I was designing a key holder when my Omtech Polar began misfiring. After much back and forth, parts are on the way and I hope to have this machine up and running shortly. Unfortunately this past week, my Glowforge Aura also began acting up. Since both my lasers are both currently down (a temporary pause in the chaos of creativity!), I thought it would be a great time to share what it’s been like working with a Glowforge Aura (diode laser) and an Omtech Polar (CO₂ laser)—and what I’m considering for my next upgrade.
Quick Comparison: Diode vs. CO₂ Laser
| Feature | Glowforge Aura (Diode) | Omtech Polar (CO₂) |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Type | Diode | CO₂ |
| Power | ~6W (lower power) | 50W (high power) |
| Cutting Speed | Slower | Much faster |
| Engraving Detail | High-quality engraving | Excellent engraving, but sometimes less crisp than diode |
| Compatible Materials | Wood, paper, light acrylic | Wood, acrylic (all colors), leather, more |
| Size & Setup | Compact, plug-and-play | Larger, requires calibration |
| Software | Glowforge web app | LightBurn (industry standard) |
| Price Range | Lower | Higher |
| Rotary Option | ❌ Not available | ✅ Available (optional add-on) |
My Experience with the Glowforge Aura
The Glowforge Aura was my first laser and it truly helped me learn the ropes. It’s lightweight, quiet, and beginner-friendly—perfect for anyone just getting started. The software takes a lot of the guesswork out the job, and it comes with some beginner projects and sample materials right out of the box. It shipped straight to me, and I was able to set it up, no problem. I opted for the air filter initially since I started in a basement room, but I quickly moved upstairs and vented out the window- the burning wood smell is pretty strong even with the filter. In hindsight, I wish I had avoided the filter. It was pricey and not worth it for me.
What I love about it:
- Super simple to set up
- Great for small-scale wood projects and engraving
- High-quality engraving results on light-colored materials
- Easy to use software
The downsides:
- Can’t engrave dark or clear acrylic
- Slow cutting speeds
- No rotary attachment (so no tumblers)
- Warranty support is helpful, but mine has now expired
- Pricey filter that I didn’t use for very long
- Pricey software on a subscription model
Since my Glowforge is no longer under warranty, I’ve started looking into upgrades. I still love using a diode laser for engraving, so I’ve got my eye on the Creality Falcon A1. It’s more powerful, has a growing community, and it supports rotary attachments—which would open up new possibilities like engraving tumblers (a big win)! It also appears to be a more price efficient model, which is also a huge win for me.
My Workhorse: The Omtech Polar 50W
The Omtech Polar has been my go-to machine for serious cutting power and production speed. It’s a CO₂ laser, so it handles more materials and cuts thicker items with ease.
What it’s great at:
- Cutting larger and thicker materials
- Faster production runs
- Compatible with rotary tools for engraving cylindrical items
- Uses Lightburn- a onetime purchased software
Challenges I’ve run into:
- More hands-on setup and maintenance
- Working with tech support to troubleshoot issues
- Higher learning curve compared to the Aura
Right now, I’m working directly with Omtech’s technicians to troubleshoot my Polar. It’s more technical than the Glowforge experience—where I could just send it in for repair—but it’s also a more professional-grade tool, which I appreciate as I grow my business.
🧭 What’s Next? Exploring More Options
I recently stumbled across a site called The Makers Chest through my Creative Fabrica subscription (which I already love for fonts, graphics, and laser files). And wow—it’s opened up a whole new world of laser cutter options and resources I didn’t know existed.
They offer:
- Detailed comparisons of laser machines
- Toolkits, jigs, and project add-ons
- Helpful guidance for both beginners and advanced users
While this isn’t a sponsored mention, I have to say—The Makers Chest has completely changed how I research lasers. I’m seriously considering purchasing my next laser through them because of the bonuses and value they offer in partnership with Creative Fabrica, which is a site I already utilize for graphics when I don’t want to design from scratch.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your machine (or buying your first!), it’s definitely worth a look. They have a great quiz to help you figure out where to start.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Which Laser is Right for You?
- The Glowforge Aura is a fantastic starting point and made it easy for me to dive into the world of laser crafting. But I’ve outgrown it—and I’m ready for something with more flexibility and power.
- The Omtech Polar is a beast when it comes to production—but it takes more time and effort to maintain and troubleshoot.
- I’m still researching my next diode laser (possibly the Falcon A1) to take on detailed engraving and rotary work.
Every machine has its strengths—and I’m learning as I go. I’ll definitely post an update once I’ve chosen my next upgrade, and I’ll walk you through the setup and first impressions too.
Have a favorite machine or a question about any of the lasers I’ve used? Leave a comment or shoot me a message—I love chatting with fellow makers!