Looking at a Glowforge? Here's Why You Should Consider Thunder Laser Instead
What Glowforge Doesn’t Tell You (Until It’s Too Late)
Many creators don’t realize the true cost of slow jobs, quality, limited software, and delayed support can have on their business – until they hit a wall. That’s why we put their top-of-the-line machine head-to-head with two of ours: the Thunder Bolt and the Nova Plus 35.
SPEED — Why It Matters More Than You Think
Speed isn’t just a spec, it’s the difference between doing five jobs a day or fifteen. If you’re running a business, every minute counts.
Top Speeds:
Glowforge Pro:
140 mm/s
Thunder Bolt:
1,000 mm/s
Thunder Bolt:
1,200 mm/s
Real-World Example:
Engraving a detailed graphic onto a 12”x18” bamboo cutting board:
Glowforge Pro:
45–60 minutes
Thunder Bolt:
10–15 minutes
Thunder Bolt:
8–12 minutes
That’s 4–5x faster, without sacrificing quality.
Why it matters:
Faster engraving speeds mean you can produce more items in less time, take on larger orders, and make more money without buying another machine.
Hear Why Support Makes All the Difference:
BUILD QUALITY — Built for Business, Not Just Hobby Use
Glowforge machines are compact and appealing to beginners, but many owners outgrow them quickly due to design limitations and wear and tear.
Thunder machines are engineered for long-term performance:
Industrial-grade components built to last
Heavy-duty frames reduce vibration and increase precision
Full access to internal parts for easy cleaning and maintenance
Built to run for hours without issue
Why it matters:
Faster engraving speeds mean you can produce more items in less time, take on larger orders, and make more money without buying another machine.
Hear Why Support Makes All the Difference:
CUSTOMER SUPPORT Real Help, Real Fast
Glowforge support is often slow, email-only, and parts can take weeks to arrive.
Thunder Laser USA offers:
- Support responses typically within minutes
- Real-time help via phone, email, and chat
- Parts stocked in Texas for quick turnaround
- A team that knows the machines inside and out
- Troubleshooting and guidance to keep you moving
Why it matters:
Faster engraving speeds mean you can produce more items in less time, take on larger orders, and make more money without buying another machine.
Hear Why Support Makes All the Difference:
SOFTWARE — More Control. More Features. No Monthly Fees.
Glowforge software is cloud-based, limited, and locked behind a subscription model.
LightBurn, which comes standard with Thunder Laser machines, puts full control in your hands—with no recurring cost.
| Feature | Glowforge App | LightBurn (Thunder Laser) |
|---|---|---|
| Internet required | Yes (cloud-based only) |  No (runs locally) |
| Subscription for features | Yes (Glowforge Premium) | No |
| Node editing | Limited | Full control |
| Multiple layers and passes | Limited control | Advanced layering & pass settings |
| Camera alignment | Sometimes inaccurate | Highly accurate with manual or camera support |
| Custom shortcuts & hotkeys | No | Yes |
| Material libraries | Basic (premium only) | Fully customizable |
| Grayscale engraving | Minimal | Full grayscale control |
| Design tools | Very limited | Built-in vector & raster editing |
| OS Compatibility | Browser only | Windows and MacOS |
Why it matters:
Glowforge users often deal with:
- Needing a constant internet connection
- Software crashing mid-job due to cloud lag
- Paying extra monthly fees for basic features
- Limited control over job settings and order
LightBurn gives you full control, runs offline, includes powerful design tools, and never locks features behind a paywall. It’s the professional choice for creators who want to work smarter and faster.
Upgrading your Glowforge?
Thunder Laser facts you may not know!
Thunder vs Glowforge
A collection of videos showcasing Thunder Laser vs other competitors.
Ready to Make the Switch?
If you’ve hit the limits of what Glowforge can offer—or want to start with something that can keep up with your goals—the Thunder Bolt or Nova Plus 35 is the upgrade you’ve been looking for.
FAQ's
What meals are included? What about drinks?
With the purchase of an Ignite 2025 ticket, you are getting lunch and dinner on the 8th and 9th. There will be snacks and breakfast items available as well. We are providing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for everyone on the 7th, 8th, and 9th!
Travel & Transportation
Recommended Airports
Quitman, TX is a rural location, so you’ll need to fly into a nearby airport and arrange for ground transportation. We recommend:
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – Approx. 2 hours from Quitman
Dallas Love Field (DAL) – Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes from Quitman
Tyler Pounds Regional Airport (TYR) – Approx. 40 minutes from Quitman
Getting to Quitman
Rental Cars: All major airports have rental car services. A car will be necessary as there are limited rideshare services in the Quitman area.
Driving Directions: Quitman is about 100 miles east of Dallas. The easiest route is via I-20 E to US-69 N.
Hotel Recommendations – Lindale, TX
Lindale, TX is 25 minutes from Thunder Laser USA in Quitman, making it the closest area with a variety of hotel options. We recommend:
- SpringHill Suites Lindale
- Hampton Inn Lindale/Tyler
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lindale
- Comfort Suites Lindale – Tyler North
For additional options, Tyler, TX (about 45 minutes from Quitman) has more accommodations.
There is also a Best Western in Mineola which is closer to our venue (approx 10 minutes), but it’s not as nice as the hotels in Lindale.
We recommend booking your hotel at the time you register for the event – these hotels will sell out!
If you have questions please reach out to events@thunderlaserusa.com.
What is the cancellation/refund policy?
- All cancellations/refunds will incur a 3% cancellation fee.
- The last day to cancel for a full refund is June 7th, 2025.
- After this date, tickets are non-refundable, but you may sell or transfer your ticket to someone else by emailing events@thunderlaserusa.com.
What machines will be at Ignite 2025?
We are planning to have the Bolt, Nova Plus, Aurora, and Nova Pro at the event.
What should I bring to Ignite 2025?
- A notebook and pen
- Laptop preferably with LightBurn on it
- Plenty of questions
Is lodging included in the ticket price?
No, lodging is not included in the ticket price.
Will food and drinks be provided?
Yes, food and drinks will be provided at no extra charge.