Customer Introduction

Hi, I'm Katie Devlin, and I'm the owner of Things Katie Makes. After an unexpected career shift in 2021, I found myself with a generous severance package and a newfound opportunity to fully explore my passion for laser work. What started as creative collaborations with local businesses and product experimentation quickly evolved into my thriving full-time pursuit. My journey led me to a pivotal decision: upgrading my equipment to gain the control and efficiency I truly needed, eventually choosing a Thunder Laser. This strategic move has not only transformed my workflow but also empowered me to build a flexible and profitable business on my own terms, all while balancing my life as a devoted mother.

What inspired you to buy a laser?

In 2021, my career took a turn when a new boss decided to bring in her own team. I received a generous severance package, which allowed me to fully explore a career in laser work. I began collaborating with local businesses and experimenting with creating various products.

However, I quickly grew frustrated with the speed limitations of my Glowforge. I took on a large project that required extensive acrylic cutting, which I completed at home. The filter clogged quickly due to the MDF and acrylic, and replacing it cost $250, wiping out nearly all the project’s profit. The entire job took a week to finish, whereas it would have taken just one day with a Thunder Laser.

This experience made me realize the need to upgrade my equipment. I wanted a machine that offered complete control, something the Glowforge lacked due to its restricted parameter settings. Switching to a Thunder Laser, which operates with LightBurn software, was transformative. I could manually adjust focus, understand why materials needed to be precisely 6 millimeters away, and even swap lenses for different tasks. These changes revolutionized my workflow and significantly improved my efficiency and productivity.

Why did you choose Thunder Laser?

I chose Thunder Laser, particularly the Bolt series, because it’s much more powerful and efficient than other machines at a similar price. The Bolt offers greater engraving depth, higher power, and speed, and has excellent community support.

If you’re just starting out or working on small projects, Glowforge may be fine, but for significant business growth, you need a machine with more capabilities, and the Bolt excels at this. It’s often underestimated due to its price, but it’s far more powerful than similar options like Glowforge or XTool.

The Bolt simplifies usage with its auto-focus feature, and LightBurn software offers full control over your projects. While learning LightBurn might take some time, it’s well worth it and will help you transition to other machines in the future. Thunder also provides excellent training and support.

Unlike Glowforge, Thunder machines allow you to adjust settings and use various materials, giving you more flexibility and reducing costs for production. For dedicated users, Thunder Laser is a clear choice with better performance and value.

How did Thunder Laser help you overcome those challenges?

The biggest change brought by Thunder Laser machines is the increased control I have over my products. I can manage the settings for each material, determine the engraving depth and color. Plus, the speed is faster, and the products are more refined. I can take on more orders without worrying about machine reliability or delivery delays. This confidence allows me to not only create better products but also complete tasks quickly and efficiently.

How has your business grown or life changed since buying a laser?

I completed a project for a friend’s restaurant, designing all the products they needed for their clients, including a large bar sign made from reclaimed wood with acrylic elements. The sign looks amazing and now hangs in their bar. I also helped them save costs—originally, they were paying $25 per glass to custom engrave a chicken logo, but I used my Nova laser to create the same high-quality work at a much lower cost, allowing me to earn a great profit.

This project was a major milestone for me because it gave me the confidence to work with businesses, rather than just selling on Etsy or to local consumers. This career has provided me with more flexibility—I have a young son, and being able to spend time with him while earning an income from making products is incredible. Focusing on B2B business allows me to take on large orders and complete them on my own schedule. I truly enjoy the flexibility and high profitability this work offers.

What inspired you to buy a laser?

Everything is great! But if I had to pick a few standout points, first is the quality of the machines—they’re incredibly sturdy, like tanks. They come with all the features I need, and I never worry about them breaking or me damaging them. Even when issues arise, I know I’ll get support.

For instance, I had a power supply issue with my Nova laser, and the support team walked me through the troubleshooting process via video. The next day, I received a new power supply, and I was only down for a day or two due to shipping. The support team is excellent—detailed, professional, and never makes you feel bad for asking questions. They’re really skilled at pinpointing issues quickly, whether it’s a user, software, or machine problem.

I also appreciate Thunder Laser’s company culture. They genuinely aim to match customers with the right machine, without pressuring them to buy the biggest model. Whether recommending the Bolt, Nova, or another model, they ensure the machine fits the customer’s needs.

What I really admire is that Thunder Laser doesn’t rely on influencer marketing. While they do work with users, these individuals promote the machines because they truly love them, not because of commissions or other incentives. We genuinely talk about Thunder Laser because we’ve had such great experiences, not for affiliate rewards. This approach makes Thunder Laser feel authentic and trustworthy.

what advice would you give some who is wanting to start a laser?

The first step in starting a laser business is choosing the right machine based on what you want to create. To do this, focus on two key aspects: what you enjoy making and who you want to make it for. For instance, you might decide to create a variety of products for dog lovers or specialize in tumblers and become known for them. Once you determine your niche, it will guide your machine choice.

After selecting your machine, begin by developing your skills with simpler projects and gradually move to more complex ones. Mastering the basics helps build confidence in your products, enabling you to price them appropriately without comparing yourself to others. When you fully understand your costs, time investment, and the quality of your work, you’ll be able to market and sell your creations with conviction. Staying focused on a specific area or product type can also help you grow quickly and establish a solid reputation—whether you’re known as the "tumbler expert" or the "go-to person for custom cutting boards for realtors."

Finally, if you think machines like Glowforge or XTool are the only way to bring your ideas to life, consider the added capabilities and precision of a Thunder Laser. For example, my Bolt with an RF tube delivers extraordinary detail, allowing artists to explore new forms of expression with unmatched clarity. The freedom to control the machine fully, without being tied to cloud-based or proprietary software, opens up endless creative possibilities and elevates your potential to share your art with the world.