Customer Introduction

I'm Jay Malone, and my journey with laser engraving began as a hobby that quickly evolved into a full-fledged business. What started with a small machine for personal projects soon required a significant upgrade to meet growing demand and expand creative possibilities. With Thunder Laser, I've not only tripled my production speed but also ventured into intricate photo engraving and metalwork, allowing me to take on more complex and diverse projects. My path has been about transforming a passion into a highly efficient and versatile operation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible with laser technology.

What inspired you to buy a laser?

I used to have a Glowforge that I primarily used for hobby projects. As my passion grew and I started taking on more business-related laser work, I quickly realized I needed a faster, more reliable, and more versatile machine. The limitations of my previous setup became apparent, prompting me to research and speak with various companies to find a laser that could truly meet my expanding needs.

Why did you choose Thunder Laser?

Choosing Thunder Laser was a clear decision for several compelling reasons. Beyond their incredibly helpful and approachable team, the machines themselves offered solutions to every one of my pain points with previous lasers.

First, the ease of setup was a huge plus. Unpacking and getting the Thunder Bolt ready was incredibly simple – my wife and I were able to lift it onto our wheeled table and roll it through a standard doorway without any issues. All it took was cutting a few zip ties, connecting the air vent, and plugging it in.

More importantly, Thunder Laser machines significantly outperform my old Glowforge. The detail work on the Thunder Bolt is phenomenal, making it our new go-to for engraving high-quality photos. The speed is also a game-changer; it's dramatically faster, and when time is money, that makes a huge difference in production efficiency.

The RF laser tube in the Thunder Bolt was another major selling point. Unlike the glass tubes in most CO2 lasers, this means greater detail, it's air-cooled (no need for a chiller or water), and it's known to outlast glass tubes.

Finally, the bed's ability to raise and lower allows me to engrave much thicker items, and the rotary compatibility opens up entirely new product lines, like laser-engraved tumblers, which were never an option before. These features, combined with their excellent support, made Thunder Laser the obvious choice.

How did Thunder Laser help you overcome those challenges?

Thunder Laser has been instrumental in overcoming the challenges I faced with my previous setup. The upgrade to the Nova 35 immediately tripled our production speed, allowing us to take on more jobs and significantly increase our output. This speed, combined with the Nova's ability to handle larger items, was a huge leap forward.

Then came the Thunder Bolt, which has truly revolutionized our detail work. It allows for extremely fine details, especially for intricate photo engraving on materials like Baltic birch. This level of precision was simply not achievable before.

And the Thunder Aurora fiber laser? That machine has opened up a whole new door for us, enabling high-quality engraving on bare metals. This expansion into new materials and capabilities means we can diversify our offerings and cater to a much wider range of customer requests, propelling our business into exciting new areas.

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

Since investing in Thunder Laser, my business has experienced remarkable growth and my operational efficiency has skyrocketed. As I mentioned, the Nova 35 alone was about three times faster than my previous machine, which directly translates to a massive increase in production capacity. This enhanced speed means we can now take on a significantly greater volume of jobs, something that was simply impossible before. My business is no longer limited by machine capabilities; instead, it's fueled by them, constantly pushing the boundaries of what we can create.

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

For anyone looking to start a laser business, I'd offer a few crucial pieces of advice. First and foremost, invest in a quality machine that will be reliable. Downtime is costly, so a machine you can depend on is invaluable.

Secondly, and equally important, ensure the support team is easy to contact and responsive. Thunder Laser USA, for example, has an exceptional support team. You can create a support ticket and often expect an email response within minutes during normal business hours. This level of accessible support can save you countless hours of frustration.

Finally, talk with a sales team member to discuss your specific plans for engraving or cutting. You want to make sure you're getting the machine that perfectly matches your needs and ambitions, rather than settling for something that might hinder your growth down the line. It's about making an informed decision that sets you up for long-term success.