Cleaning the Air Assist Fan on Your Glowforge Performance Laser

Is it that time again? The pulse quickens. Anxiety creeps in. Yep, it’s that time — time to clean the air assist fan!

The first time I tackled this task, I was convinced I might pass out from a full-blown panic attack. But I’m happy to report that I can now clean it like a pro. And let me tell you — keeping that fan clean really makes a difference. It helps reduce flare-ups, prevents flashbacks, and improves how well your materials cut.

Helping a New Glowforge Owner

Recently, my daughter-in-law got her very own Glowforge, and I was excited to show her the ropes — including how to clean the air assist fan. As we reached that dreaded step, I felt the old familiar panic start to rise. But I knew I had to keep calm and show her it wasn’t a big deal.

I reassured her:

“This is the scariest part of owning a Glowforge, but it really isn’t that bad once you get used to it.”

We pulled up the official Glowforge guide and followed it step by step:
👉 Cleaning Your Air Assist Fan – Glowforge Support

She took the lead — removing the fan, detaching and reattaching the belt — and nailed it on her first try!

It’s All About Mindset

Watching her breeze through it made me realize something: the hardest part of cleaning the fan isn’t the fan itself — it’s our mindset going in.

After we finished, she said:

“If that’s the scariest part, I’m good!”

So here’s my tip of the week:

✅ YOU CAN DO IT — IT’S NOT SCARY!

Just follow the link above, take a deep breath, and go step by step. You’ll be a pro in no time.