FSL Muse Core 40W CO2 vs Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 (Certified Rebuilt)
| Laser | ||
| Type | CO2 Laser | CO2 Laser |
| Wavelength | 10,600 nm | 10,600 nm |
| Optical Power | 40 W | 45 W |
| Performance | ||
| Work Area | 508 × 305 mm | 495 × 279 mm |
| Max Speed | 30,000 mm/min | 8,400 mm/min |
| Focus | Manual | Autofocus |
| Features | ||
| Enclosure | Yes | Yes |
| Air Assist | No | Yes |
| Rotary Compatible | Yes | No |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| Camera | No | Yes |
| Physical | ||
| Approx. Price | $2,999 | $2,999 |
| Release Year | 2019 | 2017 |
| Weight | 24.5 kg | 24.9 kg |
FSL Muse Core 40W CO2
What we like
- Browser-based RetinaEngrave v3 — no OS lock-in, works on Mac/Linux
- Patented removable floor for pass-through engraving
- LCD 7" touchscreen on-machine control
- Made in USA; phone/email support
- Affordable entry price for a US-brand CO2 laser
Watch out for
- No autofocus (manual only)
- No camera
- Air compressor and water cooling not included
- No published max speed specification
- Smaller 20×12 in work area vs competitors at this price
Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 (Certified Rebuilt)
What we like
- Pro Passthrough slot for materials of unlimited length
- 45W CO2 for excellent cut quality in wood, acrylic, and leather
- Cloud app for zero-config operation from any device
- Built-in camera for precise design placement
- Full enclosure — safe for home and office
Watch out for
- Only available as Certified Rebuilt — no new units
- Small 19.5"x11" (495x279mm) cutting area
- Requires internet — no offline operation
- No LightBurn support
- Subscription costs for premium design catalogue
- CO2 tube will eventually need replacing
FSL Muse Core 40W CO2
Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 (Certified Rebuilt)
The FSL Muse Core 40W CO2 and Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 (Certified Rebuilt) are priced identically at $2,999.
The Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 (Certified Rebuilt) has 11% more optical power (45W vs 40W).
The FSL Muse Core 40W CO2 offers a 11% larger work area (508 × 305 mm vs 495 × 279 mm).
The FSL Muse Core 40W CO2 has a 72% higher maximum speed (30,000 mm/min vs 8,400 mm/min).
Feature-wise, Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 (Certified Rebuilt) includes air assist, while FSL Muse Core 40W CO2 does not; Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 (Certified Rebuilt) includes a camera, while FSL Muse Core 40W CO2 does not; FSL Muse Core 40W CO2 includes rotary attachment compatibility, while Glowforge Pro 45W CO2 (Certified Rebuilt) does not.