You mention diversifying. 8 years ago I started a cutting board business. I was a custom woodworker and cabinet maker. I love to cook and needed a cutting board and my wife said "You have a shop full of wood sooo...." I went out and made a cutting board out of my scrap wood, then I made another, then a dozen, then I was into a new business. At the time no one in my area was making wooden cutting boards and it took quite a while to educate people that hardwood was the best material for a cutting board. After a few years it seemed like everyone was making cutting boards (flat grained) so I tried my hand at end grain boards. It took 3 hours to sand them flat, so I invested in a used thickness sander and sanding time dropped to 15 minutes a board. I paid the machine off in 3 weeks. A few years later everyone was making end grain boards so I needed to up my game and after lots of research I bought my CNC machine and I did custom inlays in my boards, nobody does it here! While I generally only make cutting boards, some of my wood doesn't work well in cutting boards so now I am experimenting with epoxy. Another side business that has been profitable is making custom burial urns that are inlaid. As a business owner you have to be a step ahead of the competition because anyone can do what you do. Good Luck!
I can't tell you how much I appreciated your comments. I want to get a CNC but, I don't know computers that well that is what is stopping me. But I will continue to watch your videos..Take care, watch your six.
Thank you for your honesty. I’ve watched about 10 of your videos in the last few days and have come to enjoy your candidness and advice. I hope to be investing in a CNC in the next year or two.
I started making youtube videos recently with the very idea of failing. I figure I will make a bunch of crap at first, but this is what I need to do to get better, so best to start right away.
Way to funnel down a broad subject matter into a consumable grasp of awareness. Not many have that talent of translation but you've certainly done it here in a completely comprehensive but compact nugget of truth. Thank you.
Listen to this if you are planning to start a business, and there is a chance for you to succeed. In my country, it is sait that only one of ten entrepreneurs succeed. So listen to Andy, and you might succeed!
another great video! I just realized that I watched other first video earlier thinking it was this one lol. but hey I love these videos since I'm trying to start making some money on the side via woodworking/ cnc stuff!
I'm in the early stages of looking into a CNC part time business. I'm in the UK and finding it really hard to find the desktop type machines that you use. I found some Shapeokos but they don't come with a carbide router, they add a different brand to it so not sure if this is something I should buy or not? Loving your videos on the early stages and I'm learning a lot. Thanks 🙂
I see that you use a stand made from wood. Have you ever checked the accuracy of the product with a mic in comparison to your design or know anyone who has? Never used one before. Just curious. Thanks
Thanks for the videos, Andy, I am looking to build a cabinet for my CNC. I like yours and was thinking of doing something similar, but my top and lower shelves would be for storage and the middle shelf would house my CNC. I want to wire it up where I flip one switch and it turns on the dust collection, working light, and CNC. But maybe not a good idea? Do you have a video on your cabinet and the pros and cons to this setup? I am wondering if with this method, do you have access issues to screw down your material, does the enclosure reduce the noise?
Great video Andy! Who did you buy your Shapeoko CNC Router from? Evidentially they have given you good service and that is who I like to do business with! Thank you and God Bless.
I have zero experience with a machine like this and woodworking, but I want a xxl pro. I'm considering making a few different items like clocks, cutting boards and some signs. Besides the machine, what other hardware and software do I need? I have plenty of room in my basement, so space isn't an issue.
Go for it! Check out my free guide. It will answer some of your questions www.andybirdbuilds.com/freeguide/getting-started-with-cnc-10-common-questions
Good stuff Andy. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. And I do have a question: at 5:45 mark on the video, you mention the fail "layered plywood" material. Could you please expand on that, meaning what did go wrong there? There's tons of "recycled skateboards" projects documented here on RUclips but not much on CNC cutting that material. I am interested in getting my first Shapeoko Pro CNC and work with laminated dyed layered plywood. Your take on this would be kindly appreciated. Thank you!
Hey Chip, you'll never see a Shapeoko in a "CNC production shop". Its not an industrial machine but that doesn't mean it can't produce a lot of something. It obviously has its limitations, but in the right situation, its a fantastic option. I've made $25,000 off a $2,500 dollar machine so far on the side. So no one can say it doesn't work. It really depends what your goals are.
You mention diversifying. 8 years ago I started a cutting board business. I was a custom woodworker and cabinet maker. I love to cook and needed a cutting board and my wife said "You have a shop full of wood sooo...." I went out and made a cutting board out of my scrap wood, then I made another, then a dozen, then I was into a new business. At the time no one in my area was making wooden cutting boards and it took quite a while to educate people that hardwood was the best material for a cutting board. After a few years it seemed like everyone was making cutting boards (flat grained) so I tried my hand at end grain boards. It took 3 hours to sand them flat, so I invested in a used thickness sander and sanding time dropped to 15 minutes a board. I paid the machine off in 3 weeks. A few years later everyone was making end grain boards so I needed to up my game and after lots of research I bought my CNC machine and I did custom inlays in my boards, nobody does it here! While I generally only make cutting boards, some of my wood doesn't work well in cutting boards so now I am experimenting with epoxy. Another side business that has been profitable is making custom burial urns that are inlaid. As a business owner you have to be a step ahead of the competition because anyone can do what you do. Good Luck!
I love this! Thanks for sharing
@@AndyBirdBuilds Oh and subscribed and I hit the bell notification!
Awesome story man, that's encouraging!
@@ReeseCustoms Hope it helps someone! Thanks!
I can't tell you how much I appreciated your comments. I want to get a CNC but, I don't know computers that well that is what is stopping me. But I will continue to watch your videos..Take care, watch your six.
Thank you for your honesty. I’ve watched about 10 of your videos in the last few days and have come to enjoy your candidness and advice. I hope to be investing in a CNC in the next year or two.
Thank you so much!
The road to success is paved with the stones of failure. Don’t know who said that, but I’ve heard it all my life.
I love this. Thanks for sharing
I started making youtube videos recently with the very idea of failing. I figure I will make a bunch of crap at first, but this is what I need to do to get better, so best to start right away.
Failure is a learning curve - don't quit! Push through!!
You are an honest person and your words are very valuable .....
Way to funnel down a broad subject matter into a consumable grasp of awareness. Not many have that talent of translation but you've certainly done it here in a completely comprehensive but compact nugget of truth. Thank you.
Keep up the great content Andy! Love seeing not only your personal growth, but your business growth as well!
Thank you so much for your encouragement!
Good stuff. I have an xCarve. There are so many things I know I “could” do with it. I need to be more intentional. This is motivating.
Where do you find your customers that allow you to do prototype work for them? Great video Andy!
Listen to this if you are planning to start a business, and there is a chance for you to succeed. In my country, it is sait that only one of ten entrepreneurs succeed. So listen to Andy, and you might succeed!
Thanks so much!
Andy, Congratulations with the Family addition and the business.
Thank you!
Love that backdrop. Looks like something I might try to do in my new garage! :-)
Cool!
another great video! I just realized that I watched other first video earlier thinking it was this one lol. but hey I love these videos since I'm trying to start making some money on the side via woodworking/ cnc stuff!
Glad you find them useful!
Andy this is brilliant.
Thanks so much!
Andy, the link to your guide didn’t work for me. Can you point me to it? Thanks!
Thanks, Andy. What you have learned from experience is a huge help.
You bet, Glad to help!
I'm in the early stages of looking into a CNC part time business. I'm in the UK and finding it really hard to find the desktop type machines that you use. I found some Shapeokos but they don't come with a carbide router, they add a different brand to it so not sure if this is something I should buy or not? Loving your videos on the early stages and I'm learning a lot. Thanks 🙂
You helped me get started! Thanks! Great video…
Great to hear!
I see that you use a stand made from wood. Have you ever checked the accuracy of the product with a mic in comparison to your design or know anyone who has? Never used one before. Just curious. Thanks
Full time cnc is my goal!
Thats awesome!
Can those machines cut fiberglass composites?
Great honest video Andy.
how were you able to find the work.
I have a lot of videos about this on my channel
Thanks for the videos, Andy, I am looking to build a cabinet for my CNC. I like yours and was thinking of doing something similar, but my top and lower shelves would be for storage and the middle shelf would house my CNC. I want to wire it up where I flip one switch and it turns on the dust collection, working light, and CNC. But maybe not a good idea? Do you have a video on your cabinet and the pros and cons to this setup? I am wondering if with this method, do you have access issues to screw down your material, does the enclosure reduce the noise?
Just seeing this. I don't have a video showing the pros and cons but thats a good idea
Great video Andy! Who did you buy your Shapeoko CNC Router from? Evidentially they have given you good service and that is who I like to do business with! Thank you and God Bless.
I bought it from the manufacturer www.carbide3d.com
@@AndyBirdBuilds Thank you!
At the end of part 5 you mentioned a link for a tried and true process. I can't find it.
I’m looking for the same thing
www.andybirdbuilds.com/store/guide
What did you do to find the whole salers in your area?
I did a lot of research on the internet to find retailers that I thought would be interested and asked them.
Do you offer a class on how to find/work with retailers you can wholesale to?
Not right now, but I've given it some thought. Sign up for my newsletter at andybirdbuilds.com for updates
@@AndyBirdBuilds will do.
What were the main reasons you bought a shapeoko machine over another brand like the xcarve or the onefinity?
I think this is a great topic for a video!
What software do you use? I was told I probably will want to ditch Carbide software?
I use Carbide Create for basic projects and Fusion 360 for more advanced projects
Add a JTech Laser to your CNC's. People love laser personalizatiton.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge !
No problem, I hope you found it helpful
My man is a Kiyosaki fan! Blatantly stealing your scrap wood wall idea also :D
Yes! Rich dad, poor dad is great
Great advice Andy, how’s your hand?
Glad you enjoyed it. I hope you found it insightful. The hand is healing very well.
I have zero experience with a machine like this and woodworking, but I want a xxl pro. I'm considering making a few different items like clocks, cutting boards and some signs. Besides the machine, what other hardware and software do I need? I have plenty of room in my basement, so space isn't an issue.
Go for it! Check out my free guide. It will answer some of your questions www.andybirdbuilds.com/freeguide/getting-started-with-cnc-10-common-questions
Great mindset.
I hope it helps
we all fail. I recently purchased a 3d printer I make stuff for friends and family I eventually want to get to prototypes for companies.
Thats cool!
WD-40 and Chanel No. 5, each named for the number of attempts it took for success.
Woah! Is this true?
Great video thanks!
In terms of "Diversity" as you say. The rule of thumb is. No more than 20% of your revenue should come from one customer.
Thats a good rule of thumb.
Congratulations 🎉
Thanks so much!
Great video brother.
Hope you enjoyed
How do you find customers?
Check out this playlist ruclips.net/p/PLp-J1-xoURvXhh1b9GeDB5pqBeKV-BXHO
really well said mate
I appreciate it!
Good stuff Andy. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. And I do have a question: at 5:45 mark on the video, you mention the fail "layered plywood" material. Could you please expand on that, meaning what did go wrong there? There's tons of "recycled skateboards" projects documented here on RUclips but not much on CNC cutting that material. I am interested in getting my first Shapeoko Pro CNC and work with laminated dyed layered plywood. Your take on this would be kindly appreciated. Thank you!
Check this out. ruclips.net/video/VMO-XxiooO0/видео.html
Check this out. ruclips.net/video/VMO-XxiooO0/видео.html
Check this out. ruclips.net/video/VMO-XxiooO0/видео.html
This is very interesting. I never thought of the Shepeoko as a production device. How many hours a week do you typically run one unit?
Hey Chip, you'll never see a Shapeoko in a "CNC production shop". Its not an industrial machine but that doesn't mean it can't produce a lot of something. It obviously has its limitations, but in the right situation, its a fantastic option. I've made $25,000 off a $2,500 dollar machine so far on the side. So no one can say it doesn't work. It really depends what your goals are.
I need job
Never used a CNC router, that is.