I had a CNC side hustle for 5 years. I sold mine last year. Nobody wants to pay premium pricing for premium work anymore due to big box stores selling "crafts" made of plastic for dirt cheap.

@thomasklohr5433

11 ай бұрын

You can make cheap trinkets with a cnc. You can also custom engrave them. That alone sets you apart.

@logandillon5892

11 ай бұрын

What were you selling

@IrishRebel88

10 ай бұрын

Oh yeah? think about how the hand carve guys feel. FFS

@charleswalker6109

5 ай бұрын

Not so. You just have to find your audience/client base. That’s the aspect that most wannabe business owners don’t understand and won’t learn how to do. Additionally, I speak with so many failed business owners who tried to do it all on their own with little, usually no knowledge of basic marketing and business acumen. Having a mentor or coach can mean the difference between shuttering the shop and selling off equipment VS ultimate success.

@itscoldcoldwinter

3 ай бұрын

i got my and i was adding historical painting to wood i made 3k euro and thunderstorms fucked everything

Perfect timing for this video as I just got a shapeoko 4 xxl, still learning but enjoying the design process

Just purchased a Onefinity. Should be here soon and looking to start a side hustle with it. Have a very good job but like the creativity woodworking is bring to me. Goals are to pay off the cnc within 6 months to 1 year. Focusing mainly on wedding gifts, groomsmen gifts etc. Also want to reach out to realtors to see if they would be interested in buying items for house warming presents.

Thanks for the support!

Always enjoy your videos. I love my Onefinity cnc for making all sorts of custom one of kind projects!!

This was awesome. I have been looking at CNC machines for the past few weeks. I have a laser now and want to go to the next level but the overhead cost was holding me back. The whole seasonal thing is so smart. It can easily pay for it self in one holiday season. Thank you again and can’t wait to see what’s coming!!!

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

Right on! Thanks for watching👊

@kikinassim6555

11 ай бұрын

@@AndyBirdBuilds What is the price of the machine please

Andy, love your content, and you have me excited for the "never seen before resource" 😁. I have been prototyping some items I want to get spitting out of my cnc.

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much, Paul! Looking forward to sharing it with you!

That’s awesome. I do woodworking on the side. During the down times or in between bigger furniture pieces I can see how this can help me smooth out that income line. I have done cnc/ machining with metal but I still get intimidated by CNC machines being user-friendly for Woodworking.

I just wanted to say that I really enjoy your channel. I’m trying to find space for a CNC in my shop. In the meantime, I’m taking notes! 🙂

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

Fantastic! :)

Love it Andy! Thanks for the video and the helpful tips!! Have a great day

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching. You too!

Thanks for sharing Andy. I'm interested to see what you're going to come out with. My Shapeoko 5 Pro will be here in two weeks. I went on an interesting journey, canceling my Shapeoko order back in Feb, buying a Laser, returning the laser because or electrical problems, ordering a Onefinity, then canceling because the lead time to shipping it 4+ months and growing, then ordering Shapeoko again. I'm decided this time, I'm sticking with Shapeoko, even though it is missing some of the modern cool features a Onefinity has (closed loop steppers and Masso controller). But I think Shapeoko has great support, a huge helpful community, and put out some great content related to business starting and the like. I'm slowly also working on learning VCarve Pro and Fusion 360. Also I am slowly working on my own KZread channel, say maybe I will get big enough to collaborate with you some day! Anyway, thanks for the content, please keep it coming and I hope to see more specific content, as well as you making stuff instead of just talking about it, it's always fun to watch.

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

A collaboration would be cool one day. Thanks for being a part of this community!

Super excited! I am not ready for a cnc yet, I will be getting one!

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

Awesome!

Great stuff. Thanks

Thank you for sharing, sir. 🍀

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

When I saw Murray State at the 38 second mark, I about fell out of my chair. No reason to explain, but hits close to home. Mint video.

Thank you for the video, this just inspires me more! I am for sure getting a cnc this year for my side hustle.. Thanks subdcribed

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

Great!

I think it would be a good side hustle for specific markets. I’ve been in the construction trades both as a tradesman craftsman in installation and operations design/build projects and as a construction project manager and superintendent and the ability to satisfy the customer and not sustain a loss is incredibly difficult. How do you assure that you don’t eat a finished product and the materials/labor? I’ve had my clients sign off on a legal approval document with an intent to do business to ensure they aren’t wasting my time energy and effort and money. What are your experiences with this?

I'm very skilled in 3D printing, This is the next logical step.

Thanks Andy.

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

You're welcome! What was your favorite part?

I watch a lot of videos about CNC, I'm a product designer and developer, I'm currently freelancing as a developer, today I don't earn more than $260 a month, I've been like this for almost a year! But I'm also almost finished manufacturing my CNC ROuter for industrial use, all made from a structural aluminum profile with almost 3x2 meters of usable area... I have experience with design, less with a cnc router... I really want it when it's finished like me I can improve my income with a CNC Router and I also have a cutting plotter in the box for 3 years with a 1.2m mouth, camera and everything... I need to use this equipment, especially the router when it's finished... I want to finish it this year

@AndyBirdBuilds

9 ай бұрын

Keep going! You can do it!

I have been thinking for two years about this, but in retirement, I don't have enough money to get into a machine, & I'm a inventer I see so much business ventures that I can make out of this, but man they are way too expensive! It is what it is!

Looking forward to the new release! 😎

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

Yes!

thanks Andy 👏

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

You got it!

Hey Andy. Great content and an inspiring message about how to make a small investment work for you. This is something my wife and I are looking at getting into. Any way you could provide some info on selling products with trademarked logos? Have you ever had issues with requests to create items that you had to get permission to produce?

Thanks, new to CNC, got lots to learn.

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

You're in the right place!

Yeah, this is my side hustle. My main job brings in plenty of money (software engineer), so I try not to do repetitive things that will kill my interest in it. I do mostly commission work, not products to sell at craft shows and what not.

Amazing video

I use a multicam and enroute software. 9 bit holder able to load multi bits on A single job for muti uses for complexity and a beast of a vaccume. Oh and .001 precision. I can leave glue or no glue on acrylic with paper protection, oh it has a camera on it to. For cutting registration marks. For example you can print on a sheet then cut it.

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

Sounds like a cool machine! And expensive...

Awesome inspiration! What’s your favorite machine for EV foam products like SeaDek?

Murray State University plaque, super cool, yet kinda weird that i am watching this as a MSU alumni🤪👍 Love the video and ideas

Great video!

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Thanks for the video! Been daydreaming about doing CNC work and custom designs. This is motivating.

@AndyBirdBuilds

11 ай бұрын

Best of luck!

Thanks ❤

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

No problem, glad to help!

so many great points here Andy!

@AndyBirdBuilds

3 ай бұрын

Happy to hear you found it helpful!

as someone who ran a HASS 20ssy and now owns an 80watt co2 laser and has a SMALL table-top milling machine coming. they are not expensive to get into. learning can be VERY intimidating. however there are small steps you can take starting with 2d and moving up to 3d slowly. you do not need to know everything about a software to fuk aroun and find out. I STILL don't know even close to everything in 2D sketch mode in fussion 360(FREE personal use amazing software buy it once you get big enough I guess?)

Thanks for sharing this vid! I'm interested in getting started but the link in the description for what machine to start with doesn't work

I so want to do computer stuff!!!

Wonderful!!! What CNC machine would you recommend???

Nice video Andy. You can also do most of this with a $700 machine, just slower. 100+ signs made with my Masuter Pro and it's still running like new.

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Nice work! You can... but you could also do it by hand. It really depends on what you're comparing it to and how much time you want it to take. Also, the machine you refer to has a really small spindle, I see it being able to engrave but I have doubts it could cut much of anything.

@stefgav

Жыл бұрын

Can anyone recommend a decent first one to buy? I'm in Europe

@HumunculousInPants

Жыл бұрын

​​​@@stefgav Make sure it suits your needs first. The Masuter Pro he is talking about only has a 50mm Z height and I don't think that includes the bit. So if you want to cut material at 40mm you will struggle. Really you can only cut through material that is double the length of the bit (if you flip that material over). With the Masuter Pro you can't cut through material more than 30mm thick (15mm one side and 15mm the other) without modifying the chassis. The Genmitsu 4040 pro has around 70mm Z height, so depending on how much your bit sticks out you might be limited to 40mm stock. I think the Shapeoko is 100mm. That's 100mm clearance, if you put in a 35mm bit you have 65mm left for stock to cut all the way through, but it still has the be able to lift out and clear the stock. My numbers might not be precise but it gives you an idea of how to think about what size stock the machine can actually cut through. It all depends on what you need to cut, but make sure you don't fall for a machine that won't get the job done that you need it to do. Think about accuracy and rigidy too if you are making precise parts. Then think about speed and power. Both the cheaper ones mentioned have Nema 17 stepper motors so won't be as fast or powerful as the Nema 23, which will cost you more. But maybe that cost is worth it because of better efficiency. Looks like you would need to upgrade the spindles too, I think they are 60W so you want at least 300W or to stick a router on there. Sometimes the cheap isn't so cheap when you have to buy extras like extension kits, etc...

Hey cool video. We are a cabinet shop and have run CNC machines since 2015. Our current CNC is a 5 by 12 with an 12 tool ATC and is very fast and lots of power. I do all of my CAD with Z carve prop and Mozaik. I anticipate some day in the future wanting to retire from cabinets and envision using the CNC as a way to supplement our retirement as my wife and I are in our early 50s now. I likely would just sell our business which is a thriving operation and will let our current CNC go in the business sale. But would just step down in size on a new CNC for retirement. 2 questions, what is your favorite CAD to use? And where do you prefer to market?

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching. My favorite cad software is @vectric They have a few different options based on your needs. But vcarve pro is great. I decided to market based on what the product is.

Cant wait

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

Me either!

Andy how you doing. I have zero knowledge in cnc but I need to start something. I want to start an led acrylic business and I need to know what’s the best budget cnc for cutting/ notching acrylic

It was easy to master CNC, but it is really hard to figure out how to do marketing - without wasting so much time. In order to reach some financial success, it seems like I have to sacrifice 95% of time to marketing and only 5% of time to design, setup and fabrication. But the truth is I spend most of the time by learning how to sell. I make a living as a designer, trying to have fun with CNC as a side hustle. Btw, Etsy is over saturated! There has to be some other ways.

@androidfarmer8863

6 ай бұрын

Maybe contact someone who knows marketing?

How do you know when your side hustle becomes your main job? Love your videos, great content! Hopefully one day I can do what you do

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching. I don't think I can answer this because it will be different for everyone. But for me, it was when I started getting return wholesale customers.

Fantastic video Andy. I am interested in getting started in the CNC business as a side hustle. I’d love to be able to pick your brain a little on the proper equipment to start with. I’m not looking to buy the Rolls-Royce version and never have the option to get my return but I also don’t want to purchase the cheapest version only for to brake and have to get another one anyway. Do you have any recommendations?

@AndyBirdBuilds

11 ай бұрын

Thanks! You can find all that information in the description of this video.

I’m active duty military and soon to retire and wood working is my passion! I’m pulling the trigger but I’m scared because I’m not computer savvy. That’s where I’m afraid I’ll falter.

Hi, love your video's. Got a cnc a year ago and love working woth it. Just got a question. Evert time i work on projects woth solid wood and take material away in the middel (like a box) it Starts to bende/warp. How can i do this keeping it straight?

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

Hey! Thanks for watching. There's a few different factors at play here. But it's important to start with wood that is dried to around 8% moisture content

Who is the Racers fan? I’m a MSU alumni. I loved my time there.

Thank you Andy, I’ve been waiting for someone to inspire me, I do custom upholstery but I think that I waited too long, please make a video about cnc prices and diferente software to work with, thank you and GOD BLESS YOU, howdy from Dallas texas.

@AndyBirdBuilds

3 ай бұрын

Glad it found the video inspiring! You can do it!

Recently discovered V1 Engineering who do mostly printed cnc's more affordable options. Hope this helps someone!!! Of course do your own research.

Great video-thanks

@AndyBirdBuilds

6 ай бұрын

You're welcome. Glad to hear you liked it!

I cannot wait until I have a cnc machine set up. I just do not know if I want to go big, or if I want to have a smaller model like what you are working with.

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

It really comes down to what you want to do with it

@foodhead4677

Жыл бұрын

If you have space the larger ones have lower resale value it seems. I see large used industrial models for 8-15k.

I have my shop in my garage, so space is somewhat limited. We want to make items that are small enough to easily ship since we live in a rural area where local market is limited. Which model Shapeoko would you subbest for us?

I bought a used Shapeoko 3 for less than $200. It can be done for cheap. Not that I'm actually using it, or that it's even set up for that matter. 😂

I'm interested

Thanks for the vid. Good ideas. I need to get one already! What’s your opinion on BobsCNC?

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

You do! I don't know much about BobsCNC

I got into 3d printing as a hobby but didn't see a path to ROI without committing to learning how to design my own models. In order to see an ROI on woodworking CNC do you need to be able to model your own designs?

With the Shapeoko would you recommend getting the router from them or getting a different one like the DeWalt or Makita?

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

I've run all of them. They're all pretty similar. If it were me, I'd go with there's with the plan of upgrading to their spindle in the future. Huge upgrade. You can find it all through this link, shop.carbide3d.com/andybirdbuilds

I am sure that you have probably already linked up something but I cant seem to find any links to the actual CNC machine you use that you said came in around 3k?

What CNC machine are you recommending?

Far easier said than done. Shop time vs time and money spent hustling up the customers is the key.

Subscribed 👍🏻

@AndyBirdBuilds

4 ай бұрын

Welcome!

I'm trying to see the opportunities really badly. I'm wanting to pull the trigger. I ready. I just haven't convinced myself that I can make my money back. I have plenty of time and a good few woodworking tools already. Like 3 comments down.

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

I'll have another video coming soon sharing some projects!

@emostorm7

Жыл бұрын

@@AndyBirdBuilds great looking forward to it

Great Video, so I am curious as to how to get started into this? I have done some research on this, CNC Programmer or Mechanical Technician-Precision Skills or CNC machinist technician? In this video, what exactly is the name of this trade that your doing? My background is mostly focus on Computer Technology-Like Computer Support, Cybersecurity, Cloud etc, Maybe this is good career path to take? anything you can think of in terms of College Courses or Program that might lead to a College Diploma or Degree that would help me understand more about what your doing this video. I like videos like this.

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

CNC machinist is the trade.

A man with a CNC here. Waiting for your orders.

Do you have a video (or make one) about cnc noise? I have a 4xxl and new to cnc. I can’t tell enough if my cnc is cutting fine or if something’s wrong when it’s making noise. Chatter, screams, vibrations. I normally cut plywood or hardwood. I follow Carbide3d cut preferences but it still does not ease me in the noise. I have to wear ear muffs

@TunaSoda

Жыл бұрын

Not having the proper feeds and speeds setup for your material can create extra noise for sure, there are plenty of websites out there that can help you ID if this is the case, even just looking at your wood chips to tell

I need a side hustle to afford to start this side hustle

@wkrp10splayer19

10 ай бұрын

likely the most sage cmt here. and with humor too

Andy, i program CNC machines everyday for my main job, can you recommend a list of machines you would recommend if i wanted to start a cnc side hustle like you?

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

www.andybirdbuilds.com/tools-andy-uses

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

I don't have any experience with it, but from what I hear, people like their Onefinity as well.

where did you get that T-slot square?

I love this stuff but what machine brand would you recommend I have about 6k budget plus a chain saw mill I cut counter tops and planks with from logging waste

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

What do you want do do with a CNC? Hobby? Business?

@111TimG

Жыл бұрын

@@AndyBirdBuilds honestly probably engravings on the tables and furniture I make ..signs bowls trays a lil bit of everything never used one before and not sure what would be favorite thing to do

thanks for the video, Im an Architect and looking to purchase CNC for my studio

@AndyBirdBuilds

7 ай бұрын

What type of work are you looking to do with a CNC?

@eastudio-K

7 ай бұрын

@@AndyBirdBuilds looking to build 1:1 pieces in order to do interior installations. I just saw there is a 4x4 option with the CNC machine your using in your video. Might be one way to go.

Question: I noticed in this video there was a shot of a CNC creating the different car brands. My concern would be towards College Football, like the "Huskers" - if you create that image and then sell it, could you be in violation of copyrights?

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

Yes. There is potential risk involved anytime your using something you didn't create.

@Tallnerdyguy

Жыл бұрын

NFL, NBA, MLB, all of the products would need licensing

@wkrp10splayer19

10 ай бұрын

YES

Off the wall question. Can u recommend mid level CNC that are ~100% stainless steel/no rust parts? Florida garages get humid regularly. Thanks

@AndyBirdBuilds

Ай бұрын

I don't know of one. But it sounds expensive!

which machine would you say is best when i just start with cnc router but have already experience with cnc laser?I thought about the 5 pro is a great size and costs are also not super high 3200$

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

A Shapeoko would be a great place to start shop.carbide3d.com/andybirdbuilds

@loganfreeman8237

Жыл бұрын

@@AndyBirdBuilds why do you recommend shapeoko instead of the infinity?We have here in canada also longmill what shall be good for beginners.I have no clue where are the differences between those machines except the price and the barings

What are you thoughts about auto tool change? I'm starting to figure out which CNC I should buy and it seems like if I don't have atc I'll be limiting my designs because I'll try to design everything to be cut with a single bit. You have had good success without atc though correct?

@angrydragonslayer

Жыл бұрын

While i'm from the metal side of things, i think ATC is a godsend if you can't do both of 1. Do everything with one tool 2. Be near the machine consistently enough I had a job where all i needed was a 10 mm R2 bull endmill but to make sure i could be away for a long time, i put 20 of the same tool into the machine and activated tool breakage (and wear) detection. It's not something you'll find on a shapeoko but it allowed me to leave the machine alone for 5 weeks save for feeding it new workpieces and taking out finished goods.

@bassdominator15

Жыл бұрын

Or you can do a manual tool change

@dylanshandley1246

Жыл бұрын

It really limits the range of stuff you can make, and the time those jobs take to finish, if you stick to programming things with a single bit. It’s pretty common with the programs that cnc routers use, for them to come with settings that allow you to use 2 different bit’s which is really useful in a bunch of cases. Full 3D relief carvings for example, using as large of a down cut endmill as you can that will still remove a bulk of the material from the design, and then making a finishing pass with a ball-nose endmill to add all the little details, is a lot quicker and leaves a better finish than just using the end mill or just using the ball-nose endmill by themselves. You just need to figure out some way for you to be able to reliably and accurately return to the exact same X and Y position, so that even if you swap the bits, as long as you also re-zero the Z-axis, the machine will start from the exact same position every time.

@TunaSoda

Жыл бұрын

Just have a separate program for each bit and run them back to back doing a manual tool change in between, it will be easy with a cnc machine that has a Z touchoff

Ah, I recognize those cracker trays now.

Just because you identify an opportunity, does not mean sales will follow.

I find this fascinating, given that short of buying a piece of wood, and the occasional router bit, this has nothing to do with wood-working, or carpentry. I've got no problem with technology, or what this can bring to the table in terms of precision. And, I'll be buying one of these very machines for my own specific projects that demand it's precision. It will be used to create the very first step of a 30-step process. There are numerous projects that come to mind to where the precision itself, can be a tremendous benefit. Short of that, I can't imagine anything less gratifying, and counterproductive to wood-working, than going from building something entirely by hand, to downloading a file off the internet, then pressing a power button. It makes me wonder how it's marketed. Do people openly say the product listed is a CNC product, and say it's "hand-made" because someone pressed a button? Or, are CNC products one of those things that no one talks about.

👍

Do you have alot of knowledge of different machines? If so do you have an email i can send you some questions on if it's not too much trouble? just wanted to get some feedback from someone that does cutting. I own a print/sign shop and was thinking about getting a machine so we can start cutting our own letters and hopefully getting into other things. Thank you in advance!

If only I could fit it in my 1 bedroom apartment

is the spindle worth the extra $

Oooo...teaser 😮😂

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

Hey Kathy! I've missed your comments!

Is it possible to have. Cnc to make furniture ?

Biggest tip here? Keep it fun!

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

YES!

Please tell me I wasn’t the only one thing CNC cylinder head porting😂

Nothing happens until you sell something! Making the product, not easy but easier than getting sales.

Doesn’t wood costs hurt sales?

Did you buy your shapeoko directly from their website?

@AndyBirdBuilds

7 ай бұрын

Yes. shop.carbide3d.com/andybirdbuilds

You’d be surprised what you can charge for metal :)

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

This is on my list!

Oh my goodness, this guy looks like a thin, young Oliver Hardy!

What is a good place to start when you don’t know ANYTHING? All I know is they have an x, y and z axis and that is all I understand cause I am a math person and love geometry lol

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

Hello Maria! Geometry is fun. Here is a playlist to get you started. I will note, there are many ways to get started depending on your budget and what projects you'd like to make. kzread.info/head/PLp-J1-xoURvX6p-5kVjLD4YChqFt1ywrs

Compared to a laser the CNC is much less cost for what you can earn.

sir how much the CNC machine

I wish i could afford a CNC machine

@wkrp10splayer19

10 ай бұрын

save$ by not falling for SH schemes portraying cnc as a money printing machine. if i had a money printing machine do you think i'd make YT's and tell you how i do it? NFW. alas, 100's of folks will run out and buy machines and completely saturate the market. in effect, causing a race to the bottom in pricing. in the old timey Gold Rush, 99.9% of miners found nothing. the winners were the companies selling the shovels and mining equipment.

I now own a shapeoko5 So I am ready to start making money using it to make things to sell and how do I find people to sell to can you help me get started Jeff Peters

@emostorm7

Жыл бұрын

Who is Jeff Peters?

How can you sell car logos? Aren't they trademarked?

@AndyBirdBuilds

9 ай бұрын

I don't sell car logos. I made those for myself

What is the software to design?

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

Vectric.com

The thing about a business is the more jobs you do the more jobs you will get. Advertisement does not work. It’s all word of mouth.

@AndyBirdBuilds

Жыл бұрын

Great advice!

Thank you Ted Cruz for your side hustle opportunity, will be sure to vote for you next term 🎉 🤙🏼