10 Things I’ve learned making my first 10K with my Shapeoko CNC

Want to know the 10 Most Profitable CNC Products to Sell in 2024? Then click this link to download my FREE guide with all the details: thecncsidehustle.com/10-cnc-p...
Over the past 6 months, I've made over $10,000 with my Shapeoko CNC. I've learned a lot and wanted to share the top 10 things I've learned with you.
Subscribe for more
rb.gy/vt2lpa
Support Andy Bird Builds Channel
Visit: www.andybirdbuilds.com/
Get The Tools & Gear I Use: www.andybirdbuilds.com/tools-...
Get CNC Files To Make Cool Stuff: bit.ly/3jJfRpO
Tools To Help You Make Money With Your CNC
Get Andy Bird Builds Bits - www.andybirdbuilds.com/cncbit...
Join The CNC Inner Circle - www.andybirdbuilds.com/shop/c...
Don't know what machine to start with? This was my first CNC and I have zero regrets! shop.carbide3d.com/andybirdbuilds
A great way to support Andy Bird Builds is to purchase through affiliate links, you get what you need and I may get a kickback!
#shapeoko #andybirdbuilds #cnc

[@willh4383]

I've been in the CNC game for about 15 years now professionaly. You nailed it honestly! Every beginner should take serious note and follow these steps. It will work!

[@JS-rp7qb]

@Jester Cool step one: cut a hole in a box

[@itsruf1]

Then they should get an internship under a legit CNC shop. Bypass the playtime molding nonsense and seek a real direction. Show me one single 3D printed part on any YT #D video. All I see is toy guns and wanabee tourbillons.

[@LewMacDonald]

@@JS-rp7qb 😂😂😂 That's Gold Gerry!!!

[@matthewallmark7275]

I've got a brand which I am out sourcing for CNC made things. Aluminium 7075-t6. Would love to machine it myself but ide need all sorts I feel and can't really start and scale from a bedroom/home office when you have the actual machinery. I'de need the machine to shape the product, laser to print the logo and something for the anodizing process. Sounds extremely expensive for my level currently :/

[@wayneseher532]

J

[@espressoveins2730]

The fact that you’re so openly sharing this information speaks on your heart. Thank you so much

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Thank you that means a lot. I hope you found the information helpful

[@davidaguilar7571]

And this is exactly why I subscribed to his channel, that is for sharing!

[@barryirby8609]

Used to build custom kitchen cabinets. Found out we could limit to two woods. What we learned was most people didn't really care and those who did would already know what they wanted and insist and we would charge extra.

[@nfsm139]

Why used? Thought kitchen cabinets are on the rise.

[@Rob_NABS]

Last one, Totally! I've seen so many fancy clamps. It's just so much easier to buzz in a couple of screws. It's called a spoil board for a reason :)

[@susankildahlcreates8698]

Thank you! I am just researching getting my first CNC. I LOVE the advice on just offering two wood types. Something I learned recently...the hard way. Also, your comment on custom orders is SO dead on. I have committed to working to create a certain amount of quality items to sell and not doing many custom orders. I have no idea what size, or price point, I want for my first CNC. I make trays, noodle boards/stove covers, tub trays, wood signs in basic rectangle and square shapes. I will be getting into bigger items soon. Thank you so much for great information!

[@jackc8574]

I did something similar to how you screw into the waste board. However I used the same Size stock for a production run and secured in the same spot. I put two threaded inserts into the waste board where I needed to attach and used the same bolts each time. Saved on screws and didn’t wear out my waste board.

[@MakerBeach]

This is great! Just found your channel after searching for Shapeoko videos. I've got my Shapeoko on order and can't wait to get it going. Thanks for all the great tips! Subscribed!

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Great!!

[@shanemartin2491]

Thanks Andy, I appreciate you doing this.

[@4n2earth22]

An old timer once asked me if I knew how to make a small fortune in gold mining. I answered no, hoping for a timely tidbit of wisdom from the old timer. He said. "Start with a LARGE fortune."

[@VenturiLife]

Same with motor-racing.

[@rjrfletcher2355]

The way you make a fortune Gold Mining is sell the "spades" ;-)

[@tolerancija]

When I started the venture that made me rich, all I had was a dream... and six million dollars.

[@tonkov9208]

The design part is so important! The more complejs the item is the more important it gets. Great vid! TY!

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Nice machined. I wish I had the room for something like that. The possibilities are endless! Congrats on seeing some return!

[@bingmordecai9708]

Hey Andy, nice informative video. just found your channel and look forward to viewing more of your work.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Thank you! I have more coming soon!

[@MintYourCar]

Great video man. Good tip on the clamping setup. Glad you showed yourself pulling on the pieces after you put the two screws in. I thought one would come loose, but seems tight and efficient. Gotta try it. Thank you.

[@wolframherzog636]

Excellent Video! 👍👍👍 I fully agree. I also screw down my stock for „mass production“ - the waste board survives this for 9-12 months, then I replace it.

[@clintoncarlton2053]

Man. This is a well done and very informative video. I plan on starting my own small home business and will be purchasing a Shapeoko CNC machine soon. I've done quite a bit of research and know that I want this machine. You have answered all my questions , plus more! Thanks for taking the time to help others starting out... Well done!

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Glad it was helpful! Best of luck!

[@YAYAtheReal]

Clever thoughts, thanks for sharing!

[@cyberspider78910]

What is important is your continuous effort, enthusiasm and positive attitude all the time...

[@cherylm2C6671]

Thank you for posting your video! It's amazing what can come from simplification. Even with an etch-a-sketch set up these rules should work.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

I agree! So many fall into the trap of "I need that before I can do anything" Sometimes true, but making it work with what you have is the way to go. Especially when you're starting out

[@collabrewate2013]

Very insightful, thanks for sharing! Especially custom one-offs vs repeatable designs. One way around custom that I've included into my services is still do custom pieces but agree to be able to replicate it. A client bringing you an idea or design has value, so I produce it for them for cheaper in agreeance to be able to replicate it or sell plans of it.

[@rokennedy11]

you are awesome bud, your passion and sincerity shines through!

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

I appreciate that!

[@MrBennybrice]

Awesome, thanks for posting. You've helped me to keep my cnc stress levels a lot lower!

[@ChrisBourkeHello]

I reckon our KZbin feeds are pretty similar Benny 👀

[@joonhyungchoi7799]

This is a great video I've ever seen. Thank you! I hope you can make another one for post-processing such as sanding, coloring, finishing, etc.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Great! I've made a video similar to this. Check out How to make 100+ Bar Signs

[@Billionyu49]

I'm so glad to have this video before I start CNC into my shop. Although I still waiting for CNC but now I feel a little bit ease. Thanks a million. All the best

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Glad I could help!

[@donnamarie4443]

You are one smart craftsman, very nice of you to share all of this great information. You, my friend are one of a kind👍.

[@Hugs273]

Nice man! Congrats! Thanks for the video. Subscribed and liked 👍

[@aguywithwood9293]

Hi Andy, I've never even seen one of these in use, but enjoyed your video. In my woodworking business I have a lot of focus on scrap, junk, and waste material. My two best sellers are pens and cutting boards. It looks to me like each of your pre-production panels have leftover strips that could easily become end grain cutting boards. You could just glue up those leftovers at the end of the day in no time. I usually just round mine over on the router table, but with that machine of yours I'm sure a juice groove or finger slot would be easy to program to make them even more custom for your customers. Mine are $50 and my subscribers are very happy with them.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Thank you for the positive input!👍

[@Cybnew]

This is basically my process. I had a massive uptick in Etsy orders this week which equated to about 4k...having these processes were crucial.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Thats fantastic!!

[@vicconstruction9126]

Hey Matt, Whats your store called. I'm in Australia FYI.

[@Cybnew]

@@vicconstruction9126 MKRBuilds on etsy. I sell super simple D&D related signs made of pine 1x6 so margins are good.

[@stevedaniel5928]

@@Cybnew What is D&D related signs! I don't understand your abbreviations! Thanks

[@ZachAshcraft]

Dungeons and Dragons

[@yvesjolicoeur747]

All such great suggestions. Thanks for sharing your hard earned lessons

[@jk12428]

Just watched you for the first time You are the Man for sharing!!

[@dbansgopaul]

Good info! Keep the videos coming

[@kidphillyorg]

I really liked this video. Very good points and ways to think about the entire business through what you have experienced. Thank you for posting this. 👍🏾

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Glad it was helpful!

[@allted]

I typically only screw my work piece down as well. Glad to see I am not the only one that prefers it. Knowing you have all the fancy clamp systems and still just screw it down makes me not feel like I am missing out anymore.

[@benwalters3825]

I have shaved a few screws down - someone suggested using brass screws would be softer if accidentally hit with endmill...

[@allted]

@@benwalters3825 Someone showed us plastic/composite nails...how freaking cool is that. It takes a special nail gun though. Those sound ideal!

[@solafarms2295]

Great advice have learned a lot of these same things, I screw down to waste board as well. Was full custom and now moving over to full design and sell the work on the back end with custom was over whelming dealing with people!! Now its here's what i got take it or leave it. I always have a few spare parts like brushes for the router, limit switches, and bits. Great video!

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Thanks for watching!

[@181charlie]

Makes me very happy to see your waste board with all of the through cut markings. I've seen some of these channels with pristine waste boards and I wonder if I'm doing something wrong.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

I agree!!

[@7R15M3G1]

Me too

[@Rootpuma2.0]

its because they have an extra layer on top and remove it for pretty videos....

[@mathewi4609]

0:18 - 1. Invest money into things that make you money 1:00 - 2. Designs that can be easily replicated 1:47 - 3. Stock material layout 2:12 - 4. Preparing stock materials ahead of time 3:03 - 5. Dialing in feeds and speeds 3:47 - 6. Duct collection 4:11 - 7. Having spare parts 4:38 - 8. Design intent 5:09 - 9. Limit wood choices 6:14 - 10. Clamping techniques 7:33 - ending

[@radicalphil1871]

Great video! Cheers mate for all the hints. Will watch it again and again.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Glad you enjoyed it, I'm making another video like this one right now! Should be out this Friday

[@LeoMakes]

Great tips! I think one thing that you do but didn't mention explicitly is to always be building something. The more time you spend running your machine, the better you get to know your machine and what you can do with it. I took a long break from CNCing and it took me a while to remember how to do things and to get back into it!

[@markadamarnold]

Really good info...thanks for sharing!

[@robertdiffin9136]

Great videos! Your “accident” episode introduced me to your channel. I hope you’re doing well. This particular video is excellent...great straight forward tips.

[@dngriffiths8105]

Great advice, thanks. You've packed in a lot of learning.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Glad it was helpful!

[@daviddrummond79]

You should try using a composite fastener (aka plastic nails) in lieu of screws. If you hit one it doesn’t damage your bits and it’s faster.

[@TheJosa007]

You are just like me, thank you very much for sharing your video. I got ideas along the machine you use. Your video was very encouraging. It's got to be super interesting the calculations of your time, material and machinery with the prices of what you sell. As someone who does not know anything about CNC machines your video is just fantastic.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@pawpawscustomcreations6447]

Dude I just started and I totally agree. Spoil boards are cheap. We just have to understand that they replaceable

[@bobd5119]

Thanks! Your sharing is much, very much, appreciated.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Glad to👍

[@will006]

That first thing you said, is the "Rich dad" mentality. It's something that has adjusted my mentality to frivolous purchases. Owning assets that can create you a return is important not only for businesses but also for individuals.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

I couldn't agree more👍

[@ThatAirSoftGeek]

Rich dad poor dad is hands down the best book ever haha

[@dzinengineer8758]

Good vid Andy, one more way to be more efficient is to use swap plates. You mount your material off-bed to a dedicated plate/fixture while the other is running. Then when one is complete, you swap the plates and hit start. While the CNC is running, you pull your parts and setup the next batch. You'll see the production % increase.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

This is really interesting. Thank you for sharing!

[@cheridaily1804]

What is a swap plate?

[@dzinengineer8758]

@@cheridaily1804 You have a dedicated pin fixture base that would mount to the machine table. This would be clamped, zeroed, and never move. Next, you create a couple swap plates that you would clamp the raw material to. These swap plates would be pin located to the base plate and there would be quick clamps from DESTACO, these would hold the swap plate on the base plate. Push start on CNC to make parts. While that swap plate is running, set up the next plate with raw material. As soon as the first swap plate is done, un-clamp, pull from the base, set aside, then take the second swap plate, clamp to base, and start CNC. Now the machine is running while you're unclamping the finished parts from swap plate no.1 and reset with raw material. Repeat over and over without ever changing the CNC program or zero point.

[@FennahMakes]

That are some great tips for starting your own business with a CNC machine!! I hope you are gonna make a lot more with it!!

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

That's the plan!

[@RaymondAaserud]

Thnx :) I looking at getting a cnc router for my business and these where good things to ceep in mind :) Keep up the good work :)

[@gabrielpursley2812]

Very well made video dude!

[@RayRosher]

Wow Just wow ... been looking to invest in a CNC for nearly a year now, and you hit the nail on the head. this video alone has saved me months of research... Now I know what my possible hurdles are...Thanks

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Great to hear!

[@ugpfpv361]

All great advice. Thanks!

[@joedwyer2313]

Great job. Thanks for sharing and congrats!

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Thank you!

[@Helz777]

I am so glad I found this channel.... your advice is a life saver.....

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Welcome! Glad to help!

[@billbyrd9845]

Good stuff! Thanks.

[@carlosmontes9529]

Thank you for the video. Real informative.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Mark30catalina]

Brilliant, well done.

[@DanielH]

Just purchased a 6040cnc to start a small business and a laser. Good luck with your projects

[@albertxnyc]

Thank you for sharing your experiences.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

My pleasure!

[@jefferycoleman4371]

You have great info. Keep it coming!

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Thanks, will do!

[@LonelyDev71]

Thank you very much. I just bought a CNC for 5k. You gave me a piece of mind.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Right on!

[@roy.h.barrett]

Well done Brother... I really appreciate the insight and words.. thank you

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Great! Glad you enjoyed

[@christianblack2916]

This is great. I think I already knew everything Andy said, but it took me my own 10 years to learn. I use an air-nailer to hold down boards to a fixed MDF spoilboard. Its far, far quicker than any other hold-down. The very skinny brad nails give the necessary lateral resistance to cutting forces, but the waste of the boards levers up easily when the work is done. The tools dont hit the nails becuase I have my layouts dialled in, and if they did my carbide tools will go through them without damage.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

I'm going to look into this clamping technique!

[@JW-hh4qg]

same, but with plastic composite nails. tap the edge with a mallet and they shear off

[@christianblack2916]

@@JW-hh4qg I've never herd of such nails! Can you link me, JW?

[@bartharkemametalworks2299]

First time on this channel. I like it! Good production advise

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Welcome aboard!

[@Hellzing50]

Very clever thinking, thanks for the tips!

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Fury9er]

Very good video, got you a new subscriber :) I do some amatuer 3d printing - like with you having wood stock ready to go I learned its best to have sliced gcode ready to go first thing in the morning, then once the print it running I can work on the next thing.

[@basilkearsley2657]

This was very useful thanks for a great video

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mattl1758]

I just order the xxl this morning. I am excited. Will be checking other videos. Thx

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Congrats! Thats exciting!

[@gregcalvert9208]

Good ideas!! Thank you!

[@markotoole323]

Congrats on you success, hard work and interest in what your doing, will always bring the dollars.

[@iamwonder9300]

Good Information, Already been there but Great Job

[@zoytek1]

You speak a lot of sense. Kudos.

[@GunFunZS]

Great video. My brother was doing custom CNC jewelry, and I think he was running into a lot of the problems you've described.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Thanks for watching!

[@OmarMarious00]

Great content man! In a similar position as you, it is assuring to hear that you have been successful as you have, hope to achieve the same.

[@lanelauhoff]

I like to use a pin nailer with 23 gauge pins to hold down my projects. Hasn't failed me yet and doesn't leave huge holes in my waste board. I also use a spackle knife to remove projects after carving.

[@TracksWithDax]

I might start doing this! I've been using blue tape, super glue and activator along with some simple screws which works pretty great but does take 3-6 minutes to set up altogether (very small router with 1/8in endmills). Nails would definitely be quicker getting set in place.

[@upnorthoffcuts929]

Like where your head is at on these issues. Gets a like and a sub. All great ideas that I need too consider for making money. Thanks for the great video.

[@LutherBuilds]

If we end up getting a second stimulus check, I’m probably going to pull the trigger on one. I just bought a 3d printer in the last few months and have only just dipped my feet into that. But I definitely enjoy working with wood more than printing things out of plastic. I would definitely like to start making more money to help my family. Especially in these times of uncertainty. I appreciate your information. I’ll just add that maybe you could explain how you found your customers and how you market your items. Is it all word of mouth or a more online or a mixture of both?

[@JDFuchs]

What your talking about of screwing the work piece directly down to your work table is Ideal for working with metal. Granted its more involved with a separate operation to make the holes in the work piece. But if you have enough of the same design or even a big valuable one off making a custom fixture plate is worth it. Toe clamps agents the X Y stops for the first op. Make the holes perhaps face the top of the material. Flip it over screw it down through your new holes and use a window frame as your doing hear to mill out the part. If your lucky enough to have holes through the part you can bolt through them as you mill through your tool tab's for a completed part (custom washers if needed). Without removing it. :-)

[@pavelgrishin]

I use similar limits (left bottom corner) but put there screws, which stick out (3-4 mm) their sharp side into material. Left side block has immovable screws so I just punch material there. Then I turn screws from bottom so they go into material my 2-4mm. On the other sides I use clamps of steel that stick into a holes that I pre-drill. Holes are 5mm above table and they are in places where bit will never go. That makes super-tight positioning of stock.

[@gallmanconstruction728]

Very clear and well said, thank you!

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Absolutely!

[@JeromeDemers]

what a great video in 8min! I like the first tip :)

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@TheDistur]

Good tips man. Thanks.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

You bet

[@MurraydeLues]

No 6 is so important. Recutting chips blunts cutter very quickly. You could also look at a strong air supply blowing around the cutter. They are in the big machines like the Felder Format4 I run. Good advice vid

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Thanks for sharing

[@edtsch]

This is helpful. Thanks!

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@DavidGugel]

Great tips, thank you so much.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@KYWT]

hey there, good video, quick question, how do you go about tool pathing roughing and finishing pass?

[@bigchiefleatherworks7245]

I found these tips applicable to leather work too. Good video.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Great to hear!

[@BubbaLeroy]

Good tips!

[@karipenttila2655]

Cool, very good advice. Thanks

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lawrencejohnson3259]

Thanks for the tips

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

No problem!

[@toddhower8215]

Congratulations! thanks for sharing your experience... I think your first point is huge... so many people spend spend spend when they are just starting out a new business... The truth is the way to maximize your profits is to control your spending. Don't be afraid to start small and see what works...

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Thank you! I couldn't agree more

[@TactlessWookie]

Excellent advice. Thank you.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Glad it was helpful!

[@manyhatershere1721]

Great tips... Thanks!

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Thank you for watching!

[@zomba109]

Great and honest!!

[@tcbridges]

Thsnk you so much for the do's and Dont's. Can i ask you where is the best places to start sellng my cutting boards and cheese trs

[@Silent-G]

Great advice! Thanks so much!

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Glad it was helpful!

[@remlya]

I have the exact same machine. Used it less than 10 hours and last time discovered it was losing orientation on the z-axis. Appreciate learning there’s an upgrade available as this seems to be a known issue from what I’ve read. Sucks that it already requires an upgrade to address this.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Man that stinks, I ran the stock z-axis for about a year before I switched. I see that they don't sell the belt driven z model anymore

[@CharacterRedWorkshop]

Those are some really awesome tips. We paid our Shapeoko off our credit card after having it for a month and a half. It can be a game changer for money that’s for sure.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Yeah man same here!

[@davidpatino5942]

Very nice video. I don't think that I would add any suggestions except many people I have worked with recommend brass screws for screwing to the sacrifice board. This will not damage the bit as much if there is a collision.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Good tip!

[@mikeshawbrook-selfreliance]

Great video. Spoken as a solid business owner

[@drieslaas8664]

Excellent advice!

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Glad you think so!👍