CNC Side Hustle Worth It in 2024?

Thinking of buying a CNC? 10 reasons why a CNC router can grow your woodworking passion and business! If you are a beginner woodworker looking to get into CNC machining to help make some extra side hustle money this video is the one for you!
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About Cutting It Close:
Our goal is to help aspiring craftsmen do what they love for a living! We hope to share our knowledge in the woodworking field and CNC routering through training videos, CNC router techniques, unique projects, and practical applications.
TIMECODE-
0:00 - Intro
0:52 - 1. Affordability
1:34 - 2. Not as Hard as You Think
2:17 - 3. Do-It-All Tool
2:50 - 4. Versatility
3:05 - Giveaway!
3:49 - 5. Repeatability
4:23 - 6. Time-Saver
4:53 - 7. Money Maker
5:43 - 8. Scalability
6:45 - 9. Expanding Market
7:05 - 10. Too Many Lasers
7:42 - CONS :(
9:59 - Outro
#woodworking #cnc #sidehustle

[@TheBenjiLewis]

I bought a Onefinity x50 in September. It paid for itself within 2 months. Then, I lucked out and received a $7,000 order. It does happen, even to random people like me. So, buy the damn thing already!

[@Pedja-J7]

Hello friend, what kind of product do you make, so you get one time 7K order??? Way to go...of course! Keep doing it!

[@TheBenjiLewis]

@@Pedja-J7 This new apartment complex wanted to give engraved cutting boards (shaped like an art palette) to all their new tenants. So I made them. Now, I don’t know I’ll ever get to do something like that again, but it’s something I couldn’t have done without a cnc.

[@cutting-it-close]

THATS WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT!!

[@fredmercury1314]

I built a cabinet for my CNC using 1/2" plywood for the sides/back/front/top and the machine is standing on one layer of 1/2" MDF. All that is mounted on a frame made out of 4" square pine, so that the machine is at about stomach-height. The "door" is the entire front and top of the box, which hinges upwards and folds in on itself. I bought the quietest vacuum I could find, which you can't even hear when the door to the room is shut. In fact it's so quiet that my cat doesn't even run away when I turn it on. I also added some foam sticky-back sound proofing sheet to the sides and back of the box, on the inside, and underneath of the MDF. I placed the CNC on a triple layer-cake of soundproofing vinyl, cork sheet, and then on the bottom more of the sticky-back foam. With the cabinet door shut, the vacuum running, the machine chomping through hardwood, I can shut the bedroom door and you can barely hear it downstairs. It's literally in the room above my sofa. It costs more than ear defenders but it's definitely better for the neighbours.

[@muzikturnip3071]

I ordered a Onefinity Elite Foreman at the beginning of January, it ws shipped yesterday and should arrive next week. Let the games begin..

[@roblehmann2378]

Thanks for your videos and your time. I think we y'all in joy your videos. Thanks again from Tx.

[@cutting-it-close]

Our pleasure!

[@kevinjensen9817]

I appreciate your perspective on the subject. My smaller cnc has been great and I am finding things to step up my business. I dream of getting a bigger machine but struggle with the space for it. Someday. I love making things on my cnc that I can laser engrave to customize it. I recently started making crosses that have Bible verses engraved along loved one’s names.

[@REALHOUSTONLIVING]

Great video! I’ve been on the fence about starting up with a CNC but this video was so informative on explaining the good and bad. Thank you!!

[@customartbyt]

Great Pros and Cons video. I purchased a Foxalien Masutor Pro CNC recently to learn with and I am just getting to the point of being able to do some projects with it. Still participating in the “Learning Curve”. I have some simple projects posted on Matketplace but haven’t gotten any buyers yet. Still hoping it will kick off. Thank you for your inspiration.

[@JSGenesisDesigns]

Ive had an xcarve for a year now, as well as a shopify store . love doing what we do.My daughter and I run it together but were still waiting for that one item that takes off ...

[@robertyack1661]

You rock, bud. I've watched your journey. I bought an Avid 5x10 a year ago. I inherited my childhood home when my father passed. Includes a 32x40 insulated pole barn. I've furnished it with a Harvey cabinet saw, Harvey Gyro 700 dust collector, Jet 14 inch bandsaw, Jay Bates Miter Station with Bosch 12" Miter Saw, Grizzly 8" Joiner, Dewalt Planer, and more. I'm ready to rock! Need to set up selling platforms (FB Market Place, Etsy, etc.). I thank you for your inspiration!

[@cutting-it-close]

That’s awesome man! That sounds like a dream shop, so jealous. Have fun and enjoy the journey!

[@jamesholder5613]

This was great! Definitely pushes me to do more research and decide if this is right for me. It sounds like the doors it would open would totally be worth it! Thank you for the info!

[@w8one]

I'm self building (diy) a 4' x 4' cnc now. I have all the others for hobby use 3d printer, laser, vinyl cutter. Software is similar for all of them. I am working on learning aspire (I bought a used copy off ebay long ago) right now, trying to understand post processors at this point. Hopefully be ready to use by this spring.

[@cutting-it-close]

Very cool!

[@CecileFierro]

I bought a CNC a while back and never got it out of the box. Was trying to sell it but now I think I'll just hunker down and learn it. I have a diode laser and thought buying a CNC would be cheaper than trying to get a CO2 laser for clear or translucent materials. But it also does 3D carvings and no laser can do that. This took the edge off the anxiety of having to yet again assemble and learn a whole new piece of equipment and software.

[@amwoodshopni]

great video...my CNC arrives tomorrow!!

[@maddesignsllc9407]

I've had several hobby-grade CNC's and recently bought a OneFinity Elite, which is a beast by comparison. I ended up selling my Thunder CO2 laser today because like you said, everybody and their mother has them now.

[@cutting-it-close]

So true! Good for you

[@williamaronna8088]

Thank you for the encouragement to look forward.

[@cutting-it-close]

You got this!

[@tpsooner7816]

Really good video. I already have a small CNC, but I am just now starting to use it more heavily & find myself wanting to upgrade to something a little more rigid.

[@cutting-it-close]

Which CNC are you looking at?

[@EduardoTorresDeMadera]

I love this video. I had a small CNC for almost two years frustrated because not knowing how to use it after several tries, then a miracle happens, my last try worked and now I am doing fantastic projects. This video reminded that I need to start transition from traditional woodworking to a more automated environment. Keep up the good work. If somebody from the audience can recommend a cheap CNC since I am planning to provide CNC classes including a small CNC within the price.

[@cutting-it-close]

Glad it helped!

[@marcodeoliveira9933]

Check out the Longmill. For the size and quality, not the cheapest, but cheaper than the competition

[@dian3145]

The sound of money! Love that ❤

[@cutting-it-close]

Its beautiful! Thanks for being involved with the channel so much as well! Much appreciated!

[@richardrichard5542]

Just watched this. I wasn’t thinking about buying a CNC machine BUT you have definitely peaked my interest!

[@cutting-it-close]

You should!

[@agomodern]

Just some random guy here, but it's piqued, not peaked.

[@martinsvensson6884]

Can you flip a CNC 90 deg upright instead so it stands against a wall? That would save floor space if that is possible..

[@PhilR0gers]

I've been thinking about getting a CNC for some time, but the cost was always the limiting factor. Now that the cost has come right down, I'll probably start with a small one and use it to finance the purchase of a bigger one, which will lead to bigger, more profitable products.

[@brandoncomisford2370]

Definitely sealed the deal for me!

[@smythc1]

I’m sold! In fact I’m taking a class at Rockler here in a few weeks. Keep up the great content!

[@cutting-it-close]

Thank you!

[@instantalbums]

Can you recommend a CNC brand as a beginner for timber abd acrylic projects?

[@darkspace3316]

Why are your CNC water tubes not transparent? I suffer from same the issue lol! Curious to know! I have the same 6090 CNC.

[@thedude6650]

Great info here! What kind of grease do you use on your linear bearings and ballscrews?

[@michaelarbach]

Hey bud can you make a vid showing all the major selling points of cnc's? - like a buyers guide for different types of needs

[@edwinmoctezuma137]

The first question is.... WHERE TO SELL AND WHO COULD BUY YOUR STUFF????

[@richvalle4343]

Great video! Just received my first CNC an Avid 4x4. Can’t wait to put it together and begin working. Wish I had the space for a 4x8 or 5x10. But someday.😀. Keep up the good work and videos

[@EduardoTorresDeMadera]

Hi Rich, a CNC like this is above the $10k, right?

[@richvalle4343]

Depends if you get it with spindle or router. Avid has desk top versions below $10k and the 4x4 pro with spindle including delivery is going to run about $12k

[@EduardoTorresDeMadera]

@@richvalle4343 sounds excellent. I spend a couple of months reviewing all available cnc machines in the market and at the end that was the best choice but expensive as well. I ended up buying a cheaper machine to increase my trust and making sure this is what I really wanted. Thank you and enjoy the machine. You did a great selection.

[@richvalle4343]

Thank you and enjoy your CNC. I just got mine and I’m looking forward to start making things!!🤗

[@cutting-it-close]

Thank you!

[@CrossCutCreations]

I bought a small 12x24 machine years ago and while it got me started, the glaringly small footprint made things really difficult. I'm working on saving up for a larger Onefinity machine.

[@cutting-it-close]

We wish you the best of luck!

[@CrossCutCreations]

@@cutting-it-close Thanks!

[@chrispelletier3661]

Love your videos!

[@cutting-it-close]

Glad you like them!

[@crystalrabbon]

That Genmitsu 4040Pro is pretty good. You can't haul through material. But, it works great w/ my Makita and customer service is great.

[@RyanWattersRyanWatters]

Okay, I’m interested. But what model of CNC is in the background, and how much does it cost?

[@lesterandreas9005]

Great video. I am really liking the upgrades you are giving them. Very professional.

[@cutting-it-close]

Thank you! Is there anything you want me to cover in a future video?

[@lesterandreas9005]

Yes, how do you decide what bits to use for certain materials. Solid wood, laminated plywood , MDF, flakeboard. 1/2 cutters come in straight flute, down spiral, up spiral, compression bits (2 flute and 3 flute.

[@cutting-it-close]

I can do a video over that, but also here is a quick answer. Unless you have a beast of a machine do not go three flute, need to run those at 600-1000 ipm, I don't use straight bits. Compression if you are cutting all the way through in 1 pass. Down cut or upcut depends on the project and what side you need a clean cut on. @@lesterandreas9005

[@lesterandreas9005]

I don’t personally own the machine I just operate and program it. It is a thermwood dual 5x5 table. I can reach 1,000 IPM.

[@lesterandreas9005]

The first CNC I ran if you can call it that ran off of tapes with holes punched in it similar to a player piano.

[@karabassssable]

so which cnc machine would you recommend for a beginner that have the potential to serve for a side hustle ?

[@michaelgarcia278]

Great information, Ryan. Thanks for sharing. Which CNC machine would be good for a newbie to get into? And how much would that investment gonna cost?

[@cutting-it-close]

Thank you! We’ll be making a video about this sort of thing very soon!

[@michaelgarcia278]

Perfect! I just hit the subscribe button to your channel to get all your notifications.

[@Pedja-J7]

Greetings from Serbia! Love your work and your videos! I just made my version of phone stand on my CNC... I want to ask you, how often do you change bits? How many of your MAN STANDS can you cut out with 1 bit, before it gets dull and you have to change it? I am cutting mines with 6mm bits, like 1/4 of an inch?

[@cutting-it-close]

Good question, it depends on how you are running your CNC when I had my smaller CNC I could only cut out around 100 per bit. When I got my bigger CNC and I was able to run at the correct speeds, I would get up to 600 per 6mm bit.

[@Pedja-J7]

@@cutting-it-close thanks man you really helped me with that answer...so now I have a clearer picture... Yesterday my machine was kinda noisy, and today I changed the bit, and it was a tremendous difference... It was really 50% of yesterday's noise... So I figured out the bit is dull... Thanks again... Keep up the good work!!!💪💪💪

[@cutting-it-close]

Black bits are bad bits if you have them turning black anywhere that means they are getting dull for sure. @@Pedja-J7

[@Pedja-J7]

@@cutting-it-cIose wow, man it would be an honor... Any time, I am sure it would mean a lot more for me 🙂 Is this in the begging of your message your phone???🙂

[@dd_Dedsec]

Please reply me, How to know that how much should be the feeds and speeds for the tool to not break easily, i mean doc, passes and feedrate so that the tool doesn't breaks and finishes the job at the earliest

[@djipreview]

Google

[@tpsooner7816]

What design software do you prefer?

[@cutting-it-close]

V carve pro by vectric for sure!

[@Jpsavl]

How dare you!!! I love my Laser. But I do have a Bobs CNC and haven't done much with it yet. I'll get there.

[@Renegade_Income]

I was looking at a UV printer...I think I'll go with a CNC instead! I don't know anyone else in our small town who has one. Thanks!

[@markerickson4640]

Walrus, sir. I've got access and talent with a CNC. Might start a business when the kids grow a little.

[@cutting-it-close]

Go for it!

[@kentgraham8168]

Is there a free software out there

[@CaptCorpMURICA]

While I love my CNC side hustle, I REALLY need to upgrade from a garage to a barn.

[@garagewizzard]

Well, on the upside, you can CNC the parts for a barn :)

[@atejada320]

Same problem 😅 even though it's a 2 bay garage

[@brewtalityk]

Fun fact you can build a 2.2m x 1.2m CNC for less than $3000. There are quite a few build videos on KZbin

[@AcrylicMemories]

I own a flatbed laser and a galvo laser, a flatbed UV printer, and a jigsaw Getting ready to pull the trigger on a CNC......................So many things I could do with a CNC that I just can't do with a laser regards, Rick

[@cutting-it-close]

Do it Rick!

[@djipreview]

Get a Bridgeport at least what going do with this flat thing

[@onjofilms]

Darn it! I just bought a laser hoping start a side hustle. "Honey, I bought the wrong tool, I need to get a CNC now.!"

[@cutting-it-close]

HA! True

[@DutyGeezer]

I’m thinking….

[@disabledwoodworker]

Same thing goes for these Cricut vinyl cutters! Everyone has one it seems and the workmanship done on those products is a joke! The products they produce look okay for about a week if you never touch. it

[@cutting-it-close]

I almost mentioned that! Yes that is the same area, Cricut and glow forge!

[@djipreview]

Lathe

[@acerjuglans383]

Yikes, way to insult your female audience.

[@dian3145]

Is this in response to the intro to the “cons”? I had to watch it 3 times to try and catch what caused the upset. Don’t be afraid to make it clear if something could be improved.

[@acerjuglans383]

@@dian3145 the beginning of the video, and then about halfway through. I never finished watching the whole video.

[@cutting-it-close]

Our apologies, we just wanted to make a little joke seeing as our audience is 98% male. We’re all for Women in woodworking we just know how big a cnc purchase can be and definitely recommend talking to your spouses before pulling the trigger. We’ll do better in the future.

[@acerjuglans383]

@@cutting-it-close I know 2 women with CNCs, like the one you started out with, and they own and operate them themselves, and make money themselves, with no husband or boyfriend involved in any way. Just an FYI there.

[@agomodern]

@@acerjuglans383 Have you gotten over it yet, you feminist? lol