The Truth about Hobby CNC Businesses

Are you thinking about starting as CNC business? Hobby CNC might be a great place to start. Today we're talk about what side business we are using our hobby cnc for.
LINKS -
Onefinity CNC - bit.ly/3QcZpLH
Pwncnc - bit.ly/3M0hgTG
Our Machine is the Onefinity Elite 4ft x 4ft Machine. The spindle we are using
is 110 volt 1.5 k from Pwncnc are dust collection is also from Pwn
My Links -
website - www.izzyswan.com/
Instagram - / izzyswan_woodworking

[@Blackwido88]

I wasn't even particularly interested in searching for this information, and I watched until the end because of how well you broke that down. Well edited, clear, concise and short is the only reason I stuck around 👍.

[@rosadejesus8274]

Same here, kept watching bc it was well explained!

[@usernamedkjahstill5003]

" there was a lot of talking in this video". Yes and I thank you for it. I click on the video for clear and informative insight into CNC and you delivered exactly that! I can't fault you for doing something that I wanted; I appreciate it! So, thank you¡

[@brendanlenane2685]

Straight forward and honest as always Izzy. look forward to seeing more on CNC work.

[@mondavou9408]

I REALLY appreciate you being transparent! Thumbs UP!

[@ManlyBurp]

Fellow Brown Coat here! I was pleasantly surprised to see the Serenety on the CNC machine along with the famous line from Captain Reynolds. That show was the best. *sigh* ..the joy and heartbreak that came along with it.. I only discovered the show around a year ago so the wound is still fresh. Thanks for sharing that!

[@pathardage1880]

This might be the best single CNC video I've seen. I am grateful for your calm. Thank you.

[@MessyTimes]

I dunno. I prefer it when the narrator is hopped up on caffeine, talking so fast I can't understand it.

[@Mortow8]

Thanks Izzy. It is nice to hear a pro give a true breakdown on this subject. I love the talking vids as much as all the rest. Keep it coming.

[@rolandgdean]

Owning a small WW business myself, I can tell you for sure that the most key point you made is that YOU HAVE TO SELL IT...otherwise there is no one to buy ANYTHING you make. Thanks SO MUCH for this video Izzy, just like when you spoke with me about my wooden latch, the real-world info you give is priceless.

[@izzyswan]

Thank you for pointing that out. It cant be stressed enough. Its all about the marketing.

[@applebutter4036]

You nailed it! Nobodies going to come looking for your product. Marketing isn't rocket science, but it does take some guts and persistence.

[@AndreKaut]

yup, its all about selling, theoretical machine $/hour gets thrown out the window when you cant keep it running.

[@togowack]

@@applebutter4036Unless you are in a niche market and own the niche that requires a lot of skill and advanced 3d modeling. Just 2D cookie parts are going to meet a lot of competition out there and drain many hours and you will want to hire someone to be your slave.

[@xathridtech727]

I personally only sell enough to pay for hobbies and yes. you need to market people need to know you and your services exist. A lot of people dont realize that most comercial products can be made by someone besides the 1-3 brands that really market

[@pjh432]

Izzy. This was incredibly helpful. It would be great to hear updates as you guys continue to fine-tune the sign business.

[@sailorcto]

Love the straight, honest talk on the reality of CNC sign work. Thank you!

[@bradthomason8461]

Predictably well done. You're a smart guy and a talented presenter, Mr. Swan.

[@Lumberhacksteve]

Great video and well spoken. I honestly got alot out of this and it was refreshing to hear someone speak facts and include all the details unlike alot of the other spruikers on here. Keep up the great work. I think there is some real markets here in Australia and videos like this help alot.

[@twoblacklabs]

As always, great advice. You definitely inspire others. Thank you Izzy.

[@lepusmalignis1628]

Good video! Having had relatives attempting side hustles via various means, I'm glad to hear you baldly state that you have to WORK at your hustle. My relatives had unrealistic expectations regarding a hobby business and it showed. I have an extensive list of "things I want to play with" when I hit the lottery and home CNC has always been on that list.

[@thesplinteredfinger]

I agree with all the other positive comments, you are smart and make your points clear through your videos! I have been watching you almost a decade and you are one of the best University of KZbin Professors!

[@chromaticsdesigns869]

Your video is clear, concise and best of all no music. Thank you

[@T0tenkampf]

I used to run a New Hermes engraving machine at a company that made oilfield equipment. The phenolic plastic laminate we used for tags and instrument panel instructions was extremely durable, even is salt or heat. Just some fyi for anyone wondering if its good for signs.

[@richardlanpheare5019]

As always, love the value and simplicity of your content.

[@izzyswan]

I appreciate that!

[@Erik_The_Viking]

Great overview of the reality of CNC printing. It's a lot of work. Looking forward to watching the CNC series!

[@tomhorrigan5769]

Great video explaining the basics on getting into CNC business. We’ll done and excellent info. Looking forward to your future CNC videos. Keep it up man!

[@jimrosson6702]

Always love your videos honest straight forward and honest. Can’t wait to see more videos.

[@secristwoodworks]

You've been a huge inspiration for over 8 yrs...thank you very much!! For all of your content!!! Excited to see whats next!

[@izzyswan]

Wow, thank you! 8 year is a long time. Thank you for sticking with me!

[@mikedalka2828]

I agree with the other commenters praising this video - you make some great points. To summarize my favorite - running a CNC business is like having 4 jobs. You have to know how to make it, how to sell it, how to design it, and how to keep the books straight. If you aren't prepared for this, you need to determine how to address each area you will NOT be working in.

[@markevans3027]

Thank you, you gave this retired guy a lot of good information.

[@WindRidgeWoodCrafts]

Great choice on the Onefinity. I bought their X-50 Journeyman last year. I look forward to seeing what you and Maggie share as you get more familiar with it.

[@MadAboutLED]

A very informative video and the talking is great. I had a successful Mobile Laser Engraving business where we'd do markets, fairs and festivals a few years ago and the side benefit was we got to see the countryside with our caravan in tow and the laser mounted in a light truck. Before that I did Vinyl Cut Signs for 25 plus years and now I'm "retired" I'm starting to research CNC possibilities from home for something to do and some extra $$$ wouldn't go astray, so this video was very helpful - Thank You!

[@JonMytyk]

great video! thanks for the in-depth look at the potential on the business side. looking forward all the ones the come!

[@JimNichols]

I watch a lot of YT because I am retired and like to stay at home so I have some knowledge about the way videos are done along with my own personal bias in taste and information quality and clarity. This video is one of the top 10 videos I have watched in the last year. You are a great orator, your scripting is spot on and the videography was great. Interesting subject, interesting depth of knowledge, all the bells and whistles that make a good vid a great one... AND you do not undersell the importance of WORK... you have to work somewhere, somehow to make money be it brick and mortar, on line or anywhere there is no free lunch like most talk about now. Thank you sir.

[@carriersignal]

Great job in presenting the information you wanted to convey in this video! Thank you!

[@charlie-ty2fq]

Best video Ive seen on getting straight up to date information. Thanks!!! I'm a subscriber

[@donmiller8712]

Good to see you back. Thanks for the video

[@rpeebles]

I'm still growing me beehive building business and was only able to upgrade to a 20" planer this year. Your OneFinity is exactly the model I have been eye-balling for a while now. Would love to see more videos on this. Have lots of ideas of some crazy cool bee box designs...

[@Sanger.woodworks]

Nice video as always, thank you for your contributions to the community!

[@MrRenoman2011]

Great video Izzy so glad I found you. Thanks so much

[@garrettguitar]

Excellent, and well laid out information. Thank you for doing this video!

[@RobbieSongwriter]

As always, your videos are THE BEST. Understandable common sense advice that is extremely helpful. Thank you Izzy (and Maggie ;-).

[@billloveless6869]

GREAT VIDEO! A lot of people don't understand what is involved when you have a small business. 💯

[@amorton94]

Now this has me wanting to build a 48x48 router and start a sign business. Just recently got laid off and have very little desire to find someone else to work for, so this is quite tempting. With my professional CAD/CAM and CNC Router experience, it almost seems like a no-brainer.

[@andyminch9156]

5 months later, wanna share on your journey?

[@amorton94]

@@andyminch9156 It was little more than just a thought. I was unemployed for 4 months and then took a job that is a downgrade from my previous job and that I hate. So maybe I should actually try acting on the thought instead of doing what I'm doing.

[@TediumGenius]

I agree with others here- you absolutely brought the main points forward with "all your talking." You know, there are a LOT of producers who talk over B-roll video as their default communication workflow. You did that here, with a great balance between interesting shots with voice over, and static shots of you making important points. Hell, keep it up! You've always been good at this balance in your videos! I appreciate your take on this. I've seen and thought about these automated CNC devices (routers, laser, 3D printing,) and figured there would be a saturation point as they became more affordable. Aaaannndd... having been through the film/digital camera thing, and possessing a certain level of disdain for non-handcrafted anything- I decided not to invest so far. But what you've said has always applied to these technologies: it comes down to salesmanship and marketing. I wish I would've made that part a priority in my own thinking, because I think outside the box and can sell very well. Maybe someday... but some CNC is highly utilitarian for what I do and will fulfill other needs so we'll see... Great video once again!

[@Tseane70]

Great overview! Really liked your details on the costs and market rates in your area. This was very helpful.

[@dwwoodbuilds]

Very excited about your CNC series and the knowledge and experience you're going to share! Thanks!

[@izzyswan]

Thanks for watching! We are looking forward to it too!

[@CliftonWood]

Thank you!! Your content now has me interested. I definitely enjoyed it.

[@tumbleweed1976]

Thank you Izzy and Maggie. Helpful information 🎈

[@uberhi8246]

You are obviously very experienced in what you do. I don't have a cnc machine, I have a 20w diode laser and have been having a blast with it for the past month. i will be upgrading to a 50w co2 laser soon. Just wanted to say that I find your content interesting as far as making $$$ working with machines go. liked and subscribed!

[@jameskirk3]

Thank you for the video, I dwfinitely found value in it. I havent considered hobby CNC as a business, but a lot of it translates. Thanks again. All the best.

[@sigguy1361]

Nice video Izzy! Good to see you and great breakdown! Cheers

[@ForvoQuizlet]

Great video. The art is in the hustle. There is no shortage of grass signs for people wanting to do "pressure washing" with a gadget they bought. No one though says they want to do exterior house cleaning (which is what I actually need, without damaging anything).

[@askloglog]

Fantastic video thanks for the information. I've been thinking about doing this and 3d prints on the side after I get into the hobby for fun. Good to get an understanding before I start buying or doing anything.

[@keaphoto1]

As always, an amazing video, but the best part was seeing Serenity still flying! It warmed my Brown ❤️

[@dryerthackston7088]

Thank you for sharing this information. I am retiring and thinking of setting up a home workshop as a way to both keep busy and make some money. This is really valuable for guiding my decision making.

[@randallmasoner]

Lots of great info here. Thanks Izzy!

[@patrickdunn8918]

Well said Sir! That was good solid advice, for business beginners.

[@alanhedrick4517]

Great video! Loved learning from you. Sparked my interest for sure. Thanks.

[@FreemanFurnishings]

This is super helpful Izzy. I plan to use my CNC mainly for my own projects, but want to supplement by doing jobs for other so I have been struggling coming up with numbers, this was helpful.

[@tri-forceblades3123]

I love your approach to all your videos I have watched, but this one has touched apart of my soul that has ignited a fire 🔥

[@dougbeach7299]

Great video. Thank you for the depth you went into.

[@user-cv6hz7ng3i]

Great video guys. We really enjoyed. Very clear information. Great jobs goes xxx

[@aeroslimatic]

Great presentation! The Sign of the universal wholeness of all that is

[@sinsofvorador]

I will definitely be in tune for the op coming cnc videos.

[@twfc7]

As always, practical common sense information that is appreciated. Talk as much as you want .

[@MorganWalser]

Thanks Izzy, looking forward to the new content

[@brandonk3575]

Man, so much value in this video. I really appreciate your willingness to share these details - thank you.

[@lepidoptera9337]

He told you everything except for how to get work and how to make money. ;-)

[@karma3101]

Great video with loads of very useful information. Thanks.

[@OnefinityCNC]

Great Video Izzy! Awesome to see how you can use a Onefinity to start your own business!

[@Conqueef-tadoor]

Izzy, I've been watching your videos for 9 years now. I discovered your vids when I was recovering from back surgery in 2014. I had a lot of downtime and watched a LOT of KZbin. Then as my health improved, I did more and more woodworking. Then I was surprised to see that you ended up having the SAME spine surgery that I did. Hope you're doing well brother! Keep up the awesome vids! 👍

[@izzyswan]

Thank you man, hope your back is treating you ok. It is crazy how painful a really bad back can be. If you havent felt it there is no way to really explain it to people.

[@Magnanux]

Well spoken, and every word you said was valuable. Thank you for making this video.

[@revampman]

thanks for all the info.looking forward to more videos.

[@fablabifurniture643]

Thank you, we have learned a lot from you...we can feel your passion in explain your content about CNC router project in detail..Great job!! ☺🧡

[@FrazerCanyonWoodworks]

Im stoked for the cnc series

[@Horsenb]

Ive been looking at getting a small cnc to cut gp03 fiberboard for our electrical enclosures at work and your video came across my feed. Ill be subscribing Thanks for sharing

[@apappano]

I’ve been a fan of OneFinity since it first came out. Incredible machine, absolutely blows away everything in its price range. Great video, now it’ll take years for me to buy a second one once they get the Izzy Swan Bump😂

[@bobmartin6055]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience, Izzy! Very informative!

[@izzyswan]

Thanks for watching!

[@eatdrinkwineguy]

Interesting. Thanks. Look forward to seeing more.

[@d1rten]

Awesome video as always - Thank you for the real content, potential numbers. Always amazing videos. In the realm of CNC 3K-5K isn't bad.

[@chraelphotography852]

Great video and amazing explanation. Thank you!

[@chrismorgan6898]

Great informative video. I have been working HDPE for almost 2 years. I have a woodworking business and now using HDPE for all my jigs instead of using plywood. A little pricy up front but when you take in to consideration have to make jigs over and over again because of warping, cracking and twisting out of square, the HDPE , has made a huge difference. HDPE slides on my tools, no need for waxing and simply I will not need to remake any of my jigs.

[@1pcfred]

There's different kinds of HDPE. It's all HDPE but there's HDPE with additives in it. Those additives give the material different properties. Some HDPE is more slippery than other kinds are. The most slippery kind is very slippery indeed.

[@waynedemke3026]

Thanks for sharing. All thou I have no interest in starting a hobby business. I'm 72 and a retired Painting contractor. I enjoy learning about different types pf business. I've been watching you for year and appreciate your craftsmanship.

[@flyinpolack6633]

Thanks Izzy, that's a lot of great info!

[@jasonlaker8723]

Great video mate, really good information without any bullshit.

[@harryragland7840]

Bring the hobby CNC content. I love it!

[@Red12Harley]

Great video Izzy! Thank you for the info!

[@dougnorthcote3420]

The Crab on the table at about 3:50... same crab as sign, selling Crab in Juneau AK. side of the road. AWESOME

[@donaldatherton319]

This video is pure marketing for the machine

[@GeraldJensen]

Very interesting ... thanks for going through the cost analysis!

[@wallawally]

I went to the children's museum today and saw ColorCore and ColorBoard everywhere. Thanks for the heads up on the material. I think there might be a market for children's items made from the material in my area.

[@kyleburkett8156]

This was helpful for someone like me who is considering getting into this as a retirement gig. Thank you!

[@lepidoptera9337]

Why are you trying to run a money losing business in your retirement? Are you getting too much social security? ;-)

[@Maelstrom9695]

Great as always Izzy!

[@ab-cn7ki]

This video is amusing to me because me and my son have watched you for YEARS! and I always joked about your cuts looking like they were done on a CNC even tho I watched you cut the wood etc. This will be a interesting series to watch, We look forward to your videos. Also I noticed it didn't show me subscribed which is odd since I know I have been watch since under 30k subscribers.

[@jasonhagen]

Looking forward to the CNC videos!

[@tedlitz7266]

Great ! Looking foreward to some CNC videos.

[@local429brother]

Signs makes more money then furniture for myself. Been watching you Izzy for 8 years. I just got a Cnc router, because I was looking to make larger signs my laser can not do. I think I ended up with a real expensive firewood processor, the stepcraft m1000. Cnc has a large learning curve but hope it works out !

[@rtroiani]

Excellent content as usual sir!

[@RichardChappell1]

I'm wanting the Firefly sign... Shiney!

[@kenluning909]

Nice video and explanation on "what it takes" . Can't wait till the next one. I like the Onefinity machines. Just have not been able to $$$ one yet. Keep up the great work.

[@agomodern]

Yea, super expensive. A "hobby" for the rich. lol

[@1tombensky]

You are an excellent teacher! Thanks

[@rexmundi8154]

I’m a regular cnc prototype machinist and I’m looking at the onefinity elite. I’m going to retire in a few years and I have some wood products I’ve made and sold in the past that I’ll probably pick back up. Selling stuff is hard. I have a older Prototrak and a few manual lathes in my home shop, so I’ll probably keep machining some too. Thanks for the video

[@TerrapinCreations666]

I have nearly the exact same setup. I went with the 2.2kw water cooled spindle tho. I also got the tool setter which is nice to have.

[@hypegamer347]

Thank you for the effort put on the video.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Great discussion about the machine and material costs

[@ThoenWorks]

This is the machine I have (just not the spindle - YET!). It really is a great machine.