Start A 6-Figure Laser Business | Everything You Need To Start & Be Successful

[@Vanessa-n5s]

Yes! Please the box making video. Your videos are so helpful, glad I found your channel.

[@thegriffiths]

Yes - please make a video on making your own boxes! Thanks for a great video.

[@thaddyss]

I love this video , I just came across this one after watching the other one you did a door sign. So helpful and informative. I'm new to engraving, still saving enough to get myself one of those Thunder lasers.

[@jakelots]

A little tip for you. I have a 60 gallon compressor used for painting where moisture was a Massive issue for me. What I ended up doing is cooling the air between the compressor head and the tank itself by routing the air through transmission coolers. Yes, a car transmission cooler. Then before entering the tank it runs through condensate lines, and finally a water seperators. This gets 95% of my water. The remaining % sits in the bottom of the tank, or gets captured by another oil/water seperators on the outlet. No dessicant driers at all.

[@Matt_Hatt3r]

This was VERY helpful!! Thank you!! I'm so glad I found your channel!!

[@TheChris993]

Why do you recommend the air compressor? Does the air pump that comes with the Nova overheat if used continuously, or is it just the ability to run the air through a drying system? Thanks,

[@jstevenlamb]

Great Videos!... You mentioned making your own boxes. Do you have a particular box template maker that you use to create your boxes, and where do you get your sheets of cardboard. Thanks, Steve

[@sergiothehandyman]

Great video.... I just want to make wood ornaments and some other woodwork, do I have to buy any other accessories or will be just fine with what it comes in the box. Thanks.

[@KT-kk1gt]

Yes, I would love to see how you make your own boxes.

[@CozyCraftyVibes]

Thank you for this very informative video! I have looked everywhere for answers about having the laser in the garage. Definitely saving this video 😊

[@PattersonPrintShop]

I’m considering getting a thunder 51 Nova has very little use, but it has a 100 W laser. What are the benefits to a 130 W versus a 100? I mainly plan on engraving cups and items from JDS.

[@TheDwilliams1000]

What's the second tank for? Could you do a video on how you did your air setup to include the additional tank?

[@labebelindanp]

Please I want I know ❤

[@johnhubbard6262]

Contracting for over 30 years and pretty much air compressors are yearly consumables, especially big box ones like that. I bought a California Air Tools two years ago because of how quiet it is in customers' homes and I just cant kill it. Highly recommend it when that lowes one fails.

[@anaechevarria9185]

I ❤ your videos! I watch them before podcasts!! 🤣 Thanks for sharing!

[@B.A.Bassangler]

I watched a bazillion laser videos so far, and only found your channel when I started doing market research...thank GOD I did...my shop is in no way ready for CO2 (dusty, incomplete dust collection, squirrels, etc). You may have just saved me a lot of money and headaches, thank YOU! Diode it is; actually more interested in learning Lightburn for now anyway. Cyber see you later.

[@mikegager]

i literally have squirrels in my shop too haha

[@CruiseMonkeyGames]

Darlin' you're as adorable as a basket of hound pups! And you're sharing great info. Video idea (haven't watched all yours, maybe you've covered this) but let folks know the limitations of a CO2 laser and maybe some other challenges you've overcome. Subscribed and headed to your channel. Oh yes, box video if you haven't done that. Thanks for brightening up my morning.

[@luisku2382]

This was a great video! I am so intrigued. I also do not have a laser nor have I ever used one. What baby steps can you recommend for learning? What would be a great beginner laser?

[@shughes599]

Hi. I’ve been woodworking for years and in business for a year. Doing mostly craft show circuit. Added a cheap diode to my cnc and my last 3 shows I’ve sold 95% laser customized. Always knew customized was magic. My question is about equipment. My business cannot afford thunder. I am looking at 100 omtech. It won’t be as easy on plywood processing but I am hoping thunder for second machine.

[@MonicaTaylor23]

Would you consider doing a video with how you set up your compressors and your wall set up for moisture from start to finish with the products!?

[@SandraDiaz-ug6dr]

Thank you for this video! Love how honest and clear was the info that you provided. Please continue making a serie of this kind of videos, and how to make the boxes, thanks 😊🎉😊

[@popsnextstage]

Thank you for this video. I wish you and your family the best in 2023.😎

[@SimplySallie]

Same to you!!

[@jinnytripp9940]

Question maybe I missed it in one of your videos but before you invested in your big machine, what did you use?

[@bengibson8528]

Running the A/C on the mini split or using a stand alone dehumidifier will help with some of the moisture in your air setup due to it dehumidifying the air in the room/area also 😉

[@kellyodee6081]

Hello Sallie! Is this machine what you use for your painted sign prints?

[@mercerdesharnais9982]

Where do you get your extra lens and mirrors from? I have a 100w and not sure where I would get them and which ones!

[@MS-uz4ix]

I only see the one link for the air desiccant filter. Would you put the links for the other parts used as well. It would be a big help for those of us newbies!

[@flipswhilebroke]

Love the video!! Where do you get your cardboard from? Thanks.

[@sharksys]

Great Videos - Thanks so much for sharing! One thing you mentioned toward the end of this one was that you might make a video that shows how you make your corrugated boxes. Did you ever do that?

[@SimplySallie]

I'll add it to my upcoming video list to go ahead and make! Thanks for the reminder!

[@labebelindanp]

Well let me tell you I have binge watch all of your laser videos and others and I pull the trigger canceled my polar omtech and listen to your advice think like big business and I order my Thunder nova 35 and I am so excited now do we really need eyewear because don’t see ppl mention it ? Thank you so much for you channel

[@SimplySallie]

Wow this is amazing! You are going to be so happy with your choice for sure 🥰 So eyewear is something you would need if you are cutting on something that could be reflective. I personally do not use it with any of my wood products because the beam can’t really reflect back off of wood, but if you’re planing on doing any other products or staring directly into the beam then yes with any type of laser 😊

[@justthethreeofus5055]

Sallie! Great video! I don’t own a laser and I don’t do wood working. I’m just here to show support ❤ I love that you show ways to cut costs or how to reuse things. There is so much waste when producing any product and trying to reduce waste is so important to protect our environment. I love that you showed how to reuse the beads! I reuse my gloves as much as I can too 😅. And I love the message you gave at the end of the video. Gives me motivation for my etsy shops as well. 😊

[@SimplySallie]

Thank you so much for the kind words! Yes definitely reusing and saving when you can helps so much! 😊

[@orlcsandiego]

Yes. Would love to see a box video.

[@jnacd]

Please do the box making video!! Thank you!

[@SimplySallie]

Will add it to my list!!

[@MH-cj1gz]

Where do you get your cardboard from?

[@veea.4936]

Yes, please share ❤

[@22nicholveit]

I have 3 lasers. 2 Omtech machines and a diode. I make craft blanks and love it. I love making custom items for people. I love your videos and love getting that notification from you! Research is so very important! It’s definitely a learning curve at the beginning but if you take the time to learn it’s definitely a fun business to be in!

[@SimplySallie]

Thank you Nicki! 🥰 yes I totally agree. Laser life is the best life I feel lol

[@22nicholveit]

@@SimplySallie absolutely! I need to expand though and so I need to find something else to go along with the craft blanks. I don’t do well at painting unless it’s spray paint. Smaller things irritate me 🤣🤣

[@SimplySallie]

@@22nicholveit try painting the board before you cut! Game changer! Only thing is it’ll have the edges unfinished but I’ve found that people like that modern look!

[@22nicholveit]

@@SimplySallie I have done that before once! Just the small little pieces drive you 😜 lol

[@craftyworkingmama]

Do you have any recommendations for a beginner laser? I’m get doing my research but haven’t found one.

[@angelacole2713]

Oh the ending of your video - I love you! I love how empowering you are and how you go above you beyond to encourage others. You are so truly special Sallie. I wish you a very successful holiday season :) Oh and I'm here for all the laser videos so keep them coming as you can.

[@SimplySallie]

This means so much to me. Thank you so much for the kind words! 🥰🥰🥰

[@HopeDesigns]

I would love to see the tutorial for making your own boxes. That would be great.

[@Stinkerbelle62]

What an AMAZING video. Thanks

[@tiffanypetrucci4572]

Hi Sallie, Love watching your channel. You really are inspiring. Just last night, I was talking to my husband, and I'm like, what should I call Sallie because I don't like referring to you as "you know Sallie on KZbin." My husband replied, "You idle. Lol, which is sooo true. You really are. Anywho, I was wondering (I do not have nor ever had an easy shop) do you feel you were able to get this niche of your business successful so fast because you previously had an established Etsy shop? Or do you feel someone like me could be making 6 figures in a years time just starting out on etsy(given I put in the time/work it takes, of course). Do you feel having a KZbin channel also helps with your business sales? Love your channel. Thank you for your time and knowledge.

[@treasuresimeone4312]

So helpful. Thank you for your encouragement and practical advice ❤️

[@johnnyfudpucker6187]

May need to invest in a good stand alone dehumidifier for your shop " Don't come at me" 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Karenm1969]

Great video! Maybe I missed it; but really curious the cost of the laser machine you have.

[@TheChris993]

Prices are on Thunder's site....

[@mikeledee8786]

Seeing how you make boxes from sheets of cardboard would be helpful, please make a video doing that. Thanks.

[@urebab97]

Hey I don’t think you linked the smaller air dryers from habor freight and Amazon!

[@TYJ419]

Hi Sallie and great info as I am new to laser cutting this year but starting out with a M1 for personal use right now. Would love to see box video. Tracey

[@darcyringgenberg9698]

Great information!! Curious how does one go about the market research to learn what items to sell?

[@jbshep]

Box video? Yes please.

[@mallorypitkin7980]

How are the fumes with the Nova?

[@looknorth07]

Very insightful. 🙌🏼

[@annalaoretti5240]

I won’t be purchasing a laser anytime soon but I really enjoyed this video. And yes, please do a video on building boxes, etc! Also maybe a video on your OG painted wood signs, like do you still use the same method/supplies recommended in previous video?

[@SimplySallie]

Yes I will do more of this for sure!!

[@brendacampbell4670]

Love your video’s you explain things so well get information

[@christyh]

I was trying to join you accountability group and pay to be in a tier but it kept giving me errors.. is it still something you're doing?

[@erikkat1340]

Great video! I have a Nova 35 and it’s the best investment I’ve made! Also, I would love a video on how you make your own boxes. Oh, and where do you buy the extra triangles to focus your laser? I always lose mine, but I can’t find them anywhere to buy more. Thanks!!

[@SimplySallie]

I haven't made any extra, but there are some files online to make your own! I just always lose them so it's a good idea to make or buy extras! lol! Thank you for watching!

[@krissyjohnson2246]

I've been highly considering getting a thunder laser, nervous to make the leap though but loving your videos & helpful advice!! ♡

[@SimplySallie]

Whatever decision you make, you got this! Thank you for the support! 🥰

[@LAAM619]

did u do it? im thinking of buying one, if you did how did it go?

[@krissyjohnson2246]

@andrademeza I ended up going with an Aeon Mira 9 90w because of its compactness and I was basically getting more for my money with all of their free add ons at the time with their promotion. However, still waiting for my laser to arrive. Was supposed to be beginning of June, now mid July 😒 kinda wish I would have just went with the thunder lol

[@LAAM619]

@@krissyjohnson2246 nice, your brave for making the leap! Hope you get it soon. I decided to start "small" and just bought an OMtech, ordered it last night and its getting here tomorrow, super quick (although i do live like an hour from their hub). Im hella excited.

[@krissyjohnson2246]

@@LAAM619 thank you, I wish u so much luck in your journey as well! I started off with an xtool d1 10w but didn't have the patience for it anymore! 😅

[@evelynsaldana5676]

can someone tell me Which is the best sublimation printer? Would it? be the epson surecolor T2170 or the Epson F 8580 can someone. please let me know

[@marialeeramirez8727]

Thank you for the tips . ☀️

[@LithosAndLasers]

I use MDF core wood just about exclusively. My MDF core has never warped. On the other hand, Home Depot Columbia Forest Products wood, is not MDF core (They have many core types) I stopped using that wood BECAUSE it warps. Even new out of the box was warped. Why does wood warp? Because the woodgrain and long fibers want to contract. MDF does not have a woodgrain or any structure that would cause it to contract or bend. I don't need to weigh it down, because there are no forces trying to make it curl. On the other hand, birch is notorious for warping and the thinner it is, the worse it warps. A pure laminate core means you have 4-6 thin sheets stacked together, and each of those layers have long fibers that really want to contract, Then only other thing is bubble levels don't have much use case here. Like in 3d printing, you are not leveling the machine, but instead tramming the nozzle to the bed. That means making sure the laser head is a uniform distance from the nozzle to the bed across the entire work area. This is done by using a shim and measuring that across the bed. With a bubble level, it you machine or floor are not level, that will show up in your measurements but is not an actual factor. Love the shop!

[@lindahaskovec9735]

I’m curious is your laser will cut fabric and if you would be able to create the leather like engraved patches for caps and such, mainly with a large laser? I’m trying to convince my husband we need a new adventure for retirement 😂

[@SimplySallie]

Yes it will cut fabric and laser safe leather! Lots do this 😊 you would love it!

[@myhoneyshandmade1077]

I cut fabric and leather with my xto m1. I would recommend it for lower volume.

[@randallmasoner]

Starbond medium glue and zeiss lens wipes. Starbond comes in 16 oz bottles and the wipes come in a 200 count box.

[@SimplySallie]

I have been wanting to try the starbond!

[@randallmasoner]

@@SimplySallie I love it! I made at least 60 door rounds with layered wood designs from one bottle of glue.

[@lizrego2870]

I want a laser soo bad! There just so expensive right now! What laser would you recommend if you don’t have much space?

[@SimplySallie]

Thunder has some small lasers! Check out the thunder nova 24. They also offer financing as an option!

[@feltonissimo]

You could get a refrigerant dryer. There will be no need for a desiccant.

[@MandyMakesThat]

I don’t have a laser cutter but love your videos!

[@SimplySallie]

Thank you so much Mandy!!

[@UseYourManners123]

I’m here only to find out what this machine does, cost and if it’s a good investment. :). 😊 ty

[@SimplySallie]

Thanks for watching Rita!!

[@UniquelyTisa]

What all you need depends on the laser that you get to start. If you get a xtool or a glowforg you won't need all of that and you can make a lot of money from either of those.

[@SimplySallie]

Yes a laser in general is a great purchase! You don’t really need everything I showed in this video either! Some of these are upgrades and things that have helped with us running our laser all day everyday. The glowforge and similar lasers can only do so much until you need something larger and faster with a growing business, so this is just my experience with it and why I’m sharing. 😊

[@bnew5451]

Hey Sallie, 3m tape backing tip, reverse your letters so the tape is up aka cut first on the laser, since you haven't used it yet. It's pretty great stuff! Explanation: if you ever have a bit of bottom over burn in general - reversing saves the 3m otherwise you can lose some of the tack mostly a thing I noticed for the small letters which is what I use it for... hope you find this helpful! Thank you for always sharing wonderful and helpful content!

[@SimplySallie]

Thank you so much!!

[@TabBrain]

Disappointing engraving resolution. The OMTECH CO2 laser fails to deliver the level of detail promised in its specifications, leading to unsatisfactory results.

[@vinnieromano1336]

One thing that scares me about the lasers is if they break down and have to wait on parts a while you might be out of business.

[@SimplySallie]

I worried about that too in the beginning, but luckily with thunder they keep most parts locally in the US so we can get something fast if needed. It’s pretty simple to work on most little issues yourself too so we haven’t ever had to have anything shipped out.

[@TheChris993]

@@SimplySallie I just ordered a Thunder Nova 35-100, and besides the US stocking of parts, one of the other things I liked about Thunder was I believe you can change the whole CO2 tube assembly out yourself without needing a service tech to come to your site, its pretty plug and play and what you can't figure out they can/will talk you through it over the phone?

[@TheChris993]

If you are that worried about the downtime, I would recommend buying a spare laser tube assembly, I think they are only $700-800 and I hear they will go bad after a couple years , so think of it like a consumable. I ordered the spare lens and mirror kit with my machine

[@wafatebeileh]

Box making video please

[@TheDwilliams1000]

Can you engrave photos with a 130W laser?

[@SimplySallie]

Yes I have a a video doing that! Check out my laser playlist 😊

[@TheChris993]

@@SimplySallie haven't seen that video but I'll take a look for it. Did you buy the HR head to do that?

[@travisbenson8657]

I have a 51/100 and struggle to find successful products to sell. Etsy seems super saturated and hard to find a niche that someone isn't already doing and willing to sell things for making hardly anything on their products.

[@SimplySallie]

I get it. Don’t give up! There are a lot of people doing it but nobody is YOU and can offer what you can. It is possible. Keep doing market research and polishing your SEO and you’re going to find your place. The right customers purchase if they want it bad enough. 😊

[@Scarekrow24]

I've been on etsy 2 years and only have a handful of sales.

[@travisbenson8657]

@@Scarekrow24 I'm pretty much set on you have to be some sort of social media influencer, blogger, TikTok'er of some sort in order to really get your stuff to take off.

[@Hotecce1]

Thats good that your doing this kind of video, but try not to encourage people that they can start a 6 figure laser cutting video. theres no way you can make anywhere that much. Theres so many people trying to make a living with lasers. Dont think you will get rich doing it, but you can earn enough to make a living.

[@foundrylabz]

The 94 brand paint SUCKS! Don't use it. The tips clog all the time, and it's a pain getting new ones... Hate this paint and we have so many...

[@SimplySallie]

Thanks for the tip!

[@khustead]

Try the $5.00 Colorshot from Walmart. Bought a few cans to try and it sprays great. Very smooth. 2 light coats and 1 hr later it’s completely dry and ready to use.

[@SueMassey-d1y]

I got dizzy watching your video. Too much movement.