Start a Laser Engraving Business: What are the basics?

[@jonwoodworker]

I am on month 3 of working with my 2 CNC's and 2 lasers and the software, Lightburn and Easel Pro. I haven't posted a single item for sale yet. Since there are so many markets for both machines. My biggest problem initially was focus, what am I going to start with. I did my research, then came up with a few things to start with. I showed someone at work what I was doing and it turned into multiple coworkers buying my signs. So far I've made $500 without selling. One coworker showed my sign to a business that just ordered two signs for $2400. For me, it's building confidence, that I can actually make what people want and that people will appreciate what I create.

[@ValleyForged]

The best thing in life. :)

[@shughes599]

Coasters are definitely mix and match.

[@dansbeedesigns]

Very good advice and some really good examples. This is the type of advice that laser enthusiasts need to hear. Really appreciate you taking the time to make this.

[@ValleyForged]

Thanks! Let me know what else you might be curious about

[@derek2593]

Thanks for the input. I've had a 100 watt CO2 laser for about a year now, and I am addicted to it. Just sold my first couple hundred dollars worth of product the past couple weeks (a small dent in the cost I have spent on practice materials), and looking into how to expand. We have a farm and a farm shop, so I have a good local venue to sell products. I am amazed how much people like the products. I am kind of OCD, and never really feel like my things are good enough to sell.... But the customers seem to think they are great. Now I just want the holidays to be over so I can quit just buying Etsy files to make and sell, and spend more time learning the amazing force that is Lightburn.

[@ValleyForged]

Ah, sounds like we are both addicted!. Really looking forward to getting my 150w later this year. Cheers!

[@derek2593]

@@ValleyForged, SOOOO jealous.

[@jshendrickson1]

🤣 the point you made around the 4:00 mark ... I don't plan on dealing with the headache of "custom personalized" items, but I'll tell people I can put a name on something and they can give general product ideas ... But I'm using AI art so it won't be exactly what they might picture ... But probably better 🤣 Anyway, about the point you made ... That's why if you're doing custom work for someone, show them pictures of the work and what it would look like on the final product and have them approve it before you start making it. Then, if they complain it's their fault and it'll cost them to get a different one

[@ValleyForged]

That sounds like a nightmare to me. But everyone is different, which is wonderful. Clack loves personalized stuff.

[@rightpassage]

GOLDEN!!

[@adamfore1624]

First off, great advice. Secondly though, since going to more leather and wood products, do you have any advice for cleaning up the leather to not have scorch marks and making it look real clean?

[@ValleyForged]

I would say it s FAR better to find ways to keep it clean by using settings (more passes, low power etc...). But the magic eraser and then leather cleaner work great for me when needed. But you always take a chance of staining it by accident when using any products that are wet. Hope that helps, I still have so much to learn

[@adamfore1624]

@@ValleyForged Thanks mate! I'll keep practicing with settings then.

[@derek2593]

I can't tell you how much this thread has helped me. I thought I was doing something wrong that I can't make my product look they way I want if the tube power is over 30 watts (100 watt CO2 laser). Power, speed, and passes are everything. Thanks guys.

[@kwakubaah8266]

How much

[@joenicesmile]

Good advice. Just a question: Wouldn't it be a problem with something that you don't own like anime or gaming stuff. Isn't it license to the company you copying.

[@ValleyForged]

Yes, I believe it would

[@AdrianHernandez-ki9dx]

Do you offer any cut files for the coasters?

[@ValleyForged]

No, sorry