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!

[@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!

[@sailorcto]

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

[@brendanlenane2685]

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

[@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.

[@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¡

[@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

[@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.

[@pjh432]

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

[@bradthomason8461]

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

[@twoblacklabs]

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

[@chromaticsdesigns869]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@seymourwrasse3321]

nothing ruins a good hobby like doing it to make a living

[@firewoodsteel]

I wouldn't call making signs for other companies a hobby. Making a bird feeder or an engraved picture of your folks, that's what I believe is a hobby.

[@seymourwrasse3321]

@@firewoodsteel you're lucky, here in America you can believe anything you want, my statement stands. I said nothing about making anything

[@kennyg6482]

I agree. If you are doing it to make a living, it's a job@@firewoodsteel

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@jimrosson6702]

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

[@Erik_The_Viking]

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

[@markevans3027]

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

[@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.

[@richardlanpheare5019]

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

[@izzyswan]

I appreciate that!

[@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!

[@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!

[@JonMytyk]

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

[@donmiller8712]

Good to see you back. Thanks for the video

[@carriersignal]

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

[@MrRenoman2011]

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

[@keaphoto1]

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

[@Sanger.woodworks]

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

[@charlie-ty2fq]

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

[@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.

[@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...

[@garrettguitar]

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

[@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.

[@RobbieSongwriter]

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

[@Tseane70]

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

[@billloveless6869]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@CliftonWood]

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

[@tumbleweed1976]

Thank you Izzy and Maggie. Helpful information 🎈

[@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.

[@randallmasoner]

Lots of great info here. Thanks Izzy!

[@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!

[@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. ;-)

[@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!

[@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).

[@dougbeach7299]

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

[@sigguy1361]

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

[@twfc7]

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

[@patrickdunn8918]

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

[@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!

[@revampman]

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

[@aeroslimatic]

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

[@OnefinityCNC]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Magnanux]

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

[@sinsofvorador]

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

[@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

[@eatdrinkwineguy]

Interesting. Thanks. Look forward to seeing more.

[@user-cv6hz7ng3i]

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

[@MorganWalser]

Thanks Izzy, looking forward to the new content

[@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!! ☺🧡

[@dougnorthcote3420]

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

[@1tombensky]

You are an excellent teacher! Thanks

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Great discussion about the machine and material costs

[@flyinpolack6633]

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

[@rtroiani]

Excellent content as usual sir!

[@hypegamer347]

Thank you for the effort put on the video.

[@chraelphotography852]

Great video and amazing explanation. Thank you!

[@FrazerCanyonWoodworks]

Im stoked for the cnc series

[@karma3101]

Great video with loads of very useful information. Thanks.

[@tedlitz7266]

Great ! Looking foreward to some CNC videos.

[@Red12Harley]

Great video Izzy! Thank you for the info!

[@Maelstrom9695]

Great as always Izzy!

[@smokingdivot1762]

Dude you had me sold when I saw serenity on the job board

[@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!

[@djaylaw8289]

I became disabled a few years ago and lost a very lucrative Senior Management IT position and a drastic $ reduction. I am hoping something like this will get me back in the game. So I really appreciate you doing this video and the talking and detail aspect of it.

[@jtaylor8606]

It won't. All of these youtube side-hussle/hobby business things are completely saturated markets with little or no barrier to entry. In reality, these types of youtube videos are actually advertisements for their own businesses and a means of getting equipment makers to send them free stuff. Also bear in mind that, whilst he identifies marketing and sales as the key factors in success, his juicy profit per hour figure doesn't include the cost of sales or marketing (in terms of man-hours and expenditure on advertising, etc), or any other business administrative costs/overheads other than running the machine. These types of videos are all smoke and mirrors, unfortunately.

[@jon__doe]

Don't be discouraged, just do your due diligence. Market research and even some market development before making the financial plunge is prudent, but no market is so saturated that you can't find a niche.

[@jon__doe]

@@jtaylor8606 I was told I couldn't do what I did. I was a company semi driver for less than a year and wanted to buy a truck. I was told the prices were too inflated, trailers were unavailable, and there was no way I could get insurance with less than a year experience. I've owned my truck for over two years and making quite a bit more than I did as a company driver. If a market is saturated, that means there is a market. There's always risk, but that's no reason to quit before starting.

[@henryoppermann134]

I disagree, today, if you can produce you will get business as long as someone knows you answer the phone, and meet promises made. Doers are missing in the market of providers today….look around your area….and be ready to produce.

[@GeraldJensen]

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

[@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 !

[@danbgt]

I owned and operated a small format full color printing company for 10 years back in the 1980’s. Before digital and full color copy machines made that business obsolete. I spent the other 33 years of my professional life working as a structural designer in the offshore oil and gas business. Now retired, I have been considering starting a hobby business and CNC router is one of my considerations. My experience in running a small production type business taught me a lot. There are so many things to consider. I would suggest anyone wanting to do this should really, really, really do your homework. The great thing, as I see it, with a hobby business you can avoid the biggest hassle and the biggest problem with owning a business. That is employees. I would never ever again own a business that required me to have employees! Period! Everything else is just technical. Stuff that can be learned. Sometimes the hard way.

[@rRobertSmith]

Employees are necessary in order to make more than $50k a year doing this, since while they are loading and checking on the machine(s) and doing the QC, you are out looking for the next easy to sell product and doing designs.

[@danbgt]

@@rRobertSmith That’s why I would only do it as a hobby. I’m retired. Don’t need to make a living anymore. It’s was that whole thing about having employees produce while I was out selling that stunk. Too many times it was employees not producing while I was out selling. Or what they were producing was garbage. I have know a guy that owns several fast food location Mac something or others. His only real problem in employees.

[@Miner-dyne]

Most business would be a joy if not for employees and government...

[@togowack]

@@rRobertSmith You can easily make more than $50k a year on your own if you get into the right line of work. Hiring people doesn't work anymore. But if you are just going to make simple parts anyone can program the competition will be stiff and the hours long and hard.

[@togowack]

People that have to ask how much the machine was and how much will you make are not going to succeed. A faith step is required for success. I built the machine earlier in life, took an engineering degree and am dominating on my CNC even with inflation. When people ask how much you make for how much hours you put in, just go work for someone else if its just about the money, you have to be in it for different reasons. Your business becomes your identity and name it is not really about dollars.

[@RichardChappell1]

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

[@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.

[@harryragland7840]

Bring the hobby CNC content. I love it!

[@SpiritTracker7]

When it comes to people investing in business models, you did NOT do a lot of talking. Most YT channels don't do enough talking and mostly dishonest because they are too lazy to cover the bases. Covering all of the bases of a businesses opportunity should be in depth and thorough. So anyone who thinks that there is "too much talking" is not your audience anyway... they think if they buy a machine, the customers will line up at the door.

[@natepeterson7145]

Other KZbinrs don't want to let out their secrets. That's why they don't get into details about their operations. Just like older tradesman, they think they'll get pushed out if someone else gets in on the action. Glad KZbin helps tons of people learn other avenue for every aspect of life for making ones life easier.

[@utoobuser206]

The info you are referring to is available on YT and can be built up by compilation and extrapolation, so do the due diligence. There is only so much time that one can place into a video before a viewer nods off and goes somewhere else and izzy knows this. Happy hunting!

[@SpiritTracker7]

@@natepeterson7145 I haven't found very many YT'ers that actually do what they teach, rather they scour opportunities others are doing and exploit them to hundreds of thousands of others. Nobody in their right mind is going share their own trade secrets and the ones that have in the past straight up created their own competition. It's not rocket science, If you have found something that is working, and is very profitable, do NOT share it... Some YT'ers sacrifice knowledge of things that work in hopes of making their YT income their main income source but how silly is that? People have this phenomenon mentality that they are the only "one" watching the video and ignore that some 256,000 people have seen it too... now what are the chances of online success if 120,000 people jump onto an idea at the same time you do lol.

[@Benham_Design]

​​@@natepeterson7145 most KZbins don't talk about their secrets is be cause they don't have any. Most KZbinrs make their money from sponsors and KZbin ads. They are posing as woodworkers to make a video to make money not a woodworker that makes money by making wooden things for clients.

[@jameskirk3]

Most newcomers to business I've met balk at the idea of spending $1000 on advertising, much less 10 times that much, but they expect to be kept busy all year round with free or very low cost advertising. I'm not sure where the idea came from, that was even a possibility. Maybe if they ate so cheap on labor that they sell every job, and maybe if they never expand to have more than 1 employee, but to succeed, they need to be clear on the very few requirements, a license, a tax ID, lots of insurance, and advertising. It seems like the business model that actually works is simply preying on them with lead services for $50 or $100 here and there... 😂

[@chrisc4678]

“We milled up some Maple” , because we all have “hardwoods” just laying around the shop!

[@jasonhagen]

Looking forward to the CNC videos!

[@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? ;-)

[@RobsReels]

I love this video ! Will you set your playlist up with CNC as a header so that I can always find them easily as you make them on your KZbin playlist? Thank you. Love your videos. Have a wonderful day😊

[@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.

[@bigskymaker]

Nice video izzy…great machine.

[@andychan1087]

Thank you for a well-done and informative video.

[@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.