I did not get into this to sell things it was to add to my woodworking arsenal. I really like it a lot and everyone tells me I should sell this or that, so my wife started an Etsy and eBay account for me. That has been a waste of time it seems. the only thing I have sold are to coworkers and friends. One exception someone commissioned me to make a personalized hammer locally. Of course, youtube has everyone making a million dollars selling tumblers (rolls eyes) but I want to know if people actually make any money off of their laser?
I use my laser to add to the other things I sell. It can make cleaner, smaller writing than the CNC does. I also have a few other wood workers who make things and have me laser designs, names etc. on them. I charge a small fee for this. I also use the laser to burn the names of retiring Fire Fighters on axes for a plaque that the dept awards them/ (these I do for free) But doing these items for others, I have paid for my machine in a couple years
Small Time wood worker here.
Was going to use my CO2 to make home decor’, signs and the such. I found out I spent too much time invested in it for my small market here.
I’m not going to spend a couple of hours making something, and sell it for $20.00. Having said that, I was selling custom made wooden pens that went well.
Instead I’ve got some customers out of state that are buying 20oz tumblers and anodized keychains from me. Locally I have a couple as well. As of now? I have a 50w JPT Fiber, that I use tor my tumblers, anodized keychains, pens, etc…
Just started to experiment with Stainless Steel pendants for my customers out of state. Just a side hustle for me. So my CO2 is for my cork / slate coasters and tumblers. Fiber is for tumblers, pens, keychains, etc…
Unfortunately, I have two diode lasers. my next purchase was either going to be a 60w-100 Co2 or a Fiber laser 30w or greater. I was really hoping to make a few bucks to maybe recoup some of my investment beforehand but it looks like that is not going to happen. Online it is nearly impossible to compete with these print-on-demand places that sell cutting boards and sublimations of everything under the sun. One place even does metal wall hangings. I have a pretty good handle on the programs and design all my own things but I can’t seem to sell much. I must be doing it wrong to someone how. Honestly, I just want to make things but it seems I need to become some sort of marketing person. Yuck! I might just quit worrying about money and go back to making what I want to make and if someone buys it great! I have a job that pays the bills.
I have paid for 3 CO2 and Two diode lasers many times over in my business. It is profitable for me. However I never follow the crowd. If everyone is selling this…I never touch it. I designed my own use for the lasers that were a combination of certain woodworking skills etc so the laser is one of several tools to make my products. I don’t have competition because the morons don’t want to spend time making something they just want to buy a diode laser or Cricut machine…slap something basic on a piece of wood and try and list on Etsy.
Etsy is a waste IMHO and is nothing but a place for scabs and copycats who have not a creative bone in their body and just copy scab and ripoff anyone who makes something unique.
There is plenty of money to be made but you need to use it as just one of several methods in you designs. That comes from 12 years doing this.
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James, that is what I have done. If people want something done, I change a min. fee. It keeps them coming back, and the laser got paid for. As I said, I bought mine as a “value added” tool for my other wood working.
Shughey, I completely agree.
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I want to make sure credit is given where it’s due.
I would not be in the position that I am, without the folks here on the LB Forum. They know who they are!
Muchas Gracias
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My laser is for my pleasure. I enjoy making things and userly give them away to friends etc. Have a well equipped workshop but health issues prevent me thinking beyond a very enjoyable hobby.
When you upgrade keep a couple things in mind… Co2 is generally good for natural materials and fiber for man made. Fiber is terrible on wood … on mdf, it caused my only laser induced fire… glue burns, not the wood …
There are exceptions for everything, such as a co2 is great for acrylic, not really a man made product…
Dealing with metals is quite different from wood, and other natural materials.
The best advice, is natural materials are cheap compared to stainless steel pieces or other man made materials… I can sand off a block of wood, but it’s much more difficult with steel…
Much lower cost to go co2 both machine and materials, but can’t do metals directly…
Co2 has extra costs of chiller, stand and both need ventilation…
Good luck
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