Every day, more and more barriers are fading away for entrepreneurs.
The rise of social media has given small businesses access to massive markets. Digital marketing tools have made things like finding a target audience and building a website easier than ever.
However, until recently, there was still one barrier in place; the high cost of producing goods in bulk.
No matter how you cut it, mass production is expensive. Direct shipping sites and print-on-demand companies offer some custom options for brands, but what if you’re looking to produce your own products? The ones you’ve designed yourself.
Is there a low-cost option for mass-producing your custom goods?
With the emergence of affordable CNC machines, the answer is yes.
What is a CNC Machine?
A CNC machine is a computer-controlled cutting tool that acts like a table saw, forming machine, and drilling machine that carves complex shapes from materials like wood, metal, plastic, and glass.
CNC stands for “computer numerical control,” which is a fancy way of saying that the machine operates using programmable automation, enabling builders to design intricate parts that can be cut cleanly, quickly, and at a massive scale.
CNC machines can be purchased in small sizes at low costs. They don’t require a lot of space, and there are plenty of resources available online for people doing CNC projects, and everything can be done in a garage, basement, or bedroom.
With the rising demand for unique products, CNC businesses have become very profitable on online marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon, where customers place a lot of value on small handmade sellers and local craft fairs.
If you’re looking to build your own CNC-based business, here’s what you need to know.
How to Make Money Using a CNC Machine: Easy Project Ideas Over 25
With the growing popularity of compact and affordable CNC machines, interest in CNC-made goods has increased on online marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon, Facebook Marketplace, and even local craft fairs.
CNC machines can cut any shape from a variety of materials. There’s a wide list of products that you can create using a CNC machine.
What makes a project great?
Here are some ideas:
Home Decor Products
Home decor products make great projects for first-time CNC businesses. Buyers tend to place a higher value on uniqueness and individuality, giving small shops a competitive edge. Additionally, since home decor products are decorative, there’s a unique opportunity for repeat purchases from buyers who appreciate aesthetic communication in their homes.
Here are some home decor products you might consider selling:
1. Bookends
Bookends work to keep books in place on a shelf. They should be heavy and sturdy, and beyond that, there are no real limitations on the shape and design that can be used.
Some are considered intricate pieces of art, while others are more abstract forms meant to blend with a wide range of decor styles. Bookends are perfect for artistic creators who value creative freedom.
2. Wall Art
Like bookends, wall art can offer a lot of creative freedom. You can use a recognizable template, such as the United States flag, or something entirely new. It can be detailed or just an abstract shape, and can be adapted to all types of branding.
Since wall art exists on a flat surface, design instructions can be simplified, making wall art a great idea for newcomers to using CNC machines to create goods.
3.
Shelves
You may sell individual shelves, or more complex shelving systems, or even larger shelving units. Creative shelving may not inspire creativity right away, but unique shelves that use unconventional designs can be very attractive.
Kitchen Tools and BBQ Accessories
The kitchen tools market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.9% from 2021 to 2028, indicating a strong demand for kitchen and BBQ products over the next decade.
Do not be skeptical about the idea of competing with big chain stores, as much of the growth in the industry is attributed to millennials, who tend to value unique products from small sellers.
Here are some kitchen tools and BBQ accessories that can be made using a CNC machine:
8. Cutting Boards
Cutting boards (also known as chopping blocks) are used by chefs every day in kitchens around the world. Due to their natural antibacterial properties, wood has been the favorite material for cutting boards for centuries, but plastic cutting boards can also be made.
Since their function is very simple, cutting boards are often customized by chefs who enjoy adding a personal touch to the tools they use, which opens up many opportunities for specialization.
9. Serving Utensils and Wooden Plates
Wooden spoons and salad serving forks are common household items, and it is easy to find wooden designs that can be modified to fit your brand. Since buyers often prefer these items to match, you can even sell complete sets of utensils.
10. Mats
Mats are wonderful products to make and sell using a CNC machine. Buyers often look for unique pieces, giving new brands an edge. Additionally, mats can be made from a wide variety of materials, allowing designers great creative freedom.
11. Kitchen Wall Stickers
Chefs spend a lot of time in their kitchens, so it’s no surprise that they want to add a visual touch to their decor. Depending on your brand, your kitchen wall stickers can feature funny slogans, inspiring quotes, or just beautiful images.
12. Wooden Serving Trays
Wooden serving trays are typically used to transport food and drinks, but even when stationary, they can add a distinctive touch to your dining room decor. This dual purpose makes them a great gift idea for people who regularly host guests.
13. Wooden Bottle Openers
Wooden bottle openers serve a very simple function, which means they offer many potential designs. They come in all sizes. They can be sleek and practical, or more decorative and ornate. Some are freestanding, while others are mounted on walls.
Indoors, they can add a rustic atmosphere to any room. Outdoors, they might bring a sense of modernity to an isolated campsite.
Inspiration: Infinite Abyss
Infinite Abyss is a home decor brand created by Wyoming-based artist Samantha Hartman. Hartman draws inspiration from nature to give her products a rustic yet modern character, making it a well-crafted brand.
Infinite Abyss has been featured in HGTV magazine, Buzzfeed, and Etsy. Hartman is also the author of Wood Pallet Wonders, a DIY guide to building rustic home furniture from reclaimed wood.
Infinite Abyss is a great example of how to build a consistent and memorable collection of your CNC products. The products are harmonious without being repetitive; each works as an individual piece and in collections, regardless of the product combination.
Learning
More: 12 Woodworking Projects You Can Sell Online
Toy and Game Manufacturing
There is a wide variety of toys and games that you can build and sell using a CNC machine. You can sell educational toys for young children that help promote cognitive development. Or you might consider making your own line of dolls or action figures.
Here are some toy ideas:
21. Alphabet Blocks for Kids
Learning the basics of spelling and grammar is crucial for young children, which is probably why alphabet blocks are such a popular and beloved children’s toy.
Wooden blocks are not just limited to helping children learn the alphabet. You can also put numbers, raised letters, shapes, and animals on the blocks.
22. Board Games
Popular board games like chess, checkers, cribbage, and backgammon are public games, which means anyone can build and sell pieces for these games. Common game boards like these are usually decorative, allowing you the chance to add your unique artistic touch.
And since a CNC machine gives you the capability to produce game parts in bulk, why not create your own game? Building an audience around your game may take some time, but it can be very rewarding.
23. Dolls and Doll Accessories
Dollhouses are a timeless toy for children, but they can also be a popular hobby for adults. Doll collectors (also known as “miniatures”) have strong online communities where you can find many potential customers.
Additionally, if you have already created CNC designs for furniture and home décor products, you can reuse them. Just remember to make them much smaller.
24. Puzzles
Puzzles have seen a huge revival in popularity since the onset of the pandemic, and they remain very popular. CNC machines are perfect for carving your puzzles or creating custom puzzle designs. You can take a couple of approaches here. You can carve a flat design into the pieces or even create your own 3D puzzles.
Inspiration: Michaud Toys
Michaud Toys is a family business rooted in woodworking and fine crafting traditions that have been passed down through four generations. Michaud specializes in traditional wooden game boards and crafts pieces that they hope will be shared among family.
Michaud’s products include classic games like chess and checkers, along with baseball and horse racing versions.
Michaud products are fantastic for play, but they also serve as stunning pieces of home décor. The detailed design on each piece gives a classic and homely feel reminiscent of game parlors of the early century.
Other CNC Products for Sale
We’re not done yet! Some CNC ideas may be harder to categorize, but they make fantastic products nonetheless. Here are some other products that are perfect to make and sell using a CNC machine:
25. Jewelry
Shoppers on e-commerce sites are always looking for unique pieces that showcase their personality. Why not use your CNC machine to start a jewelry business? You can sell wooden earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or pendants.
A CNC machine gives you plenty of options regarding the materials you use. While you can use your CNC to create luxurious pieces made from high-value metals, there is a high demand for affordable handmade wooden jewelry.
26. Tree Ornaments
In the lead-up to the holiday season, there is a high demand for unique tree ornaments. While it may be easy for buyers to find standard balls and angels, authenticity is hard to come by, meaning there are plenty of niche opportunities.
Do your customers share a common hobby? Is there a specific aesthetic they resonate with? Your audience’s commonalities may provide you with clues on how to find the perfect niche opportunity for your brand.
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The downside is that this product is primarily seasonal, so you will want to sell other products as well to help offset sales during the slow period.
27. DIY Project Kits
Whether you are looking for something to keep the little ones busy on a rainy day or just something to occupy yourself, DIY project kits make for a fun and creative afternoon.
DIY CNC project kits typically come with a variety of parts and a step-by-step guide to build amazing things like toys, birdhouses, gardening containers, home decor, model cars, and small architecture.
Inspiration: The Wooden Wear
The Wooden Wear sells stylish handmade wooden jewelry for men and women, including earrings, bracelets, necklaces, sunglasses, watches, and pendants for special occasions and everyday wear.
The brand of The Wooden Wear reflects a sense of calm that makes shopping a comfortable experience. It stands out among visitors as it contrasts with the high-pressure sales environment that often accompanies fine jewelry shopping.
The pieces are affordably priced, but they are crafted with a radiant elegance that allows them to be worn for all kinds of special occasions. Each piece is unique, but the strong branding of The Wooden Wear makes it easy for buyers to stylishly mix and match their favorite pieces.
From Hobbyist to Full-Time Specialist: How to Start a CNC Business
How can you transition from dabbling with a CNC machine in your garage or basement to owning a successful CNC-based business? It may seem daunting now, but remember that every successful entrepreneur started in exactly the same place.
Building a brand from your CNC wood projects won’t happen overnight, but the feeling that comes with creating something unique (not to mention the money that can be made) will be very rewarding in the long run.
Here are the steps you should start with:
1. Buy a CNC Machine
Choosing the right CNC machine will be the first step in building your CNC business.
There are many CNC machines on the market, each with its pros and cons. Some CNC machines require assembly, while others do not. Some are more expensive, but many offer financing options that make them more affordable.
Consider the size of the projects you will do, the complexity of your design templates, and whether your CNC machine can work with the materials you’ve chosen.
Note that while most CNC machines can cut on the X and Y axis, some require additional spindle attachments for cutting on the Z axis (depth). If you plan to make deep cuts, be sure to choose a CNC machine with a Z-axis.
Let’s look at some popular models:
Carbide 3D Shapeoko 4
- Materials: The Carbide 3D Shapeoko 4 can cut medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and soft metals (like aluminum).
- Working Area: The Carbide 3D Shapeoko 4 comes in three different cutting area sizes: standard (17.5 in x 17.5 in x 4 in), XL (33 in x 17.5 in x 4 in), and XXL (33 in x 33 in x 4 in).
- Price: $1,700, or $154 per month.
Inventables X-Carve
- Materials: The Inventables X-Carve can cut a variety of materials such as wood, plastic, acrylic, Corian, polyurethane foam, wax, and aluminum.
- Working Area: The Inventables X-Carve measures 49.2 in x 39.4 in x 13.8 in, with a cutting area of 29.5 in x 29.5 in x 2.6 in.
- Price: $2,229, or under $37 per month.
Sain Smart Genmitsu 3018 Pro
- Materials: The SainSmart Genmitsu 3018-Pro cuts plastic, soft aluminum, wood, MDF, and acrylic.
- Working Area:
Work: The SainSmart Genmitsu 3018 Pro has a working area of 300 mm × 180 mm, plus a spindle that can cut to a depth of up to 45 mm. - Price: Starts at $199.
Quantum CNC Router
- Materials: The BobsCNC Evolution 4 is used for cutting wood, plastic, foam, and non-metallic acrylic.
- Working Area: The BobsCNC Evolution 4 has a cutting area of 610 mm × 610 mm, with a depth of 85 mm.
- Price: Starts at $1280.
Ooznest Original Workbee Z1+
- Materials: The Ooznest Original WorkBee Z1+ is used for cutting wood, plastic, foam, and non-metallic acrylic.
- Working Area: The Ooznest Original WorkBee comes in six sizes, with working areas available in sizes of 300 mm × 270 mm, 550 mm × 520 mm, 550 mm × 770 mm, 800 mm × 770 mm, 800 mm × 1270 mm, and 1300 mm × 1270 mm.
- Price: Starts
Source: https://www.shopify.com/blog/cnc-projects-that-sell
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