When we entered the CNC market, I brought along my background in production woodworking, graphic design, programming, and networking—all of which have been invaluable in making this venture successful. My wife also contributed her expertise in computing, design, and accounting, which has played a vital role in our progress.
Our first machine was the Millright Carve King, which caught our eye with its sturdy design and threaded rod system instead of belts for moving the gantry. We initially purchased it hoping it would eventually pay for itself, and it exceeded our expectations.
Assembling the machine presented its own challenges, but the instructions were clear, and everything fit together smoothly. When technical support was needed, we had access to multiple resources, including online forums and the support team, who were incredibly patient with our questions.
The Millright operates with UGS (Universal G Code Sender), software written in Java, making it cross-platform, though it does require the correct JDK development package on your computer. To run a CNC project, you need a pattern, which ultimately must be in gcode for the machine to operate. Typically, patterns start as vector files, like .svg files, which are then converted into gcode by another program. The CNC controller uses the gcode to guide the machine as it cuts.
For creating .svg files, I use Adobe Illustrator, while Carbide Create is my go-to for setting up files for cutting. Carbide Create offers a free and a Pro version; I use the free version, which allows you to set stock size, bit dimensions, bit speed, tabs, and provides a visual of the expected output before exporting the gcode. Additionally, I use CAMotics, a stand-alone program that simulates gcode, which is helpful for testing designs.
Once we had the Millright Carve King up and running, we developed a product lineup focusing on seasonal items for the upcoming holidays. We structured our shop to operate without carrying stock, instead cutting samples for photos, listing the products on Etsy, and fulfilling orders as they came in.
This approach has worked well. My wife developed an appealing product catalog, and we set up a filing system on our home network to keep everything organized. We created a daily process for cut lists to sort items by size and quantity, which streamlined production.
As demand grew, I added two bench sanders to help with finishing and installed a small dust collector, which proved much quieter and more efficient than a shop vac. Soon, we realized we needed a second CNC machine. This time, we chose the OnefinityCNC Woodworker, which has a larger workspace and more durability.
The OnefinityCNC uses its own Linux-based controller with a touch screen. I purchased a larger screen for it from Amazon, which made it even more user-friendly. Now, during peak seasons, it’s common to have both machines running side-by-side, with one of us managing the CNCs while the other sands. This setup allows us to produce a significant volume of products each day.
We also expanded our shop by adding an xTool D1 Pro laser, further diversifying our product offerings.
People often ask on social media, “Can you make money with a CNC machine?” The answer is yes. It takes hard work and dedication, but it’s absolutely possible—and you can do it too!