I've identified some capabilities I want to add to my shop, and am struggling with what equipment will best serve my priorities. I could use some words of wisdom from those that have come before me.
Background
I am a small 1 person shop that is beyond hobby, but it is not full time. Maybe best described as a side-hustle with ambitions for growth. I recently upgraded the tablesaw to a Felder slider last year, and have a good stable of basic machines including a wide belt sander. I make a lot of cutting boards, book shelves, and refrain from more complicated pieces due to the time to cut.
Capabilities to Invest In
- Capacity - I'd like to reduce the time it takes to make complex cuts. As an example, I have plans for an Adirondack chair that I think would be too time consuming to cut individually to be profitable.
- Personalization - I get requests on some items, like cutting boards, to do photos or engraving. I've tried engaging local shops, but their backlogs make it difficult to make this manageable.
- Inlays - I'd love to incorporate these in my work. The obligatory US flag with inlay stars, table tops, etc...
Equipment I'm Looking At
- Laguna Laser MX, 24x36, 100 watt
- Laguna SmartShop M2 4x8 w/ATC
Here is how I think each piece would work:
Capability Laser CNC Capacity Create templates out of MDF or 1/4" sheet for complex parts. Jig part creation. Start my day by loading sheets and program, and come back to cut parts at lunch time. Personalization Engraving is the sweet spot for this machine, plus added capabilities for personalizing other products beyond my own wood creations. Possible with carving/resin or inlays, but not necessarily a high volume approach. Inlays I've seen videos of inlays done with a laser, but I don't have a sense of the quality. VCarve inlays is what I think i'm really after. Combined with my wide belt, i think this would be the better option
Looking forward to hearing advice.
Thanks,
Toby