How to make money with a laser!
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I've gone down the rabbit hole of laser engravers over the past couple years owning 7 different machines. With them, I've done a number of really cool projects and have even had some good success in earning money from them. In this video, I talk about some ways you can put your laser to work and create a supplemental income stream that can actually be quite lucrative!
Thanks to IKIER for sponsoring the video! Find out more about the machines they have to offer by using the links below:
IKIER K1 Pro Max 48w: shrsl.com/49q3g (I have THIS ONE)
IKIER K1 Ultra 36w: shrsl.com/49q3k
IKIER K1 Pro 24w: shrsl.com/49q3w
IKIER K1 Pro 20w Fiber: shrsl.com/49q3r
Working Panel: shrsl.com/49q42
Enclosure: shrsl.com/49q43
Camera: shrsl.com/49q46
Ext. Rails: shrsl.com/49q4c
Rotary: shrsl.com/49q4e
Join Fisher's Shop!
/ @fishersshop
Affiliates:
CadenceMfgDesign.com - "FISHER10" to save 10%
SurfPrepSanding.com - "FISHER10" to save 10%
Starbond.com - "FISHER10" to save 10%
Mag-Tools.com - "FISHER10" to save 10%
Merlin-Technology.com - "FISHER10" to save 10%
TersaKnives.com - "FISHER10" to save on RALI products
Bumblechutes.com - "FISHER10" to save 10%
RZmask.com - "FISHER10" to save 10%
00:00 Intro
00:48 Triple Constraint
01:37 IKIER K1 Pro Max
01:51 Laser Engraving
04:48 Laser Cutting
07:52 Accessories
09:03 Where To Start
10:23 Outtakes
Video Title: How to convince your wife to let you spend $2k on a laser that will still mostly likely sit in your garage and collect dust.
Haha pretty much
your jokes always cheer me up.
Glad to hear that. :)
That "Would poop here again" review @8:25 had me cracking up!
Haha, thanks!
Really helpful I appreciate the video. In the outtakes as always are great.
Glad you like them! Thanks!
Fantastic stuff, Drew! Thanks a bunch for all the tips! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
Thanks! You too!
I knew his neighbor had to be mentioned at least once! The good sport that he is 👍!
Great video Drew!
Thanks!
Great video Drew thanks for sharing
Glad you enjoyed it
excellent videos, well done, very informative. thanks
Glad you like them!
You make this all look so easy. I have three lasers and I am trying to start selling. Will be following you for more ideas!
Awesome! Thank you!
Thank you. I appreciate your videos.
You are very welcome
Thank you! Great motivational video!!
Glad you liked it!!
Very helpful! Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
Always look forward to the outtakes. 😂
Thanks for sharing.
You bet
Cool info on the laser, yes many possibilities, Also loved the ending, so glad to know I am not the only one who thinks and is like this, your an inspiration to us all Drew. If you can do it, well I think maybe I can too! ;)
Thanks! You most definitely can do it!
🎉 Awesome... love the bloopers too!😂
:) Thanks!
Thanks for the good info Drew, I just purchased my first laser.
Right on! Hope you enjoy it!
Hats off to you sir. I was nodding along all the way through and was waiting for you to start labelling up some of your neighbours items... The table top game looks like something Steve Jackson games would produce. Very very nice.
Thanks! :)
Been subscribed for a couple of years now. And somehow I still laugh at your jokes.
After 25yrs of marriage, my wife typically just groans at my jokes but every now and then I get a laugh. :)
Awesome video!!
Thanks!
Did I miss the flat head screw being etched in anything? Great inspiration video. I picked up an XTool late last year and am really having fun with it. Sold a few things for fun but using it mostly for myself and gifts. Ornaments are a fun project. My wife and daughters setup a small craft show booth so I made a few things to add to it. Going to be fun to learn what sells to see if I can make some other cool stuff!
In hindsight, I should have engraved a flathead onto something. haha. :)
@@FishersShop Might be a good idea for future push sticks. Maybe on the back.
10:39 any video that has Fonzie in it gets my like.😄
Ayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! 👍👍
OMG, he actually invented "The Cones of Dunshire"!
"It's all about the cones!!!"
At 6:36 for a second I did a double take because those jigsaw pieces look exactly like board game files I sell. Just the connecting edges, though, your images are obviously different (but man, what a double take! It would have been awesome to see one in the wild).
Oooo.... interesting. I'd like to see what you got
@FishersShop Umm, sure. If you google my name and "Etsy" the shop should come up if you're curious. I don't know the rules for the board game you have created in this video but as someone with a lot of general experience cutting hexagon files I suggest "use hardwoods!" or "at least stain some of the pieces!" I do love your overall format you've created, though. The way the tiles spread out from each other and end with a curve is lovely.
Great video, thx.
Glad you liked it!
Bought the Atezr P20 when you first made that video! slowly making sales with it! its a fun machine! The pumpkin lantern is a great idea, I'm going to try that out (maybe for xmas too)
Nice! Still got my ATEZR and love that machine as well!
Love your videos and your humor Drew. I too have a poop sign in my bathroom. I only have a rating of 4 1/2 stars though. 🤔 I’ll have to push harder for the full 5 stars…
lol 😂
I always look forward to new videos from you. I have a small engraver, but I hope to upgrade sometime soon.
Thanks! Yeah they’re super fun!
Thank you
You're welcome
Been thinking about a laser myself, thanks for info. Also, kudos to you for not asking for a "like" or "subscribe" until the end of the video. So many Ytubers ask for those at the very beginning. You know, BEFORE WE'VE EVEN WATCHED THE VIDEO. Can you tell this is one of my pet peeves?
I even do it at the end of my comments too! Like and sub.
yup on my list
Right on!
Thanks Drew, love your videos and am always inspired by them. I have been thinking of getting an engraver and this video helped very much.
Awesome! Glad to help!
I just got a laser engraver and bought slate coasters for an event this weekend. It was my biggest seller.
Right on!
I would like to see more about the game you created. It looks interesting.
It's awesome! 😀
Always love your videos; been on the fence for awhile about a laser. This helped move me closer to pull the trigger.
Right on! You'll love it
Within 0.2s of the game board being displayed onscreen, I thought, "What a gigantic nerd." 😆 Good on you for owning it! 🤣 Great video Drew 👍
😁 I am the biggest of nerds and I'd have it no other way.
I tried to get my neighbor to buy one so I could us it, but he said he didn't see that happening? ?? ??? Thanks Drew.
Hehe! You bet! Thanks for watching
“Now many of you know…” - The master mix😂
Last time this channel reviewed laser engraver, I bought it via your affliate link. I guess that i need to buy one this time as well, too bad that I haven't yet carved single project with that earlier machine - managed to do test cut and it was so smelly that i decided to wait until I get my enclosure built. That was half a year ago, but someday I will use it for something creative.
Haha, well this video was more about just showing you how you can pay off the machine you already have. However, the new IKIER machine is pretty slick. But I still have and use my other machine as well
@@FishersShop It was actually my original intention just to figure out couple of nice projects that could sell in such extent that laser would pay itself back. Then it would be "free toy" for me. Your video was inspiring and it gives confidence that this original plan is achievable on some point.
You know how titanium changes color depending on the oxide layer forming on its surface? It's done by two methods Heat and electricity It can be any color by adjusting the temperature or electricity or actually a rainbow of colors, just imagine the possibilities I think you can buy blank titanium items such as plates or chop sticks etc You can customize them not only by engraving but also by colors I think it can happen but dont know how hot the laser gets but i assume it can do that if it engraves stone If it doesn't get hot enough you can also mask the item by spray paint and engrave the design you want like you did with the metal water bottles and use electricity to oxidize the metal achieving the same results I think it could be a good idea
You really got me thinking, It hurts to think. So much potential. Now to the meat of the video. Neighbor pun, Check. Bloopers, Check. But where is the flat head screw? Thanks Drew!
I should have engraved a picture of one on the poop sign. haha
Nice use of the "laser update" sound effect! I want to play your board game
You gotta! It's awesome! :)
Watched from Yosemite Kentucky. Great topic! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
Love your videos! Do you have website suggestions on where to purchase the tumblers from?
I get mine from Amazon. Just search for tumbler blanks
Good info, Drew. Have you considered changing your logo. I don't recall you using a hand plane in many of your projects. With the design and creation capabilities of your laser tools you could do a more relevant logo. I use hand planes on every, or nearly every woodworking project and appreciate the skill using a hand plane effectively. You are a good wood machinest, I'll bet you could come up with a clever logo.
I use a hand plane every once in a while. It doesn't often make it into my videos, but it's well-used. The one in my logo is actually the exact profile of my stanley sweetheart. No plans to change the logo
Great video Drew. Any advantages to doing the cutting with a laser instead of your CNC? Been saving up a while for the CNC but now you have me thinking...
You can achieve crazy detail cutting with a laser. And if you're just going to be dealing with thin material, like 1/8"-1/4", then I'd say go with a laser. However, the two major limitations are 1). The work area of an open-frame laser (typically around 16"x16" where CNCs are usually much bigger and 2). lasers can be unpredictable when it comes to inclusions in the wood. Hardwoods and Softwoods cut at different speeds and temperatures so it's common for some of my burns to be perfect except for in a couple spots where there were knots or dense spots. Both of these "gotchas" are remedied with a CNC so I'd still urge you to go that route.
Granted Diode (or Tube Life for CO2 Lasers) Life is a Longer Term issue, but not having to worry about Broken Endmills etc can be nice. Both have their place though! Laser/Waterjet/Torch setups can only do flat cuts too (unless you have some crazy tilt head like some do) so that can be a downside as well. Also *in theory* less need for exhaust control/treatment due to little to no burning with Milling.
Great video Drew. When you sell on Facebook do you deliver or get them to pick it up?
Pick up ONLY! Shipping just cuts into your profits and then you have to deal with potentially damaged goods
Thanks 😊 Drew for a awesome video. Now I have more things to do. My wife wants to know if you need a lot of power to operate it (110 or 220) Also we only have a laptop if that would work or does it have its own setup. This would make a great gift for me 😂 Anyway thanks again for the info Jim
Oh nice! It takes just 110v. I have a crummy laptop from the stone age but it seems to work just fine with it. All you need is a USB port.
Thanks for the video! If you dont mind, what editing software are you using for the monograms? Im having a hard time finding one that gives clean results
I just bought them off Etsy for like a $1 and then bring them straight into Lightburn
Good info, Drew~! Having said that you've owned several lasers over the years (7), is/are there one or more that you own or have owned that you would not recommend for one reason or another? I'm looking at diving into one in the coming months and am always looking to learn from the experiences of my KZhead Yodas. Thanks much~!!
Each one was great at the time and each one I got was an upgrade to the previous one. The technology is rapidly evolving and they’re constantly adding new features. No, there’s not a specific brand to stay away from that I’m aware of.
You don't really need a diode laser with such a high power. For most hobbyists, a 20-watt laser module is sufficient. High-power diode lasers can be quite expensive. If you're considering commercial use, it is recommended to use a CO2 laser instead.
The higher power reduces the number of passes you need to make cuts and reduces time that engravings take. In a world where time is money, a higher power laser might really be worth it. Besides, new diode lasers are constantly being released which is reducing the cost pretty quickly. The price of my 24watt machine has just about been cut in half in less than a year's time.
Great video Drew! Does the software come with it? If not which do you use an where to buy?
LaserGRBL is free. I use Lightburn though. It's much more robust but you have to pay for a license which is a one-time payment of like $60 I think
I pulled the trigger on this bad boy and am learning the ropes with it. Being brand new to this, the learning curve is steeper than I thought (big surprise, I know). Can you recommend any resources for setup etc. for me?
Join the forum over at lahobbyguy.com. Those guys were a big help to me when I ran into problems.
Really appreciate all the info! I was wondering if you could cut the jack-o-lantern faces with lower powered lasers or have you only been able to cut it with the 40w.
The IKIER K1 Pro Max has a feature called Z-sink cutting which allows the laser module to lower after each pass. This moves the focus down through the kerf of the cut allowing the laser to cut deeper and cleaner. This worked quite well for cutting those lanterns however you really need to pick boards that are dry and don't have any inclusions in them for good clean cuts. But yes, if you use a lowered powered laser like a 20w, I still think you can do it, it's just gonna be a LOT of passes and take a long time.
From the perspective of motion speed, the downward cutting functionality on the Z-axis requires the use of an additional motor, which increases the weight of the laser module. This significantly affects the speed during engraving.@@FishersShop
That board game looks awesome! I'd heard you mention it before on the podcast, but I hadn't ever actually seen it. You should talk more about it. It looks like one I'd want to buy. And I doubt I'm the only one of your followers who would. Have you playtested beyond your game group? Maybe the gamer subset of your followers could playtest all the kinks out?
I haven't yet. I've been playtesting and tweaking it for over a year now and I just recently hired a guy to write the instructions for me. So now I have to play it a bunch with him so he gets it and can write the rules well.
The boardgame looks amazing, I'm definitely a huge Nerd like you! I would love to play it one day. Can you do a Video about that? Greetings from Germany
@@MonsterkillerGERthanks, but probably not. Pretty sure I'd lose all my followers. haha
Damned 😂
@@FishersShop second channel time? Lol
Another reason I want a laser, space is my issue now
At first I thought this is a tutorial on how to print money using lasers. 😂😂😂
Hmmmm, you might be on to something
I need another tool, like I need another hole in the head. Wait, if I had a laser I could do that! Drew, you’re a genius!
Haha, yes!!
I haven't given a laser much thought, but after watching this video, I sure do want one
They're a ton of fun!
Any chance you can ask them if they're going to do a Black Friday deal?
Great ideas! How much would you sell cutting boards like that to realtors?
I get $125 a piece.
Does this run on standard home 110 volt outlet or does it require a 220 volt outlet?
Just a regular 110v does it.
I had an idea about how to use a laser to make money, but it involved a supervillain costume and a bank. This seems to be a lot safer method. When using the laser indoors are there any HEPA or similar filters available for the exhaust fan? My basement shop doesn't have ready access to vent the smoke and fumes outdoors.
IKIER sells some kind of filter but I haven't read into exactly how it's used or how well it works.
"How a ... (blank) ... makes LASER MONEY' Laser money sounds cool. I don't know what that is but I want some.
Laser money IS cool!! If only we knew what makes it though! 😂
Do you have any videos or posts somewhere else about your game? It looks like an interesting game. It would be fun to try even if I have to cut everything out myself.
I don't at the moment. I've been working on it for a couple years now and I'm just now to the point where I'm ready to start play-testing it outside of my normal gaming group
We are going to need more info on the board game!
Haha, right now it's still in play-testing stage. I've hired someone to write the rule book so I've got to play it a bunch with him so he can thoroughly learn it.
@@FishersShop If you want to play test it in west TN sometime you let me know. :)
Im researching lasers now. I was going to order the xtool D1 but saw they are releasing the S1 in a few days so holding out for specs on it. I dont sell any of my wood working items, just make gifts for clients and family but I might be interested in doing a side laser business and sell some things here and there. I do have a laser pecker 1st gen thats good for small burning projects. I burn my kids faces on their hamburger buns haha. They love it. For the kids piggy bank do you cut out the pieces with the laser or just burn names? Do you have any more info on that? My kids would love one. I can email you if you dont want to post publicly. Im curious how you get the money out and how its constructed.
I sent you an email on this. Thanks, Bill
Wondering if you would recommend the pro 20w fiber instead of the pro max 48w for $100 more.
You might wanna research the materials that each laser is best for. I know there are some things that fiber lasers can't really cut/engrave where a diode can and vice versa. It all depends what you wanna use it for
Did you purchase the lantern files off etsy or do you have them available?
I just bought them off Etsy. Search for Sawdustandstuff
@@FishersShop Thanks so much!
Does the enclosure fit over the laser with the rail extensions?
Negative. You'd have to get a different one or make one of your own
You forgot to have a straight head screw as part of your lazer cover.
As this was a sponsored video, I'd be curious how this cutter stands the test of time, considering its price point. Also, how many of those projects did you do on this cutter vs another cutter?
The Ikier is by far the most capable machine shown in the video. However there’s quite a bit of B-roll footage from my other lasers I’ve owned. I’ve never had a laser degrade over time but we’ll see how this one does throughout the next year.
Yeah, I haven't found a lot of reviews on the ikier and laser cutters (perhaps like 3d printers) are all over the market, so outside of the glowforge, it's difficult to tell if any of them are worth the investment. These companies/manufacturers are a dime a dozen and don't seem to exist more than a few years before they disappear.
Do you know if they supply in UK 🤔, can’t see nothing online here 🙁🙁
I'm not sure. It's on Amazon though. Maybe try from them?
I have some vinyl sleeve material. They are 6in square tubes various lengths (fence post material) w app 1/8 - 3/16 wall thickness could this be cut on any of these lasers?
Yeah for sure. Those lanterns were 1/2” thick
I guess the question is will an object 6in tall fit in laser? I know CNC is limited to 5in
@@donproctor3445you can purchase risers for your lasers feet or just prop it up so it’s high enough. It’ll work no prob
In the case of using a hallow vinyl sleeve what keeps the laser from burning thru the other side?
@@donproctor3445 You might consider putting something inside the sleeve that will keep the laser from burning through. A small metal pipe might fit? A wooden dowel or even an old broom stick maybe?
Make that game available to buy Drew! The geekster in me wants it
It'd take me forever to make another copy. haha! But I'm sure you'd love it, it's so fun to play!
Welcome back!
Did I miss the unnecessary walnut section? Were you using it as feet for the laser?
Hah, none in this one. Maybe I'll have to double up for my next video
"Now many of you....."(rinse and repeat) 😅
I got it eventually though. 😂
You should make a world map dining table.
I see a lot of dutch family names. Do you live in an area with quite a lot of people with dutch heritage?
Yes. West Michigan has a TON of dutch folks
I always enjoy your videos, however I am curious about one thing. I don't want to tick you off so my question will be short, sharp and maybe sweet. Has your neighbour had enough and moved yet? Thank you for another enjoyable video.
Not yet!
Fisher, as always, inspirational. I'm still trying to find my niche for my 2 3d printers. Got me laser jealous now.
Haha! I've only tried resin printing. I'd like to try the others some day
You’ve captured the attention of my adhd…. I need one.
Talk to Wyrmwood Gaming for the board game they are from the northeast
What about upgrading the laser? I know 48 w is a lot but what happens when a stronger laser comes out, can it be exchanged?
Some companies offer replacing laser modules. I'm not sure if IKIER will do that though. Maybe
You’re just making me want a laser even more.
They're so much fun!
Thanks for watching! Here's some links to the various IKIER machines. Check them out if you'd like to see what they have to offer! IKIER K1 Pro Max 48w: shrsl.com/49q3g (I have THIS ONE) IKIER K1 Ultra 36w: shrsl.com/49q3k IKIER K1 Pro 24w: shrsl.com/49q3w IKIER K1 Pro 20w Fiber: shrsl.com/49q3r Working Panel: shrsl.com/49q42 Enclosure: shrsl.com/49q43 Camera: shrsl.com/49q46 Ext. Rails: shrsl.com/49q4c Rotary: shrsl.com/49q4e
I nominate that “done” song at the end to be the official outtro song for the channel. That was great!
Haha... I think I wandered into the Hawaii50 theme song there at the end.
These outtakes did not include any bodily harm :(
Just damaged pride and ego
fish you really need to venture over here to canada one friday evening for our board game night ;)
That'd be awesome! But the RMP warned me to not even try. Something about my lumber-borrowing habits.
No unnecessary walnut?
I shoulda engraved a flathead onto some walnut. Hah
@@FishersShop yea, maybe a little walnut plaque, with a flathead!
Amigo, en tu miniatura deberías invertir tu FLECHA curva; para comprar una máquina cortadora de láser se requiere mucho dinero, así que no mentirle a los que logren ver tu video, luego habrá que amortizar la inversión. No le veo futuro ganar mucho dinero con esa máquina, más bien tu si ganas si cobras por publicitar la marca.
Done done done! 😂
The leather stinks...but ive made good money selling little leather bearhead keychains at our campground.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I used to make money from an inkjet printer when they were new to the general public. Now everyone has one. Wonder if laser engravers will go the same way. There is definitely a minor trend away from the perfect products they produce. Possibly really handmade with errors is making a comeback.
I don't know... maybe. Some folks appreciate minor blemishes but if enough people trend back to "handmade" products, I think the laser crowd will just alter their graphics and images to make them appear as if they were hand down and still use the automation. It's just too convenient and fast.
@FishersShop Your own example of selling your mistakes is a good one. The Japanese have wabi sabi, appreciating the aesthetic of the imperfect. I can only speculate on the future and there's a long way to go before the full potential of diode lasers is realised.
If only focus wasn't such a problem, what fun it would be to do a drive-by engraving of your neighbor's house. alas... - You have several diode lasers, have any of them degraded over time?
What’s cool about this one is that the Z moves too so it can auto focus. So you can do a drive by engraving… you just have to drive within 8mm of their house. Lol No, none of my lasers have degraded as far as I know.
@@FishersShopI saw that z axis movement on their site as a way to cut through thicker material, pretty smart and that might just push me into this model instead of the X2. I assume you still have to set the initial height ? They didn't automate that too did they?
Yeah, they have an auto-focus feature too. It works, but honestly I could focus things faster by hand with my other lasers. It's neat that it works though.
If it was just as easy as you say. I have access to engravers, 3d printers, and more...yea...it isn't this easy, it isn't. I wish it was, but either my stuff was. I saw SEVERAL of my things that I was doing stolen from me, then undercut by $1 and they take it over. There is ZERO you can do about it. I did some things for a local vineyard, and I had DOZENS asking for similar things. I told them what the winery paid (which was a STEAL because they are friends). Nope. WAY TOO MUCH. Sheesh, couldn't even get the material for what ANY of them were willing to pay. Realize, these "customers" roll in with beamers, caddy's, Lincolns, Mercedes...they are dropping $300~$500 on wine when they go there, but my $49.95 item that I would make literally $5 on was "too expensive". Yet, everybody loved it, and everybody wanted it. Just wanted it for free. I gave up. Done with the BS. Glad it is working for you, and thanks for not stealing my fence pickets, but I know where to get some now.
Like I said, you're gonna strike out some. The key is persistence. If you give up, it'll never happen for you. I got shot down by realtors like 8 or 9 times before I finally found one that appreciated the work I do and saw it for its potential. All the others bawked at the price and said no way. That's fine... they just don't get it. I kept searching until I found one that DID!
How a makes laser money :)
Who's "A"? And what is a "Laser Money"? And how is he making it?!?!