Unleash Your Inner Craftsman: Amazing CNC Machine Creations You Can Make

Last updated on May 17th, 2023 at 10:46 am

What to make with CNC machine

If you wonder what you can make with your CNC machine, this article will help you. If you are thinking about what you can make to sell, a pro tip is to go for personalized products. Generic products do sell in large quantities and more frequently. Customized items have a higher profit margin. How much would you pay for an ashtray? How much would you pay for an ashtray with your face or the face of a loved one? Most of us would pay a higher price for the second option. With a CNC machine for home use or sale, you can decorate furniture and create moldings that make beautiful wood projects.

CNC Projects for Beginners

Here are some CNC projects suitable for beginners:

• Signs: Create personalized signs by engraving names, quotes, or decorative patterns onto various materials such as wood, acrylic, or metal.
• Growth Charts: Design and cut out growth charts that can be hung on walls. Add incremental markings and labels to track a child’s growth over time.
• Bottle Opener: Craft a custom bottle opener by cutting out a unique shape and adding functionality with an attached opener mechanism.
• Cutting Board: Use CNC to carve intricate designs or patterns onto wooden cutting boards, adding aesthetic appeal and practicality.
• Ashtray: Design and manufacture a personalized ashtray with unique patterns or engravings using materials like wood or metal.
• Picture Frame: Create custom picture frames by cutting out intricate designs or engraving patterns onto wood or acrylic materials, providing a unique touch to display photographs.

These projects offer beginners opportunities to explore their creativity while becoming familiar with CNC machining techniques. Remember to prioritize safety by following the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for operating the CNC machine.

CNC wood Projects that sell

Here are some CNC wood projects that have the potential to sell well:

• Bottle openers: make unique and functional bottle openers with interesting designs or custom engravings. These can be popular as gifts or novelties.
• Signs: Create custom signs with personal messages or decorative designs. Signs for home decor, businesses or special occasions like weddings are in high demand.
• Jewelry: Use the CNC machine to make intricate pieces of wooden jewelry such as pendants, earrings or bracelets. Unique wooden jewelry can attract customers looking for customized and eco-friendly accessories.
• Gift boxes: design and manufacture wooden gift boxes with custom engravings or patterns. These boxes can be sold individually or as part of gift sets and appeal to customers looking for unique packaging options.
• Wooden games: design and produce wooden games such as puzzles, brainteasers, or board games. These can be popular as gifts or entertainment items.
• Wooden spoons: carve wooden spoons with unique shapes, patterns or personalized engravings. Wooden utensils have a rustic charm and are in high demand among customers who appreciate handmade kitchen utensils.

These CNC wood projects have the potential to sell well because of their uniqueness and craftsmanship. Remember to consider market demand and trends, price your products competitively, and ensure high quality craftsmanship to attract customers.

You should get the best wood for CNC projects.

        Wooden Flags

American flags are a huge seller, and there are multiple files available with endless variations you could use. Sell these on local marketplaces as a starting point when you want to make money. Do not worry about the logistics that come with shipping. They cost as much as 1,500, depending on the size and quality.

        Bottle Opener

A bottle opener hardware is a  customized wall mount gift that is quick and easy to make. A personalized gift sells well. Due to its compact size, it is easy to ship. Showcase your creativity by making phrases that fit in multiple setups. As much as the bottle opener can cost less than 2, you sell them in bulk.

        Signs

The CNC machine makes signs with multiple, creative designs that help you appreciate the machine. The wood signs play a pivotal role in offices, roads, and schools as they communicate with the people, giving directions and instructions. Well-crafted signs are appealing to people and send a message. They are simple to make. They range from 2 to 1000. 

        Growth Charts

Oversized rulers for measuring kids as they grow are on demand. Make them child-friendly. You can offer personalization for free and per order. They start from as little as 2. 

        Wooden Wall art

Allow your creativity to flow with customized CNC wall art. Depending on customers ‘ budgets, these sell for hundreds, but you custom make them. They range from seasonal designs routed into hardwood to letters cut out of MDF, painted and glued onto a display board. Look for a good niche in this space, and you can make a huge profit.

        Smartphone Stand

A phone stand is made of wood or metal and keeps your hands relaxed and free. That allows you to multitask. The simple craft removes the frustration of not using your hands when holding your phone. 

The convenience of shifting and tilting your phone as it remains fixed is refreshing. You can put your phone in a comfortable position, and it will not topple over. You can use your phone anywhere and make variations on your design. Keep the size of the phone in mind. It starts from 1, depending on the style and type of material used. 

        Custom Cheese Boards

CNC engraved cheese boards are a popular item for professionals to give to new home buyers. Make the boards in bulk so that you make good returns. Personalize them for a meaningful purpose than just a cheese board. Cheese boards help you pick up recurring businesses to supplement your income year-round.

        Drink Coasters

Drink coasters are small, easy-to-produce CNC projects that sell easily. They are also marketable both online and to commercial customers as client gifts. Coaster blanks are more affordable in bulk, which gives you a chance for a solid profit margin.

        Board Games

You can make durable works of art in board games. The pieces are made meaningful and motivational by adding a quote on top. Almost every household has one, but what makes them buy a new one is the inspiration and creativity on the board. Look for new shapes. You can sell a chessboard for as much as 400.

        Gift boxes

A gift can be less appealing when it is not well-packaged. That is why you need the gift box. The box changes an item into a gift. Gift boxes are made of wood, and they are endless on Amazon. You can keep a gift box or throw it into the bin for future use. However, we’ll craft gift boxes worth keeping, and you can use them as storage boxes for your jewelry or containers.

        Jewelry

Beautiful jewelry comes from the CNC machine. There is a wide range of fashion in wood and metal. The machinist has to pay attention to detail and showcase creativity. The CNC machine has been popular in the fashion industry since it allows the machinist to explore new designs. There is freedom of creativity. You can make rings, bracelets, tie clips, and necklaces.

        Ashtrays

Smokers know how annoying it can be when there is no astray around. Go creative with your designs as you turn ashtrays into ornaments.

        Custom Guitar body

If you are or have met a guitarist, you may know how protective you can be of your guitars” bodies. With a CNC machine and wood, you create beautifully designed guitar bodies.

        Tree ornaments

In the lead-up to the holiday season, there is a huge demand for unique tree ornaments such as Christmas trees. Target customers who share a common hobby. Your audience has something in common that gives clues as to what ornaments to make. 

However, this product is seasonal, so you might sell other products to help supplement sales in the off-season. They cost hundreds and thousands depending on size, theme, and features.

        Picture frames

Offer your customers a unique way to display images of their most treasured moments or loved ones with well-crafted picture frames. Picture frames are from nearly any material, and that means low capital. They come in all shapes and sizes and have many potential customers.

        Wooden Clock

Be creative to attract customers. Almost every household has a clock, and make sure yours comes with originality, beauty, and uniqueness. The wood clock makes one’s household look modern and classy. Skeleton clocks sell faster. 

        Bathtub Tray

A Bathtub Tray makes an incredible gift. Personalization makes it sell faster and more attractive. It brings meaning to the home.

What can you make with a metal CNC

With a metal CNC, you can create a variety of jewelry and accessories, including:

• Rings: design and make custom rings with intricate patterns, engravings or gemstone settings.
• Brooches: Craft unique brooches with detailed patterns or personal designs that can be worn as accessories on clothing or accessories.
• Bracelets: Use a metal CNC to shape and engrave metal bracelets to create stunning and personalized wrist jewelry.
• Earrings: Create metal earrings in various shapes, sizes and designs, from simple stud earrings to more intricate dangling or hoop-shaped styles.
• Cufflinks: Craft elegant and sophisticated cufflinks that can be customized with initials, logos or decorative elements.
• Tie Clips: Design and craft tie clips that add style and sophistication to men’s formal wear with personalized engravings or unique shapes.
• Necklaces: Make metal necklaces with pendants, chains or other decorative elements, offering various styles and designs.
• Belt Buckles: Make belt buckles with custom designs, patterns, or engravings using a metal CNC for a unique belt accessory.

These metal CNC projects offer a wide range of options for making jewelry and accessories that can be sold or treasured as personal items. Remember to pay attention to details, use high-quality materials, and consider market trends and preferences to meet customer needs.

How to Make Money with Your CNC Router

Start your CNC machining business from furniture making, advertising signs, clothing making, or musical instrument production. If you want to make money with CNC routers in these fields, you can have further study and start running your CNC machining business.

Ad sign is a need for almost every business. Shops, restaurants, companies, schools, hospitals, and supermarkets need clear, attractive ad signs to promote their business. You can start a CNC machining business in ad sign making. 

You should have an advanced CNC router and basic knowledge of 3D design. Then start your CNC business to make ad signs. Make handicraft items and musical instruments.

How to make money with a CNC machine

If you’re looking to make money with a CNC machine, consider the following steps:

1. Research market demand: identify popular and in demand items in your area. This can be anything from customized signs, home accessories, furniture components to specialty parts for specific industries. When you know the market’s needs, you can focus on making products with a higher chance of selling.
2. Develop your skills: Become familiar with the operation of the CNC machine and learn the necessary software programs. Practice and refine your skills to ensure high-quality craftsmanship in your work. Experiment with different materials, techniques and designs to expand your skills and product range.
3. Create a Portfolio: Create a portfolio that showcases your best work. Take high-quality photos or videos highlighting the details and craftsmanship of your CNC creations. This portfolio serves as a visual representation of your skills and is essential for marketing and selling your products.
4. Market your products: Learn how to effectively market and sell your CNC products. Build an online presence by creating a website or using platforms such as social media to showcase your work. Use search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to make your products more discoverable online. Participate in local craft fairs, trade shows or exhibitions to reach a wider audience. Network with potential customers and collaborate with other artisans or businesses in related industries.
5. Start small and learn from experience: start with smaller projects and gradually expand your offerings as you gain experience and customer feedback. Pay attention to customer preferences, feedback and trends to adjust your product offering. Improve your skills, learn new techniques, and explore innovative designs to stay competitive.

Remember that building a successful CNC business takes time, effort and dedication. Continually hone your craft, market your products effectively, and provide exceptional customer service to build a reputation and attract repeat customers.

Where to get Free CNC project files

• Dxfprojects.com 
• 3axis.co 
• DXFforCNC 
• File CNC 
• Scan2CAD 

Where to sell CNC projects

When looking to sell CNC projects, consider the following platforms:

• Within your community: start exploring local opportunities, such as community events, craft fairs, or farmers’ markets. These provide opportunities to showcase your products directly to potential customers.
• Facebook Marketplace: leverage the reach of Facebook to offer and sell your CNC projects locally. It’s a popular platform where you can connect with buyers in your area.
• Amazon: Consider selling your CNC projects on Amazon if they meet the criteria for their marketplace. This can give you access to a large customer base and the convenience of selling infrastructure.
• Etsy: Etsy is a well-known platform for selling handmade and unique items. It has a dedicated audience interested in handmade products, making it a suitable platform for showcasing and selling your CNC projects.
• eBay: eBay offers a wide reach and a variety of selling formats, including auctions and fixed price listings. It can be a good option for selling your CNC projects to a wide audience.
• Social media: use platforms like Instagram, Pinterest or Twitter to promote and sell your CNC projects. Build a following by sharing high-quality images, connecting with potential customers and referring them to your online store or website.
• Your web store: create an online store on your website to showcase and sell your CNC projects. This gives you full control over branding, presentation and customer experience.
• Shopify: Use Shopify as a dedicated e-commerce platform to set up your online store. It offers customizable templates, secure payment options, and integration with other sales channels.
• Local markets: Participate in local craft markets, flea markets, or artisan gatherings where you can connect directly with customers in your area and showcase your CNC projects.

Remember to tailor your approach to your target audience, product niche and marketing strategy. Combining these platforms can help maximize your reach and increase your chances of successfully selling your CNC projects.