Former tool & die maker / engineer / tech-ed instructor in another life...and I 100% verify Evan's point of view of "bringing it all home" with a small-scale manufacturing. My morning commute consists of walking down 13 stairs to get to the shop. Kudos E&K for such an inspirational video.
Omg! The progress bar with the points being made is pure awesome!!! Thanks so much for putting epic content out there like this, have been plotting a new massive build that will require a lot of time, big-ish machines, and that all means a few nice loads of cash, re-thinking and planning now!
Thanks, we had fun with the progress bar!! Katelyn kinda lost it when I suggested that we use a cat as the marker hahaha! Good luck with the massive build!
As someone who's used all the steps you covered, this video is spot on. I now have several products in various phases of these steps and the only thing I would caution people on is those cnc financing plans. Usually they're worse than your credit card. When I was looking into them they were about 32 percent interest.
I thought the same and it's wiser to build your own cnc... since you have a 3D printer then it will be very possible nowadays and there is many open source project that make it easier and customizable as well... it will not be as robust maybe as those who are made by big brands but it's for sure worth it for a certain price range and quality requirement (crafty stuff doesn't need to be super precise as mechanical parts)
@@anoirbentanfous Definitely an option there days. The MPCNC (Mostly Printed CNC) is a good place to start. Also there's a company called CNC Router Parts offering parts for more heavy duty DIY machines.
This video is so spot on. I'm currently working through my business degree and alot of the stuff mentioned in this vid are things they teach or at least mention in business 101. This will benefit so many people out there looking for help with their business.
Absolutely great video on small business! Well done. I work in the auto industry as a Mechanical Designer and am starting a side business and the piece of advice you touched on that is most important is "design for manufacturability". Even tho the company I work for makes multimillion dollar machines, it's core is to remove metal as efficiently as possible and reduce the complexity such as removing multi processes (IE when it has to go from a welder to a machinist to a powercoater instead of just waterjetting a piece of aluminum in the first place). As you also touched on working with an outsourcer on your designs is critical. Use their knowledge to your advantage. Also, if you do want to scale up later, put the time into learning the design software as opposed to making chips (wood or metal). It takes seconds to correct a concept (and little money) but hours and big dollars to correct an actual physical product. As always, thanks for the content!
I have re-watched several portions of this video several times not because I am having problems understanding and following what you're saying but because I love the way you to interact with each other it seemed so genuine and I just love you 2
Income diversification is such a big part of small business as well. I see you guys doing it well with content generation, merch, patrion, and products. Multiple product lines are important as well.
Such true words! When family and friends ask us how we make money on RU-vid we have to tell them a really long answer to encompass all the little bits and pieces. Totally applies to different product lines too!
I think what overwhelms people is that they see where they want to be, or know that "I want to be successful" but they don't know how to get there. This is a very good video, and the thing I love about Making is that you can substitute wood with an app, or website, or recipe. The principles are generally the same. Well done!
You have a very good point! And it's hard to know where you want to be when there's not a ton of info out there about where you even could be. Glad you like the video!!
I can see you worked as design engineer. The approach to make the manufacturing process as part of the end product (like the topography lines) is absolutely the way to go. Way to go.
Thanks so much David!! When we first started making things to sell, your video on how to price your work was one that was really helpful to us 😀 (video here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Uu_qFDanGPY.html if anyone has not seen it)
I can't count the number of times I've told people to go watch David's video on "how to price your work" (literally every time someone asks "what should I charge")
This video was incredible for me. I'm starting exactly the same business with my wife and our 3D printers and CNC , thanks for the valuable tips. A hug from Brazil.
Hey guys. As a manufacturing/production engineer who has come a long way in starting my own manufacturing business, I must say that your video is spot-on. Great work!!! Especially the part about designing for manufacturability is extremely pertinent.
Great stuff in this video; thank you so much! I knew the whole outline --- sort of obvious by observing how companies work and with a little bit of reading. *However, you guys shared an incredible amount of details such as examples of how you did things, little tips & tricks, and, IMHO, the best advice --- to attempt to make artifacts of the manufacturing process into features of the product. *
That was a cool concept with the different sections. It was very clear what was happening. And great information! Especially with the points about using some limitation of a machine to add to the design like the spirals in the ring dish.
Wooo, glad breaking it up into sections helped segment it - we were a little worried about it all running together. and yesssss we love when we can make the machine cut lines/layer lines/etc be a feature!
HI, Yeah you guys are great. The last video that blew me away was about 3D printing with material that can be used as a casting mold. They coat with layers, then bake the plastic out.
Illham Akbar The start is to support yourself on everything you want to do, and do it regardless of weather others approve of you or not. Write down what you want in a woman in one column on a white sheet of paper with a blue pen, and write down a column of what you don’t want. Make it detailed, write it down, and then forget about it. 3 Months later come back to this post and share your success story. Peace!
Yes it is "rare" because men who DESERVE a women like that and BELIEVE they can have it is rare. You need to get right with yourself, seriously. You have limiting beliefs about this topic, alot alot of people do. You have to face them within yourself before you expect to be the right fit for a good woman. There is nothing "wrong with you" now, but there are things you need to change. Your perception of the world, how you carry yourself, your vision of yourself etc. Check out a book "How to be a 3% Man by Coach Corey Wayne" that one really helped me!
@@jamesc4196 That sounds great, but I can count on one hand the number of wives I've seen that share their husband's career passions like this. I could hold out for a unicorn too, but a good horse gets the job done and I know they actually exist and in abundance.
Randall Gmail I understand Randall. And to each their own. But never forget, life gives you what you bargain for. Not a penny more :) that’s from “As a Man Thinketh” by James Allen.
Thank you for the tips maam and sir!😊😊😊.. I am a third year college student and I am (somehow, hahaha) making customized keychains, MANUALLY.. hahaha lots of hardwork and ups and downs, but still I like what I do and now I am more inspired on making "stuff". Thank you again! 😊😊
Awesome video Evan and Katelyn specially for those who are just beginning in their businesses. You should also consider outsourcing if you want to scale more. With outsourcing online - you can outsource non value adding tasks such as customer service, accounting and others then you can focus on growing/scaling/expansion , sales and more important tasks of your business
Great solid logical advice. I have been in the apparel business for 25 years and the same principles apply. We design, develop and begin printing & embroidery in house and sell from our store... then we outsource the good ideas and wholesale to other customers. That is the entire goal during the design process. I am looking for other ideas and landed on your video by you tubing "garage business ideas"
This is the first video of yours that I have stumbled upon in my search for how to manufacture a new product. First of all, you two are absolutely adorable. How lucky you are to have each other? My ex-husband didn't have a creative bone in his body and didn't respect any of my ideas. Secondly, I want to thank you for the information. I subscribed to your channel and plan on spending the rest of the afternoon watching your videos and learning. I'm doing this all on my own and it is scary But like you mentioned I am at the point where I'm more afraid NOT to take the leap. Best of luck to you in your business ventures and thank you, again for sharing your knowledge.
Just found you guys, (actually the custom door vid) and your goofiness was magnetic. So I watched more videos and finally found this one. Y'all just have so much fun and get along so great. I would absolutely love to do what you are doing- if only I was smarter, and imaginative. Those are the only two things holding me back. Oh well, I guess I will keep doing my part and watch your videos...
Very good video! Especially the make the design work for the manufacturing method gets often overlooked in my experience. Designing with manufacturing in mind can definitely improve it indeed.
Great job. The little rainbow time stamp was a nice idea. Have you guys found any resistance from customers when you scale up your production? Especially when you bring in outside sources? People really like the one off hand made products, but that isn’t always practical. Curious where the line is between handmade and Walmart.
Thanks so much!! We haven't found much yet, and we've seen other people bring in outside help really well. I think communication and setting expectations are VERY important when you do that both with your supplier and your customers. I think the main line between handmade and cheap mass produced products is pride/quality in your work and the connection with your customers. I think if you can keep that up, you'll be good.
Congrats to you guys for getting all this going. Like how you did this little color coded outline in the video, never seen anything like that before. I am starting my own little shop in my own little niche. Printing for my first customer now, and hoping there will be more to come!
Thank you for this video! We are putting together our x-carve this weekend. Our goal is to build a brand with designs from myself as well as my kids. Thank you for the great insight!
"See you that there!" hahaha Reminds me of when I used to work in tech support. I used to say "You're welcome" and "No problem" so much that I ended up mixing them up and saying "Your problem" and "No welcome" all the time LOL
hahaha that's awesome!! Even better because I used to work in tech support in college and I would have loved to say "Your problem" and "No welcome" lol
really appreciate you lovely couple taking time talking about this topic. Very encouraging... I would love to hear your insights on 'logistics' side of it - packaging, shipping, and customer care. I'm an industrial designer myself dreaming of starting small volume e-commerce and i'm getting close to take that jump.
Thank you! We do talk a little bit more about logistics in our other video about selling products you make here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-NHGXNY7TWKg.html
Just because there are companies out there that manufacturer designs that you send them. Doesn't mean you should strive to be large enough to own that large equipment to do it yourself. We build custom metal handrails. and we got to a point where we either have to start turning away jobs Outsource are work or grow big. 15 years later where in a massive shop with well over a million dollars in equipment and we still have way more work than we can handle
Lots of different ways to go about it! I guess our point is when you're starting out, it helps to design your products in a way that they can be manufactured on a bigger scale if the opportunity presents itself, whether it's via outsourcing or in your own shop
I love the progress bar! Its like bringing in all the great ideas of UX design to video production. Really enjoyed the points made, you guys are so great at marketing / video production +1. I knew most of these things already from past experience as well, but I never once considered 3D printing as part of its layered design. That's really smart. Its like software development, its not a bug its a feature :)
Such a great video! Probably the most succinct video I've seen on the subject. Thanks for putting in all the time and effort to make this video. Even cooler that you put in the multi-colored bar for jumping to specific bits of info.
This was amazing information. I definitely needed to know this before thinking about creating a small scale manufacturing business. I am so thankful for you guys giving your full breakdown to helps us new comers that may think of it as being to overwhelming and fearing that it may fail. God Bless You Guys, and may you continue to prosper!!!🙏🏾❤
This is great advice! I'd love to hear more about your one-part mold idea and how to optimize a 3d print for print time and simplicity. Thanks for the encouragement and keep up the good work! You guys rock!
This was just what I've needed. I've been wanting a laser engravee for years, and now an X Carve. But I was turned off because of the engrave time my designs would take, and ultimately not being worth it. But your video gave me a renewed desire to try it again. Thank you. Also, more videos on Fusion 360, X Carve and Easel would be sweet. :D
I have been watching a ton of your videos in isolation right now and I love looking back at JUST A YEAR AGO and seeing how far you guys have come!! This is such an awesome video and you two are so damn cute and fun. Keep on creating and stay safe and healthy friends :)
Great video! I think a lot of people will be happy to see more video like or more story like that in your video. We do appreciate you take the time to explain how business work!
Great video you guys! A unique perspective for the DIYers/entrepreneurs alike. I have a similar background as Evan's; mechanical engineer with experience in high and low volume production, currently expanding on my side hustle businesses as well. Its truly inspirational to see people making a living from doing what you love! Keep it up!
I have a small business which is a bit of a niche in the automotive world, but I have found recently that my tooling may be better used as a community resource as opposed to just my product. The question i have for you guys is, have you ever looked at starting a Makerspace? I think it's interesting to teach other's, similar that how you guys are online, but more face to face, and watching them create, that's just where I find fulfilment.
That's a great discovery for your business! We haven't really considered it, there are a lot of logistics we don't want to take on and we feel like we can reach more people online.
I'm really glad I recently stumbled across your guys' channel-I don't know how I haven't found it earlier-but I'm working towards a mechanical engineering degree specializing in design with the hopes of either going into something related to product design or starting my own business (preferably the latter), so I found this video very encouraging (and your channel as a whole very inspiring). Thank you for your beautiful content!
👋 thank you so much for your video about carpenter craft very 👌 beautiful items you have made it by using machine fine finishing and small businesses can developed.
This was a really good video with excellent info from your experiences. I love you guys and what you are doing. You are an inspiration to this community with your hard work.
E&K this was a great video and perfectly timed for me. I have a list of products sitting here on my desk and this video just auto-played. How serendipitous. Thank you.
Great video. As someone that is at the very beginning stages of all of this, your information is very useful. You seem to be a great team. Wish you continued success and thank you.
So just a thought for someone who is starting out from scratch... MakerSpace and Tool Libraries are growing global movements which have a small monthly membership fee for using a bunch of awesome tools like 3D printers or laser cutting machines. They also usually have an awesome crowd with lots of expertise and offer courses to the public. Depending on your product, becoming a member and offering classes might help you make extra income or reach potential customers. Check out if there's one in your city before investing in your own equipment. EDIT: wrote this comment before watching the whole video. He does mention MakerSpace
When I grow up, I want to be like you. All jokes aside, my partner and I share two things with you; our height difference and our love of making things. At the moment I am trying to figure out how I can be creative without a sense of direction or a bigger project. Your channel inspires us a lot!
This is definitely the video I was looking for: that adventure experience told by true adventurers. And you even make the video itself more customized with that content organization with the colorful bar below. Thanks so much for sharing your bussiness experience in order to help other enterprenuers. You are really making this a better world.
Excellent break down on how to get started! I love making crafts, never thought about a "robot army" lol I finally have the workspace to expand and build now thanks for the ideas!
You could also enhance existing products that are mass produced. Especially personalizing it is very doable. For instance a wooden breadboard can be engraved with a cnc or laser and suddenly that 2USD item is worth 15USD.
E&K, thanks so much for sharing these types of insights. As an aspiring maker myself, I dream of someday making that my full time career. I think it is so generous of you and I love this community. Keep it up! Cheers
The most of the costs of selling product is not manufacturing, but MARKETING. You got a massive RU-vid channel for it. Without that, you would not sell much.
Another great video! Detailed and thought through as always, and you could tell that you're talking from experience. My only comment for people is to really be careful about financing. It can become really easy to buy machines with financing because it sounds so perfect: you'll make that money in the future and you'll pay off the machine in the future. The issue is that if you haven't built up that much money to begin with, you're playing it a little risking by relying on consistent future income to pay for your tools (and what happens if your needs change or that product doesn't do as well? You still have to pay for the tool you bought, plus interest) I personally would buy anything on finance as a 'business expense' (wait until you've gained that money first). But hey, that's just me and my 2 cents, everyone has differnt ideas and ways of operating)
