What to do???

[Mike Eastman]

MyShop.pngI'm 57 and have a full garage of tools and machines to make things. I'm also disabled, from a degenerative disorder, and in pain not to mention I have prostate cancer...but still full of spunk. I'm looking for a way I can make some money to pay for my treatment and seems like everything is being done already, with great skill.


Any suggestions what is selling online? I even have a laser engraver. I've made some humidors, plaques and cutting boards (out of bamboo) for presents and can do a lot more.

Just looking for some suggestions as I seem to be drawing a blank.

thanks for any support

[Matt Day]

Have you looked around on Etsy?

Or talked to local stores? If I had time I would make salt and pepper shakers and cutting boards to sell at local stores (for instance we have a fancy olive oil store that would sell them, a couple furniture/home goods type places - that don't sell custom furniture mind you), etc.

Sorry to hear about your health issues. It sounds like you have a lot of fight in you which is awesome!

[Moses Yoder]

This is just a thought, I would suggest studying kitchen cabinet designs and sell kitchens for a local shop. If you do this right, you will be able to make a lot more money than you would in your shop. It would require an investment in design software. I think the only way to make money with a small shop is if you don't need to make money.

[Jim Koepke]

One of the sawyers in my area does custom laser engraving for people. His set up is big enough to do entry way doors and headboards.

You might find a gift shop or two who could make use of your engraving service.

Recently my efforts were spent making a tea cabinet for my wife. The door panel would have been very special if I could have engraved an owl or just about any other image on the front.

I am thinking of trying to carve some simple lettering and images on panels for future cabinet projects for sale at the local farmers market.

If your service was close to me I might even want to contract a few panels with you.

If you pursue custom engraving for people you will need a way to convert their art into something to drive your engraver. People will come in with anything from a vague idea, pencil sketch, old photo or even magazine clippings taped together.

Surely there are other wives like mine who would like forest scenery on their kitchen cabinet doors.

jtk

[Viking Mountain Tool Works]

I thought something like this might work. $44 on Amazon. "Search for Intersecting Boxes Espresso Color Wall Shelf". Shelf units like this seem like they would be quick to build, and could make enough to make it worth the trouble. I could help you out with the selling if you like, I sold about 10,000 items on Amazon last year. (None of which I made)