Top 5 CNC Projects That Sell

Starting a CNC business can be a lucrative and fulfilling endeavor, especially if you pick the right projects to focus on. Here are five CNC projects that are not only sell well but also relatively easy to start with. Each of these projects offers opportunities for customization and can cater to a variety of markets, making them perfect for a new CNC business.

Make sure you read to the end for a special tip!

1. Catch-All Trays

Catch-all trays are versatile items that can be made in various shapes and sizes to suit different purposes. These are one of the most simple CNC Projects to produce, typically requiring only one or two bits, making them a quick and efficient project.

• Variety of Uses: These trays can be used for holding keys, coins, jewelry, or even office supplies.
• Easy Production: With just one or two bits, you can create a wide range of designs.
• Personalization: Add a personal touch by engraving names or unique details. This makes them perfect for gifts, adding to their market appeal.

2. Templates for Woodworking

Templates are invaluable for woodworkers, helping them to replicate designs quickly and accurately. If there is a unique CNC project that you’ve designed, you can sell an unfinished template that lets the buyer finish and customize the piece on their own. Woodworkers could stick a template on top of a piece of wood they want to cut then use a router to trace it out. 

• Functionality: Templates help woodworkers produce products faster by providing a guide for cutting.
• Popular Examples: Mallet templates are a hit among woodworking enthusiasts.
• Material Recommendation: Use half-inch MDF or acrylic for durability and ease of use.

3. Custom Tool Holders

Tool holders are essential for any professional who uses tools regularly. By understanding your audience's needs, you can create specialized holders that cater to different professions.

• Understand Your Audience: Knowing the unique tools of your target audience (woodworkers, mechanics, plumbers, etc.) allows you to design specific solutions.
• Practical Design: Create wooden trays or holders tailored to specific tools, enhancing organization and efficiency.
• Customization: Offering personalized tool holders can attract professionals who value organized and bespoke tool storage solutions. Every mechanic's dream!

4. Cutting Boards

Cutting boards are a classic CNC project and a staple in many households. They are particularly popular at local markets and fairs. 

• Timeless Appeal: Cutting boards are always in demand due to their practicality.
• Market Opportunities: Selling at local farmer’s markets can provide a steady stream of customers.
• Material Choice: Using interesting and high-quality woods can make your cutting boards stand out and sell faster.

5. Custom Signs

Probably the most popular beginner CNC project, custom signs are a fantastic way actually make money selling simple products. It can be easy to customize each sign by keeping a standard design and just changing letters and numbers. However it is also possible to create completely custom signs, this works especially well for selling them to businesses. 

• Skill Enhancement: Custom signs can help you improve your CNC skills quickly.
• Range of Products: From simple engravings to complex furniture pieces, the possibilities are endless.
• Higher Pricing: Custom signs allow you to charge higher prices due to their uniqueness.

Conclusion - Here's the SECRET to making it work!

Selling your CNC projects doesn't need to be complicated. By focusing on simple products you can build a profitable and fulfilling business.

But here's what really makes it work: either customize your products, or position them toward a specific niche. People don't buy a catch all tray unless they feel they need one. But a dog lover will buy a dog themed catch all tray because it is cute.

So, if your simple products can have a unique theme. your customers will buy the product because of the theme, the product's use case becomes secondary to their buying decision.

 

Ready To Get Started?

With a CNC machine like the CNC ONE MAX, you can produce extremely detailed items out of wood, plastics, metals, and many other materials. With its large area, and powerful router, it is the perfect machine to produce many identical products quickly.

Interested into getting a CNC? Check out the CNC ONE Academy, it's the easiest and fastest way to learn CNC Milling and start creating amazing projects on your own.