I like Nicks approach to his business, that he thinks giving something back to people usually makes your plans work out. If everyone lived like that, the world would be a significantly better place. Great guy
I’m actually in the process of staging for a side business of my own. 3D printing reproduction parts (not currently being offered by any manufacturers) for a very specific generation of cars I specialize in. I have some early prototypes in field testing now, but will need to build a Voron (likely) printer to handle the load my Ender 3 (purchased to familiarize myself with printing) will not. I’m a mechanical engineer by trade, so I’m familiar with part design, material requirements, etc. Put all of these interests together, and it’s the perfect “outlet” for a hobby. It won’t ever replace my day job (my passion’s target audience is too small), but it’s something I have dreamed about for nearly a decade.
@@derektran9404 I understand it’s sometimes a tossup in ability and features between many open source DIY builds, but there’s “something” about the Voron project that stands out in my mind. Sort of an emotional trigger or gut instinct thing I can’t put a finger to. I just got their Mobius 4 extruder mounted on my Ender 3 this week (try out a sample of their design, documentation, etc), and color me impressed with quality! ABS has a learning curve, which I am still working through (not too impressed with Hatchbox, will try eSun ABS+ next). But, it’s now obvious to me why they chose ABS: very good potential as an engineering plastic. Enclosed build volume ability is always a plus, but, let’s face it: if you are going DIY all the way, the ability to make a custom enclosure for ANYTHING should be within your abilities. Now, maybe integrating an enclosure with the frame will be easier if the basic design was planned for that feature to begin with, but don’t sell yourself short and say you don’t know where to start. You can get the panels at most big hardware box-stores here in the US. For the corners, just design your own. Top and bottom only with unsupported gaps in the middle? Or stack your corner brackets in a tongue and groove style that makes it seamless, though within your current print bed’s ability? Weekend project? Maybe not. Good planning, even design iterations will take time. Not trying to lecture, just inspire. Likewise, I’m only planning on one Voron, because I don’t know how successful this venture will be. Start small, do trials, and learn the deep details of what you are wanting to do for your venture. Maybe you find the equipment you imagined you needed is not necessary, or not effective. I was drooling over the White Knight/Blackbelt/CR30 for my “production” plans, but have since learned that the style of those printers would be ineffective for my ultimate goals (discovered/realized just by trialing ABS for my Voron Mobius). Printing urethane (TPU) rubber parts for production (vibration isolators, manifold vacuum signal hose fittings, even firewall seals)? It WAS my original plan, but now I’m considering nixing it for instead printing reusable molds, and cast the urethanes (haven’t tried yet!). A sanded mold could have better surface finish (not to mention eliminate layer knit lines for strength), and many molds could have a much faster turnaround time than a farm of printers. Take your time. Dip your toes into the water gradually. Don’t stress yourself by going too fast. You will stumble; it’s inevitable, and just part of life. Better to stumble when shuffling slow than at a sprint. Start your ‘market’ on forums or in person gatherings (car shows for me), then decide if it’s worth setting up a full blown webstore, or just a social media presence. Maybe you find it’s too stressful for full time, but fun when part time? The last part is most important: have fun.
@@stephenjohnson4955 I'm building a V2.4 myself, its interesting for me to see your perspective as someone who is looking more for business than as a hobby.
@@derektran9404 I’m also looking at it as not so much a complete business, as a way to “fund” my hobbies =) A Voron can cost quite a bit of cash, and we all have limited bank accounts. 3D printing is certainly addictive, and I gave up keep track of the cost I have invested, because my Ender 3 quickly went to use as almost a “toy” (not slamming it, it’s just found use in “non business case” projects; just like how my project car is a “toy”). But, if I can have a level of confidence that my Voron build will be paid off in income, but still be available for personal use (my sales-intent designs would benefit myself too!), then my wallet is open a little bit more. Otherwise, I’d just spend it on fixing my patio deck, lol! Bottom line, I know I won’t be able to make a living off a side venture. I just want to have fun, and use it to have an excuse to have (and fund) awesome tools. Plus, I want to keep these cars on the road, and parts availability is a big discouragement for the community. *EDIT* I have used a Raise3D Pro2 at my place of work for many industrial projects: assembly aids, jigs/fixtures, even critical parts for large engine dynamometer testing (where design “overkill” is certainly a virtue). My Ender3 may not be as reliable as a Raise3D, but my Ender seems to print much better quality (though I’m not certain the Raise3D machine is even properly dialed in). That is why I am looking at a Voron or other DIY vs a “Prosumer” purchase. I like what I see in a Voron, and know what high money can otherwise get you.
I’ve got a part time print business that spans a few different hobbies (table top, rc cars, computers among a few). I also offer various services for my wife’s photography business. Lithophanes (standard and full color) and custom lighted boxes are a big hit. I find the hardest part is advertising and getting your name out there. Word of mouth is fantastic, but it’s also great to have new customers contact you through other sources.
Normal for engineers! Love Michael's genuine smile in the very end! I always expect the business smile in the end and this was real human stuff! Respect!
@Teaching Tech This might seem a little off topic but I think it applies- Have you considered doing an OctoFarm video? I recently got it running for the first time and during the install process I felt like I could have really used one of your awesome videos as a guide. Not long after I began using OctoFarm, I became a Patreon supporter. I can’t recommend it enough. It has completely changed my farm workflow.
So good. All the best nick Nick with teaching the leaders of tomorrow in NZ. I think we will be in good hands. Please keep up these great inspirational business stories.
Been there done that several times. My advice in addition to what was presented is to be realistic and honest with yourself. The job is mostly sales and it's all on you. When you're making sales, you aren't making money. When you're making money, you aren't making sales. It's a tough balancing act when it's all on you. Also, you will make lots of mistakes. The secret is not making any fatal ones. Most of the time, turning a hobby into a business is a good way to ruin a hobby, but you only learn that by trying it.
Awesome video! I can most definitely agree that getting started is one of the hardest parts, because that’s where I’m at now! It’s overwhelming but so exciting at the same time 🤙🏼
Great video, its very helpfull. I'm in the process of starting a start-up and at times its more about motivation and willpower than knowlege. Making that leap to independence feels like a jump to the moon.
I bet your kids miss you Michael, but given the orwellian measures Oz and NZ have instituted, it's no surprise you had to leave teaching.. If I were a student of yours I'd be totally bummed..
Australian government did the least to stop covid? Uhhhhh.... I guess literally isolating themselves from the rest of the world, mandatory (2 week?) quarantine for anyone coming into the country among drastic and fast measures being taken for the couple cases that do pop up is considered the least?
@@fish9468 Well sadly a big part of their response was to sweep as much under the rug as possible and also start a disinformation propaganda campaign...
considering the current situation, i dont feel like this is very responsible. why didnt you choose to do it over zoom or such? sorry Michael, but i dont like this video.
I like Nicks approach to his business, that he thinks giving something back to people usually makes your plans work out. If everyone lived like that, the world would be a significantly better place. Great guy
Thankyou Nick, Thankyou Michael. Another great video. Thankyou for sharing your time. Just make a start! (But don't burn your bridges!)
I’m actually in the process of staging for a side business of my own. 3D printing reproduction parts (not currently being offered by any manufacturers) for a very specific generation of cars I specialize in. I have some early prototypes in field testing now, but will need to build a Voron (likely) printer to handle the load my Ender 3 (purchased to familiarize myself with printing) will not. I’m a mechanical engineer by trade, so I’m familiar with part design, material requirements, etc. Put all of these interests together, and it’s the perfect “outlet” for a hobby. It won’t ever replace my day job (my passion’s target audience is too small), but it’s something I have dreamed about for nearly a decade.
Sounds fantastic!
Oh a Voron, any particular reason why you're going for that to supplement the fleet? It being enclosed I'm guessing?
@@derektran9404 I understand it’s sometimes a tossup in ability and features between many open source DIY builds, but there’s “something” about the Voron project that stands out in my mind. Sort of an emotional trigger or gut instinct thing I can’t put a finger to. I just got their Mobius 4 extruder mounted on my Ender 3 this week (try out a sample of their design, documentation, etc), and color me impressed with quality! ABS has a learning curve, which I am still working through (not too impressed with Hatchbox, will try eSun ABS+ next). But, it’s now obvious to me why they chose ABS: very good potential as an engineering plastic.
Enclosed build volume ability is always a plus, but, let’s face it: if you are going DIY all the way, the ability to make a custom enclosure for ANYTHING should be within your abilities. Now, maybe integrating an enclosure with the frame will be easier if the basic design was planned for that feature to begin with, but don’t sell yourself short and say you don’t know where to start. You can get the panels at most big hardware box-stores here in the US. For the corners, just design your own. Top and bottom only with unsupported gaps in the middle? Or stack your corner brackets in a tongue and groove style that makes it seamless, though within your current print bed’s ability? Weekend project? Maybe not. Good planning, even design iterations will take time. Not trying to lecture, just inspire.
Likewise, I’m only planning on one Voron, because I don’t know how successful this venture will be. Start small, do trials, and learn the deep details of what you are wanting to do for your venture. Maybe you find the equipment you imagined you needed is not necessary, or not effective. I was drooling over the White Knight/Blackbelt/CR30 for my “production” plans, but have since learned that the style of those printers would be ineffective for my ultimate goals (discovered/realized just by trialing ABS for my Voron Mobius). Printing urethane (TPU) rubber parts for production (vibration isolators, manifold vacuum signal hose fittings, even firewall seals)? It WAS my original plan, but now I’m considering nixing it for instead printing reusable molds, and cast the urethanes (haven’t tried yet!). A sanded mold could have better surface finish (not to mention eliminate layer knit lines for strength), and many molds could have a much faster turnaround time than a farm of printers.
Take your time. Dip your toes into the water gradually. Don’t stress yourself by going too fast. You will stumble; it’s inevitable, and just part of life. Better to stumble when shuffling slow than at a sprint. Start your ‘market’ on forums or in person gatherings (car shows for me), then decide if it’s worth setting up a full blown webstore, or just a social media presence. Maybe you find it’s too stressful for full time, but fun when part time? The last part is most important: have fun.
@@stephenjohnson4955 I'm building a V2.4 myself, its interesting for me to see your perspective as someone who is looking more for business than as a hobby.
@@derektran9404 I’m also looking at it as not so much a complete business, as a way to “fund” my hobbies =)
A Voron can cost quite a bit of cash, and we all have limited bank accounts. 3D printing is certainly addictive, and I gave up keep track of the cost I have invested, because my Ender 3 quickly went to use as almost a “toy” (not slamming it, it’s just found use in “non business case” projects; just like how my project car is a “toy”). But, if I can have a level of confidence that my Voron build will be paid off in income, but still be available for personal use (my sales-intent designs would benefit myself too!), then my wallet is open a little bit more. Otherwise, I’d just spend it on fixing my patio deck, lol!
Bottom line, I know I won’t be able to make a living off a side venture. I just want to have fun, and use it to have an excuse to have (and fund) awesome tools. Plus, I want to keep these cars on the road, and parts availability is a big discouragement for the community.
*EDIT*
I have used a Raise3D Pro2 at my place of work for many industrial projects: assembly aids, jigs/fixtures, even critical parts for large engine dynamometer testing (where design “overkill” is certainly a virtue). My Ender3 may not be as reliable as a Raise3D, but my Ender seems to print much better quality (though I’m not certain the Raise3D machine is even properly dialed in). That is why I am looking at a Voron or other DIY vs a “Prosumer” purchase. I like what I see in a Voron, and know what high money can otherwise get you.
I’ve got a part time print business that spans a few different hobbies (table top, rc cars, computers among a few). I also offer various services for my wife’s photography business. Lithophanes (standard and full color) and custom lighted boxes are a big hit.
I find the hardest part is advertising and getting your name out there. Word of mouth is fantastic, but it’s also great to have new customers contact you through other sources.
So that is what normal human interaction looks like. Just makes me want things to get back to normal faster. Inspiring and interesting.
Normal for engineers! Love Michael's genuine smile in the very end! I always expect the business smile in the end and this was real human stuff! Respect!
It helps a lot when I'm smiling at a friend rather than a camera :)
@Teaching Tech
This might seem a little off topic but I think it applies- Have you considered doing an OctoFarm video? I recently got it running for the first time and during the install process I felt like I could have really used one of your awesome videos as a guide. Not long after I began using OctoFarm, I became a Patreon supporter. I can’t recommend it enough. It has completely changed my farm workflow.
These interviews are great. It's helped spark a few ideas for myself. thanks mate
So good. All the best nick Nick with teaching the leaders of tomorrow in NZ. I think we will be in good hands. Please keep up these great inspirational business stories.
Been there done that several times. My advice in addition to what was presented is to be realistic and honest with yourself. The job is mostly sales and it's all on you. When you're making sales, you aren't making money. When you're making money, you aren't making sales. It's a tough balancing act when it's all on you. Also, you will make lots of mistakes. The secret is not making any fatal ones. Most of the time, turning a hobby into a business is a good way to ruin a hobby, but you only learn that by trying it.
I want to rewind the clock to when I was 12 years old and have Nick be my teacher
Awesome video! I can most definitely agree that getting started is one of the hardest parts, because that’s where I’m at now! It’s overwhelming but so exciting at the same time 🤙🏼
Great video, its very helpfull. I'm in the process of starting a start-up and at times its more about motivation and willpower than knowlege. Making that leap to independence feels like a jump to the moon.
I love it. Do more interviews!
Great video! Well done Nick
Good luck to the both of you!
I have started my own business by 3D designing and 3D printing steam locomotive plates.
Cool idea, well done.
@@TeachingTech Thanks. It's something I love to do and Imake good money doing it to pay for college and for my 3D printing addiction.
I had that Da Vinci printer and it was bad, really bad, I got it working ok and sold it, that was years ago, I bet you couldn't give one away now
Never used one but I'm struck by the size of the machine vs the size of the build area.
@@TeachingTech Yeah it's small! 150mm all-round if I can remember correctly
the timing is impeccable, right as i got my print farm setup
Im in start position, very good strike to my a//s
How do I get interviewed?
Your hair is cool.>o
Freezer is open...
That message is going to be ready a little too late! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
white freezer door seems to be ajar...
I bet your kids miss you Michael, but given the orwellian measures Oz and NZ have instituted, it's no surprise you had to leave teaching.. If I were a student of yours I'd be totally bummed..
lol I was like 'BUT COVID?!' and then realized your government did the very least to stop covid and still did a better job than USA and UK lol
Australian government did the least to stop covid? Uhhhhh.... I guess literally isolating themselves from the rest of the world, mandatory (2 week?) quarantine for anyone coming into the country among drastic and fast measures being taken for the couple cases that do pop up is considered the least?
@@Adam-my8qx they didn’t have to do much to be honest. China had the biggest problem and responded with the biggest response.
@@fish9468 Well sadly a big part of their response was to sweep as much under the rug as possible and also start a disinformation propaganda campaign...
@@Adam-my8qx eh, well, it worked better than half the western countries.
@@fish9468 Lmao I guess it really depends what your priorities are. If the *appearance* of progress is adequate than china gets a passing score.
considering the current situation, i dont feel like this is very responsible. why didnt you choose to do it over zoom or such? sorry Michael, but i dont like this video.
First