Career in LinuxCNC/machine building
- jay
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09 Jun 2025 15:12 - 09 Jun 2025 15:14 #330021
by jay
Career in LinuxCNC/machine building was created by jay
Hello friends, I'm new to the group and want to thank you all for your work and for being a helpful, knowledgeable community.
I'm interested in what I'm learning and would like to know what career options use this knowledge. I see some guys mentioning that they've built cnc machines for years - I find that intriguing.
It sounds like they have their own business; if so, how can I learn about setting up such a business (costs to get started, market in my area, projected income, etc). I'm considering an engineering or software development degree but this is a career path I'd be interested in following if it continues show good chances of success after careful research. By "success", I do NOT mean that I require a wealthy income, but 50 hr work weeks for $40k/yr net as an established entrepeneur - that might not be the best success option for me.
Thank you for any insights
I'm interested in what I'm learning and would like to know what career options use this knowledge. I see some guys mentioning that they've built cnc machines for years - I find that intriguing.
It sounds like they have their own business; if so, how can I learn about setting up such a business (costs to get started, market in my area, projected income, etc). I'm considering an engineering or software development degree but this is a career path I'd be interested in following if it continues show good chances of success after careful research. By "success", I do NOT mean that I require a wealthy income, but 50 hr work weeks for $40k/yr net as an established entrepeneur - that might not be the best success option for me.
Thank you for any insights
Last edit: 09 Jun 2025 15:14 by jay. Reason: spell check
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09 Jun 2025 15:18 #330022
by Aciera
Replied by Aciera on topic Career in LinuxCNC/machine building
you might want to give an indication of where in the world you would be doing business.
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09 Jun 2025 15:32 #330025
by langdons
Replied by langdons on topic Career in LinuxCNC/machine building
Perhaps refurbishing old machines/reselling scrap machines would be more lucrative.
The world has lots of old machines.
For example, my late great uncle has (had?) an old metal lathe, which could be converted to CNC.
The world has lots of old machines.
For example, my late great uncle has (had?) an old metal lathe, which could be converted to CNC.
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09 Jun 2025 15:42 #330026
by langdons
Replied by langdons on topic Career in LinuxCNC/machine building
Also consider CNC repair (like a mechanic), CNC improvement, CNC retail, etc.
It will really depend on where you are, who you are, and wht you already have.
(if you own a big huge truck or van, you can transport machinery in it, for example)
It will really depend on where you are, who you are, and wht you already have.
(if you own a big huge truck or van, you can transport machinery in it, for example)
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09 Jun 2025 19:29 #330039
by unknown
Replied by unknown on topic Career in LinuxCNC/machine building
Do both degrees, my son just completed a double degree is physics & mechtronics, lot of software modules in both.
To get his work hours up he's working for a small local company that produces robotic arms and manipulators for ROVs.
And whilst studying he still had time to see a host a Metal gigs.
To get his work hours up he's working for a small local company that produces robotic arms and manipulators for ROVs.
And whilst studying he still had time to see a host a Metal gigs.
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09 Jun 2025 21:41 #330049
by jay
Replied by jay on topic Career in LinuxCNC/machine building
Thank you, sir. I should've clarified: while I'm currently in the Eastern US, I didn't mean to ask others to tell me about the market in my area (I feel like that would be asking you to do my homework); I just meant I would like to know how to research the market in my area - what should I be looking for (assets, pitfalls, etc).
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09 Jun 2025 21:43 #330050
by jay
Replied by jay on topic Career in LinuxCNC/machine building
Excellent idea, you're getting the wheels turning. This gives me something to research. If anyone else here is doing this, please chime in.
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09 Jun 2025 21:50 #330051
by jay
Replied by jay on topic Career in LinuxCNC/machine building
Yes, in fact I have been considering this exact business. I looked for a local apprenticeship, but couldn't find anyone doing this kind of work locally. A guy on youtube has some great videos. It fits my interests and skills - I wonder how I could find my chances of getting customers. While I do not have a large truck, I can certainly factor that into the costs. If anyone here is involved in this kind of business please let me know the pros and cons.
Thank you langdons
Thank you langdons
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09 Jun 2025 21:57 #330052
by jay
Replied by jay on topic Career in LinuxCNC/machine building
I appreciate the recomendation. Is it common that guys in the forums who have been building cnc machines for years (for a living) actually have one of these degrees?
Thank you
Thank you
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09 Jun 2025 22:59 #330057
by tommylight
Replied by tommylight on topic Career in LinuxCNC/machine building
Hmmmm ... :
-walk around your area, see what businesses use CNC machines and for what and how = maintenance, service, maybe CAD/CAM and/or machine setup
-see what other businesses have offices there, what they do, drop buy any that do any manufacturing = contracting work, jobs to small for contracts are especially good as no one wants to do them
-drop buy other mom/pop shops, see if there's anything automated that can help them, or streamlining their work
-any foto/video studio, ask if they need sets/props built as needed, cam cranes or robots etc
-any food restaurants that want their logos engraved/cut/3d printed/scratched on glass = see my glass engravers here on forum, add LED's as needed
-leave your phone number to all of them
-and this is very important: do not lie to them, tell them exactly about doing market research trying to find a business that helps them but does not interfere with their existing businesses, as a rule at least 70-80% of them will really appreciate this and will gladly advise you and offer ideas.
--widen the "walk" area
-repeat above
-walk around your area, see what businesses use CNC machines and for what and how = maintenance, service, maybe CAD/CAM and/or machine setup
-see what other businesses have offices there, what they do, drop buy any that do any manufacturing = contracting work, jobs to small for contracts are especially good as no one wants to do them
-drop buy other mom/pop shops, see if there's anything automated that can help them, or streamlining their work
-any foto/video studio, ask if they need sets/props built as needed, cam cranes or robots etc
-any food restaurants that want their logos engraved/cut/3d printed/scratched on glass = see my glass engravers here on forum, add LED's as needed
-leave your phone number to all of them
-and this is very important: do not lie to them, tell them exactly about doing market research trying to find a business that helps them but does not interfere with their existing businesses, as a rule at least 70-80% of them will really appreciate this and will gladly advise you and offer ideas.
--widen the "walk" area
-repeat above
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