Beyond the hobby, profits and output

[micah]

I am considering carrying the tradition of my dad, he passed away a year ago. He was a sign maker on a low operation scale.. He wore out three CarveWrites.

I gave the last one to a school so they could rob it to get theirs running.

So I am considering go all out on the AR8, I am a craftsman and builder, now nearing my (real) job retirement.

My wife started about a year ago making signs by overlaying vinyl and doing the paint magic... she is struggling on prices.. I think she is to low..  

FB @ DMRWoodCrafts

My question is.... 

I would like to know some of your stats aside from the time you put into it.

are you achieving a decent output and balancing it with some income?

I see signs (same style or type) anywhere from 30.00 to 300.00?  what are your prices and types?

I would like to pay off a 10,000 dollar machine in a reasonable amount of time.

So please post your stats, output, prices, etc.. so we can all analyze and get somewhat of an idea.. also maybe get us on the same page of sales and ideas..

If you don't wish to share this information please send me a message... 

thanks all, Micah

[redwood]

I was a high end carpentry contractor for 38 years. Upon retirement I purchased a pro 6. I actually purchased it more as a toy to occupy my time and help me cut furniture pieces. Later, I tried making some signs and really enjoyed it.

Being realistic, I don't think I'll ever pay off my machine making signs, unless I put more time and energy into the marketing aspects. That just doesn't appeal to me at this time. Unless you are in a area where customers will actually pay for all your time and a percentage of your overhead, it's tough go. They won't where I live. Where you can make money is if you make multiple signs of a particular design.

My signs sell for between $ 40 and $ 300. The $40 signs are only those that I think I can sell multiple copies. Even then, there is not much true profit, just spending money. I do make some money off of the larger signs 22"x 34" , as the design time is similar to a much smaller sign, yet I'll charge by the square foot.

[micah]

Thanks for the input redwood... I am in that same direction... I'm nearing retirement and building /wood crafting has become a staple time passer for me. Would really love to go full tilt on the AR8 but for a hobby its a lot to ask... I would really like to hear from a few more of you..

[branson]

I make more custom pieces and usually gross about 1500-2000 a month. This is just a hobby for me, and keeps me fairly busy, but if you find a market then you can achieve the income. I use the pricing of $30 and hour for my signs/wings/misc projects. That includes time on the machine give or take. I hope this helps!