Should You Buy a CNC or a Laser?

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We have lots of projects including woodworking, metalworking, electronics, 3D printing, prop making and more!

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Should You Get a CNC or a Laser? | I Like To Make Stuff

I Like To Make Stuff

[GCubedProductions]

LOVED the tag on the end of the video replicating the PBS "thank you". That is a nice nod to the New Yankee Workshop and This Old House.

[bkartonline]

Incredible! This turned out even better than I could have imagined. Thank you for making my silly dream a reality

[gordonchapman]

I have premium YouTube membership because I can't stand all the ads. However, I know having sponsored ads 'baked' into the video by the content maker helps the upkeep costs. I doubly apricate how you put a timer bar during the ad so I can easily skip it, thank you so much. After all, after watching a ton of your video's why would I want to see SimpliSafe again and again .
Your channel is awesome 😎

[newmonengineering]

Quick tip. For the template at the end, use wax OR Vaseline to cover the template back and edges this prevents the glue from sticking to it. Personally Vaseline is my favorite you can warm it a little and it becomes liquid and just paint it on. Super simple and glue never sticks to it. I also use it in some cases for painting to prevent paint from sticking.

[robertschaub]

Love the sign, and thanks for that closing, it really brought me back to sitting with my dad and watching new Yankee workshop

[thomaslarson]

I wasn't go to say anything until you mentioned this project on the podcast twice, but this kind of comes full circle for me. I grew up with my dad watching the New Yanky Workshop and being very (in a not too mean way) jealous. He would often say things at the TV like, "Cut it again Norm!" or "Oh just make a perfect joint why don't you?!", and that is how Sunday Morning TV was in the house. . . I started watching your cannel when you were building the Tie Fighter firepit and then binge watched a lot of your catalog.... Afterwards, I called my sister and told her "I think I found my Norm Abram" We both laughed for awhile over it. I to am jealous of the cool things that you build, But I do appreciate that you do talk through the issues you run into and troubleshooting of the problems. I think that is way I don't yell at my laptop screen. I do try to keep up in my own way, I have a fair few of my own projects, some even turn out pretty good.

[bytesizedengineering]

The only criticism I have for CNC machines is that they don't go "pew pew".

This sign made my day. I can't stop smiling. Great work ILTMS!

[reforzar]

I love Brian’s work. So awesome to see the collab. I want one of these signs for my shop!

[StephenBoyd]

That sign looks amazing. I’m in the process of deciding laser or CNC so this video helped a lot.

[aomade]

EPIC nod to the New Yankee Workshop. The design, the opening credit music, and the outro "...and viewers like you." Love the homage.

[Maddhatter]

The music touch on the reveal is fantastic! Golf clap, chefs kiss, etc.

[nerdyviews]

The New Yankee Workshop was one of my favorite shows to watch when I was younger and I've always seen your channel as a modernized version of it which is why I love watching it so much. Brian Kesinger's art and this episode were especially a treat for me. Definitely takes me back. Great job!

[final]

After researching for quite a while I just pulled the trigger and bought a laser cutter for my workshop instead off a cnc. Main reason for picking the laser over the cnc was the dust a cnc would create. Other factors where the ease of use (No different tools and less cam) and hopefully that it would be easier to learn by multiple of my collegues

[headzsets]

When one of your favorite YouTubers collabs with one of your favorite artists. Watching this surrounded by the six prints I have of Brian's art in my work office. So cool!

[bennettibey]

CNC is a large format planer as well. Further CNC tricks can start to replace bandsaws, jointers, and scroll saws at the expense of time and hot glue. I make cutting boards larger than 12" wide ..it is painful to think of life without a CNC to flatten them and make the juice grove. I own a laser and use that for thin high detail projects, but very rarely for cutting as the burnt edge is not my favorite. I would vote 4x4 CNC before laser for woodworkers. My 2 cents. Great video and sign. Now if only CNC machines could prime, sand and paint...🤔.

[matthewroderique]

I'm a Signwriter who works in a shop with both the CNC and a laser, and I would agree that you can use each for what they do best but they also allow just like the video to do collaborations using both

[jackwriter]

That Sign looks incredible...
The Art and the actual piece.
Truly amazing what happens when two great creators get into contact.

[djweso]

I've loved both Brian Kesinger and this channel for some time.

Two great tastes, taste great together.

[Cleopas]

As a die hard NYW fan, this was epic, especially the "this was made possible by". Although I'm surprised I didn't hear "made possible by a generous grant from the Clagett Family Foundation". And as always, there's no greater safety tip than to wear these safety glasses.

[Pop_Gordo]

I recently had this debate with myself. I ultimately ended up choosing a laser for my shop. I make a lot of cutting boards that customers want with their name/logo burned on to it. I think the CNC is fantastic and I will eventually get one but for my needs the laser was the best bet. This is entirely subjective (like you said) and specific to my needs. I enjoyed the video as always!