001 - Monetize Your 3D Printer, Laser & CNC

07/06/2025 18 min

Listen "001 - Monetize Your 3D Printer, Laser & CNC"

Episode Synopsis

In this inaugural episode of The Prototype, Patrick lays out multiple, real-world ways to turn your digital-fabrication hobby into an income stream—whether you can design from scratch or not. From flipping ready-made STL files to consulting on prototypes, you’ll get a buffet of ideas you can test this week.🕒 Timestamps 00:00 Welcome & show purpose – why this podcast exists 01:30 Origin story – $150 Ender-3 → obsession unlocked 02:57 First Etsy win: retro RPG keychain that sparked Pine & Print 03:30 No-design strategy – buying commercial-use files on Etsy/Patreon 05:34 Expanding tool-set: 3-D printer → laser → CNC (debt-free approach) 06:50 Marketplaces rundown: Patreon, Thangs, Cults3D, Etsy digital 10:17 Service path – selling print time & prototyping for small businesses 12:18 Case study – custom ATV speaker surrounds client project 13:56 Education angle – teaching digital-fab skills locally or online 14:39 Content-creator route – YouTube & brand partnerships 16:58 Wrap-up & teaser for deeper dives in future episodes💡 Episode Highlights Ready-Made Files = Fast Cash Buy commercial-license designs, crank out physical products, and list them on Etsy or at craft fairs—zero design experience required. Service Overhead Is Low Rent out your printers or laser time for prototypes; small firms happily pay for quick turnarounds and troubleshooting know-how. Teach What Seems Obvious Your “basic” slicer tips might be mind-blowing to someone who just unboxed their first machine—monetize that via workshops or online courses. Multiple Income Lanes Can Co-Exist Combine product sales, digital files, prototyping services, and content creation—or cherry-pick the lane that fits your goals.🔗 Resources & Links Pine & Print Etsy Shop Design marketplaces: Etsy • Thangs • Cults3D Autodesk Fusion 360 (personal license) Adobe Illustrator Crafted With Machines on Instagram Crafted With Machines on YouTube🚀 Action Challenge Identify one pain point in your shop or daily life. Find a commercial-use file on Etsy/Patreon that solves it (or design it yourself). Make 3 units and list them for sale within 48 hours. Tag #CWMPrototype so Patrick can shout you out next episode!🗣️ Keep the Conversation Going Drop questions on Instagram or in the episode comments. Early-access & bonus content: Crafted With Machines PatreonThanks for tuning in—now go make those machines earn their keep!

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