How I Turned My Woodworking Hobby into a Thriving Laser Engraving Business with Longer

I started my journey as a simple woodworking enthusiast. I loved the process of creating something beautiful from a plain piece of wood — but I also wanted more precision, speed, and creativity. Everything changed when I bought my first Longer Ray5 10W laser engraver.

My Journey from Woodworking Hobbyist to Laser Engraving Entrepreneur

From the moment I started using it, I was hooked. The Ray5 opened up a completely new world for me — cutting, engraving, and experimenting with new materials. What started as a weekend hobby quickly became a daily passion.

But as my projects grew, I realized I needed more power and efficiency. That’s when I upgraded to the Longer B1 40W, and honestly, it was a game-changer. The cutting speed and accuracy of the B1 were on a completely different level. It allowed me to handle bigger projects faster, which made my workflow more professional.

Soon, I added the IR 2W replacement laser head to my B1 so I could engrave on metal as well. With this upgrade, my creative limits expanded once again — from wood and acrylic to aluminum and stainless steel.

From a Small Studio to a Real Business

At that point, I knew this wasn’t just a hobby anymore. I founded my small business — Woodhobby Gunter Naudts.

I moved my setup from my woodworking studio to a spare room in my house. I built two custom laser enclosures with air extraction to keep the space clean and safe, installed racks for materials, and organized my tools efficiently.

I transformed my Facebook and Instagram into business profiles and launched my own website.  Even though I didn’t build a full webshop, it became a place for clients to discover my work and get in touch.

Key Takeaways:

• You need space for stock, work, and meeting customers — make your workspace look professional.

• Build a solid online presence. A clean website and polished social media profiles make a big difference.

• Use high-quality, realistic photos and error-free captions — professionalism builds trust.

Bringing My Lasers to Fairs and Events

One of my goals was to bring my passion directly to people — to engrave on site and share the excitement of laser crafting. My first fair was an important milestone.

I took my Longer B1 in its enclosure to the event. It worked great, but it took up too much space and wasn’t fast enough for live engraving. That experience made me realize I needed something smaller and faster.

That’s when I discovered the Longer Nano Pro 12W during its Kickstarter campaign. At the same time, another brand launched a dual (diode + fiber) laser, and I hesitated. But I decided to stay loyal to Longer because their support and product quality are top-tier.

For the same price as the competitor’s model, I bought the Nano Pro 12W plus a separate fiber laser from another brand (since Longer doesn’t make fiber lasers yet) — and added a portable air filter.

Key Takeaways:

• Don’t fall for fancy marketing — buy tools that do the job reliably.

• Focus on durability and functionality, not just looks.

• Be clear on your business goals before investing.

Engraving On-Site: Connecting with People

Now, when I go to fairs, I bring my Nano Pro 12W and fiber laser — both compact and fast enough for live engraving. Customers love watching something come to life on the table.

While waiting for visitors, I often engrave scrap materials just for fun. It attracts attention, sparks conversations, and leads to new customers. People love seeing creativity in action.

Key Takeaways:

• Playing is learning — experiment with your tools daily.

• Speed matters at fairs — nobody wants to wait 30 minutes for a keychain.

• Limit choices — show 10 fonts, not 100. Simplicity helps people decide faster.

• Talk to people. Every conversation can lead to future business.

Collaboration and Growth

I also collaborate with other local makers. For example, I create wooden bases for glass artists, and cake toppers for a local bakery. These partnerships help us both grow — their customers discover my work, and vice versa.

I’m currently reaching out to other local businesses such as flower shops, real estate agencies, and craft stores to expand my network.

Key Takeaways:

• Partner with complementary businesses — it’s a win-win.

• You can reach new customers without expensive advertising.

Building a Professional Workshop

Many first-time visitors are surprised when they find out my studio is inside a regular home. But once they walk into my dedicated laser room, they understand it’s a real workspace — with four lasers, racks of blank materials, and neat displays of finished products.

What I love most is when a customer walks in with an idea. We brainstorm together, adjust the design, and — if time allows — I engrave it while they wait. Watching their idea turn into reality is always a magical moment.

Key Takeaways:

• Keep your workspace clean and organized.

• Communicate openly — help clients visualize their ideas.

• Stay professional — people notice every detail when they watch you work.

Looking Ahead

For now, Woodhobby Gunter Naudts remains my side business, but my dream is to make it my main job someday. My goal is not to rush but to grow steadily, upgrade equipment when necessary, and most importantly, have fun while working.

Laser engraving gives me both creative freedom and technical satisfaction — a perfect blend of art and precision.

If you’re considering starting your own laser engraving journey, my advice is simple:
Start small, learn constantly, and grow with passion. And if you want reliability, Longer laser engravers are a great place to begin.