Bob started woodworking as a weekend hobby in Northern Ireland. As demand grew and custom commissions rolled in, that hobby naturally evolved into Taylor Wood Crafts, offering hand-made chopping boards, charcuterie boards, coasters, and seasonal pieces like Christmas decorations.
What He Makes and Who Buys
Core products:
- Chopping boards (biggest statement piece)
- Charcuterie/serving trays
- Coasters and coaster sets
- Christmas tree decorations (fast sellers at markets)
- Custom trophies for sports clubs and events
Core customers:
- Local shoppers at markets and shops
- Wedding clients (personalized gifts)
- Sports clubs and local businesses (trophies, corporate gifts)
- Repeat buyers who discover him at events or online
Why Bob Turned to Laser Engraving
Customer demand for personalization kept growing. To make his work truly bespoke and stand apart from mass-produced goods, Bob saw laser engraving as the natural next step.
"I had a lot of people asking, could I do laser engraving, so it was the logical next step to moving my woodcrafts to a more professional level." — Bob Taylor
Laser engraving lets him personalize almost every piece with names, dates, quotes, or logos, opening the door to custom orders and attracting local clubs seeking unique trophies.
How the LaserPecker LP4 Fits Into Bob's Workflow
Each order starts long before the laser turns on. Preparing the wood—selecting timber, glue-ups, and finishing—can take weeks depending on workload. Bob then creates the artwork on his phone and shares proofs with customers for approval.
Once confirmed, the LaserPecker LP4 takes over. Engraving typically takes just 2–5 minutes, making it the fastest step in the entire process.
"The laser engraving is probably the quickest part of my whole process," — Bob Taylor
Bob values the LP4's portability and repeatability. Saved graphics can be run directly from the machine — perfect for market stalls and repeat jobs.
"You can design your graphic, give it a name, and then whenever you transfer from your phone or laptop to the machine, you can just run it straight from the machine. I've never seen that before, and I think it's awesome." — Bob Taylor
The LP4's fast, clean burn helps maintain a professional finish, allowing Bob to price his work confidently while delivering consistent quality.
Bob also uses a few key accessories to maximize efficiency:
- Battery Pack: Keeps the LP4 running at outdoor events without needing power.
- Air Purifier: Improves indoor safety by reducing fumes.
- Rotary Extension: Speeds up engraving for round or specialized items.
"At some markets, power isn't always available, so without the battery pack, I wouldn't be able to run the engraver for two or three events." — Bob mentioned.
Bob's Products Profit Strategy
Bob carefully balances his products to maximize appeal and profit:
- Trophies: High-margin, fully customized items for sports clubs and events.
- Large Chopping Boards: Statement pieces with solid margins thanks to their value and functionality.
- Small Decorations (e.g., Christmas ornaments): Quick to make, low-cost, perfect for impulse purchases.
- Charcuterie Trays & Coasters: Everyday items that complement his core range.
"Every trophy is different… the chopping boards usually look the same, but trophies let you experiment creatively." — Bob Taylor
How Bob Reaches His Customers
Bob leverages multiple sales channels to grow his business and attract repeat clients:
- Local Markets & Events: Perfect for immediate sales and securing future commissions.
- Local Shops: Consignment or stocking items provides ongoing exposure to new customers.
- Social Media: A key tool for receiving commission requests and engaging with followers.
- Website: Bob plans to focus more on online sales in 2026 to reduce reliance on physical events.
Bob's Practical Tips for Woodworkers Starting with a Laser
After years of hands-on experience, Bob has gathered a set of practical tips for woodworkers just starting with laser engraving.
- Show Examples: Display engraved samples so customers immediately see what you offer.
- Experiment: Test settings on different wood types; hardness, oiliness, and color affect results.
- Seasonal products: Align offerings with peak demand (e.g., Christmas decorations)
- Learn the machine: Familiarize yourself with onboard graphics, repeat jobs, and engraving settings.
"Understanding what the machine can do is a big thing. I've used it for so many things, but I'm still only scratching the surface." — Bob Taylor
Note: LaserPecker offers multiple ways for machine owners to learn and master their devices, including the Academy, Support Center, Youtube Channel, Facebook Group for advanced tips and techniques.
Where to Find Taylor Wood Crafts
Bob is online and active on social media. Find him on Instagram @Taylor_Wood_Cross or via his website - Taylor Wood Crafts. He welcomes messages about commissions and questions about using the LP4 in his workflow.
"If you'd like to ask any questions about my experience with the LaserPecker or how I use it on my woodcrafts, you're more than welcome to send me a message." — Bob Taylor
Final Words
If you're a woodworker or small business owner looking to turn creativity into profit, there's never been a better time to start your own laser engraving journey. Whether it's personalized gifts, bespoke trophies, or custom décor, a portable and versatile laser engraver like the LaserPecker LP4 can help you bring your ideas to life quickly and professionally.
Take the first step today: experiment with engraving, showcase your designs, and watch your hobby transform into a thriving business. Your customers are waiting for something unique — start creating and selling personalized woodcrafts now!
