My CNC Journey
I’ve partnered with Trend to share my journey with their OneFinity CNC machines through a series of videos, starting as a complete CNC novice and learning how this technology can support the way I create new products, improve my workflow and grow Single Handedly Made.
Learning CNC with Trend Onefinity
After a big period of growth for the business, from the rebrand and my appearance on ITV’s Be Your Own Boss, through to the launch of the new website and online shop, I decided it was time to make a serious investment in the workshop.
The Trend OneFinity Elite Journeyman is a machine I have bought and paid for myself. I’ve worked with Trend for several years, and they kindly supported me with a discount, installation and training to help me get started, but I’m not being paid or sponsored to make these videos.
I’m documenting my CNC journey on YouTube, learning everything from scratch and showing how the OneFinity machine can realistically fit into my workshop and the way I run my business.
Follow My CNC Journey
Across the series, I’ll be sharing the real process of bringing the Trend Onefinity into my workshop, from setup to learning the machine, software and workflow from scratch. I’ll also be exploring how CNC can support my work as a disabled maker and help shape future Single Handedly Made products.
Why CNC?
Having one usable hand means certain workshop tasks naturally take longer, require more setup, or need a different approach entirely. As the business grows, I’m always looking for ways to improve my workflow without losing the hands-on craft behind the work.
That’s one of the main reasons I decided to invest in CNC.
A CNC machine can help with the repetitive, accurate and time-consuming parts of the making process. It can cut consistent shapes, prepare components, support chopping board production and help with tasks that would otherwise take me much longer to complete by hand.
In practical terms, it can work almost like another pair of hands in the workshop.
While the machine is cutting, I can be sanding boards, glueing components, preparing materials, working on finishes, packing orders or developing the next idea. It gives me another way to keep the workshop moving, while still keeping the care, judgement and finishing firmly in my hands.
Thinking about CNC for your own workshop?
If you’re seriously considering a CNC machine, Trend offer a bespoke demonstration service that can be tailored to the needs of your workshop or small business.
That could be a really useful starting point if you want to see the machines in action, ask questions, understand the differences across the range and get a better feel for whether CNC is right for the kind of work you do.
Demonstrations can be arranged through Trend, either at Trend HQ or virtually.
Code: LEO1F for £100 worth of CNC cutters when purchasing a Trend OneFinity machine
A note on the partnership
I bought and paid for my Trend Onefinity Elite Journeyman myself. Trend kindly supported me with a discount, installation and training, and have provided an affiliated link and discount code for anyone interested in purchasing a machine.
I’m not being paid or sponsored to make this series. I’ll be sharing my honest experience as a complete CNC beginner and showing how the machine fits into the real workflow of Single Handedly Made.