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SDVoyager - Hidden Gems: Meet Kyle Emerick of Sandy Eggo CNC - May 2024

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Kyle Emerick.

Hi Kyle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
My woodworking journey probably started like it does for most makers – taking things apart as a kid. The real thrill came from putting them back together, especially if they worked again! All that tinkering fueled a fire in me to create. Forts, go-karts, furniture for the house – you name it, I wanted to build it.

Years later, after making a chair for my daughter, a lightbulb went off. Maybe this woodworking thing could be more than just a hobby. I could turn it into a side hustle and make some extra cash. And that’s exactly what I did. The first bit of profit went straight back into buying more tools, which, of course, just made me want even more!

The real turning point came when I decided to learn how to build a CNC router from a kit. It was a big leap, but it paid off fast. Those simple yet creative live edge family name signs I started making? They were a hit. Along the way, I took on a few custom projects here and there, building my skills and reputation.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I grew tired of making things other people had already designed. It was like being stuck in a creative dead end. I needed a spark. That’s when I decided to start releasing some of my designs via Creative Commons. It was a way to give back to the maker community, a community that had helped me get my woodworking business off the ground in the first place.

But this shift to designing my stuff? That was a game-changer. It forced me to think beyond the basic building techniques I had learned. I had to experiment, conceptualize, and dig into the design side of things. It was challenging, for sure, but releasing those designs was a big win for my business, too. People noticed my work, and it helped establish my reputation for creativity and quality.

Of course, all this designing goes hand-in-hand with using the right materials to make sure my work stands the test of time. But that’s a story for another day!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
It’s a one-man show over here! I run my side hustle out of my home workshop, squeezing it in on top of my regular day job. For the past eight-plus years, every spare penny has gone back into the business – more tools and better equipment, all to fuel my dream of expanding my workshop.

This is the year it happens. All that hard work, late nights, and early mornings are finally paying off. I’ve been lucky enough to snag some big-name clients – brands you’d recognize – and built a reputation for crafting unique, custom creations.

As far as my Aztec Calendar-based designs are concerned, they all started with a spark of inspiration. I saw this amazing Star Wars Aztec calendar design by David Gonzales (@nopal62) and knew I had to get in on the action. I started creating my own Aztec-themed designs, incorporating everything from Marvel and DC superheroes to James Bond. Even did a few one-of-a-kind pieces for some awesome clients.

David and I actually connected online and hit it off. We’re collaborating on a new design right now, and I can’t wait to share it. It’s these kinds of connections, the creative spark, and the satisfied customers that make this whole journey worthwhile. Stay tuned because this maker’s story is just getting started!

We’d love to hear what you think about risk-taking.
It’s a decision that raised a few eyebrows. After years of hustling, I’d finally saved up a hefty chunk of change. Everyone around me – friends, family, even the friendly guy at the lumberyard – were all on the same page: pay off the house! Debt-free living was the dream, right?

But for me, the dream looked a little different. It wasn’t a quiet life with a paid-off mortgage but a bustling workshop teeming with possibility. See, my little home shop had served me well, but it was starting to feel cramped. Every new project was a logistical puzzle of Tetris-ing tools and materials around. I knew that more space meant more productivity and a chance to tackle bigger, more intricate builds.

Sure, the voice of reason in my head whispered about financial security and the peace of mind a paid-off house brings. But the fire in my gut burned brighter. I believed in the business I’d built, the connections I’d forged with clients, and the creative spark that kept me up at night creating new designs or working with customers to make theirs come to life. This wasn’t just a hobby anymore. It was my passion, my shot at something bigger.

So, I took a leap of faith and invested in the workshop. I am now going from a small 380 square foot garage to a proper 1200 square foot shop. It might not be the conventional choice, but for me, it was the one that fuels my future and keeps me at home. Now, with the extra space, I can’t wait to see what kind of amazing projects I can create. This is just the beginning, and let me tell you, the future’s looking mighty spacious!

Faberin Magazine - October 2018

How to turn a hobby into a profession

Turn your passion into your job and you will never work. Kyle has not always been a craftsman , it was 3 years ago when he felt that this was his vocation, he came naturally and he explains: “I made a chair for my daughter and I had a lot of fun doing it. In the process of making the chair I bought some new tools that allowed me to do other projects. This led us to fully enter the world of wood, buying a CNC machine and finally starting a business. This activity has become his means of earning income by working in a small improvised carpentry workshop in his garage, but it’s not just that, since he himself defines his work as a “hobby” that he takes very seriously, never ceasing to learn and create new pieces. Without expecting it, Kyle Emerick has carried out that premise of turning a passion into a profession so as never to have to work. If we ask him what he likes most about it, he’s clear: “I really like to learn more about wood and metal craftsmanship. Both go very well together and are very different from others, which makes them a challenge.” In short, learning is the daily life of this craftsman, and we do not doubt that this is the way to never stop improving.

Kyle Emerick’s Style

Kyle is a versatile maker that rolls over and adapts completely to each project. However, he confesses that the materials he uses the most are Baltic birch and hardwood , as these are the most requested materials there. However, it has no problem working with composite materials and has already done some metal machining . In addition, he tells us that he has used a multitude of materials: acrylic, MDF, ABS, PVC, leather…. According to the materials that star in your day to day, we find the typology of your tools. Emerick has a very complete workshop composed by a CNC router, assembler, planer, tape saw, drill, table saw, and a multitude of manual tools such as its collection of manual brushes. Emerick has only been around for 3 years, but he has fully entered this world using whatever is necessary to give his work a perfect finish. But if something characterizes his style is his focus on the customer, for this manufacturer satisfaction goes beyond money, he is much more concerned about what the customer has to say about the part that Kyle has made. Pride and recognition of a job well done is what really fills you. In order to do this, he tries to embody perfection in his work: “Doing it better every time is what drives me, continuous improvement,” he says.

Willing to contribute in Faberin

Kyle Emerick came to Faberin and, attracted by the high quality articles already manufactured by other makers, which transmitted modernity to him, decided to join this great community. Totally convinced that he can fit into this way of working and wanting to bring the modernity that attracted him, Kyle leaves us a statement of intentions: “I bring Faberin a new set of ideas to make new pieces and build them with passion”. However, with these desires that he shows us, we hope that he will soon manufacture one of the designs that are available on our website, and we take advantage of these lines to welcome this great maker to our community. We are looking forward to enjoying his pieces!

Laguna Tools - Customer Stories - September 2018

Meet Kyle Emerick Of Sandy Eggo CNC - Custom CNC Woodworking For The San Diego Area

Kyle Emerick, owner and operator of Sandy Eggo CNC – specializing in custom CNC woodworking projects, began his career in the CNC world with Motionmaster. With them, he helped build CNC machines for small businesses to Fortune 50 companies. After several years of working there, however, Kyle wanted to return to school. After breaking his back in a motorcycle accident, this helped Kyle in deciding to pursue a degree and career in IT. With these newly learned skills, Kyle went to work for Caterpillar, Inc. for the last 18 years. As much as he’s enjoyed working in the IT field, though, he always had a desire to get back to working with CNC machines making custom CNC designs.

In January 2015, Kyle committed to building his own CNC machine. Several months of research and gathering the correct parts were required. However, after taking that time, Kyle had to outfit his garage to handle his newly made CNC machine to begin designing and making custom CNC projects. The hardest part was having to move his beautiful 64.5 Mustang that had called that garage home for years!

From CNC Hobbyist To Part-Time Custom CNC Designer/Creator

Since Kyle’s initial plan was to run the workshop purely as a hobby, the self-made CNC machine was perfect. Doing random work here and there, he hoped to pay off the machine in a couple of years. But, with word spreading about the quality of work Kyle was doing, he started taking on bigger projects. Some of the first being a 4’x8′ signs for a few local wineries. Because of this, his plan of paying off the machine happened in just 8 months! This drastic increase in custom CNC work meant he needed more tools and an actual business name and license! Thus, the birth of Sandy Eggo CNC – custom CNC furniture, signs, and more.

Though Kyle has kept the business part-time, for now, he has been able to upgrade his machine and tools to match the demand for his custom CNC work. To complement the woodworking he’s doing, Kyle decided on a Laguna 14|12. Due to its pricing, options, and local availability, customer service, and brand name. Especially after talking with several woodworking friends and two sales reps at Rockler he felt confident in his purchase. After going through a similar process of talking with colleagues, sales reps, and seeing a few YouTube videos, he then decided on a Laguna C | Flux. Collecting and disposing of the dust now is a pleasure compared to the old system he used.

Making The Custom CNC Project Process More Efficient

Because of the upgraded machinery, Kyle is now able to reduce man-hours since the bandsaw cuts so effortlessly and precisely. This was the main reason for Kyle purchasing the 14|12. Then having the dust collector being able to extract dust and have such an easy dispensing make the efficiency of the process a breeze. According to Kyle, almost nothing ends up in the bag under the filter, so the “vortex” is clearly working.

With the combination of the bandsaw, dust collector, and CNC machine, Kyle produces custom CNC furniture and signage, as well as custom parts and prototyping for local companies. Because of the addition of the Laguna machinery, Kyle is able to produce more and even better than he was able to before. “Having better tools,” Kyle says, “forces you to think about your layout, minimize waste, think in lean manufacturing processes to enhance the tools in the way [they] were engineered to work.” Not only has this mindset helped in producing more and better custom CNC products, but he’s focused more on his own shelving, storage, and workflow. Kyle sees, for the future of Sandy Eggo, building a shop on his property. He hopes to continue to upgrade his company’s machines to include a Laguna CNC machine, further optimizing his processes.

Advice For Future CNC Machinist / Woodworkers

Opendesk Meet the Makers - Kyle in San Diego - June 2017

We meet Kyle from San Diego and learn how he turned his hobby into a business by registering as an Opendesk maker.

In his self-built workshop, Kyle has been making beautiful furniture for customers in Los Angeles and San Diego. His biggest Opendesk job to date saw him tackle 99 8’x4’ sheets of Baltic Birch plywood from his garage for Procore. Kyle’s story proves just how much you can do with garage space, a self-built CNC machine and an Opendesk maker registration.

Opendesk: Where did it all start?

Kyle: I used to work for a company called Motionmaster who built large CNC machines for everyone from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. I worked there for several years but eventually decided to go back to school (after breaking my back in a motorcycle accident) and pursue a career in IT. My CNC experience and new IT skills helped me get a job with Caterpillar Inc. where I’ve worked for the last 16 years. I’ve enjoyed working in the IT field, but always had a desire to eventually get back to working with CNC machines.

Kyle: In January 2015, I finally pulled the trigger and began building my own CNC machine. It took several months of research to gather all the parts required for the project. Once all the parts were sourced, I spent time turning my garage into a workshop with space for my new machine. It wasn’t an easy process as my 64.5 Mustang had called the garage home for many years!

Kyle: My initial plan was to run the workshop purely as a hobby. With odd jobs here and there, I hoped to pay off the cost of the machine in around two years. I did small projects for friends and ended up doing a few larger 4’x8’ signs for a few local wineries. Within eight months I had the machine paid off! I realised there was more to this and perhaps my hobby could be a business! I went ahead with the process of setting up an official business name and license - the birth of Sandy Eggo CNC.

Opendesk: Why did you join Opendesk? Tell us about the early months.

Kyle: I applied to become an Opendesk maker about 18 months as I looked to take Sandy Eggo CNC further. I soon began quoting customers in my neighborhood for furniture including the Lean Desk and Studio Desk. Shortly after signing up I made some Divide and Pedestal examples for Kingdom Industries just outside Los Angeles. This resulted in a huge job for Procore, also in LA, who ordered 63 Whiteboard Divides, all of which were made in my garage!

Opendesk: Tell us more about the Procore job!

Kyle: The job for Procore was definitely my finest hour and really proved just how much you can do with garage space, a self-built CNC machine and an Opendesk maker registration. Each Whiteboard Divide is made from 1.5 sheets of 8’ x 4’ material. That’s 99 sheets in total! Cutting them was the easy part- each component had to be sanded, assembled and oiled by hand. I had a production line set up in my yard to manage it all!

Opendesk: What does Opendesk bring to professionals like you?

Kyle: I never thought I’d be a serious woodworker. Metal was always my preferred material. Opendesk has opened up a whole new world for me. I built my CNC machine purely for pleasure. I had no idea I’d be making good money with it! Small projects allowed me to pay off my machine within months. Large projects from Opendesk have allowed me to buy more tools, improve my processes and have even led me to consider expanding!

Opendesk: What excites you most about being part of the Opendesk maker community?

Kyle: The way I see it, the more successful Opendesk becomes, the more successful I will become. I love money just as much as the next dude but I work for more than that. I want to help Opendesk by doing my bit here in San Diego. I see Opendesk really taking off and it’s cool to see it happen from my side of the world.

Someday I plan on retiring early. I don’t fancy doing my full-time job in IT until I’m 65+. I’m 43 years old and would love to be a full-time craftsman sometime in the next 10 years. I know working with companies like Opendesk will help me get there. Without Opendesk I would not even have an early retirement on my mind. Opendesk could be a huge life changer for me, my family and many others.

Opendesk: What sets you apart from the rest?

Kyle: I really care about durability and longevity. No one wants to buy a piece of furniture that breaks only months after buying it. To me, that is what defines a successful furniture maker; will the piece be strong enough to last a lifetime? Opendesk designs are well considered and structurally sound, which helps me deliver the level of quality I want to see leaving my workshop.

I’m starting to learn Autodesk’s Fusion 360 as it’s free for small businesses like mine. It’s simple to use and can handle everything from sketching and 3D modeling to CAM. It’s a big time saver and gives me access to tools that would otherwise be out of my budget.

Opendesk: What is your favorite piece of Opendesk furniture to make?

Kyle: The Valovi chair is a lot of fun to make! It’s very simple and its interlocking parts are really satisfying to knock together with a mallet.

Opendesk: What projects are you currently working on?

Kyle: I’m in the process of sorting out leftover materials from the last huge Opendesk job I did for Procore. Right now I have stacks of Baltic Birch ply in three different rooms in my house. I simply do not have room for them in my shop. My spare room has become a wood shop!

Other than that, I’ve been getting back to my Etsy shop, making surfboards, skateboards and roller derby racks. I also have a couple guitar designs I’m working on. Whether hobby or paid work, my workshop is always busy!

Opendesk: How big is your team?

Kyle: For now, Sandy Eggo CNC is just me. If I need extra help on a particular project, my family or friends can usually help me out. When I have the right work, I bring in kids from a local high school’s wood shop who want to get stuck in a learn new making skills!

Opendesk: What machines are you working with?

Kyle: My CNC machine is the centerpiece of my workshop and I’m proud to have built it. I also have a new Laguna 14-12 bandsaw, several work areas for hand tooling in addition to my table saw and planer. I plan to soon start incorporating more metal work into my woodworking as I also have my own welding set. Beyond the normal shop tools, I’ve got a self-build 3D printer and have a laser machine arriving soon. I’ve probably got the coolest garage in San Diego!