Introduction
In the field of creative manufacturing, true breakthroughs often begin with dissatisfaction with the status quo and the courage to change it. Today, we are honored to share the story of Ivan Serdyuk, the second prize winner of the second DIY Competition. His journey is a true reflection of the maker spirit—going “from zero to one”—and a vivid example of how DIY manufacturing can evolve toward professional-level applications.
Before diving into the details, you can watch the video below to see Ivan’s CNC journey and machine design in action.
Main Story
A Maker Dreamer by the Black Sea
Ivan, 34 years old, lives in Russia’s Krasnodar region, just 100 kilometers from the Black Sea. The area’s mild climate and gentle winters have shaped his calm, patient, and determined character.
As a father of two daughters and the backbone of his family, Ivan’s life is filled with warmth. At the same time, his workshop is a space where creativity and manufacturing passion come to life.
In 2016, Ivan purchased his first CNC router. Although it was only a small, entry-level hobby machine, it opened the door to digital manufacturing for him. From woodworking and carving to structural processing, he quickly became immersed in CNC machining—and soon realized the limitations of hobby-grade equipment in terms of control stability and precision.
Turning Frustration into Technological Progress
After using the CNC router for about a year, Ivan encountered a major bottleneck: the unstable online control system caused frequent errors, negatively affecting machining accuracy and efficiency.
Instead of giving up, he chose to upgrade his technical path. Encouraged by a friend, Ivan decided to explore the more challenging field of plasma cutting.
Despite having no prior experience with servo motors or CNC controllers, Ivan taught himself through YouTube tutorials and professional CNC forums, gradually mastering mechanical structures, control principles, and machining logic.
After several months, his first self-built plasma cutting machine ran successfully, marking not only a technical achievement but also a testament to his perseverance and self-learning ability.
Pursuing Higher Precision: Exploring Laser Cutting
The success of plasma cutting greatly expanded Ivan’s creative capabilities. However, to achieve finer details, greater versatility, and compatibility with more materials, he turned his attention to laser cutting technology.
He set clear design goals for his machine:
- Quick disassembly and reassembly to fit limited workshop space
- Industrial-level precision
- Adjustable leveling and alignment
- A rigid and durable structure suitable for various materials
During development, Ivan faced two major challenges:
- How to ensure structural stability in a modular, detachable frame
- How to maintain accurate leveling and precision after reassembly
He ultimately solved these issues by designing an adjustable frame system, using manual calibration and leveling mechanisms to ensure rigidity and accuracy after assembly—successfully balancing precision with space efficiency.
Resource Integration in a Globalized World
During material sourcing, Ivan encountered another obstacle: high-quality laser beam components and structural materials were difficult to find in the local Russian market.
To overcome this, he turned to the global supply chain and collaborated with Chinese manufacturers to custom-produce strong and reliable structural components, ensuring long-term machine stability.
This experience reinforced his belief that modern makers are no longer limited by local resources. Through global collaboration, the best solutions can be achieved.
Reflections on DIY vs. Commercial Machines
Through extensive hands-on experience, Ivan developed a clear understanding of the differences between DIY machines and commercial systems:
| Machine Type | Key Advantages | Ideal Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| DIY Machines | High customization, cost control, self-maintenance, strong learning value | Personal projects, creative development, prototyping, technical exploration |
| Commercial Machines | High stability, efficiency, durability, mass-production capability | Continuous operation, batch production, industrial applications |
Ivan emphasized that dust management and routine maintenance are critical for laser cutting systems, regardless of whether they are DIY or commercial. Proper maintenance directly affects cutting quality, equipment lifespan, and operational safety.
Three Key Pieces of Advice for Future Makers
Based on his journey, Ivan shared three core lessons:
- Maintain a mindset of continuous learning — curiosity drives technological progress
- Develop strong problem-solving skills — every challenge is an opportunity to grow
- Engage with maker communities — collaboration and knowledge sharing accelerate innovation
Innovation Never Stops
From CNC woodworking to plasma cutting and finally to laser cutting machine development, Ivan has continuously expanded his technical capabilities and creative boundaries.
His story proves that with passion, perseverance, and a willingness to learn, advanced manufacturing technologies are within anyone’s reach.
Explore SkyFire and Bring Your Manufacturing Ideas to Life
At SkyFire, we are committed to providing global makers with:
- Reliable and stable laser equipment
- Flexible and user-friendly DIY structures and control solutions
- High-performance laser and beam technologies
- Manufacturing solutions tailored to global markets
Whether you are new to CNC technology or building a professional-grade laser system, SkyFire is here to support your creative manufacturing journey.
