How Laser DIY Helped Jack Find Purpose After Retirement

Retirement hits everyone differently. Some people slip easily into quiet routines, while others—especially lifelong builders, teachers, and tinkerers—discover that slowing down leaves an unexpected void. For Wisconsin retiree Jack Schindhelm, that void became the doorway to a new passion he never expected: laser engraving and DIY craftsmanship.

Jack spent 40 years working full-time, including 28 years as an Industrial and Technology & Engineering teacher and 12 years as a patternmaker in the foundry industry. His career was hands-on from start to finish—he taught woodworking, printing, metalworking, welding, CNC machining, and more. After retiring in 2011, he did what most people do: he relaxed, enjoyed his time, and stepped away from the structured world of teaching and production work.

But after decades of being deeply involved in creating and problem-solving, something was missing. Retirement gave Jack time, but it left him without a creative outlet. That began to change when he took his first steps into the world of laser DIY.

The First Machine—and the Spark of a New Hobby

Jack’s first experience with laser engraving was a result of trial and error. His earliest lasers were expensive hobby-level machines: a 40-watt CO₂ laser for $5,000, followed by a 45-watt model for $3,400. Working with these systems rekindled the hands-on curiosity he’d nurtured throughout his teaching career. He found satisfaction in learning new settings, experimenting with materials, and troubleshooting mechanical quirks.

But he quickly realized something every maker eventually faces: the machine matters. He wanted more power, sturdier construction, and a higher-quality engraver that matched the craftsmanship he taught his students for decades.

That’s when he discovered OMTech and purchased the MF1220-50R. According to Jack, the upgrade was transformative. The machine’s steel frame, reliability, and affordable replacement parts let him focus on creativity rather than constant repair—exactly what a good retirement hobby should provide.

From Hobby to Purpose

Many retirees seek activities that keep their hands busy and their minds active. For Jack, laser DIY became more than a pastime: it became meaningful work.

He began collecting scrap wood, old furniture, doors, shelving, and any other materials he could repurpose, including oak, maple, cedar, and walnut. His shop turned into a small production space where he made:

• Custom plaques

• Keychains and coasters

• Tumbler engravings

• LED acrylic light bases

• Clocks, boxes, and personalized gifts

• Organizational and commemorative plaques

And while many retirees turn laser crafting into side businesses, Jack took a different route with Jackwood Creations. His nonprofit donates all proceeds to charities, such as Hearing Loss Association of America. Recently, Jack donated an OMTech Maker AF2028-60 60W CO2 Laser Cutter and Engraver to Grace Christian Academy to support the next generation of makers.  

Laser engraving gave him more than a hobby—it restored the purpose he once felt as a teacher. He was building, creating, solving problems, helping people, and giving back to his community.

Staying Sharp Through Creativity

Jack’s story highlights something powerful: laser DIY is one of the best hobbies for retirees because it engages the mind as much as the hands. It blends:

• Creativity – Designing artwork, choosing materials, customizing pieces

• Technical challenge – Managing power settings, understanding materials, calibrating equipment

• Problem-solving – Something Jack had done in machining and teaching his entire life

• Community – Sharing projects, helping others avoid mistakes, and even hosting demo sessions

Research indicates that retirement hobbies that involve both cognitive and manual skills help maintain mental sharpness, reduce stress, and increase overall life satisfaction. Laser engraving fits perfectly into this category. It offers an endless learning curve—just enough challenge to stay stimulating without being overwhelming.

Jack took that further by becoming an OMTech Demo Room Host, not to promote machines but to help others discover the joy he found. He wanted to share what he had learned, teach newcomers, and provide the guidance he had wished for early on.

A Hobby With Unexpected Rewards

One of the surprising things Jack discovered was how accessible laser DIY could be once he understood the workflow. By using reclaimed wood and inexpensive blanks—such as stone coasters, leather keychains, tumblers, and acrylic sheets—he could create high-quality products for almost no material cost.

Those projects became fundraiser items, gifts, organizational awards, and keepsakes for countless people in his community. Retirement wasn’t just fulfilling again—it became impactful.

Why Laser DIY Is a Perfect Post-Retirement Path

Jack’s story reflects a broader truth for many retirees. Laser engraving is a hobby that grows with you. It can be relaxing, profitable, creative, social, and endlessly enjoyable.

For people who spent their lives working with tools, computers, engineering, design, or craftsmanship, it feels familiar—but fresh. For those new to hands-on making, it offers a welcoming entry point with incredible potential.

And above all, it brings purpose.

Ready to Explore Your Creativity?

If Jack’s journey resonates with you—whether you’re retired, reinventing yourself, or simply looking for a meaningful hobby—laser DIY is an incredible way to stay active, engaged, and inspired.

OMTech offers beginner-friendly and advanced systems that help makers start confidently, explore new ideas, and build projects they’re proud of.

Discover what laser engraving can unlock for you. Check out OMTech’s lineup and embark on your next chapter with creativity and purpose.