User Story: How a Retired Teacher Is Empowering Students with an OMTech Laser Engraver

From classroom teacher to community changemaker

After more than forty years working in education and industry, retired teacher Jack Schindhelm could have chosen a quiet retirement. Instead, he found a meaningful way to combine his lifelong passion for teaching with hands-on craftsmanship — creating a positive impact for students and his local community.

Today, through the use of OMTech laser engraving machines, Jack is not only creating beautifully engraved products but also supporting education, raising funds for charity, and inspiring the next generation of makers.

A Retirement Dedicated to Giving Back

From his home workshop, Jack spends his time designing and engraving wooden plaques, signs, and custom items using his OMTech laser engravers.

But his work goes far beyond creative projects.

Through the items he produces, Jack has raised thousands of pounds for local charities, supporting organisations and community groups that provide help to those in need.

His work demonstrates how modern fabrication tools like laser engravers can be used not just for business or hobbies, but also for community service and education.

Donating Technology to Inspire Students

One of Jack’s most impactful contributions came when he purchased and donated an OMTech laser engraver to a local school, giving students access to digital fabrication technology.

Explaining his motivation, Jack said:

“The idea was to donate it so students could learn to use a new technology. It might be used as part of a class or even as an extracurricular activity.”

For Jack, who spent nearly three decades teaching industrial arts and technology, this donation represents far more than simply giving equipment.

It’s an investment in the future skills and confidence of young people.

The laser engraver now allows students to explore areas such as:

• digital design

• engineering concepts

• creative arts

• product development

• entrepreneurship

Hands-on tools like these help students connect theory with real-world applications.

Technology That Opens Doors for Education

With access to a laser engraver, students can gain practical experience with modern manufacturing tools that are increasingly used across industries.

These experiences help develop valuable skills, including:

Technical skills

• CAD design and digital fabrication

• material processing and machine operation

• problem-solving and prototyping

Creative skills

• design thinking

• artistic experimentation

• personalised product creation

Entrepreneurial thinking

• product development

• small-scale production

• fundraising ideas

For many schools, introducing tools like laser engravers also supports STEM and design technology education programmes.

Using Laser Engraving to Support Local Charities

Alongside supporting education, Jack uses his laser engraving workshop to create products that raise funds for charitable causes.

He produces items such as:

• engraved wooden plaques

• decorative signs

• religious gifts

• personalised keepsakes

The proceeds from these items are donated to organisations supporting families and individuals in need.

Through this work, Jack has shown how creative skills and technology can be used to generate real benefits for communities.

Personal Motivation: Confidence Through Creativity

For Jack, laser engraving has also been a deeply personal journey.

Having struggled with dyslexia and learning difficulties earlier in life, hands-on creativity has always been an important way for him to build confidence and express ideas.

He explains:

“Working on these projects gives me confidence and keeps my mind active.”

Beyond the practical work, the workshop has also helped him maintain valuable social connections with others who appreciate his craftsmanship and community efforts.

Why Jack Chose OMTech

Jack’s journey with laser engraving began many years ago with other equipment. However, after experiencing repeated technical issues and high maintenance costs, he eventually decided to switch to OMTech machines.

Since then, he has found them reliable and suitable for both creative and educational projects.

Today, he regularly shares his knowledge with others who are interested in learning about laser engraving and digital fabrication.

For Jack, the most important factors in choosing equipment were:

• dependable performance

• accessible support and learning resources

• machines capable of both hobby and educational use

The Ripple Effect of a Single Donation

The laser engraver donated to the school continues to provide opportunities for students and educators.

The impact includes:

For students

• exposure to modern manufacturing technology

• practical learning experiences

• opportunities to develop technical and creative skills

For the school

• expanded design and technology activities

• student-led fundraising projects

• hands-on STEM learning

For the wider community

• young people gaining valuable technical skills

• new creative projects and initiatives

• stronger connections between education and local communities

Supporting Education and Makers

Stories like Jack’s reflect the broader mission behind OMTech’s laser engraving technology: enabling individuals, educators, and creators to bring their ideas to life.

Whether used in schools, workshops, small businesses, or community projects, laser engravers can help people:

• design and build their own products

• teach practical digital manufacturing skills

• support charitable initiatives

• explore creativity through modern tools

Lessons from Jack’s Approach

Jack’s experience highlights several important ideas for anyone interested in laser engraving.

1. Create with purpose

Creative tools become even more powerful when they are used to support meaningful goals — whether education, community projects, or charitable work.

2. Invest in reliable tools

Reliable equipment ensures consistent results and reduces downtime, especially when working on projects that support others.

3. Share knowledge

Teaching others multiplies the value of any skill or technology.

4. Stay curious

Even after decades in education, Jack continues to explore new techniques and applications.

The Power of Technology in the Community

Laser engraving technology is often associated with manufacturing or creative businesses. But as Jack’s story shows, it can also be a powerful tool for:

• education

• community engagement

• charity work

• creative expression

With the right tools and motivation, individuals can turn simple ideas into projects that benefit many others.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Makers

Every creator starts somewhere.

For many students, access to tools like laser engravers can spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence that shapes future career paths.

Jack’s story demonstrates how one individual — armed with experience, generosity, and the right technology — can make a lasting difference.