How Laser Making Gave Jack a New Direction After Retirement

Retirement doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some people welcome the slower pace with ease, while others—especially lifelong makers, educators, and problem-solvers—find that stepping away from structured work creates an unexpected sense of emptiness. For Wisconsin retiree Jack Schindhelm, that feeling became the starting point for an entirely new chapter centered on laser engraving and hands-on creation.

Jack spent four decades working full time, including 28 years as a technology and engineering educator and another 12 years as a patternmaker in the foundry industry. His career was deeply practical. He taught woodworking, metalworking, printing, welding, CNC machining, and other technical skills that required constant engagement and creativity. When he retired in 2011, he initially enjoyed the freedom—taking time to rest and stepping back from the demands of teaching and production.

Over time, however, Jack realized something was missing. While retirement gave him more free hours, it removed the creative challenges and sense of contribution that had defined much of his life. That began to change when he discovered laser engraving.

Discovering Laser Engraving—and a New Creative Spark

Jack’s introduction to laser engraving came through experimentation. His first machines were hobby-level CO₂ lasers—powerful but expensive—purchased as he tested whether the technology could hold his interest. Working with these early systems reignited the curiosity he had carried throughout his teaching career. He enjoyed dialing in settings, learning how different materials responded, and solving the inevitable technical issues that came with new equipment.

Before long, Jack realized a key truth familiar to many experienced makers: the quality of the machine directly impacts the creative experience. He wanted a system with greater power, stronger construction, and long-term reliability—something that aligned with the standards he had emphasized in his classrooms for decades.

That search led him to OMTech and eventually to the MF1220-50R laser engraver. For Jack, the upgrade made a significant difference. The solid steel frame, dependable performance, and accessible replacement parts allowed him to focus on making rather than maintenance. Instead of troubleshooting constantly, he could spend his time designing, building, and refining projects.

Turning a Hobby Into Meaningful Work

Many retirees look for activities that keep their minds sharp and their hands busy. For Jack, laser engraving quickly became more than a pastime—it evolved into purposeful work.

He began collecting reclaimed materials such as scrap lumber, old furniture, doors, shelving, and hardwoods like oak, maple, cedar, and walnut. His workshop transformed into a small production space where he created a wide range of items, including personalized plaques, engraved tumblers, keychains, coasters, LED acrylic displays, clocks, boxes, and custom gifts.

Rather than selling his work for personal profit, Jack took a different approach. Through his nonprofit, Jackwood Creations, he donates all proceeds to charitable organizations, including the Hearing Loss Association of America. Laser engraving allowed him to reconnect with the sense of purpose he once found in teaching—creating useful objects, solving problems, helping others, and giving back to his community.

Staying Engaged Through Creative Challenges

Jack’s experience highlights why laser making is such a strong fit for retirees. It combines artistic freedom with technical problem-solving, engaging both mental and physical skills. Laser engraving involves designing artwork, selecting materials, adjusting machine parameters, and continuously learning how to improve results.

It also fosters connection. Jack found value in sharing his projects, offering guidance to others, and exchanging ideas with fellow makers. Research shows that hobbies requiring both cognitive and manual engagement can support mental clarity, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being in retirement. Laser engraving fits squarely within that category.

Eventually, Jack became an OMTech Demo Room Host—not to sell machines, but to help others experience the satisfaction he had found. Drawing on his background as an educator, he enjoyed teaching newcomers, answering questions, and providing the kind of guidance he wished he’d had early on.

Unexpected Benefits Along the Way

One of Jack’s biggest surprises was how affordable laser making became once he understood the workflow. By using reclaimed wood and low-cost blanks—such as stone coasters, leather keychains, acrylic sheets, and drinkware—he was able to produce high-quality items with minimal material expense.

Those projects found their way into fundraisers, gifts, awards, and keepsakes throughout his community. Retirement became not only enjoyable again, but impactful—allowing Jack to contribute meaningfully while doing work he genuinely loved.

Why Laser Making Works So Well After Retirement

Jack’s journey reflects a broader reality. Laser engraving is a hobby that adapts as you grow. It can be calming or challenging, purely creative or highly technical, social or solitary. For people who spent their careers working with tools, technology, design, or craftsmanship, it feels intuitive yet still offers something new to learn.

For beginners, it provides an accessible entry point into modern making. And for many retirees, it restores something deeply important: a sense of direction and purpose.

Ready to Start Your Own Creative Chapter?

If Jack’s story resonates with you—whether you’re retired, exploring a new direction, or searching for a fulfilling creative outlet—laser engraving offers a powerful way to stay active, curious, and engaged.

OMTech provides a range of laser systems designed to support both new and experienced makers, helping users get started confidently and build projects they’re proud of. Explore what laser engraving can do for you and see how OMTech can help you begin your next chapter with creativity and purpose.