“When You Want to Do What You Love, the Time Is Now.”
— The Inspiring Story of Barnett Johnson, 70
At Tyvok, our proudest moments come from seeing our users turn creativity into reality. Among the many stories we have received, one stands out — the journey of Mr. Barnett Johnson, a 70-year-old maker from the United States.
Barnett is far from an ordinary user. For decades, he served as a senior executive at Kimberly-Clark and as a dedicated high school physics teacher. As he approached retirement, he chose not to slow down but to begin a new chapter — a creative journey with Tyvok machines.
A Maker at Heart
Since the launch of the very first Tyvok X1, Barnett has been with us every step of the way. Over the years, he expanded his workshop with the 4×8 S1 60W and the X1S Pro 60W, and joined the BPP program, where he has consistently shared unboxing experiences, project builds, and creative techniques.
More than a user, Barnett is a mentor in our community. In the Facebook groups, he is often the first to offer advice, share solutions, and even stand up for Tyvok with passion whenever he feels the company is being treated unfairly.
As he says:
“I’ve been a supporter of Tyvok products because they’ve been successful for me. With the size, you can do things others simply cannot. And truly, there is no competition that offers machines like this at the same price.”
Starting a New Business at 70
In his basement workshop, Barnett continues to experiment with plywood, cutting both small and large projects. With just $5 worth of wood, he can produce multiple items that sell for $15–20 each. Recently, after posting only two projects on Facebook Marketplace, he earned nearly $1,000 in just one month.
From layered dog portraits to a towering 7.5 ft Sasquatch, Barnett puts dedication and craftsmanship into every piece. His works are already receiving steady orders, and he is preparing to launch new football-themed designs that he believes will become local best-sellers in Georgia.
As he proudly notes:
“None of this would be possible without having a laser that’s large enough to handle it.”
Looking Ahead
Barnett is now preparing for his first craft fair, and he is planning to introduce a new line of custom dog portraits for local salons. He continues to document his progress:
“This is my new X1S Pro — my next project. I’ll be filming the assembly, sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly, and hopefully it will help others who are setting up theirs.”
Looking Forward to the K1
Barnett is also eagerly anticipating the upcoming Tyvok K1 series.
As a long-time user, he understands that stability and industrial-grade performance are critical for creators. The K1 was designed with this in mind — to bridge the gap between diode and CO₂ lasers by combining ease of use with professional reliability.
For Barnett, the K1 means more than just another tool. It represents the ability to work more efficiently on large-scale projects, expand his craft business, and explore new opportunities such as combining laser engraving with UV and 3D printing. The K1 will provide the power and stability to support his vision well into the future.
Why This Story Matters
Barnett’s journey reminds us of three simple truths:
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It’s never too late to begin.
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Passion creates opportunity.
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The right tools empower creators to dream bigger.
At 70, Barnett is showing the world that when you want to do what you love, the best time truly is now. And with the upcoming Tyvok K1 series, we believe more makers like Barnett will have the platform and opportunity to grow, create, and inspire.
His dedication encourages us at Tyvok to keep building machines that are stable, reliable, and empowering — because behind every cut and engraving lies the dream of a creator.
Thank you, Barnett, for allowing us to share your story.
We cannot wait to see what you will create next with the Tyvok K1.
