There's a huge misperception that automation is only for big production shops. A small California shop that makes custom van interiors went from cutting everything by hand to using a CNC router, and owner says it dramatically moved his business forward.

In a recent YouTube video presented by Laguna Tools, TJ Gaskill of GT Vans in Long Beach, California, talks about his journey into CNC automation that began with talking to another small shop owner who was using a Laguna CNC to build skate ramps. Gaskill saw the potential for van interiors and moved a Laguna Tools SmartShop M CNC router into his shop.

He says the machine was easy to learn and they use it for a wide range of projects in making custom van interiors. He shows off a recent project building out a van for a local television news station, complete with custom lighting details.

Gaskill said he wishes they would have gotten the CNC sooner, and he recommends other shops, "Just go for it."

Watch the video for the full story.