That train shelf really highlights the vast difference between customers buying OTC junk from big box stores. You can make money on some big box designs by selling superior quality, but also design improvements and custom elements they will never get from IKEA. I watch videos and search for design ideas on Wayfair and places like that, combine elements of two or more designs and create something unique. I’m no where near an operating business, butvthis method helps me stand out a bit from the generic.
Finally....legit advice on running a woodworking business. These videos are few and far between. Tip #6 is the linchpin for everything else. Mindset is huge. Good stuff
I retired a few years from running a home based business with my wife. What I see in small business a good bit is people who want to do what they love, but skip learning about how to run a business. I learned two things that seriously helped us gain a comfortable retirement.....Do the Right Thing and the money will follow. (Chasing the money leads to not much fun)....the other is do not spend money you do not have. Oh....and as to that retirement thing....every time ya get a paycheck, put as close to half of it in your retirement account as you can....we had a dollar # to pay into that account every month...and it stung. Not stinging now though. -Veteran '66-68
In your shim example I could see using playing cards in certain cases. If you order shims online it will take atleast 24 hours to get delivered and if you needed to get the dado cuts done today then if you already have playing cards this could be done faster than the delay of waiting for the delivery. Sure you could go into a store and get shims but if they are out of stock then it can still be a useful trick to know to not have to waste a day in waiting for delivery.
I understand your logic. However, the shim kit has a graduation of thicknesses, and the thickest shim is as thick as a playing card, so if you want to cut a dado a thousands less, how are you going to do that. Sand the playing card down. I don't think you are going to be able to dial that playing card into a good fit. If I didn't have shims, I'd jig up my router, that would be way more accurate than using a playing card.
I’m a victim of the algorithm and the bigger names of woodworking content creation so I looked at your thumbnail/video with doubts, but man I was pleasantly surprised. This are the best tips/ guide I ever seen. Thanks for the amazing video
Thanks man, it costs nothing to hit record on a phone and post to RU-vid, but it can cost you everything to be self-employed and build furniture for a living. #nosafetynet
I offer my opinions to hopefully compliment Brian's advise. Being in business for 25 years you gain some wisdom. Some of these things may not totally align with Brian's advice but this video establishes a base line. Food for thought: 1) I'm always careful taking advise from blogs or video's. Take the information provided and think how it can help you or hurt you. Is the person an expert woodworker or is she an expert RU-vidr? Which one is the hobby and which one is the business? 2) Never charge or price your work by your time. Sure you can use it to get a rough idea of "knowing your costs" however I don't want people reimbursing me for what I or others think my time is worth. People are paying for your knowledge, skills, artistic abilities, equipment investments over the many years. 3) Related to #2; Brian says "know your costs" True but maybe more importantly is "Know your worth" If you think your worth is $75.00 an hour, your likely aren't going to be building boxes (kitchens) 4) Know your demographics or your potential clients. Do you live in an area where the average income is $200,000 or in an area where it's $70,000? Your them market accordingly. 5) If someone is going to start a woodworking business, then do it legally, ALL IN, no testing the waters. Get a business license, get insurance, have written contracts, a website. I've found most people want to do business with business people. Thanks Brian, I like your work!
You missed the main point and this was what I was told the first week of college. If you think you're going to get rich being a woodworker, you won't and you should find another field. My advice to people is enjoy the hobby, don't be a professional. Also another point that you left out, I am never worried about the big box stores or IKEA. The issue I have always had is the neighbor down the street that has a $35 table saw and a craftsman router, in their garage that will work for $3 an hour. Those are the people that make it harder, and they devalue the work of the rest us.
That advice sounds spot on. Thank you for the simple clarity. I couldn't agree with you more on number 6 and number 1 really put things into perspective for me.
I take the Sam Maloof approach when it comes to building things for customers now days, "Its done when I say its done". No pressure and more time to get things done the right way! Hence the reason for his amazing rockers. Nice video, good info and love your website!
Brian watching your video’s I’ve learn so much and you been an inspiration to me I’ve learn not to be afraid to take on a challenge or project . I’ve learn to observe and and witness the transformation of a piece of rugged wood turn into a piece of art. I take on small woodwork projects due to the Limited space and tools that I have so I make the best of it and I love it. Being a veteran this hobby it’s mind therapy for me thank you for your video’s. 🙏🏽
I'm in the UK and I started my business 3 years ago. Everything you've said is absolutely correct. My turnover and profit has increased 40% year on year with exactly the same mindset as yours.
Liked all you said and the few photos I seen of your work, I liked. I am 68 years old now and retired, now I can make things for myself and family that we have always wanted. Bespoke furniture, marquetry inlay, joinery, upholstery, roofing and leather craft were a few of my skills that I made a living from, a great deal amalgamated into single pieces. You are young and the greatest quality you may have and not know it yet is your knowledge. You can teach at adult night schools to fill in the low times, for example in winter times. I found that to be a great help finacially and to create word of mouth clients looking for your skills. I wish you great success, and I will carry on watching your channel. Thank you so much for this insight into your nature.
Love this, I learned a lot. I’m going to check your membership because you are a person I can learn from, even with me being 62 years old and I build craftsman style furniture like it was originally made. Being disabled with heart issues, woodworking is my therapy
I just joined at the top secret clearance level. Why? Because Brian is an amazing teacher. I first came to know Brian in the Wood Whisper Guild. Where I purchased his SketchUp tutorial. After having struggled with SketchUp I was finally able to use it. Thanks Brian! Definitely worth a $5.00 a month membership. Especially for all of the people still charging 3X material. Know your numbers!
I love that clock and I'm going to copy the general concept I think to make a clock for my grandpa who has been getting into clocks recently. It will be a one time thing so no money involved. Hope that's okay. Very helpful video also thanks for sharing.
