Lets go on a tour of The Boardroom, a small one man professional woodworking and carpentry shop. Please feel free to ask questions. Tip Jar... Patreon: / mikefarrington
@@MikeFarrington I get what you're saying. For me, next to Christ, my wife is my rock also. She is so supportive and loving and that makes a huge difference in loving what you do as a job or hobby. From have a reliable sounding board to having someone there to say, "Suck it up Buttercup. You can do this." Thank you for the great video that has given me some inspiration for setting up my 2 car garage shop. I've been wondering the best way to set it up and still maximize usable, move-around-able space. I know your shop is much bigger than what I'm working with but it really helped. I think I have a good idea for my set-up. Thank you.
@@woodandwheelz Great comment, thank you. One of the ways my wife is helpful is to be a sounding board. Often times a conversation starts "....does that sound crazy?"
I love what you said about your wife. Mine has also supported me in a big way. I travel 1.5 hrs. one way to get to work. With gas prices sky rocketing this every day journey is getting old. I mentioned to my wife that I should build a shop and just do wood work at home. A month later she tells me she had set up a loan and all I needed to do was sign some papers to get started on my shop build. Working all day then working on my shop all hrs. of the night it has finally come together and I now have a small shop to work out of. I have not given up my day job and don't plan to until my income is larger coming from my shop than from my job. It makes for long hrs. but watching video's like yours inspire me and keep me going.
Mike I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed and appreciated this video. Your passion and talent shine throughout this video. You have a talent that is unmatched. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
I like your videos; your sense of humor is great. It's like a bug or a cold loving woodworking. You got it even more than me. I watch your and other people's videos on woodworking and everyone is like; "I like to hang out in my shop and work with my tools. I dont watch much TV. Enjoyment for me is making really cool stuff. And my wife is cool with that".
I'm glad I stumbled across this video. I'm 61 now and have been working out in the field as a carpenter for the last 40 years (self-employed for the last 25). My "retirement" goal is to build a woodworking shop where I can continue loving wood without having to leave home every day and still make a living. Thanks for the inspiration!
I'm too old to do much woodworking but have a grand nephew who is talented and just started making cabinets and simple furniture. My wife and I have just begun his education on Craftsman and Mission style furniture. More importantly, I told him about your RU-vid channel today. I hope his gets as hooked on watching you make stuff as I have.
@@MikeFarrington, a neat little trick that's just earned a subscriber... :-) You have a fantastic workshop. Looking forward to exploring more of your videos.
Mi pasión. Son los talleres y las herramientas pero es el. Primer video que veo. Que es. De. Trabajo real. Y no el. Pasatiempo. De alguien que le sobra la plata... Felicitaciones. Por. Su taller
Best shop on RU-vid, thank you for sharing. Thanks to your wife as well for keeping you going and supporting you. I feel like I need to congratulate you on your collection of tools haha 😂 weird urge but thank you for documenting your woodworking process!
You are my favourite woodworker on RU-vid. Your professionalism passion and humor really comes through. Thanks for taking the time too bring us all in.
What a great tour Mike and I love the stories on where and how you got the tools sad one was the school is stopping wood shop also it goes with out say we all thank Mrs Farrington for believing in you so that we can all see your videos
Saddest part of the video "...high school decided to close down their wood shop video. It was 1979 and I walked into my first high school wood shop class. That solidified my love for woodworking and whenever I smell walnut, it takes me back to my first time on a lathe in that shop. Good times. It's cool that you gave that band saw a new home, but it's so sad that our society has devalued skills like woodworking. Also, I'm loving that you're using those old classic tools. I've got a 1970 Powermatic "Gumby" band saw and it's my favorite tool.
I'm right there with me, shop class has been virtually eliminated. I really learned something about myself during those years in shop class, not necessarily a specific life skill, but something important none-the-less. I love those old PM bandsaws, I have been shopping for one, but they always sell for more than I am willing to spend.
This was the best shop tour I have ever watched (and I've watched a ton). Thank you very much for putting this out there Mike! Also, your work is top notch.
The exact same thing for me! I've watched a lot of shop tours to improve my own (very new) shop, but i've never seen one like this one. Outstanding stuf you show here. Never came across your channel before but glad i did. Subcribed and Thanx for the great vid!!
Mike, this was a very articulate and informative video. I love the fact that you are so very humble from your beginnings through now. One thing that I can see here is that you are a phenomenal woodworker. Just by the pictures that you present here is evidence of that. I would love to know more about your story. You have a fantastic shop, my friend. Thanks for sharing. .
Magnet sheet to increase the efficiency of the dust collection & nice chant on the drill press, lol Thanks for the tour, truly inspirational. I appreciate your talent and humility acknowledging family for the support needed to achieve this level of success. All the best.
My dad had his shop a mile from the house. I know yours is just over there, but hear me out. He made a family space in his shop. He had an office/computer room combined with a small eat in kitchen and 3/4 bath. (the shower was so he didn't bring shop dirt into the house, but also in case of an accidental dousing of solvent or fuel.) He had a pool table/ping pong table. This way he could entertain and yet keep the house private. I know your boy is young but he will want to have friends over someday... this way they can be covertly supervised. Or they can work on projects in the family room without having to worry about making a mess... after all they are in the shop, not in the house. It's also nice for you to keep a cold drink handy, or a snack or even a quick wash up before going home. Again it would make a great place for boys to make an after school snack without invading mom's kitchen... just some thoughts to consider as I'm only a girl... what do I know about teenaged boys. ❤🌅🌵
That is a really good idea. Thank you for the suggestion. I may add a few home features when I get around to remodeling my shop. It needs lots of work and I may incorporate a couple of your ideas.
@@MikeFarrington, my dad's shop had gotten to be a real hangout place for his customers who became lifelong friends (the coffee was always hot.) You said in this video that you rented out time on the big belt sander... A lot of bartering and trading goes on around a kitchen table with a cup of coffee. A shop bathroom or outhouse would keep those people out of your home... But just a side note. What about giving woodworking lessons to local novices like me in your off season? You'd have to look into liability issues, but it could give you a secondary income stream and a chance for someone like me to use tools that would normally never be accessible. The classes could fund your shop upgrades. You are a great teacher. 💝☀🌵
@@suzisaintjamesThank you. I have run a few classes. I really like doing it, but I don't think it would be a good money maker unless I did it all the time and streamline my process.
@@MikeFarrington , by all the time, did you mean year-round or do you mean all day? I was thinking in the winter months (or whenever your slow season) when people can't garden nor frolic in the beautiful summer weather so it doesn't take away from your primary income. Just thinking out loud. Don't mean to offend. But don't talk yourself out of opportunities... money is money. With that brand new baby and all the shop improvements, I'd be thinking hard... But I'm sure that you are. 💝☀🌵
@@suzisaintjames I think a better way to put it would be to say that I would need to dedicate myself and come up with systems to make it efficient. I would also need to work very hard on marketing to make sure I could fill the classes. All of this is doable, it just takes lots of time upfront. Winter would be good but my shop is not heated or insulated, so that rules that out, but I am hoping to get that fixed this spring. Thank you very much for your input, and yes, I could always use the money, little ones are not cheap.
we did the same with our 52" sandmaster 2 head OSS. we sanded for many orange county woodworkers. in 1981 we charged 48 per hour with a 15 dollar minimum . the sander paid for its financing 100% great shop man.
Mike, such a good tour. Love the subtle humor and especially enjoyed the way you showed your work throughout. You are a blessed man to have the support that you enjoy from your lovely wife and little ones. Thank you so much for sharing with us. Looking forward to great content and many more pro-tips!
mike as a fellow woodworker from belgium. i can appreciate the things you make and the things you do. i also started off with a small shop and now have a shop that 750 m2. the robland pannelsaw you have is made here in belgium and i also have one or 2 tools from them. i enjoy you're voice on the videos its so smooth. and the content you post is eye candy. thank you so much for you're videos.
What can I say, starting from the last you appreciation of your lovely wife is most commendable, your workbench is great and the storage idea , will be taken to heart. The tools and the rest of the shop is without words. and finally your attitude about work and your hobby is spot on. I have the same attitude. Work is something most people dread, we, on the other hand, enjoy going to work. How great that is and to boot we get to look at and appreciate the fruits of our labors. Best job I have ever hand, Oh for at least the last 50 years RC
A good wife makes a good man, and a good man a good wife. It's apparent you both are great people and together you make a beautiful life. You are very talented Mr. Farrington! You have an amazing wife, family and pedigree of fine woodworking! Money can never buy such a thing, it's all a blessing from the Almighty! Thanks for sharing your insights and talent. You are a very talented man!
Besides they fact that your voice gives me peace I want yo thank you because I was about to give up due to I am facing a lot of financial problems and I was about to sell the few stuff I got but u just injected fuel to my dreams. Greetings from Guatemala
Wow! I have watched so many videos of guys and girls and their shops. Yours is my dream come true. The best one yet. I love that you have so many tools that you have picked up second hand. That is my favorite way to acquire tools, although of late I have been getting new tools because I don't have the time to restore a tool before I can use it. I would love to get an old Delta/Rockwell band saw like yours! Also, your custom work is beautiful!
Great shop and tools and a very well put together video. I would LOVE to see your build of that LVL-topped workbench and the vice system you installed. Getting ready to build another workbench and this one looks like it would meet my needs. Thanks again!
"Chaos". Love it. I also hate you, since I am in the process of moving/upgrading my humble shop and I've been inspired by you to increase my budget ever so slightly.
This is the second time I've watched this tour and each time I enjoy it more, the best part is the thanking of Mrs. Farrington....... class, pure class!!
Your shop is double the size of mine probably triple lol I've been here about 20yrs Its heated and insulated 👍 When I get to work in here rather than out in the field " i can't believe I get to make a living in here" is something I catch myself saying often Great video ,much enjoyed Thanks
While watching just about everyone of your videos, I am always looking over your shoulder at your shop. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your shop adventure....Loved where it all started with a tiny space....My present provisional space is a HFT car canopy on a concrete slab...and lots of extra tarps. With any luck walls and a roof this spring-my wife is tired of me storing sheet goods and ongoing projects in the dining room! Can't tell you how jealous I am of that sliding table saw...hahaha!
When you mentioned the stuff on top of the paint room as "secret", I interpreted that to mean "I have no idea what is up there". Great shop tour. But no tool or space envy here. Woodworking is my hobby. I don't need all what your have. But It was great seeing it. Also a good story about how you got started. You should have included pictures of your wife and shop helper. Terrific picture of your work. You sure have reason to be proud of everything you do. I am a turner and especially enjoyed your bowls. Your videos are always well produced. Thank you for sharing.
Simply brilliant, most especially the dedication to Mrs. Farrington. "and so say all of us" I have made a living my whole life by not wearing a suit and once again it would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my version of Mrs. F. (30 years now!) Thanks Mike, you just make the world a better place.
A Very Awesome One Man Professional Work Shop Indeed... I have only seen one Better in my 40 years in the Trades. Congrats... I am Very Envious... Greg
mrebholz. No Martin is long retired and his equipment has been sold off... He had an 16” x 120” Altenforf Sliding saw a Delta Unifence Saw, a 40+ inch sander, large stroke sander, three 1-1/4” shapers, 14” delta radial arm saw, a Huge Indutrial Dust collection system 8” metal ducting through out. Martin did architectural woodwork. You name the Good stuff and he had it in his shop... Apollo HVLP turbine sprayer long before they became popular... All old school porter cable Routers and Sanders... These are just some of the things he owned and used... I can still see and feel his shop in my mind... A real treat to to have seen in operation and a good memory to treasure...
dude I laughed so hard when you said "the blade is spinning towards my face" hahahaha love your content man I've learned so much, you're an inspiring guy keep doing what you're doing.
That was an amazing shop tour, and has given me some ideas on what I might need to do to reorganize my shop and get things to go a little better for me. I understand not wanting to wear a suit to work, and having the support of a loving spouse who affords you the opportunity to follow your dream. For me it started out because my wife needed a better night stand, and I found I had a love of building things, and it grew from there. I know you have many comments and people who probably ask for your help in things, but if you ever have time I would love to chat, and and basically get your opinion and advise on how I might better improve my shop, skills, and even move from just hobbyist to the professional wood worker that also is a wood working hobbyist. Thank you,
Icing on the cake is the 2nd gen 4Runner in the background! Great shop and am a big fan. Thank you for making these videos. Much respect and appreciation.
Thank you very much. Unfortunately, the Runner has been sold. With two kids I just didn't have time to take it out. Though I have been talking about getting back into another vehicle when the kids are old enough to go out with me. I loved that truck...
Hey mike! Love your videos! I was going to ask how you felt about financing tools. I was relieved when you said you had only financed the wide belt sander. I worked in a small cabinet shop (myself, the owner, and his wife) years ago that was heavily in debt. All of his tools, trucks, trailers, and van were all financed, and he worked out of a commercial space with high rent. Needless to say his costs were insane, and he was supremely stressed out all the time. I’m glad to see that you can be successful while operating with lower costs (relative to your income) I feel it’s definitely the best way to go, and that will be the route I take.
I learned very early on that debt was a source of stress. I saw many friends go the same route. From the outside it looked like they were on top of the world. Then one little thing would go wrong and they would fold. I save constantly, I pay cash for tools, I pay cash for cars, I have only one payment, my house, which is also my shop rent. This has been what has kept me passionate about woodworking, if I was stressed out all the time trying to pay off debt, I wouldn't enjoy what I do. Plus I wouldn't see my wife and kids.
I'm jealous of you, and I don't ever get jealous of people. I am stuck here in SoCal in a small shop, and I swear one day I'm going to leave this place and buy a house with a proper shop like you did! Good call on getting out of here!
I was a little disappointed you didn't discuss your dust collection, which is a minor obsession of mine. In particular the odd attachment you have above the sliding saw, does that work well? Maybe a future video?
I am planing to redo my dust collection soon. Thats why I didn't mention it in the video. The attachment is called Loc Line. It works OK. I am planning on attaching a dust shroud to help it along.
@@MikeFarrington Thanks for the update, I'll be eager to see what you do with dust collection. You seem to have everything in your shop well thought out, and designed, with neatness a priority. I'm sure whatever you design will be well worth watching.
I have 3 things: First and most important, the vid could have been much higher quality if the "Shop Apprentice" had been there to help his dad. Second, I would like to be bored seeing you paint booth, with all of your painting tools. Third, your dust collection. Thanks for another great vid.
Thank you. The Shop Apprentice will make a return to the screen soon. I left out the paint booth and dust collector because I am planning dedicated videos for those two areas. Stay tuned!
Mike if my wife ever leaves me I'll move to Colorado and work for you for FREE. Love your videos and humor bud. I built your router table and I love it.
I loved my PM 66, best table top on any saw that I owned. I owned two Uni-saws ( great saws) and now a saw stop and they all worked well, but there was something special about the 66...OBTW, very nice heart felt thank you to your wife!
Hands down my favourite woodworker/maker/artist on RU-vid. Not just for the projects themselves, but for the video quality, humour, humble personality, methodologies, etc. We can tell you are passionate and caring for your work, your family, and your hobbies. There are other very talented workworkers on RU-vid whose personalities drive me nuts. I've seen nothing but professionalism and high qualities while on this channel. Keep up the great work Mike and thanks for the tour of your life.
Mike , First thank you for the Fantastic tour ,your video was great and your shop is wonderful . I am in a small shop right now and probably will never go bigger (I'm 67 ) but I have devised a way to work big in a small shop.. Once again Thank you your Craftsmanship is perfect.
The one key to your success, working solo !! I shut down my cabinet shop in 04, I had the Robland 300 also,and thought it very good for the price. My mitre station was on wheels with two 8’ torsion boxes either side all plywood skeletal framing, handy and lightweight. I built 3 other mitre stations of the same design after a local Commercial glazier seen it and bought two for his co, one for the shop and one to go out on jobs within his 24’ trailer, the other was for a local framer.
It looks to me like a "panel handler" from ShopCarts USA. 'Taint cheap, though. Budget c. $1.1-1.4K for new. Or consider a build-it-yourself multi-function shop cart ("MFSC") like that of Belgian woodworker, Timothy Wilmots, also on RU-vid.
Mike, mentioning and recognizing your wife and her importance to you made this video the best I’ve watched thus far. Keep up the awesome work, you are a great example for the “Apprentice”.
It all fine and dandy with the kissing up to the wife, but still the apprentice gets no mentioning despite the hours of video of him cleaning your shop. Great video btw.
You have some major talent Mr Farrington. As a new subscriber and very new builder (30+ yr commercial painter by trade) I look forward to seeing much more from you. Enjoy Colorado, I've been here 50 yrs
Mike Farrington that’s true, I doubt I’ll ever get to that level of either skill, or shop, but it’s people like you that inspired me to purchase my first proper tools and to start making things, Even if it’s just for me and my family.
@@almostanengineer Everybody starts somewhere. I started in a small shop, with a skillsaw and nail gun. I just keep at it building my skills and tool collection.
I love how Brits say "You Americans think that's small, come take a look at us!". Come live in the Netherlands, every square meter (or square feet as you say) is built. My "shop" is a shed in the garden of 3 by 4 meter (9 by 12 feet i guess). Granted, I'm no pro, so I'll manage for now :) But kidding aside, that is one amazing shop and an even more amazing collection of tools. Also really liked the editing and the relaxed tone of the video. Was the first video I saw of you, but subcribed in a second. Can't wait to explore the old stuff :)
Mike all I can say is WOW. I got into woodworking late in life (62) and although I'm not great at it I LOVE it. Thanks so much for the tour and the hard work you put into producing such great content.
What an awesome shop. You probably know many of those watching are in shop lust. You're passion for the craft does show through the work you exhibit and your RU-vid presentations. Thank you for sharing.
You are a true inspiration to the art and The Craft I like you I'm a woodworker just starting off and I feel the same way you do had an accident so I haven't done any woodworking for a few weeks now
Mike. You are sooo entertaining. Your sense of humor is similar to mine..Nice to hear a little about you etc...Of course I love your ability to teach..
First let me say you have a great shop to support your business as well as your obvious passion. Kudos to you for making a point of thanking your wife , most if not all of us have supportive spouses who put up with what is a very expensive hobby as well as giving up what could otherwise be living space for a workshop that we stuff as many tools that we can justify buying.
Thanks for all the ideas. My wife and I are purchasing a home in Elizabeth, CO that happens to have a 40x60 shop. Coming from a garage workshop, it is both exciting and daunting. Looking forward to more of your videos.
i have since been a lurker to your channel for many months...my first comment in fact today...i have watched your videos and love the content, the cinematography, the tools (especially the Virutex and Lamello)...looking forward to more videos but i know they are time consuming to make and i appreciate you making them for us viewers..the attention to details is 100 percent...the monster belt sander is well..a luxury in everyones shop! cheers from the Philippines
Mike - such an awesome shop you have. I am in the throws of working on my woodworking shop. You have given me inspiration and some new ideas as well. I am looking forward to having a RU-vid video made some day when my shop is complete. Thanks again for sharing!
Definitely the most well-equipped one man shop I've ever seen. I worked in a cabinet shop with 15 employees and we didn't have the tools you have. What a pleasure it must be to work in that shop.