First Order
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Just started working on my first order. It’s a DVD storage unit, along the lines of a bookcase but not as deep. I have the sides cut to size and the dados roughly marked out. The shelves will be plywood lipped with pine, I have those made, everything is planing up nicely, flat and straight so far so good 🙂
I’m taking my time and trying to get everything right first time, well thats the plan. 😉
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Nice Ken, looks like a great project.
What are you doing for the back? I’m planning a kitchen cabinet but have not decided what to do for the back yet. Plywood would be one option but I would prefer something else.
Dallas, Texas
Johan, the back will never be seen when its full of DVDs, but I would still like it looking nice. I was thinking something on the lines of tongue and grooved panelling. Open to suggestions on that one though.
Congratulations Ken!
It always feels good when you get orders for your work. Take lots of pictures and notes so it will be easier to make it again when that next order comes in. Looking forward to seeing pictures of the finished piece!
Memphis, Tennessee
Thanks Steve, good Idea on taking notes, and pictures. Yeah I will post some pics when its finished. 🙂
Well done Ken.
I always say I could never make anything for money I am too slow either I would have to sell something for loads or I would be working for a very low hourly rate.Wigan, Lancs. England :
Thanks David.
Yeah first thing I said was I wont work to a time limit, it will be done asap.I dont think I could give myself an hourly rate, just give a price for the completed project.
Last summer I sold a set of outdoor furniture for a paint job on my house. I bought the paint, the painter bought the lumber, and we traded out our labor. We were both very pleased with the outcome. I will take woodworking over painting any day!
Memphis, Tennessee
HaHa Steve that sounds good to me, nice trade. 😉
Well Done Ken. Enjoy it.
As I am sure you are aware you will not make money on the time you spent on your order you are making.
I have been asked many times to make things but I had to tell people probably best to buy off the peg. As my labour charges would be too high as I would need to charge at that level to make a living. I have told them that its not that I cannot do it or that I wont do it just that I cannot justify charging that much.
I have had customers who where willing to pay. Made things like book case, shelves and Brackets, video cupboards, fitted wardrobes, windows ,gates, sheds, staircase,Japanese stile bridges over ponds, I could go on for a while. Admitted most of it more building trade stuff more than furniture and Mostly power tools.Dagenham, Essex, England
It’s not about the money, If it covers my materials + I’m more than happy. 🙂
That’s why I said enjoy it. 😉
I have always wanted just to use hand tools. I would love to do it as a living its my dream. I don’t have the money or facilities to make come true.
I am enjoying very much as a hobby. Just time I fight with to do woodworking.
like you said Ken money dose not come into it.Dagenham, Essex, England
Thanks Mark,
Time I have by the days full. Making a living doing projects with only hand tools, I think would be really hard, as you said could anyone afford such things today.I love it just as it is a full time hobby. HaHa 🙂
I envy you Ken.
Dagenham, Essex, England
That’s fantastic Ken! Your attitude towards the pricing is the same as mine. If I can cover the cost of materials I’m good. I get the most satisfaction by knowing that the person I made something for has a piece of true quality (I hope) and that they will see the difference and seek out more hand made items in the future.
Good luck with the project. Post some pics.http://hillbillydaiku.com
Thanks Greg, love the attitude buddy. I look at it like this, I get days of pleasure, I get practice, I get to use the tools I love, I get a small amount of lumber left over for my own projects, and it costs me nothing, and hopefully I have made someone happy. I think thats a good deal. 😉
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