Any woodworkers?

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/wood-heat-thread-post-pics.237436/

 

I’ve contemplated starting to up the projects I do, and have even thought about leaving my day job to start woodworking out of the garage full time. But like everyone has echoed, I’m terrified I’d grow to hate it in a few years.

 

What kind of woodworking or product do you have in mind ?

 

I think it’d probably be furniture to get started on. I’ve done a few different kinds of coffee tables and end tables that I think if I were to standardize everything, I could knock them out in a reasonable time frame. Probably toss in some knick nacky smaller stuff like bandsaw boxes. I could do kitchen tables, or conference room tables, Ive just never done stuff that big.

I’d have A LOT to learn if I ever actually do this. It also may be a pipe dream that people will pay custom hardwood furniture prices to buy from a guy building in his garage.

 

I’ve built stuff in my back yard(garage was under construction)that people have paid a ton of money for. Outdoor clear cedar table and two benches that paid for half my Tacoma. The hard part is getting into that niche market. Once you’re in, people will buy anything

 

You have any vacation time coming up ?

I would suggest you take that time and pretend like you were in business and had to depend on your efforts to take care of you and your family. Make everyday a job, honestly keep track of your hours and materials. 8 hour days minimum, no TV, internet, phone or texting but regular breaks and time for lunch. Then, post it up the finished product for sale while you get started working on the next one and see what happens.

When the money comes in, set aside $$ for taxes and insurance and money for shop supplies, electricity and heat and then see what's left for your salary.

I think this will give you a good idea if what you have to offer is enough to keep you afloat and get ahead.

Good Luck out there, I'd be interested in hearing how it goes. I'll be rootin' for ya !

 

New to this joint and woodworking... but recently built a pretty dope workbench:

https://youtu.be/g4d8z3i_Rqg

 

His shop is larger than my house.

 

to be fair, I use a really wide angle lense.

 

Made my dog crate look more like furniture

 

I’m just jealous.

 

This hound dawg looks like he / she is very much aware of it's grand stature in your household !

 

I've actually watched that video before , nice bench

 

people actually watch that crap?!

thanks man!

 

I found it researching Systainer storage / workbench / outfeed islands for my workshop I'm currently building

There's a build thread if you want to come along for the ride , suggestions are welcome or at least tolerated lol

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ust-build-the-damn-shop-already-build.666783/

 

Nice. I've been thinking about doing this for quite a while. More along the lines of a end table/kennel.

 

With Etsy, it’s pretty easy to start a small business and do the work on the side. And with smaller woodworking items, you can ship them. Lonely housewives love Etsy. I built a butcher block and pretty quickly had people trying to get it from Japan and California. But they were too expensive to ship. As @Frito said, you’ll find out what it takes. Remember, greyhound ships very cheap in comparison for larger items. But for bulky things bigger than a coffee table, it will cost a lot to get it across the country.

 

Thank you both for your responses! Most worried about woodworking losing the joy that it brings me right now, when it becomes something that I have to do. I have a tendency to get bored with jobs after I get proficient. Then again, it could be the thing that breaks my streak, and leads to me loving everyday at work.

Decisions decisions.

 

Think of it this way.. you can never be the best at woodworking. It’s an art than always has a way of challenging you.. whether physically or mentally. There are always ways to improve and new designs to make. It’s limitless. That is what makes it so much fun.