Replies

1. 
   LRutherfor1 | May 20, 2002 07:24pm | #1

   I build my own door and drawer fronts.  Over time, I have made several jigs and templates that most of my customers favor.  I can build them faster and cheaper than buying factory-made ones.  Besides, I kinda like to finish a job with all my own work, and let the furniture/cabinets sell the next job.

   Len (Len's Custom Woodworking)

1. 
   sschefer | May 20, 2002 07:56pm | #2

   Len, this is exactly what I'm thinking. If this is the uniqueness that I need to compete then this is what I would do too. I'm thinking that I would need several minuature samples in different stains, finishes, etc.

   My only fear is that this is not being done for economic reasons but rather its the current trend and a status symbol to say you got your doors at such and such a place. One would think that a complete custom job would be more highly prized.Steve - in Northern California

1. 
   LRutherfor1 | May 21, 2002 12:38am | #5

   I don't stain up pieces, but carry several different brands (minwax, etc.) of their stains.  I do explain that differt wood will stain differently than others.  I did make up a few profiles of raised panel, and flat panel doors.  If all else fails, I let them into my kitchen and let them look at the cabinets.  I pulled off the cheap crap that they were built with and replaced them with pecky cypress, with raised panels.  That usually sell them.  Hope this helps.

   Len

2. 
   PlaneWood | May 20, 2002 08:45pm | #3

   Steve -

   Eons ago I did commercial cabinets.  The doors mostly were plywood doors with glued edge trim.  For the raised panel  and other insert doors, I farmed them out.  There were several commercial shops that did that in Tulsa and there was no way I could beat their prices, considering my time.  Even if I were to have had the equipment (which I didn't) I still couldn't have beat their prices.   To do the job, you need lots of expensive equipment.  1) a heavy duty shaper with auto feed. 2) Expensive bits. 3) a wide overhead belt sander. 4) a heavy duty DC. 5)  Lots of assembly room.   No way could I have justified it.

   After moving to Houston, it was still cheaper for me to use the shops in Tulsa even considering UPS and FedEx shipping prices.

   Now that I'm retired (sort of), I make them myself cause time is now CHEAP for me.

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy
   PlaneWood

1. 
   sschefer | May 20, 2002 08:52pm | #4

   Thanks Mike, that puts it back in the economics arena which is what I was hoping for. The possibility of it being a consumer trend turned my stomach. I am prepared to buy the equipment I would need but why would I if nobody else does. On the rare occasion that the customer would want me to make everything from scratch I think they would expect the extra expense.  Steve - in Northern California