Hello all,
I have been an architectural millwork installer for many years. I have done many “master class” projects such as courthouses, colleges, hospital lobbys, stair cases and so forth.
I am interested in expanding my already up and running home shop into something I can make money at and stay at home (millwork installation requires much travel, in my case, all over the north west area of the lower 48).
My question is: I have never worked in a cabinet shop. Will my current 25 years of experience apply (at all) to furniture making or will I have to start all over again at a beginner level and aquire 25 years of experience in furniture making too?
Looking for some feed back.
Bill
Replies
bill,
This is kind of a shot in the dark since I don't know your skill set. My assumption is that you probably have excellent skills with a collection of both power and hand tools. Additionally, you have skills that many cabinet makers don't have such as installing crown molding and architectural treatments in some rather deluxe settings. You know how to read a rule, blueprints and instructions for installations. I'd call that an intermediate woodworker, at least.
Starting your own shop, however, will require a number of skills other than the tactical ones outlined here. You'll need some strategic ones, how to go to market, how to advertise, how to establish your own brand just to name a few. If you've got those, too, then I'd say your at least as far along as a number of people that I know in business.
I'm not a professional woodworker; it is my avocation and passion that I also happen to make a little money doing. (My two brothers are pros but they work for someone else, they don't run their own shops.) I am a businessman and have some ideas on what it takes to build a business like you're asking about. It isn't easy but if it was, everyone would do it!
If you've got enough money to pay your bills for six months with no income, then I think you're about as prepared as 50% of the small businesses that get started in this country. Go for it!
Good luck!
Kell
Yes and no!
You are obviously very proficient with processing and machining wood and no doubt you have 25 years of learned "tricks of the trade". But with regard to wood, you never can know it all. What you know is probably completely transferable but you are going to have to learn some new stuff as well (like finishing)
Furniture makers have their tricks and rules of thumb which are different from those of a cabinet maker. Some of these are written down but a lot have to be learned the hard way (by making mistakes and through trial and error).
The primary issue I see you facing is whether you are going to be a manufacturer (ie design and create a specific product line which you will then market and sell) or whether you are provide a woodworking service (ie making items on demand to client specifications).
If you go the former route, then you can create some prototypes, find some market outlets and see how well these items sell. The latter approach requires you to find clients first and then ideally meet their needs in a profitable manner. You have to make a choice as to which path you want to pursue (or an appropriate balance between the two).
My advice is to not quit the daytime job until you have established sufficient and regular income from your endeavors.
I've never been self-employed. But, I've worked in cabinets, furniture and architectural type stuff (museum, interpretive and trade show exhibits)... as well as sheetmetal and some other stuff. Mostly as a finisher/painter. But, I have done a fair amount of building too, managing to make Journeyman as a builder in a union exhibit shop before getting back into finishing/painting for the umpteenth time. LOL
Anyway, based on my experience I think NIEMIEG1's advise here is spot on.
Regards,
Kevin
Bill, Make and sell plans for fireplace surrounds and mantle pieces.
Or, Sell kits with materials and instructions.
Design and sell plans for ornate doors and entry ways.
I'm sure most WWWoodies" would eat them up. Stein.
Edited 6/24/2003 7:24:53 PM ET by steinmetz
bill
I am not a professioanl WW. I did have my own business for 14 years. I have been doing WW for 30. Having your own business has rewards and can also be very risky.
I like Kevin, agree with Neimi. Test the water with one foot before you take the plunge. The market on anything not necessary is extremely tight at the moment. The economy is not great. Sgain Dubh (Richard Jones) who has been a professional for 30 years and owns a shop in Houston is looking for a job teaching. Again, things are tight.
I would as Neimi says, take it slowly as a test. You will be able to determine from there if it is where you want to go. Also remember, unless your wife has a job that has health coverage; you will have to provide that at great expense from your own pocket. If you have a family, that's important.
Thanks to my wife's insurance, we paid $25 on a $457,988 medical bill about 5 years ago. Otherwise, the only alternative was bankruptcy. Give these kind of things some thought.
Good Luck...
sarge..jt
The best way I can think of to sharpen my skills is working for a high end shop. Consider working for someone - maybe a year or so? You would earn and learn while continuing to set up your shop.
Good luck
SA
thanks for all the replies. it was helpful to hear some of the business end details.
bill
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