I'm not quite sure that this is the appropriate place to
make this inquiry. If this is off topic, or offends anyone
otherwise, I apologize.
When people ask me what I do, I tell them I'm a
cabinetmaker.
I've been in the architectural woodworking/cabinetry
industry for more than 20 years.
The lions share of that experience being split pretty evenly
between retail fixtures and high end residential work. As
far as my recreational woodworking goes its mostly furniture
making with heavy Arts & Crafts, Stickley, Greene & Greene
influences.
In the last eight years I've spent much more time in front
of my computer designing/engineering than behind my tablesaw
building. From my perspective, as far as tools go,
computers are a necessary evil. Tablesaws are fun. Even
though I've done quite well a self employed
designer/drafter/engineer, my problem is this: I need more
fun. This begs the question: What's fun?
One thing that comes through these posts consistently in is
the fun you're having. Most of you realize that for the cost
of a decent used car, say $5k-$6k, you can set up a really
nice home shop and enjoy a pastime that's fun, relaxing,
rewarding, and cost effective too.
My step father is a retired academic professional and one
heck of a woodworker. His things are Windsor chairs and,
more recently, carving. Two or three times a year he heads
off to some class somewhere that flips his woodworking
switches. Typically he'll spend a thousand to fifteen
hundred dollars on a week long class and come back jazzed
about the experience.
It's been suggested that I should consider some sort of
woodworking school that would cater to the recreational,
weekend warrior type woodworker. This makes sense in a
couple of ways since, for me, building is fun and sharing
knowledge is fun.
Fun notwithstanding, bills still have to get paid. How
potentially lucrative could such an endeavor be? Think
about what's spent on golf, or tennis, or cooking lessons
these days.
Anyone have experiences similar to my stepfathers? Would
you ever consider taking such a class? If so, what are some
of the things you'd like to learn? Also, how much would you
be willing to pay and what would you consider to be value
for your dollar?
Thanks for your time and input.
-Mark-
I took a basic wood turning class at the NC State a year aog, enjoyed
every minute. the people were fun, class size was small 10 - 12 and
everybody helpped everybody else.
I am taking a weekend class at the Campbell scholl in 2 weeks. both my
wife and I are going (different classes) we enjoy learning how to do
things. the class is not cheap but comes down to how much would we
spend on a weekend vacationing. the class then is not much more. We
also want to determine if we would want to take a week long class there
prhaps fall or spring of next year.
Their prices are at the top of my range untill I get my skills to "good"
level, then perhapse a class with one of the current "masters" if you
will to expand the skill level. that might be worth more.
BRuce
Michael Baglio wrote:
> On Fri, 05 Sep 2003 02:48:50 GMT, Mark Owens <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
>
>>It's been suggested that I should consider some sort of
>>woodworking school that would cater to the recreational,
>>weekend warrior type woodworker. This makes sense in a
>>couple of ways since, for me, building is fun and sharing
>>knowledge is fun.
>
>
> I spent a week at the John C. Campbell Folk School's "Tablemaking"
> class. It was a gift from my wife, who's cousin teaches the class.
>
> What I "learned" there had a lot less to do with working wood than it
> did the pure fun of doing it with a group of like minded folks.
>
> Let's face it: "Tablemaking" is pretty simple. If I asked whether
> the education was worth the price, (approx $800- room, board,
> materials), it'd be a tough call. But if I asked whether I had the
> _best_time_of_my_life, I'd have to answer: "When can I go again?"
>
> We woodworkers tend to be an "isolated" type of people. This class
> was a "people" thing, and it was awesome.
>
> There were a couple of older women in our class, and watching them be
> amazed that they could actually turn raw lumber into a finished
> hallway table was worth the cost alone.
>
> I'd recommend anything you can get into. It's a great experience.
>
> Michael Baglio
Mark wrote:
Group: rec.woodworking Date: Fri, Sep 5, 2003, 2:48am (EDT+4) From:
[email protected] (Mark=A0Owens)
I'm not quite sure that this is the appropriate place to make this
inquiry. If this is off topic, or offends anyone otherwise, I apologize.
When people ask me what I do, I tell them I'm a cabinetmaker.
<snip>
******************************************************
I too, consider myself a cabinet maker. All too often when I mention it,
somebody will ask me if I could make them some kitchen cabinets out of
melamine chipboard. I try to remain calm and not "frow up" all over
them.
Peace ~ Sir Edgar
=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=
=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8
Mark Owens wrote:
<snip>
> One thing that comes through these posts consistently in is
> the fun you're having. Most of you realize that for the cost
> of a decent used car, say $5k-$6k, you can set up a really
> nice home shop and enjoy a pastime that's fun, relaxing,
> rewarding, and cost effective too.
>
> My step father is a retired academic professional and one
> heck of a woodworker. His things are Windsor chairs and,
> more recently, carving. Two or three times a year he heads
> off to some class somewhere that flips his woodworking
> switches. Typically he'll spend a thousand to fifteen
> hundred dollars on a week long class and come back jazzed
> about the experience.
>
> It's been suggested that I should consider some sort of
> woodworking school that would cater to the recreational,
> weekend warrior type woodworker. This makes sense in a
> couple of ways since, for me, building is fun and sharing
> knowledge is fun.
<snip>
> Anyone have experiences similar to my stepfathers? Would
> you ever consider taking such a class? If so, what are some
> of the things you'd like to learn? Also, how much would you
> be willing to pay and what would you consider to be value
> for your dollar?
Mark,
I have had similar experiences to your stepfather's. I've attended
classes at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Maine
(http://www.woodschool.org/) and each time, I've come back "jazzed", -
full of enthusiasm, new ideas, new skills, and usually new friends -
some of whom I've remained in contact with. The programs (two weeks
long) really jump start both the learning curve and my personal energy
and committment to furniture building.
The programs are expensive - $900 for a couple of weeks plus travel and
living expenses for the period of time - but for me, worth every penny.
Rick
http://thunderworksinc.com
What the hell does age have to do with it? Although my body recently
celebrated its 40th anniversary of entering that particular decade, my mind
is still firmly lodged somewhere back in my twenties.
With regard to attending classes. While the "people experience" would be a
big plus, I've always been of the opinion that I could learn anything I
didn't already know out of a book, and would rather buy one and spend the
big bucks, first on tools, and then on materials to build those projects. I
feel I've gained far more experience that way than I would have attending
classes.
You'll also notice, with advanced age, that these classes flourish during
affluent times, and dwindle in the not so affluent ... but a good book and
tools, once bought, can continue teaching for a life time.
Therefore, it you're affluent enough to do both, like your step-father, go
for it ... if not, buy a book when you need it, and do likewise.
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 8/24/03
"Mark Owens" wrote in message
> Anyone have experiences similar to my stepfather's? Would
> you ever consider taking such a class? If so, what are some
> of the things you'd like to learn? Also, how much would you
> be willing to pay and what would you consider to be value
> for your dollar?
>
> Thanks for your time and input.
>
> -Mark-
>
>
"Sir Edgar" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
Mark wrote:
Group: rec.woodworking Date: Fri, Sep 5, 2003, 2:48am (EDT+4) From:
[email protected] (Mark Owens)
I'm not quite sure that this is the appropriate place to make this
inquiry. If this is off topic, or offends anyone otherwise, I apologize.
When people ask me what I do, I tell them I'm a cabinetmaker.
<snip>
******************************************************
I too, consider myself a cabinet maker. All too often when I mention it,
somebody will ask me if I could make them some kitchen cabinets out of
melamine chipboard. I try to remain calm and not "frow up" all over
them.
Peace ~ Sir Edgar
øøøøøøøøøøøøøøøøøøøøøøøøøøøøøøøøøøøøøø
Lord Edgar, how did you get started in cabinet making?
I got a none of my business question. I was curious. When you say you have
been in cabinetry for 20 years, were you an adult when you started or a kid.
I would like to get into cabinet making one day, but am afraid I am too old.
I am over thirty, but less than forty. Am I too old? I know I am gonna get
flamed for saying that, but I don't know another way to ask. I promise this
is not a troll. Can someone "get good" at making cabinets even if he didn't
start doing it when he was five and grew up in the trade? Thanks.
I worked with computers and have been since I was 14, and that is where my
intuitive skill set is. But I can't say whether I would be as good or not
had I started older.
"Mark Owens" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I'm not quite sure that this is the appropriate place to
> make this inquiry. If this is off topic, or offends anyone
> otherwise, I apologize.
>
> When people ask me what I do, I tell them I'm a
> cabinetmaker.
> I've been in the architectural woodworking/cabinetry
> industry for more than 20 years.
> The lions share of that experience being split pretty evenly
> between retail fixtures and high end residential work. As
> far as my recreational woodworking goes its mostly furniture
> making with heavy Arts & Crafts, Stickley, Greene & Greene
> influences.
>
> In the last eight years I've spent much more time in front
> of my computer designing/engineering than behind my tablesaw
> building. From my perspective, as far as tools go,
> computers are a necessary evil. Tablesaws are fun. Even
> though I've done quite well a self employed
> designer/drafter/engineer, my problem is this: I need more
> fun. This begs the question: What's fun?
>
> One thing that comes through these posts consistently in is
> the fun you're having. Most of you realize that for the cost
> of a decent used car, say $5k-$6k, you can set up a really
> nice home shop and enjoy a pastime that's fun, relaxing,
> rewarding, and cost effective too.
>
> My step father is a retired academic professional and one
> heck of a woodworker. His things are Windsor chairs and,
> more recently, carving. Two or three times a year he heads
> off to some class somewhere that flips his woodworking
> switches. Typically he'll spend a thousand to fifteen
> hundred dollars on a week long class - and come back jazzed
> about the experience.
>
> It's been suggested that I should consider some sort of
> woodworking school that would cater to the recreational,
> weekend warrior type woodworker. This makes sense in a
> couple of ways since, for me, building is fun and sharing
> knowledge is fun.
> Fun notwithstanding, bills still have to get paid. How
> potentially lucrative could such an endeavor be? Think
> about what's spent on golf, or tennis, or cooking lessons
> these days.
>
> Anyone have experiences similar to my stepfather's? Would
> you ever consider taking such a class? If so, what are some
> of the things you'd like to learn? Also, how much would you
> be willing to pay and what would you consider to be value
> for your dollar?
>
> Thanks for your time and input.
>
> -Mark-
>
>
On Fri, 05 Sep 2003 02:48:50 GMT, Mark Owens <[email protected]>
wrote:
>It's been suggested that I should consider some sort of
>woodworking school that would cater to the recreational,
>weekend warrior type woodworker. This makes sense in a
>couple of ways since, for me, building is fun and sharing
>knowledge is fun.
I spent a week at the John C. Campbell Folk School's "Tablemaking"
class. It was a gift from my wife, who's cousin teaches the class.
What I "learned" there had a lot less to do with working wood than it
did the pure fun of doing it with a group of like minded folks.
Let's face it: "Tablemaking" is pretty simple. If I asked whether
the education was worth the price, (approx $800- room, board,
materials), it'd be a tough call. But if I asked whether I had the
_best_time_of_my_life, I'd have to answer: "When can I go again?"
We woodworkers tend to be an "isolated" type of people. This class
was a "people" thing, and it was awesome.
There were a couple of older women in our class, and watching them be
amazed that they could actually turn raw lumber into a finished
hallway table was worth the cost alone.
I'd recommend anything you can get into. It's a great experience.
Michael Baglio
all you need to get good is attitude (a burning interest in cabinet
making), experience (practice, practice, practice), and aptitude (your
skills set should include woodworking related things such as the ability
to work with your hands, patience, pride in workmanship) . It goes
without saying that you also need a place to do it, money for the proper
tools and materials, and having the support of a loving woman helps too!
:)
Age is NOT a factor, by any means. Don't worry about being in your
thirties. You've still got a "few good years" left. (Reminds me of my
ex complaining about vet bills for our dog; she said, in all
seriousness, that she "had to get a few more good years out of her.")
That was at least 2 years ago, so I guess she's gotten her wish.
If you are going to make a business out of it, then you also need some
business savvy. Know how to market, how to price (conversely meaning
how to buy at rock bottom prices), how to apportion your time between
selling and building. How to hire/train employees, if you aspire to be
a larger than a one man operation. Prepare for long hours and a period
of time when something other than the business is going to pay the bills.
dave
jm wrote:
> I got a none of my business question. I was curious. When you say you have
> been in cabinetry for 20 years, were you an adult when you started or a kid.
>
> I would like to get into cabinet making one day, but am afraid I am too old.
> I am over thirty, but less than forty. Am I too old? I know I am gonna get
> flamed for saying that, but I don't know another way to ask. I promise this
> is not a troll. Can someone "get good" at making cabinets even if he didn't
> start doing it when he was five and grew up in the trade? Thanks.
>
> I worked with computers and have been since I was 14, and that is where my
> intuitive skill set is. But I can't say whether I would be as good or not
> had I started older.
>
>
> "Mark Owens" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
>>I'm not quite sure that this is the appropriate place to
>>make this inquiry. If this is off topic, or offends anyone
>>otherwise, I apologize.
>>
>>When people ask me what I do, I tell them I'm a
>>cabinetmaker.
>>I've been in the architectural woodworking/cabinetry
>>industry for more than 20 years.
>>The lions share of that experience being split pretty evenly
>>between retail fixtures and high end residential work. As
>>far as my recreational woodworking goes its mostly furniture
>>making with heavy Arts & Crafts, Stickley, Greene & Greene
>>influences.
>>
>>In the last eight years I've spent much more time in front
>>of my computer designing/engineering than behind my tablesaw
>>building. From my perspective, as far as tools go,
>>computers are a necessary evil. Tablesaws are fun. Even
>>though I've done quite well a self employed
>>designer/drafter/engineer, my problem is this: I need more
>>fun. This begs the question: What's fun?
>>
>>One thing that comes through these posts consistently in is
>>the fun you're having. Most of you realize that for the cost
>>of a decent used car, say $5k-$6k, you can set up a really
>>nice home shop and enjoy a pastime that's fun, relaxing,
>>rewarding, and cost effective too.
>>
>>My step father is a retired academic professional and one
>>heck of a woodworker. His things are Windsor chairs and,
>>more recently, carving. Two or three times a year he heads
>>off to some class somewhere that flips his woodworking
>>switches. Typically he'll spend a thousand to fifteen
>>hundred dollars on a week long class - and come back jazzed
>>about the experience.
>>
>>It's been suggested that I should consider some sort of
>>woodworking school that would cater to the recreational,
>>weekend warrior type woodworker. This makes sense in a
>>couple of ways since, for me, building is fun and sharing
>>knowledge is fun.
>>Fun notwithstanding, bills still have to get paid. How
>>potentially lucrative could such an endeavor be? Think
>>about what's spent on golf, or tennis, or cooking lessons
>>these days.
>>
>>Anyone have experiences similar to my stepfather's? Would
>>you ever consider taking such a class? If so, what are some
>>of the things you'd like to learn? Also, how much would you
>>be willing to pay and what would you consider to be value
>>for your dollar?
>>
>>Thanks for your time and input.
>>
>>-Mark-
>>
>>
>
>
>