Right before I take a break from the podcast, I thought I would share how I came to start my business. It was not preordained, well thought out or meticulously launched. Nor was it a total train wreck..... Recommendations Get Out of Credit Card Debt https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/ways-to-get-out-of-debt Special Thanks to Listeners In Williams…

If people can't find you....they can't buy from you! Here are a few MUST DO steps to increase your online visibility that are inexpensive, easy and you don't need to be an IT expert. If you can calculate board feet, you can do this! Recommendations SEO 101 Podcast Ep 454 Chapter 1- SEO Fundamentals https://www.stepforth.com/blog/2023/seo-101-ep-454…

What do you do when you are faced with a problem you don't know how to solve? If you have been a pro woodworker for more than 15 minutes, you have probably experienced this or will. Here, I give 'Bob' some some helpful tips. Recommendations Saw Stop STOPPED!? https://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/news/woodworking-industry-news/legislators-introduce-bi…

What have you been waiting for? Why haven’t you started your business yet? We are going to talk about SOME of the excuses you have told yourself and how to move past them and why NOW is the best time to start your new WW Business… Recommendations Woodworking Books https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/woodworking Best Woodworking Books- Rob Cosman h…

Folding wood, faster glue ups, Etsy alert, O-rings, propane and the future of WAW all in this episode! Recommendations A Nature Work Life| Paul Sellers Vlog 019 https://youtu.be/pcZ9Po4EQcQ?si=duivV4UPolHPPcVM Amazon Handmade https://www.junglescout.com/blog/how-to-sell-on-amazon-handmade/ Department of Labor https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa/m…

How important is the bevel angle of your bench plane? Is 27 degrees better 24 degrees? The answer may surprise you! Also, last minute tips for filing your taxes...... Recommendations Wood Database https://www.wood-database.com/ Lie-Nielsen https://www.lie-nielsen.com/nodes/4219/home-education-getting-started#:~:text=On%20bevel%20up%20blades%2C%20th…

Shape, sharpen and shine, it's that simple. But how woodworkers, amateur or professional, get there is where we all struggle. If you don't develop your sharpening skills, you'll not advance as a woodworker- it's THAT important! Recommendations Taylor Drill Press Sharpener https://youtu.be/PdtDpiBSeMM?si=UpnrzI8DeiSUsgxX Sharpening Supplies https://…

Listeners have be contacting me with tips they wanted to share. Sanding, planing and finishing, I'm sure you will find these helpful. Recommendations Solidworks for Veterans https://veteran-store.solidworks.com/veteran/default.php The Edge-On-Up Sharpness Testers https://www.sharpeningsupplies.com/Edge-On-Up-Industrial-Edge-Tester-P1562C286.aspx Sp…

How good of a woodworker are you? What is your skill level? Does it even matter? If you are trying to do this professionally….YES it matters! Recommendations The US Government is About to Change Table Saws FOREVER! https://youtu.be/kb6LRfGhr_g?si=pIMZVChLMU4-otov Special Thanks to Listeners In Louisville, Kentucky Dublin, Ireland one listener in Mo…

Sanding is a challenge for any DIYer, but a professional woodworker must learn to sand quickly, effectively, and economically. Here are some tips I have learned over the years. Recommendations Sanding With Fein Multimaster https://youtu.be/3SZY2rqmkcA Largest Sandpaper Test EVER Done https://youtu.be/NZDCRFi8dKY?si=Bc4S49Ru1U0ST8jB Clark Howard on …

More difficult than hand cut dovetails, figuring out how much to charge for your work is a challenge for every professional woodworker. There are several ways to determine this number but you always have to keep the end goal in mind. Recommendations Essential Craftsman- How To Charge More AS A Contractor: 7 Ideas https://youtu.be/X31VMEifz8w?si=luq…

Happy New Year! I have 6 things you, as a professional woodworker, need to do straight away. Old timers to the podcast may have heard some of these before...but a refresher never hurt. Recommendations US Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/charts/consumer-price-index/consumer-price-index-by-category.htm Inflation Calculator: https://www…

Anyone who has used an old crappy, rusty hand saw knows how frustrating it can be. The saw binds and gets stuck in the wood, probably because the saw has lost all the set in the teeth. But ancient saws, Roman, Greek even Egyptian saws apparently had no set at all. Is it possible Christmas changed that? Recommendations Luke 2:1-20 John 1:1-18 Renais…

Here’s mishmash if tips and suggestions accumulated over the ….well, since the last T&S episode…...ways to flatten boards without a jointer, killing wood bugs, ways to safe money, ways to make more money and even why you should use Sriacha sauce! Recommendations Jointing on the Bandsaw- Paul Sellers https://youtu.be/NIEB65s3nbk?si=A2Q_daH5Pm_wRwMk …

Orders still have to go out, jobs still need to get done but this can be a real challenge when you feel like crap or are walking wounded. Maybe you can take steps now to mitigate the effects illness and injury. Recommendations BANDSAW vs FINGERS. My accident and story. Kerry Corney https://youtu.be/ZYO_KP3fq0E Special Thanks to Listeners In Toronto…

Forgetting this essential woodworking tool nearly doomed the pilgrims the first year in the New World. Don't forget YOURS! Happy Thanksgiving! Recommendations Stan Freberg Presents the United States of America, Vol. 1: The Early Years”--Stan Freberg (1961) https://youtu.be/o3hzDJiVfJo Herman's Hermits "Henry The VIII, I Am" on The Ed Sullivan Show …

Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Are you a hack who can do a lot of things...but NOT very well or are you REALLY good at just one thing? Which will make you the most money with the best job security? Recommendations None this episode. Special Thanks to Listeners In Halls Crossroads, Tennessee Toronto, Ontario, Canada One listener in Morocco Sup…

Build your Core Business Information (CBI) first and your website will soon follow. Keep it simple by using Google Websites (free, no coding) or Squarespace or Wix to sell online. Recommendations EP 30- How to Build A Website For Your Woodworking Business EP 3- Your Business Name https://sites.google.com/new https://www.wix.com/ https://www.squares…

How do you figure out how much lumber and sheet goods you need to buy just from your cut list? Create a materials and buy list! There are four ways to do this - pick the one that works for you. Recommendations https://www.cutlistoptimizer.com/ https://www.omnicalculator.com/construction/board-foot http://www.gnumeric.org/ STOP overbuilding cabinets…

If you spent $300 on wood for a project and you have a 20% to 30% waste factor.....you are leaving $60 - $90 lying on the floor. Sure, waste is included in the cost of the job.....but why let those extra dollars go to waste? Recommendations None this week.... Special Thanks to Listeners In Indianapolis, Indiana Eindhoven, Netherlands one listener i…

There is a way hobby/DIY woodworkers do things and a way professional woodworkers do things. The difference is time and money. Are you doing what the pros are doing? Recommendations None this week.... Special Thanks to Listeners In Coon Rapids, Minnesota Spruce Grove, Alberta ...and one listener in Mexico Support The Show On: Buy Me A Coffee: https…

The Mattel Corporation, famous for it's Barbie Doll, started in a garage....just like you. Here are 5 Skills the owners of Mattel used to become successful. You can use them too! Recommendations Lessons from Leaders: Mattel’s Ruth Handler: https://www.thomasnet.com/insights/lessons-from-leaders-mattel-s-ruth-handler/?linktype=readmore&channel=email…

These three challenges, if completed, will make you a better operator of a small, one-person, professional woodworking business. Special Thanks to Listeners In Lisbon, Ohio Sydney, New South Wales and one listener in the Philippines Support The Show On: Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/workatwoodwork Donate Directly: https://www.workin…

I'm done. It's finished. I'm over stressing out over, "...the latest and greatest finish of all time." I've used shellac for decades because... #1 It's a darn good finish, #2 It's incredibly versatile and, #3 It's very economical! Recommendations Where I buy shellac: https://www.shellacshack.com/ Step Aside, Rubio; The Game has Changed | Hardwax Oi…

Yes, you are a great woodworker......but, can you sell? There is no professional woodworking solopreneur with out sales. Mastering basic sales skills can greatly increase your profitability and enjoyment of this profession. Recommendations New age https://www.masterclass.com/articles/daniel-pinks-abcs-of-selling Feature-Benefit https://www.indeed.c…

These simple geometry skills will become valuable tools in your professional woodworking shop allowing you to work faster, with grater accuracy, and simplify many layout problems. Recommendations 3-d Shapes https://www.learner.org/ Protractor:https://www.amazon.com/General-Tools-Square-Metal-Protractor/dp/B00004T7TB?th=1 Essential Craftsman- laying…

Answers to listeners' questions: Can you trust other woodworkers, contracts, competition plus Etsy sales training and more on boric acid. Recommendations Chainsaw Carver https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=earth%20sense%20chainsaw%20carving Etsy Up https://youtu.be/2-MA5BwFXkU Keith Johnson Custom Woodworking https://youtu.be/ADHV-0IsNxQ Special …

Sooner or later a customer is going to bring you a piece of furniture that may or may not be invested with bugs! What will you do? Learn about seven of the most common wood boring insects and how to treat them. Recommendations Good Information About Wood Boring Insects https://diypestcontrol.com/powderpostbeetles.htm#getrid Wood Care Systems https:…

Some projects are easier than others. Bigger, more complex may seem daunting at first and you might feel it is beyond your skill level. But by breaking the job done into 12 steps you can unpack and tackle the job with confidence, leading to success! Recommendations Brent Hull of Hull Millwork on the Build Show Network https://buildshownetwork.com/c…

New standards coming that will affect the way you design and build 'Clothing Storage Units' otherwise known as dressers, chest of drawers, wardrobes and armoires. These new standards are intended to reduces deaths caused be furniture tip-overs. Recommendations https://businessofhome.com/articles/breaking-down-the-newly-passed-sturdy-act https://www…

Sales on Etsy seem to have dropped like a rock recently. Why? Even if you don't sell on Etsy, what can you do if your sales start to drop? Recommendations Kara Buntin on Etsy : https://www.youtube.com/live/2OzSxCNWy-E?feature=share Special Thanks to Listeners In: Houston, Texas Rome, Rome one listener in Egypt Support The Show On: Buy Me A Coffee: …

What do scammers, Norm, thin-kerf saw blades, quarterly taxes and PayPal have in common? They are all subjects of this Tips and Suggestions episode! Recommendations Hackaday: https://hackaday.com/2023/03/02/norm-abram-is-back-and-thanks-to-ai-now-in-hd/ Norm Is Back! https://youtu.be/8CpiSCMnH24 Bourbon Moth: https://youtu.be/6pIG2O9vtWE?t=347 Scam…

You're not very good-you don't know what you're doing.... Have you heard this before? You're probably the one who said it. We all have experienced self-doubt. Don't let it become a problem that holds you back from achieving great things for yourself and your customers. Recommendations Valentin's Instagram : https://instagram.com/vhraven Support The…

You want to start a woodworking business.....but can't git it of the ground. You start then get distracted or discouraged. Maybe you're going about it the wrong way. Try the grocery list approach! Recommendations Various YouTube videos on 'Make $$ Woodworking" WAW Episodes 3-12 Support The Show On: Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/work…

Do you have what it takes to be a pro woodworker? And I don't mean a lot of money! Do you have the temperament, the character, the .... personality to turn professional? Maybe, maybe not..... Recommendations http://www.16personalities.com/ https://www.lumberjocks.com/threads/woodworker-personality-types.88882/ Support The Show On: Buy Me A Coffee: …

Another year....another tax season! Big news about 1099-K that might concern you. With the new year you need to reevaluate your woodworking business plan, increase prices and cut under performing products. Ya, boring stuff...but really important! Recommendations IRS 1099-K www.cnbc.com 1099-K Support The Show On: Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymea…

So how much can I make as a professional woodworker? Great question to ask but only you can answer it! There are many, many factors to consider. Good thing YOU are the boss and can figure this out, with a little help. Recommendations Home Improvement Woodworking by Charlie Plesums, Austin, TX SoloWoodWorker Bureau of Labor Statistics Archives of ol…

Anyone who has used an old crappy, rusty hand saw knows how frustrating it can be. The saw binds and gets stuck in the wood, probably because the saw has lost all the set in the teeth. But ancient saws, Roman, Greek even Egyptian saws apparently had no set at all. Is it possible Christmas changed that? Recommendations Luke 2:1-20 John 1:1-18 Renais…

This is a big step in becoming a professional woodworker. The safety, security, 401k....health insurance can really tie us to a job, even one we might hate. How do we make this transition a step upward in our career path and not a jump with a lead parachute? Recommendations Should I Quit My Job?: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/career-advice/should…

If you can pull yourself out of that turkey coma you might pickup some tools on sale! Caution- Some of those deals may not be REAL deals for you! Also, holiday gift giving and end-of- year finances. Recommendations Scott Bennett Book list...https://youtu.be/7jjcYQ8k1qM Rob Cosman Book list: https://youtu.be/U_32J60tPs8 Christopher Schwarz: https://…

111200RNOV22- HAPPY VETERANS DAY! Veterans who own a professional woodworking business or veterans THINKING about starting one...heads up! This episode contains a sh*tload of tips and suggestions on resources available to you to help you start or run your business better and make more money. Recommendations Veterans Day 2022 free meals, discounts a…

What makes one piece of furniture worth $1500 and another worth only $150? What does ART have to do with the CRAFT of furniture making? Or does it? Listen, if you want to get better at this craft. Recommendations Ancient Greek Architecture: Dorian, Ionic & Corinthian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGPevxwITBE&feature=share&utm_source=EJGixIgBCJiu…

Buy supplies for your Pro Woodworking business at the ...grocery store! You will be surprised at the money you can save by purchasing various shop sundries. Recommendations Mahoney’s Wood Products: https://bowlmakerinc.com/ Support The Show On: Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/workatwoodwork Donate Directly: https://www.workingatwoodwo…

Apply your clear top coats and ship the same day? Yes! Using UV cured top coats , stains and fillers allow you to apply and cure in minutes-no hours, days or weeks! The technique is not hard, nor are the finishes more expensive than others, but there is one barrier that has to be overcome to bring your shop into the 21st century. Recommendations UV…

There are definite advantages to owning a woodworking franchise business. There are also some serious caveats to consider. We explore several of the more popular franchise options ad discuss alternatives. Recommendations Franchise Article: https://www.momandpopfranchise.com/woodworking-opportunities/ N-Hance Wood Refininshing: https://nhancefranchi…

At some in your career as a woodworker, either hobbyist or professional….you will be ask to do a presentation about woodworking. Should you? YES! There are many benefits that come from sharing your knowledge of woodworking. Recommendations WoodTalk EP 536...Shannon Rogers…. https://woodtalkshow.com/ Roy Underhill’s K’off’s Left Shoe : https://www.a…

I was cleaning the shop the other day and discovered some helpful items and decided to lump them all in this episode. I'm sure you will find some of these helpful in your woodworking business. Recommendations Woodweb.com Trello.com Support The Show On: Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/workatwoodwork Donate Directly: https://www.working…

Funny stories, tidbits and puns only woodworkers will get. None are true though a few facts are sprinkled in to make things interesting. Recommendations Coming Clean - Confession, Repentance, Restoration | Engels Coach Shop: https://youtu.be/qCnmqW8TI04 He has a vice he has been really struggling with...it’s interesting how he coped with it. Email …

We all struggle with it... always behind, disorganized, putting out fires, missing deadlines, unmotivated, confused, bewildered....considering that office job. Time management is a struggle; there are countless books on the subject. Combining your To Do List and a calendar while using the Eisenhower Matrix to make decisions can greatly improve your…

Ya, it's hard to do something you don't know how to do....I answer a listener's questions on how to figure out what goods or services your community wants or needs and how to get started. The listener shares a great business startup tool everyone should have on there phone. Recommendations: Primer: https://www.yourprimer.com/ Reider's Blog: troster…