Episode 078: Thoughts on Being Self-Employed

We want to thank our top Patrons on Patreon: Jameson Elam, Stu Morrison, Scott McWilliams, Elliot Trent, Ty Moser, New England Woodworking Studio, Glen Vajcner, Adam Zawalich, Nick Hinson, Dave Barlow, Jedidiah Schultz, and Dustin Suits!  You too can support the show by purchasing a T-Shirt, donating, or become a monthly patron as well.  If you choose to become a patron you can get the show’s pre-release, a sticker, or other rewards based on the level you choose.

Thanks to Marshall Toy, Scott Haun, Sebastian Ollari, Justin Capogna, Matt Cremona, Nick Carruthers, Robert Bakie, Tim Holiner, Dave Bebee, Brodie Brickey, Modern Builds (Mike Montgomery), Eric Burke, Christopher Pickslay, JM Tosses, Terry Mulligan, Eric Schneider, Joe Pierce, Kyle Walker, Daniel Mendoza, Michael Jeffcoat, Kyle Thomas, Bruce Cooper, Steve Avery, Matthew Vitale, Matt Parker, Alex Garcia, Tim Marquart, Charles Alm, Chris Shanor, Stian Johannessen, Jeff Bull, Nathan Serviss, Mike Boehmer, and Mike Merzke for your support on Patreon as well.

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What’s Going On In The Shop

Kyle – Working on the 100 vase, starting a job for Whittier College.

Sean – Made another metal leafed bowl and started restoring a couple hand planes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brian – Fixed the jointer and dust collection, working on the walnut bed, and stuff around the farm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Main Topic – Thoughts on becoming and being self-employed.

Guest Question:

None…

Listener Questions, Email, and Comments:

Dave Kunkle – Hi guys,

I’ve been an avid listener of your podcast from the beginning and enjoy it very much. I wanted to ask a question. Have you ever built something for a client and not been able to get it into their house or into the room the piece is going? I’m in the process of building an 84 X 48″ dining table and matching bench for a client. What design considerations do you make for fitting through doorways, around corners, etc? Do you build larger pieces of furniture in such a way that they are assembled on site?
My last project was a map cabinet and I’m thankful that I made the bottom detachable because it was about a 1/2″ too wide to fit through the doorway. I had asked the client for the width of his doorway but he measured from the inside of the frame and didn’t allow for the doorstop trim (or whatever it’s called). I don’t want a similar situation with the dining table.
Thanks for any thoughts you have about this. Keep doing what you’re doing! It’s appreciated!
Dave Kunkel
Wildside Woodworking
@wildsidewoodworking
Chad McKamey –

I have recently started building furniture on the side as extra income/ shop upgrade money. I have had a few large pieces, but mostly Adirondack chairs which are quick and easy. I’m wanting to get into more custom high end pieces using hardwoods and more traditional building methods. The problem is that in my local area people are building big box store lumber pieces for ridiculously low prices (farmhouse table and benches for $500). Their quality is subpar at best, how do I find the clients that are wanting a quality piece and how do I convey my quality to clients so they understand that my product is worth my asking price? Thank you guys for entertaining me every week love the show and what you do for the community.

Many thanks
Chad McKamey

iTunes Reviews

Matt @ WBC Woodworks – Can’t Stop Listening – 5 Stars – Great Podcast!  Fun and always entertaining with pertinent info.  Keep it up!
If you have comments, questions, or suggested topics for future shows you can email us at contact@thedustylife.com.  Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram @thedustylife. You can support the show by purchasing some merchandise, clicking the donate button for a one-time donation, or by becoming a monthly patron to help us keep this bus rolling.

Also, consider subscribing to The Dusty Life Podcast through iTunes, SoundCloud, Google Play, Stitcher, or the click the RSS on our homepage at thedustylife.com and please leave us a rating and review as it helps climb the ever growing podcast charts.

Author: Spunjin

I am a woodworker, maker, and DIY enthusiast.

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