Questions for established woodworkers - dissertation help needed

[Gary_S]

Hi, my son is writing a dissertation on starting up a new woodworking business. As part of this, her has 6 or actually 7 questions that he would really be grateful if some of you could take the time to answer for him.

1. What do you consider yourself to be? Joiner, cabinet maker, carpenter or furniture maker?
2. What do you consider to be the most useful machines either in your shop or that you wish you had?
3. How and why did you choose your workshop/space?
4. Were you prepared for the administration that goes along with running your own business?
5. How do you market your business?
6. Do you have any regrets or mistakes to avoid?
6. Are you a sole trader, Ltd company, partnership or part of a cooperative?

Many thanks in advance for taking the time to answer these.

 

[baldkev]

1 carpenter ( mostly site work altjough i do have a 'workshop' )
2 chopsaw, tablesaw, planer/ thichnesser ( the list could easily go on )
3 cost and space dictated my workshop ( a shipping container in a field )
4 ive been self employed since i was about 20..... for a few years i subcontracted to larger builders... so I guess i am used to the admin but it does take a significant amount of time.
5 i don't. I have never advertised.
6 i regret not working harder at school and becoming a rocket scientist or solicitor etc as for things to avoid, dont get caught up in the small jobs too much, its a lot of hasstle for the money
7 sole trader

 

[johnnyb]

1. joiner
2.all the machines that all me to size my wood. bandsaw table saw planer thicknesser
3.cost and closeness to home
4. no ones prepared for the non earning admin
5. I don't advertise now I do use rated people
6.sometimes creating stuff can be intense and exhausting sometimes I wish I had specialised to relieve some stress. I also regret not finding a suitable partner to work with
7 sole trader

 

[Doug71]

1. Joiner
2. Planer Thicknesser, table saw, mitre saw, spindle moulder
3. It's only about 1 mile away
4. No, I hate that side of the job, I am always behind with it and finding reasons to put it off.
5. I don't, I have built up a good customer base that generally keeps me busy.
6. Don't under value yourself
7. Sole trader

 

[LBCarpentry]

1. Joiner
2. 4 sider, spindle moulder, panel saw
3. Cost and availability
4. I was when I started. As the business grew, so has my experience.
5. Website, Facebook, word of mouth now
6. Agreed payment structures & Customers always visually approve work before delivery to site.
7. Sole trader

 

[Ollie78]

1. All of them, depending on the job. I guess you could say woodworker.
2. Planer thicknesser, table saw, spindle moulder, bandsaw, morticer, mitre saw, cnc router are most useful, I wish I had better versions of some of them.
3. Cost, availibility and a bit of random chance.
4. Not really, I knew I would have to do it but not the real extent of it. I don`t like it much.
5. Word of mouth. I did a bit of advertising at the start.
6. Undercharging at the start, worrying too much about not getting the job. Doing too much joinery and site work when really I like furniture making best. Not getting an accountant till 5 years in ! No regrets, its all learning.
7. Sole trader

 

[Essex Barn Workshop]

Hi, my son is writing a dissertation on starting up a new woodworking business. As part of this, her has 6 or actually 7 questions that he would really be grateful if some of you could take the time to answer for him.

1. What do you consider yourself to be? Joiner, cabinet maker, carpenter or furniture maker?
2. What do you consider to be the most useful machines either in your shop or that you wish you had?
3. How and why did you choose your workshop/space?
4. Were you prepared for the administration that goes along with running your own business?
5. How do you market your business?
6. Do you have any regrets or mistakes to avoid?
6. Are you a sole trader, Ltd company, partnership or part of a cooperative?

Many thanks in advance for taking the time to answer these.

1- Sawdust maker and anything left over is advantageous! Carpenter as I don't feel expert enough to claim the other titles.
2- thicknesser, track saw, cordless drill + impact driver, pillar drill etc
3- If you saw my barn you'd understand! Availability, cost and location
4 - yes, had been self-employed previously
5- Website, facebook, instagram, and i do markets
6- don't overcomplicate the design.
7 - sole trader