Where to sell your furniture?

[marcus]

Might be better to take it up as a hobby first and find out if you have a passion or skill for a bit first before spending money on courses etc.. Start out small and cheap with a book from a library and a few cheap tools

+1 to this.

It's a difficult one. It can be very hard in today's world to find work that is enjoyable and feels meaningful, and pays the bills, particularly if you are a creative type of person. And furniture making seen from that place can look very appealing. The reality is not quite like the picture!

A lot of the work in any field of woodworking is a repetitive, dusty, boring slog. On the plus side there can be great satisfaction in getting a job done well, but it's not necessarily enjoyable. No one thinks, 'whoopee, today I am going to be sanding wood for eight hours'.

There are lots of good potential careers in woodworking, but making freestanding furniture is probably the most difficult one to make work financially. Even Chippendale went bankrupt!
If you want something close to the sort of career you describe above, and you don't have much money to invest, I suggest you would be far better getting an apprenticeship in commercial cabinet making or joinery, which will set you up with a valuable and tradable skill, and in time allow you to be your own boss doing something worthwhile and satisfying. But there really isn't a short cut.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

It's usual to have some knowledge of the job/trade/industry/craft before you attempt to make money at it.

 

[Dangermouse]

If you have no woodworking experience then as I've said many times before don't waste time on courses or fancy machinery. Get yourself a basic set of hand tools and make some bits for friends and family. Wont earn you much money, but it will allow you to see if you have any potential to take things further. No good doing an expensive course and fitting out a workshop and then finding you hate the everyday grind of woodworking. There is a world of difference between a passionate hobby and making a living from it.

 

[marcros]

There is a world of difference between a passionate hobby and making a living from it.

This is very true, not just in woodworking. I keep bees which i find very interesting. But it was a whole lot less so when i had to spend several evenings every week, and both weekend days doing something with them a few years ago, something which I have no desire to repeat.

 

[Jeeves]

With summer coming up (if we get one) why not try some garden furniture or flower planters etc and get them to your local car boot sale. you won't need a great amount of tools and price them right and they will go just don't be greedy on profit.



Jeeves