Working at Woodworking
Turn your hobby into a profession. This podcast can help you evaluate ways to make money with your woodworking talents and knowledge. Side hustle or full-time, you can help your community solve their furniture,cabinetry and other woodworking needs.
EP 100- Origin Story And See You Later!
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
Williamsburg, Virginia
Trier, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany
one listener in Qatar!
If you have questions or need a coaching call while I’m on sabbatical….please call...
EP 99 Branding your Woodworking Business
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-chapter-1-of-the-seo-101-learning-series/
Wood Nails
https://www.beck-fastening.com/en/innovation/lignoloc
Mesh Wifi System searchTP-Link Deco Whole Home Mesh WiFi System (Deco S4) – Up to 3...
EP 98 I’m Stuck In My Woodworking Business- Now What?
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-bill-postpone-saw-safety-rule
Special Thanks to Listeners In
Mills River, NC
Melbourne, AU
one listener in Rwanda!
Support The Show On:
Buy Me A Coffee: https://www...
EP 97 Now Is The Best Time To Start WW Business
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
https://youtu.be/U_32J60tPs8?si=ApRojaviPMRCoWOv
Special Thanks to Listeners In
Greenbelt, Maryland, US
EP 96- Tips & Tricks and the Future of WAW
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/misclassification/rulemaking
Employee or Contractor?
https://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/news/woodworking-industry-news/federal-final-rule-issued-independent-contractors-some-construction
Special Thanks to Listeners In
Roberts, Wisconsin
St. J...
EP 95 Bevel Angles and Taxes
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%20the,is%20set%20in%20the%20tool.
Sharpening Supplies https://www.sharpeningsupplies.com/Tips-for-Selecting-the-Right-Bevel-Angle-W44C60.aspx
US Forest Service https://www.fs.usda.gov/t-d/pubs/pdfpubs/pdf18232812P/Part08_Sharpening.pdf
Special Thanks to Listeners In
EP 94 Improving Your Sharpening Skills
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://www.sharpeningsupplies.com/
Rob Cossman Sharpening A Plane Blade 2020
https://youtu.be/okLIEoz00v0?si=xzF2sLqKOsLW0cQi
How to Sharpen a Chisel | Paul Sellers
https://youtu.be/GN4yr7vp4...
EP 93 Listener Tips
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
Special Thanks to Listeners In
Woonsocket, Rhode Island
Brackley, Northamptonshire
one listener in Belize!
Support The Show On:
Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/workatwoodwork
Donate Directly: https://www.workin...
EP 92 What Is Your Woodworking Skill Level?
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 Morocco!
Support The Show On:
Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/workatwoodwork
Donate Directly: https...
EP 91 This Is Going To Rub You The Wrong Way
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 Furniture https://youtu.be/hJmohkch3Ss?si=O2JtZCrMVDqAjVIv&t=908
Special Thanks to Listeners In
Detroit, MI
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
one...
EP 90 What Should I Charge?
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=luqBR0YI1-G0opVh
Woodworking Shows https://www.thewoodworkingshows.com/
Special Thanks to Listeners In
Monroe, Michigan
Chelsea, Quebec
one...
EP 89 New Year Checklist
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.usinflationcalculator.com/inflation/current-inflation-rates/
Inflation over 389 years: https://www.officialdata.org/us/inflation/1635?amount=100
Special Thanks to Listeners In
Phoenix AZ
Dublin, Ireland
one listener in Argentina!
EP 88 - Merry Chrstmas and Happy Saw Kerfs!
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
Renaissance Wood Worker 22: 1st Century Woodworking
Support The Show On:
Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/workatwoodwork
Donate Directly: https://www.work...
EP 87 Woodworking Pro Tips and Suggestions
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
Build a Kiln to treat woodworm: https://youtu.be/QFxjZooAyGw
Stop Using Your Shop Vac The Wrong Way!(Pro Tips) by The Funny Carpenter
http...
EP 86 Working While Sick or Injured
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, Ontario, Canada
Arnhem, Netherlands
1 listener in British Virgin Islands
<...
EP 85 Pilgrim Woodworker Disaster
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 https://youtu.be/FFNoDsOmluA
Special Thanks to Listeners In
Boston, MA
London England
all the listeners in the Netherlands
Support The...
EP 84 A Jack Of All Trades
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
Support The Show On:
Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wo...
EP 83 It’s Time to Build Your Website
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.squarespace.com/
Special Thanks to Listeners In
San Diego, CA
Vienna, Austria
and TWO listeners in Japan<...
EP 82 Calculating Your Material List
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 https://youtu.be/KmM6DOy0aMc
Pellet Machine: https://youtu.be/6ri62uzLoss by the New Yorkshire Workshop
Special Thanks to Listeners In
EP 81 Increase Your Profits!
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 in Luxembourg
Support The Show On:
Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/workatwoodwork
Donate Directly: https://www.worki...
EP 80 Are You Really A Professional Woodworker?
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://www.buymeacoffee.com/workatwoodwork
Donate Directly: https://www.workingatwoodworking.com/support.php
Youtube Channel: ht...
EP 79- What You Can Learn From BARBIE !!??
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&campaign_type=thomas_industry_update&campaign_name=tiu230727&tinid=227035745
Tipover accident results in child's death:
https://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/news/woodworking-industry-news/tipover-accident-results-childs-death
Special Thanks to Listeners In
Brattleboro, Vermont, USA
Canberra, Australia
<...EP 78 A Herculean Challenge For You
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.workingatwoodworking.com/support.php
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@workingatwoodworking
Affiliate Links:
Taylor Tools: https://lddy.no/19h9v
...
EP 77- I’m Finished!
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 Oil Comparison | The Wood Whisperer: https://youtu.be/tHEGIgtTlM0
Shellac Finishes: https://www.shellacfinishes.com/
Special Thanks to Listeners In
Newark, Ohio
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
and one listener on...
EP 76 Salesmanship 101 for Woodworkers
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.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/feature-benefit-selling
Tyson Zahner Features and Benefits YT https://youtu.be/x6volfGMEJ4
Special Thanks to Listeners In
Middlesboro, Kentucky
Halifax, Nova Scotia
and one listener Sweden
S...
EP 75 10 Ways Geometry Helps in the Pro Woodworking Shop
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 out a BIG arc: https://youtu.be/zIFILyE3qyM
Chad Staton How to become a BETTER Woodworker.....with geometry: https://youtu.be/IAGf2aEtPEA and https://youtu.be/HyC_LCe5eVU
Formula to find radius of an arc...
EP 74 Questions Answered, Etsy, Boric Acid
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 Thanks to Listeners In:
Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
Naas, Co Kildare, Ireland
One listener from Zambia
Support The Show On:
Buy Me A Co...
EP 73 Bugs In The Bed Post
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://ewoodcare.com/home
Matt Risinger On Insect Protection https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFQh18da6ds
Bora Care MSDS https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/47a18e17-48c2-4...
EP 72 - The Design Process in Woodworking
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/contents/how-to-build-and-think-about-mantels
George Walker Blog: https://georgewalkerdesign.wordpress.com/
On You Tube: https://youtu.be/Bqev7o-4U6o
ASTM 2057-23 Passes! https://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/news/wo...
EP 71 The End of Custom Furniture?
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.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2022/CPSC-Injury-and-Fatality-Report-Shows-Despite-Some-Progress-Need-for-TV-and-Furniture-Tip-Over-Prevention-Remains-Strong
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/11/25/2022-24587/safety-standard-for-clothing-storage-units
https://www.ahfa.us/regulatory-template/furniture-stability
https://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/furniture/cpsc-tipover-vote-delayed-again
https://www.consumerreports.org/f...
EP 70 What Has Happened To My Etsy Sales?
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: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/workatwoodwork
Donate Directly: https://www.workingatwoodworking.com/support.php
...
EP 69– Tips and Suggestions 2
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 checker: https://www.urlvoid.com/
Support The Show On:
Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/workatwoodwork
Donate Directly: https://www.workingatwoodworking.com/support.php
Affiliate Links:
Taylor Tools: http...
EP 68 – Are You a Woodworking Impostor?
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 Show On:
Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/workatwoodwork
Donate Directly: https://www.workingatwoodworking.com/support.php
Affiliate Links:
Taylor Tools: https://lddy.no/19h9v
...
EP 67 - Starting a Woodworking Business List
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/workatwoodwork
Donate Directly: https://www.workingatwoodworking.com/support.php
Affiliate Links:
Taylor Tools: https://lddy.no/19h9v
Unitel Voice VOIP- https...
EP 66 - Do You Have The Right Personality To Be A Pro Woodworker?
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: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/workatwoodwork
Donate Directly: https://www.workingatwoodworking.com/support.php
Affiliate Links:
Taylor Tools: https://lddy.no/19h9v
Unitel Voic...
P 65 - It’s a New Year! New Taxes!
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.buymeacoffee.com/workatwoodwork
Donate Directly: https://www.workingatwoodworking.com/support.php
Affiliate Links:
Taylor Tools: https://lddy.no/19h9v
Unitel Voice VOIP- h...
EP 64- Income Expectations For Professional Woodworkers
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 old magazines
Shop Nation
Support The Show On:
Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/workatwoodwork
Donate Directly: https://www.working...
EP 63 - Merry Chrstmas and Happy Saw Kerfs!
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
Renaissance Wood Worker 22: 1st Century Woodworking
Support The Show On:
Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/workatwoodwork
Donate Directly: https://www.work...
EP 62 - When Do You Quit Your Day Job
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-i-quit-my-job-quiz
When to Jump: https://www.entrepreneur.com/starting-a-business/when-is-the-best-time-to-make-the-leap-from-your-day-job-to/329043
Support The Show On:
Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/workatwoodwork
Donate Directly: https...
EP 61 - Black Friday Specials!
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://lostartpress.com/collections/books
Support The Show On:
Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/workatwoodwork
Donate Directly: https://www.work...
