Great discussions tonight among woodworkers concerning taking the next step and starting their own business during #woodchat. Read more of my articles concerning starting Upper Cut Woodworks here.

Woodchat Transcript November 30, 2011 6pm Pacific/9pm Eastern

@uppercutwood: Yes, #woodchat is happening tonight. Be there or be square, plumb, and flush! (wait those aren’t bad things)

@DyamiPlotke: RT @uppercutwood: Yes, #woodchat is happening tonight. Be there or be square, plumb, and flush! (wait those aren’t bad things)

@dtchristensen: I’m excited to get my Phil Koontz holdfasts! Come on, shipping from Alaska – you can do it! #woodchat

@dtchristensen: @DyamiPlotke @uppercutwood Dang, time zones got me… Colorado boy in Washington DC means I’m 2 hours outta whack for #woodchat…

@DyamiPlotke: #woodchat in just under 45 minutes. I don’t think I’ll be able to make it, but don’t let that stop you. It’ll be rockin’.

@DyamiPlotke: @Tumblewood Vic,@uppercutwood will hopefully be chatting away the whole time & I’m sure others will be at #woodchat too.

@dtchristensen: @uppercutwood @DyamiPlotke You missed 7pm Mountain! #woodchat

@Tumblewood: Two more legs to rough cut to length, the #woodchat! (Broadcasting live at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/tumblewoodworks

@uppercutwood: #woodchat how about we discuss starting a business? I could share some of the stuff I went through.

@thewoodninja: @uppercutwood Awesome idea! #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: @uppercutwood That would be an interesting topic. #woodchat

@MKatFWW: Wood batting from my iPhone tonight. I’ll be slow on the convo. #woodchat

@BobbyHagstrom: @uppercutwood I could use some learnin’s on the business side of things #woodchat

@BobbyHagstrom: @uppercutwood Is it better to custom-make to order or create stuff and sell it like a store would, already made(studio art furn.)? #woodchat

@BobbyHagstrom: @DyamiPlotke @ebeckham29 I like shop efficiency topics! #woodchat

@uppercutwood: #woodchat starts in five minutes and I’m hanging out on G+ too

@Tumblewood: OK..all you groovy guys and gals!! 3 minutes to this weeks kick off. I know shop flow has been big in my mind through this build #woodchat

@benjamenjohnson: @uppercutwood I found your hangout, now If I could just hand off the kid to mom if she ever gets back #woodchat

@mamader: evening all #woodchat

@MKatFWW: #woodchat I was taught to make what you sell. Don’t try to sell what you make.

@WoodworkGuy: @MKatFWW A good philosophy. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: Hey everyone, it’s time to get started. Topics today are starting a business and gift projects. #woodchat

@asliceofwood: Hello woodchaters #woodchat

@thewoodninja: Sup fellas #woodchat

@dividedlight: I’m here tonight. Hey everyone! #woodchat

@TheRealNeal: evening everyone! #woodchat

@MKatFWW: #woodchat the guy that taught me has been successful for 25+ years.

@benjamenjohnson: hmm.. maybe I should be in the shop finishing gifts rather than in woodchat…nah #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: @benjamenjohnson LOL #woodchat

@sharpendwood: Evening #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: Hello all! #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @MKatFWW definitely want your feedback and input #woodchat

@ramblinrdesigns: Hi. Got the time right this time. #woodchat

@asliceofwood: So how have you guys started your wood businesses? #woodchat

@JimAAshley: Hey everyone! #woodchat

@uppercutwood: So I thought I’d start sharing my experience starting a business, but first I need to start a disclaimer #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: @MKatFWW true, once you have product. To start, you need to have something to show. Then figure out what sells and make it #woodchat

@benjamenjohnson: Can’t say I really would want to start a business, making woodworking a job would take the fun out of it for me. #woodchat

@ebeckham29: Holla #woodchat

@MKatFWW: #woodchat gifts: one box design. Several different woods. Make 6 or so at once. Do it in one night. Like my avatar.

@DJOfurnituremkr: @asliceofwood Mine started by word of mouth from my carpentry clients. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: I’m not an expert, a lawyer, or Steve Jobs. I started a business, and I do this part time. #woodchat

@asliceofwood: @DJOfurnituremkr have you ever advertised? #woodchat

@uppercutwood: My goal is to retire someday into Upper Cut Woodworks full time, when I actually don’t need the money #woodchat

@asliceofwood: @uppercutwood thats what I’m trying to do. Keep my full time, and do woodworking part time. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: I also want to avoid “the gynecologist’s dilemna” where doing woodworking to pay the bills doesn’t destroy my passion. #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: @uppercutwood sounds like a great goal! #woodchat

@sharpendwood: I’ve been full time for almost a year. Working on word of mouth #woodchat

@thewoodninja: @asliceofwood All of my business has been word of mouth #woodchat

@uppercutwood: I would recommend to anyone that sells their work to start a business. #woodchat

@DJOfurnituremkr: @asliceofwood Early on but no more. Exhibiting at shows is what brings in new clients now plus the word of mouth. #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: Built a portfolio of stuff I made for self, friends, family. got word of mouth, selling part time - same goal as @uppercutwood#woodchat

@benjamenjohnson: @uppercutwood”the gynecologist’s dilemna” LOL #woodchat

@ramblinrdesigns: Fine line question. Copyright infringement concerns me when I feel inspired by someone else’s work. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: 1. Write a business plan, every year. It’s not a static document. The market, the economy, and your skills change. #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: I am looking to grow something part time, that will carry me into and through retirement . You DON’T want me as a Walmart greeter #woodchat

@asliceofwood: At what ages have you guys started your businesses? #woodchat

@dividedlight: @uppercutwood I’m no expert either but I’ve been paying the bills with my woodworking for six years now. Can always improve. #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: @asliceofwood 34 #woodchat

@Seanw78: Feliz #woodchat. Tis the season…

@thewoodninja: @asliceofwood 35 #woodchat

@DJOfurnituremkr: @asliceofwood 25 I’m now 46. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: 2. Do tons of research before you jump in. There are tons of free resources like http://t.co/QHC9JWVF and http://t.co/TcxbVXM0 #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: @uppercutwood Very good idea on the business plan #woodchat Plan your work, work your plan

@benjamenjohnson: @ramblinrdesigns When in doubt ask the creator. #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: @WoodworkGuy are we on that again #woodchat

@uppercutwood: 3. Create a legal entity for your business to protect yourself, your assets, and capture any tax benefits. #woodchat

@sharpendwood: @dividedlight How long before you were actually paying the bills? #woodchat

@asliceofwood: I’m 25 right now and trying to figure the business stuff out while improving my skills and raising a family. It’s tough. #woodchat

@DJOfurnituremkr: @asliceofwood Furniture just the last 10 years though. #woodchat

@JimAAshley: Did you guys’ business come gradually from friends/family asking to build things, or was it more of a deliberate decision? #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: @DJOfurnituremkr good resource for finding shows to sell/display meet new potential clients? #woodchat

@uppercutwood: 4. Don’t get GAS – Gear Acquisition Syndrome. Buy things when you need them. Don’t “stock up” and carry taxable inventory. #woodchat

@thewoodninja: @JimAAshley That’s exactly how it went for me #woodchat

@TheRealNeal: If I actually get good enough to pick up some jobs here and there, that’s cool. If not, that’s fine too. #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: @uppercutwood can you suggest LLC vs sole proprietorship pros/cons? #woodchat

@asliceofwood: @JimAAshley that’s how i’m trying to do it. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: 5. Don’t compete with Walmart, IKEA, etc. You are more expensive then cheap offshore labor and you do better work. #woodchat

@dividedlight: @sharpendwood right from the get go. I didn’t really have a choice. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @MansFineFurn I definitely recommend LLC over sole prop. Your state may vary. #woodchat

@ToddInMontana: #woodchat OK I am just heading out to the shop now but I have to say it is good to see a LEGIT business conversation going on here

@DJOfurnituremkr: @MansFineFurn http://t.co/AmQ0NGSc & http://t.co/Uo9FKtJR #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: Less personal liability with LLC #woodchat

@uppercutwood: 6. Keep all the money separate. Get a biz bank account, biz address, and use quickbooks. Get a book-keeper. #woodchat

@benjamenjohnson: @uppercutwood 4. Don’t get Gear Acquisition Syndrome. That’s half the fun maybe I should figure out a way to make money doing that #woodchat

@dividedlight: I would work with the tools I had and reinvest some of every check. No borrowing. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: 7. Your local chamber of commerce, and http://t.co/ztjz5ZbT would love to help you be successful. #woodchat

@ramblinrdesigns: Or sole proprietor with general liability insurance. That’s how I operate. #woodchat

@thewoodninja: Make sure to spend money on tools that will increase production #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: @WoodworkGuy True, but what liabilities are likely in this business? #woodchat

@ebeckham29: @dividedlight very good idea #woodchat

@uppercutwood: You can get lots of things free, media/art/consulting from http://t.co/LSKouapA, http://t.co/ORLSiJnU, and other sites. #woodchat

@sharpendwood: @dividedlight Nice, I have a lot to re-evaluate after this first year. #woodchat

@JimAAshley: @thewoodninja @asliceofwood Would be cool to make something here and there for a few bucks, have had one friend ask, but still new #woodchat

@uppercutwood: 9. Don’t be a JOAT, MON. Jack of All Trades, Master of None. Know what you should do and what you can outsource. #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: oh, so many questions for you guys…where to begin… #woodchat

@dividedlight: @sharpendwood I also kept my job for a full year and literally worked every night and weekend to build customers. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: 10. That is true for your type of work. You might do best specializing in a style, or a specific piece. #woodchat

@asliceofwood: @JimAAshley i’m new as well. i’m trying to figure how to even start a business, but i’ve sold a few things. #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: @uppercutwood That is a great thing to remember. stick to your strengths #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: @uppercutwood UR obviously VERY prepared for this, when you’re done with the list, can we review the why’s behind some of these? #woodchat

@uppercutwood: 11. Build an identity and brand and make sure you get it out there on all your marketing assets. #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: and remember – you are definitely part of your brand #woodchat

@uppercutwood: 11. When you start your business, make sure you get your wholesale pricing without tax. In my state, I need a resellers permit. #woodchat

@DyamiPlotke: RT @uppercutwood: 3. Create a legal entity for your business to protect yourself, your assets, and capture any tax benefits. #woodchat

@JimAAshley: @asliceofwood nice! i posted my first project (for my son) on FB, that’s how friend asked me to build for him. #woodchat

@mitwoodworks: Better late than ever I guess! evening everyone! #woodchat

@thewoodninja: I had to prepare myself to build things that I didn’t particularly like (design wise). #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @MansFineFurn Not to pimp my site, but lots of this is on my blog – click startup from the blog menu. #woodchat

@asliceofwood: @JimAAshley That’s how it starts (i guess). I’ve got an Etsy account and have things on there for sale. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: Don’t do cost-based billing: x hours at y rate, + materials. Your piece is worth what the market will pay, not what it cost #woodchat

@ramblinrdesigns: I’m trying to change my business model. Been a renovator for years. Want to move to custom furniture and accessories. #woodchat

@asliceofwood: @mitwoodworks evening/welcome #woodchat

@thewoodninja: Exhaust all gorilla marketing tactics before spending a penny on marketing. #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: @uppercutwood been there, just wanted some background on the rationale for some of these pearls…good stuff man, keep it coming! #woodchat

@DyamiPlotke: @WoodworkGuy doesn’t a real corporation provide even more protection / benefit than an LLC? #woodchat

@ramblinrdesigns: I figure I’ll continue to do both until the winning cash flow decides the rest. #woodchat

@asliceofwood: @thewoodninja gorilla marketing? #woodchat

@uppercutwood: Pricing your work resources http://t.co/k58wwxQ1 #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @DyamiPlotke Sometimes it may be harder to maintain. #woodchat

@JimAAshley: @asliceofwood nice, maybe when I get to the point of building an extra thing here or there, look into etsy. #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: @DyamiPlotke It definitely does but can be really expensive to set up and cover w/state regs as well. #woodchat

@thewoodninja: @asliceofwood Basically, free. FB, Twitter, Forums, etc. Google the topic. There is a wealth of knowledge out there. #woodchat

@sharpendwood: @thewoodninja It’s your business, you should only build stuff you want to build. Or should you? #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: @DyamiPlotke protection from what, I’m a sole proprietorship because I had difficulty seeing significant risk to furnituremaking #woodchat

@uppercutwood: Some people apply this rule to pricing. Figure out your labor cost and your materials cost. Triple the larger number. #woodchat

@asliceofwood: @JimAAshley It’s cheap. To post something it is only $0.20 and it stays up for a while #woodchat

@uppercutwood: This way you cover your labor and materials and reserve a third for profit. But also research what others are charging. #woodchat

@asliceofwood: @thewoodninja i’ll have to look into it #woodchat

@JimAAshley: @asliceofwood nice, thanks! #woodchat

@uppercutwood: Track your time on a project so that you get better at estimating time and providing schedules to customers. #woodchat

@asliceofwood: @sharpendwood but if no one wants what you build, then you would lose in the business game #woodchat

@uppercutwood: One way to estimate time is not how big the piece is, but by how many pieces and how much joiner. Add time for finishing. #woodchat

@Tumblewood: @uppercutwood and look for the saturation point where you only get 30 to 40% of the jobs you bid on #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: YES RT @uppercutwood: Track your time on a project so that you get better at estimating time and providing schedules to customers. #woodchat

@benjamenjohnson: Watch the local tax laws. It’s harder for services, but selling in different cities can mean different sales taxes #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: You build a rocking chair for someone. While they sit in it, it breaks and they suffer spinal damage. A bit extreme, but… #woodchat

@sharpendwood: @asliceofwood That’s where marketing to your target/ ideal customer comes in. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: You also need to decide if you’ll make custom pieces, sell your own designs, or do both. #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: A snarky lawyer would be all over that #woodchat

@ramblinrdesigns: The market determines pricing until you have established creds and can get more. #woodchat

@mitwoodworks: @JimAAshley Etsy is pretty saturated. That said I use it and actually sold something just yesterday on there. #woodchat

@DyamiPlotke: @uppercutwood harder to maintain a corporation? How so? #woodchat

@uppercutwood: You might do a combo, custom work but also sell from your online gallery on http://t.co/En5sJ9DB or http://t.co/CWKq42qe #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: @WoodworkGuy VERY low risk #woodchat

@asliceofwood: @sharpendwood but to start a bus. would you have to make a couple different things to find what sells and doesn’t? #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @DyamiPlotke That won’t fit on twitter I chose LLC after reading up on it. http://t.co/CxIuVMdW has good podcast for that. #woodchat

@sharpendwood: If you’re doing stuff you hate, then why go into business for yourself? May as well stay in your cubicle, etc.. #woodchat

@thewoodninja: Another thing to do is track time on individual tasks within a project. Dovetails, mortice & tenons, etc. #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: @DyamiPlotke corp documentation you might have to provide annually to state, including finances and corp meetings, etc. #woodchat

@ramblinrdesigns: @upperwood More paperwork. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: I have worked with a software company that had two brands: one for their own designs, and one for their bespoke. #woodchat

@dividedlight: Connect with contractors. When they have big jobs they can provide a shop with lots of work that the crew can’t do in the field. #woodchat

@asliceofwood: RT @sharpendwood: If youre doing stuff you hate, then why go into business for yourself? May as well stay in your cubicle, etc.. #woodchat

@DyamiPlotke: @MansFineFurn biggest protection: lawsuit. Make yourself an employee. Let the corporation take the punches. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @sharpendwood don’t ruin your passion. I worked in games for 15 years. I don’t play them anymore. Ever. Gynecologist’s Dilemna. #woodchat

@JimAAshley: @mitwoodworks good to know… i would need to get to that point first anyway. #woodchat

@ramblinrdesigns: Oops, meant to send the last remark to DyamiPlotke. #woodchat

@DyamiPlotke: @uppercutwood That rule is a mistake. Without truly knowing all your costs, you can’t price for profit. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @dividedlight great idea. Also stop by retail businesses that are opening. they may need pieces for their stores. Displays, etc. #woodchat

@HighRockWW: #woodchat what’s up guys!

@MansFineFurn: @DyamiPlotke having difficulty imagining a scenario where a small maker will be sued. maybe lack of imagination/just low risk #woodchat

@BillGriggs: @asliceofwood Test your market always. Ask Your customer what they want, not give them what you think they want. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @DyamiPlotke LLC does the same thing. It’s lightweight and legally protects you well. I recommend http://t.co/GSLj9jmI #woodchat

@asliceofwood: @uppercutwood How do you sell to those places? give discounts on multiple orders? #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @MansFineFurn Happens all the time. #woodchat

@ebeckham29: How about places to sell your work ie:etsy, Ebay, even flea markets #woodchat

@DyamiPlotke: @WoodworkGuy yes, but That’s the cost of a successful business. No big deal. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: Then use an incorporating company like http://t.co/GVix9Ymw or http://t.co/TcxbVXM0 to create your LLC for you. Can be very cheap. #woodchat

@dividedlight: @uppercutwood I have milled a ton of simple trim for contractors, mostly jointer, planer, tablesaw work. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @ebeckham29 I think Dale has had good success at shows. #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: monitor costs but look and see what competition is getting for comparable pieces. should be part of business plan and updated #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: @uppercutwood examples of small custom furnituremaker being sued? #woodchat

@uppercutwood: I think having small pieces ready for the holiday that you can ship anywhere in the US is a great idea. People love handmade. #woodchat

@DJOfurnituremkr: @ebeckham29 Etsy, Art Fire, Artsy Home, galleries etc are good. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @MansFineFurn America’s small claims courts are full of small businesses being sued. #woodchat

@DyamiPlotke: @MansFineFurn I work in a family business. We’re a corporation. Its the only way we all stay safe. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @MansFineFurn http://t.co/f6KcJwqy #woodchat

@asliceofwood: @uppercutwood but lawsuits towards fine furniture makers? #woodchat

@DyamiPlotke: @MansFineFurn have a good accountant to do the paperwork & be sure to include their fees in overhead when pricing. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @MansFineFurn especially if you rent space, hire employees, deliver or install #woodchat

@DJOfurnituremkr: @uppercutwood Yes, shows are great plus you learn from other exhibitors. #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: @uppercutwood for cause. I’m still trying to imagine one for a furniture maker #woodchat

@ramblinrdesigns: Don’t forget local co-ops. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @asliceofwood how are fine furniture makers immune from crazy customers? #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @MansFineFurn how about “this isn’t what I wanted I’m not paying” or “my daughter fell out of the chair” #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: @uppercutwood ok, when you start having employees, property and such beyond your basement and yourself #woodchat

@woodshaver101: @DJOfurnituremkr couldent agree more dale #woodchat

@DyamiPlotke: @uppercutwood isn’t the experience of a laser you trust worth more than a web site? #woodchat

@Seanw78: @asliceofwood I’m 33 and in the exact same boat. #woodchat

@benjamenjohnson: @uppercutwood Do you carry shop insurance on yourself? #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @DJOfurnituremkr can you tell us more about shows? Do you bring ready made pieces, take orders? #woodchat

@asliceofwood: @uppercutwood true. No one is immune these days. Just didn’t know what setting they would be sued in. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @MansFineFurn if you sell a product to a person you are a target for a lawsuit. #woodchat

@DJOfurnituremkr: @woodshaver101 Hi Mark. How’s it going? #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @benjamenjohnson I don’t, not yet. I have great benefits from my day job. #woodchat

@BobbyHagstrom: I like shipping things of managable size; any tips for big stuff? #woodchat

@woodshaver101: @uppercutwood its a great place to get exposure #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: Thanks to Judge Wapner! RT @uppercutwood: @MansFineFurn if you sell a product to a person you are a target for a lawsuit. #woodchat

@woodshaver101: @DJOfurnituremkr doing good how bout u #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @asliceofwood”the water spot won’t come out your product is defective” or “the wood moved over time” #woodchat

@asliceofwood: @Seanw78 We will make it through these years! lol #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @BobbyHagstrom The UPS store can build crates and ship almost anything. They hired me to build their crates. About 3 per year. #woodchat

@ramblinrdesigns: @MansFineFurn and if your product mimics someone else’s too closely, they can sue you #woodchat

@DJOfurnituremkr: @uppercutwood Both actually. Larger pieces don’t really sell until after the show. same with commissions. $500 and under sell. #woodchat

@asliceofwood: @uppercutwood point taken. What are you suppose to do in those situations than? Fix the problem? #woodchat

@uppercutwood: You can make your business identity look professional for cheap with http://t.co/ORLSiJnU and http://t.co/LSKouapA #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: @uppercutwood Risk assessment: probability x frequency x severity. Still, nobody has an example of a small maker being sued? #woodchat

@DJOfurnituremkr: @woodshaver101 Been good. Been getting more repair work in. #woodchat

@asliceofwood: What about ways to ship products? A lady was trying to buy a coffee table from me, but shipping was too high for her ($150). #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @MansFineFurn maybe you’ll be that example for us I’m sure I could find one if I bing’d enough. #woodchat

@DyamiPlotke: Goodnight #woodchat this is much more fun, but I have to get back to my paying job now. CRM software to learn.

@ramblinrdesigns: techie question…how do you direct a comment to someone here #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: I agree with @asliceofwood. Make customer happy, whatever it takes. Don’t like it, don’t pay/ let me take care of it for you. #woodchat

@woodshaver101: @DJOfurnituremkr work is work,ive been bidding alot maybe things will breakon #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @asliceofwood You can set expecations very well ahead of time to protect yourself with customer agreements. #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: @MansFineFurn Unfortunately, it only takes one time… one suit … some people are sue happy #woodchat

@TheRealNeal: @DyamiPlotke Now that sounds like fun! Which one? #woodchat

@uppercutwood: are you on tweetchat? there is an arrow that curls to the left on the right side of the tweet you want to reply to. #woodchat

@woodshaver101: @MansFineFurn good advise,I have done it several times #woodchat

@asliceofwood: @uppercutwood like written contracts? #woodchat

@benjamenjohnson: @DyamiPlotke CRM software? Yuck! #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @WoodworkGuy if you install something into a home, you are liable for driving over their grass, getting the carpet dirty, etc. #woodchat

@DJOfurnituremkr: @woodshaver101 Don’t forget to enter Urban Wood Encounter. It’s a great show! #woodchat

@ramblinrdesigns: @uppercutwood Thanks. #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: @uppercutwood not arguing, just trying to understand. I assessed risk and found it to be REALLY low, just wanted other experienc #woodchat

@sharpendwood: @DJOfurnituremkr Any resources for finding shows? I haven’t seen much around here. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @asliceofwood yes, that should be reviewed by a lawyer. Those “kind of” protect you, because they set appropriate expectations. #woodchat

@BillGriggs: Any CNC woodworkers here? #woodchat

@woodshaver101: @DJOfurnituremkr ya u bet,i want to make something new for that show #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @MansFineFurn I understand, but I don’t want to risk it. If I get sued, they can take Upper Cut, but not any family assets. #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: @WoodworkGuy not people who learn of you word of mouth, spend hrs with you on a custom piece, who hires you because they trust you #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @MansFineFurn The few hundred dollars to become an LLC is worth it to me. #woodchat

@asliceofwood: @uppercutwood Can you get a contract that would cover all custom products? #woodchat

@DJOfurnituremkr: @sharpendwood http://t.co/Uo9FKtJR & http://t.co/AmQ0NGSc #woodchat

@ramblinrdesigns: @asliceofwood Yes, contracts are helpful as is half down on large $$ projects #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @BillGriggs I really like your website by the way, very interesting posts. And no CNC for me yet. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @ramblinrdesigns I get large deposits to start the work. They at least cover all the materials. #woodchat

@asliceofwood: @ramblinrdesigns That is how I’ve been trying to do it. Half down to start, rest at delivery. #woodchat

@woodshaver101: @ramblinrdesigns never work without a contract,it protects both partys #woodchat

@DJOfurnituremkr: @woodshaver101 I’m building an Ash & Spalted Maple display cabinet with 1800′s glass from the old mill. #woodchat

@BillGriggs: @uppercutwood Thanks for the praise. I have fun making that site. I need to do more woodworking posts. #woodchat

@woodshaver101: @DJOfurnituremkr cool,i have to stop by and see. #woodchat

@bmorewoodwork: Just tuned in to #woodchat looks like a good discussion.

@uppercutwood: So we’re about halfway through, do we want to talk about holiday projects now, or continue with business stuff? #woodchat

@woodshaver101: @bmorewoodwork welcome #woodchat

@uppercutwood: Most of the stuff I covered today is on my blog, select “startup” from the blog menu. #woodchat

@DJOfurnituremkr: @woodshaver101 It’s just in the starting stages, we have until April to complete. #woodchat

@asliceofwood: How does everyone ship? Or do you only sell local? #woodchat

@benjamenjohnson: @BillGriggs I second the cool site, I love to see what cool things people can make when they put their minds to it. #woodchat

@woodshaver101: any one use e-cabinet systems to desighn with #woodchat

@uppercutwood: If you have questions post them as comments on my blog and I’ll definitely get back to you. #woodchat

@ramblinrdesigns: What about sales tax? Do you recommend exemptions on your supplies and collecting sales tax? #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @woodshaver101 I’m not familiar with that. I use sketchup though. #woodchat

@mitwoodworks: @woodshaver101 I tried it and it drove me crazy #woodchat

@DJOfurnituremkr: Just got word that someone else received a refund from Adam King #woodchat

@woodshaver101: @asliceofwood I sell within a 100 mile radius, #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: Good question: RT @ramblinrdesigns: What about sales tax? Do you recommend exemptions on your supplies and collecting sales tax? #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @ramblinrdesigns I don’t pay sales tax on my materials, but I have to charge sales tax and pay to the state. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: Basically, sales tax is supposed to be charged on the last sale. #woodchat

@asliceofwood: @woodshaver101 do they have to come pick up? #woodchat

@benjamenjohnson: Is anybody making any cool gifts? #woodchat

@mitwoodworks: @DJOfurnituremkr Good job with that Dale. #woodchat

@kweinert: @DJOfurnituremkr I did as well (AK refund) #woodchat

@woodshaver101: @mitwoodworks It works well for me, its been updated to a nice programe #woodchat

@uppercutwood: So in Washington, I have a reseller’s permit. I show this to get sales tax exemption on wood/etc. Gets better prices too. #woodchat

@JimAAshley: @benjamenjohnson I’m doing a few of the Bell Forest Prod paddle cutting boards. #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: cash-strapped states definitely want sales tax revenues – even going after online sales/purchases #woodchat

@woodshaver101: @asliceofwood I deliver,no damage that way,just add for gas #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @JimAAshley I haven’t used bell forest yet, how are they? #woodchat

@DJOfurnituremkr: @kweinert Great news! Can you post that on my blog later? http://t.co/38lQSduY #woodchat

@BobbyHagstrom: @benjamenjohnson I’m making a 9-slot letter sorter out of my extra zebrawood and lacewood, both for myself and gifts. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: My wife bought some unfinished pine gifts at a craft store, so I have been finishing them. It’s fun, easy, quick, & she loves them #woodchat

@benjamenjohnson: @JimAAshley Cool, surprisingly I’ve never made a cutting board. #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: @uppercutwood so if you pay tax on materials do you still need to charge sales tax? #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @BobbyHagstrom zebrawood is cool but kinda brittle/splintery #woodchat

@JimAAshley: @uppercutwood this is my first order with them, and I was impressed. #woodchat

@mitwoodworks: @woodshaver101 It certainly needed some work i thought when I gave it a go. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @MansFineFurn yes, technically, and then I can get a refund on the tax I paid. #woodchat

@asliceofwood: @benjamenjohnson you should try to build one. Easy and fun and you can make all sorts of designs #woodchat

@JimAAshley: @uppercutwood Also, after my order, they followed with an email to make sure I was happy with the wood quality. #woodchat

@ramblinrdesigns: If you can handle a part time job at a woodworking store, the employee discount makes it all worth it #woodchat

@woodshaver101: @mitwoodworks the upgrades or up to 6.7 now #woodchat

@kweinert: @DJOfurnituremkr sure, will do #woodchat

@BillGriggs: @benjamenjohnson Thanks Ben. I was wondering if any body was reading. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @JimAAshley that’s cool. Anyone used @mcilvainlumber#woodchat

@JimAAshley: @benjamenjohnson these were pretty easy, think the recipients will like them #woodchat

@benjamenjohnson: @asliceofwood Yeah, I’ve always wanted to make a checkerboard style end grain one, but never get around to it. #woodchat

@DJOfurnituremkr: @ramblinrdesigns I used to work at Woodcraft #woodchat

@BobbyHagstrom: @uppercutwood Actually got more splinters (small ones) from the lacewood…#woodchat

@asliceofwood: Where does everyone buy their wood? At lumber dealers or find it from around the area? #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: @BillGriggs welcome BillGriggs #woodchat The scroll can get pretty crazy -9:43 PM Nov 30th, 2011

@mitwoodworks: @woodshaver101 I think they were on 4.0 when I gave up so ya it probably is much better! #woodchat

@ramblinrdesigns: @DJOfurnituremkr I’m there now. Enjoying the discount perk. #woodchat

@benjamenjohnson: @BobbyHagstrom I saw somebody post something similar on G+, I thought a letter sorter would be a fun project too. #woodchat

@woodshaver101: @asliceofwood check with the local shops,and see who they buy from #woodchat

@pickettfurnitur: hi gang, dropping in late. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @asliceofwood i buy wood from compton lumber, crosscut hardwoods, and some local suppliers I’ve been lucky to find #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: some local some online RT @asliceofwood: Where does everyone buy their wood? At lumber dealers or find it from around the area? #woodchat

@ramblinrdesigns: @DJOfurnituremkr Plus it’s a great place to learn new things, being around so many woodworkers. #woodchat

@JimAAshley: @uppercutwood I haven’t yet, but just bookmarked the site to check out later. #woodchat

@DJOfurnituremkr: @ramblinrdesigns Ours was 11% over cost. That was 8 years ago though. #woodchat

@kweinert: I get most of mine from Cook Woods/EBay - but I mostly turn these days, so it’s smaller stuff. Locally I use Paxton Wood as well. #woodchat

@woodshaver101: @asliceofwood what part of the country do u live #woodchat

@BillGriggs: @WoodworkGuy The scroll moves fast. #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: @asliceofwood Sometimes Downes and Reader Hardwood (HW lumberyard) sometimes I buy logs from the tree svcs and have them milled #woodchat

@DJOfurnituremkr: @ramblinrdesigns I taught classes there as well. It was fun. #woodchat

@benjamenjohnson: I buy from Home Depot and Rockler, My dad says I pay too much and really need to find a better supplier. I’ve bought online too #woodchat

@uppercutwood: Do people markup their materials cost? If so, how much? #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: @BillGriggs especially for “old eyes” like mine…. #woodchat

@asliceofwood: @woodshaver101 southeast. i bought some from wurth wood group the other day. Seemed like a fair price #woodchat

@uppercutwood: I pay much less for materials with the reseller permit #woodchat

@BillGriggs: @WoodworkGuy Both. A good sawyer is worth searching for to find that special figured wood. #woodchat

@ramblinrdesigns: @DJOfurnituremkr We are at 20% #woodchat

@benjamenjohnson: Home Depot you ask? I’ve found that that much of the aspen project wood is actually maple. #woodchat

@asliceofwood: @benjamenjohnson I’m trying to figure out where the cheaper places are still #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: @uppercutwood gonna look into the reseller permit tomorrow, good tip #woodchat

@uppercutwood: There is a guy in a town nearby with a mill, his neighbor runs a tree service. I’m waiting for his first log to dry. #woodchat

@mitwoodworks: I get all of my mesquite from a local guy that owns his own mill. #woodchat

@sharpendwood: @uppercutwood I’ve been told to double mat. costs but have only done it for hardwoods not ply. #woodchat

@woodshaver101: @asliceofwood I dont know of any places in the south east #woodchat

@ramblinrdesigns: Central Hardwoods in Dallas services Texas and Oklahoma (and maybe other states as well, don’t know) #woodchat

@kweinert: I’v been turning some practice stuff on HD poplar – cheap and easy to acquire, don’t worry if/when I screw it up. #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: @asliceofwood cheapest is a local bandsaw miller, you just have to dry it for a while first #woodchat

@MatthewLeite: RT @uppercutwood: 9. Don’t be a JOAT, MON. Jack of All Trades, Master of None. Know what you should do and what you can outsource. #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: @mitwoodworks NICE. I’d love to find a sawyer or mill #woodchat

@BillGriggs: Do you think folks would want to see a blog post about my tracksaw? I use one instead of a tablesaw. #woodchat

@asliceofwood: @MansFineFurn yeah that’s what i will have to do. Start buying lumber and letting it dry, but I feel like it’s just money sitting #woodchat

@woodshaver101: air dried lumber is so nice to use #woodchat

@DJOfurnituremkr: For cheap/free wood contact your local tree services. Get an Alaskan Mill. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @BillGriggs yes please! #woodchat

@ramblinrdesigns: Has anyone tried consignment shops? #woodchat

@BillGriggs: @WoodworkGuy There are 3 mills near me. #woodchat

@dividedlight: @MansFineFurn I like air dried lumber better. It seems to have less tension. #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: Heck yeah! RT @woodshaver101: air dried lumber is so nice to use #woodchat

@DyamiPlotke: @uppercutwood don’t mark up material as a line item. Total material, labor & overhead, then add profit to the total cost. #woodchat

@benjamenjohnson: @BillGriggs Sure, I’ve always thought a tracksaw is a much better way to break down sheet goods at least. #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: @BillGriggs That would be an interesting blog. Be sure to add pix too. #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: Yes, and a day to spend milling! RT @DJOfurnituremkr: For cheap/free wood contact your local tree services. Get an Alaskan Mill. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @DyamiPlotke some people take the highest cost of labor and materials and triple it #woodchat

@asliceofwood: @MansFineFurn rather go air dried than kiln? #woodchat

@BobbyHagstrom: @benjamenjohnson Rockler has a Rockler Pro program, it’s at least a little less cost… #woodchat

@DJOfurnituremkr: I get free wood often: http://t.co/dwIsYEHZ #woodchat

@BillGriggs: @uppercutwood Good. I wondered if I should add posts about my own projects. Mostly I focus on what others makers make. #woodchat

@benjamenjohnson: @BillGriggs 3 mills, wow that’s lucky you must live in a pretty wooded area #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: @asliceofwood without question, it works so much more nicely…hard to describe #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @BillGriggs we’d love to see what you make, and how you make it. #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: @benjamenjohnson I was surprised to find how many there were around me, at least 3 within 5 miles. and a dozen tree services! #woodchat

@benjamenjohnson: @BobbyHagstrom I’ll check it out. #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: @BillGriggs Talk about your own experiences and results. Makes it personal . Otherwise you’re just a reporter #woodchat

@kweinert: @ramblinrdesigns I did once, didn’t have too much luck with it. Low sales, low profit. #woodchat

@woodshaver101: @MansFineFurn air dried walnut is worth the wait, #woodchat

@BillGriggs: @uppercutwood OK. Just don’t expect a clean workshop. I haven’t mastered that yet. #woodchat

@asliceofwood: alright everyone I’m gone #woodchat

@asliceofwood: Have a good night #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: Indeed it is…RT @woodshaver101: @MansFineFurn air dried walnut is worth the wait, #woodchat

@JimAAshley: @asliceofwood have a good one. #woodchat

@woodshaver101: @BillGriggs a dirty shop is a busy one #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @BillGriggs a clean workshop is either new, or belongs to a tool collector, and not a woodworker #woodchat

@mitwoodworks: @asliceofwood Good nite #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: @DJOfurnituremkr I’ll send you my address, you can just leave those anywhere..;) #woodchat

@ramblinrdesigns: What about craft shows versus the pricier art shows? #woodchat

@uppercutwood: Wow that went fast, we’re almost done. Here’s something fun I’m building for my 4 year old. http://t.co/c5UxhaRh #woodchat

@BillGriggs: RT @uppercutwood: @BillGriggs a clean workshop is either new, or belongs to a tool collector, and not a woodworker #woodchat

@benjamenjohnson: @MansFineFurn Where do you go looking? the phone book, google, ask other woodworkers? #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @ramblinrdesigns @djofurnituremkr has good success there #woodchat

@woodshaver101: @ramblinrdesigns it depends on what your selling #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: AMEN! RT @uppercutwood: @BillGriggs a clean workshop is either new, or belongs to a tool collector, and not a woodworker #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: @benjamenjohnson yes, to all of those. Also, talk to the tree guys, If there are land clearing co.’s (for housing developers) #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: @benjamenjohnson I stop the car and talk to the tree svc’s every chance I get. #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: I need to talk to tree guys, etc. Good ideas! #woodchat

@BillGriggs: Craigslist will list wood under Hardwood. If you look for Lumber you will get building supplies. #woodchat

@mitwoodworks: Firewood suppliers are a good source also. Many times you can talk them out of logs pretty cheap #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: @BillGriggs I’ve tried that, with mixed results #woodchat

@benjamenjohnson: @MansFineFurn I have tree guys knocking on my door weekly. I never thought to ask them. #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: talked to the land clearing crew – MOST of what they do is make firewood, even from cherry, walnut, figured maple…makes me cry #woodchat

@JimAAshley: hey folks, packing it in for the night… have a good night. #woodchat

@JC_McGrath: Wow, great one tonight, goodnight all. Looking forward to transcript, alot of answered questions. Thanks all. #woodchat

@BillGriggs: I get small pieces of wood for turning from fire wood. #woodchat

@sharpendwood: Thanks everyone, have a good night #woodchat

@woodbard: #woodchat You guys rock – make the right business decisions, and the rest will take care of itself.

@ramblinrdesigns: Do you have next week’s topic decided yet? #woodchat

@dividedlight: see you all next week. #woodchat

@benjamenjohnson: @MansFineFurn Yeah, my neighbor lost a 3 foot diameter maple, It got cut up for firewood. Man I wish I had a mill. #woodchat

@BillGriggs: I enjoyed this. I will #woodchat again. #woodchat

@DJOfurnituremkr: See you all next week #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: Hey @woodbard. Didn’t see you earlier. #woodchat

@uppercutwood: I hope everyone had a good experience tonight. I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. Transcript posted soon. #woodchat

@woodshaver101: take care everyone,nice chat tonight #woodchat

@woodbard: @DJOfurnituremkr Congrats, Dale! Takin’ care of bidnezz #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: Another great #woodchat tonight. Thanks all! Have a good one!

@MansFineFurn: Last time I asked the tree guys, they came the next day with a 2ton truck full of 6′ walnut logs 18″+ diam. Still working on it #woodchat

@woodbard: @WoodworkGuy I just got here LOL #woodchat

@BobbyHagstrom: ok, back to splinters after I eat something! #woodchat

@benjamenjohnson: Great #woodchat guys. I hope there’s a transcript this week. There was a lot of good stuff. ‘Night #woodchat

@BillGriggs: Everyone have a good evening. #woodchat

@woodbard: @WoodworkGuy Spent a couple o’ minutes on the hangout meeting some shady characters #woodchat

@MansFineFurn: @uppercutwood Thanks for the great business info. I’ve got a ton more questions for you if that’s ok #woodchat

@uppercutwood: @woodbard how do I find your woodworking circle and connect with those people? #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: Take care @BillGriggs#woodchat

@woodbard: @uppercutwood I will share it right now. #woodchat

@WoodworkGuy: @woodbard not enough shady characters in here? LOL #woodchat

@mitwoodworks: G’nite all #woodchat

@woodbard: @WoodworkGuy LOL – sorry, I forgot THAT lil’ detail… #woodchat

@BillGriggs: @WoodworkGuy Pleasure chatting. #woodchat

@ramblinrdesigns: Nice chatting with you all. Catch you next time. Bye. #woodchat

@woodbard: @uppercutwood Shared my Woodworker Circle just now. I am certain I have missed some, especially newcomers. #woodchat

@woodbard: @uppercutwood WOW -@DyamiPlotke is right at the 12 o’clock position on the Circle. I am certain that is a sign #woodchat

@bmorewoodwork: Looking forward to the transcript. A lot of good info and links were shared. Thanks! #woodchat