MORE TRUNK DETAILS – Revisiting my first part-time income project.
Since the original tack trunk video was a little short on details, I put together an updated version of this woodworking income project. The new video should give you a better look at the trunk design and provides more specifics on the build process and material costs. I’ve also updated the hardware and recommended sales price for this trunk.
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PART-TIME WOODWORKING BUSINESS – Ever think about selling your projects?
If you’ve ever considered launching a part-time woodworking business, I’ve got a quick survey for you. I’m checking in to see what topics you’d be interested in learning about before you launched your business.
So, if you’d like to hear about tactics for starting a part-time operation, leave a comment on any topics that might help you get rolling. If there’s an interest in the business side of woodworking, I’ll put together a follow-up video with the results of the survey later this month.
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MORE HANDY SHOP GEAR – The rest of my tool picks for a new woodworker.
In today’s post, I’ll go over the rest of my favorite tools to outfit a new workshop. This video covers tactics for getting a good price on woodworking clamps, picking out a router and a good quality sander. Together with my table saw recommendations from part one, you should be able to get a new shop started for under $500.
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BUDGET WORKSHOP TIPS – Here are my top tool picks for a new woodworking shop.
If you’d like to build a brand new home workshop, here are some tactics to help get you started. I’ve just finished part one of the First Workshop videos. In this video, I cover strategies for finding a good-quality, used table saw with a $150 budget.
In the next video, I’ll share a few recommendations for clamps, a low-cost router and sander.
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BUILD A WORKSHOP ON A BUDGET – Tool recommendations and buying tips
I’m working on a new video to help first-time woodworkers set-up a basic home workshop. With a budget of $500, I’ll get a small shop up and running. I’ll go over my top picks for the milling, sanding, gluing and finishing gear you’ll need to get started.
I’ll include advice on buying new as well as used tools, what to look for when shopping for you first table saw and where you can save a few dollars on Craigslist purchases. With a $500 budget, you won’t have a shop quite like Norm’s but you should be able to build a few fun furniture projects.
The new workshop video should be ready early next month.
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COMPUTER DESIGNED SIGNS – Make a DIY template on your home PC
Here’s a follow-up to my last sign carving post. In this video, I share the techniques I used to create the paper sign template on my home computer. This is a fast way to try out an unusual typeface or layout.
After a couple of tries, I was able to create this template in just a few minutes using the Microsoft Publisher program and an old laser printer. If you want to create a truly unique sign for your next woodworking project, give this method a go.
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GARDEN CENTER SIGN BUILD – Create your own custom lettering templates
With a couple sheets of carbon paper and a bit of practice, this carving technique lets you add a custom sign to your next project. Here’s an overview of the new garden bench sign I created, starting with a paper template drafted on my home computer.
Big shout out to Jim Bartz for sharing this freehand carving method. Using Jim’s carving tactics, you can add almost any style lettering you like to a sign. If you’d like to personalize an upcoming project, freehand sign carving gives you the freedom to create something truly unique.
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SELL THIS CUSTOM POTTING BENCH – Here are the full details on the woodworking income project I mentioned late last year.
It took a little longer than expected, but we just put the finishing touches on the new Garden Bench Woodworking Plans. Just like the tack trunk income plans, the garden bench plans covers the steps to design, build and sell this project to local clients.
This design uses pocket hole joints and a custom carved sign technique that I’ll demonstrate later this month. If you’d like to try a fun outdoor project this season, check out the garden bench project at the link below.
Garden Bench Plans
http://www.homegrownfurniture.com/?page_id=529
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GARDEN CENTER PROTOTYPE – A profitable outdoor project for home gardening fans.
Here’s a quick look at the prototype of the next income project. I’m hard at work on the plans for this potter’s bench and hope to have a full set of plans and sales guidelines available next month. This design incorporates a personalized sign that can be done pretty quickly on the router. The custom design allows you to offer your customers something most gardening suppliers can’t match. The freehand letter carving takes a little practice but is fun to do once you get the hang of it.
I’ll send an update to subscribers as soon as the plans are complete.
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CONTINUING THE TABLE BUILD – Our little sofa table is beginning to take shape.
With the legs built, I’ll go over the construction of the table top, aprons and two drawers. This project follows a Shaker design that shouldn’t keep you in the shop for too long.
The dowel drawer guide system goes together pretty quickly and works decent for small drawers like these. And a new Freud blade in the table saw is working out great. If you’d like to get more performance from a portable saw, an aftermarket blade is a good investment.
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