_____
Once upon a time, I attempted to be self-employed.
I got a membership to the Woodworkers' Club at Woodcraft and started to build things that I designed myself. A grand total of 3 furniture projects were completed before I was forced to quit.
Not satisfied with merely designing the look of these projects, I felt compelled to be innovative with joinery. The philosophy was to approach woodworking from a fresh perspective, largely ignoring traditional methods. Each project was successful -- or, would have been...
A complex combination of factors led to my ultimate failure. One of them, I have to admit, is my general lack of a work ethic. I take too long to finish things even when they're projects that I enjoy...
In the end the issue was time. For time spent in the shop, I was supposed to pay a monthly fee. For a while my fees were overlooked, but then someone decided to crack down -- and they wanted back dues. I forget how much it was per month, but over several months it added up to something I could not possibly pay. I could keep up with monthly dues, but that wasn't enough.
It might have been possible to complete those coffee tables before I was forced out. Even when I did manage to find a few hours to spend in the shop, though, there was no guarantee I'd find the space to work in, and often the equipment I needed was being used by someone else.
Another factor was my personal rule of not getting near power tools when I was pissed off. You have no idea -- or maybe you do -- how often a rule like that can impede progress.
Those coffee tables were set to become a pair of impressive pieces, and probably would have led to more consignments. I would still very much like the chance to complete the project, but I have no idea how that could happen. I don't even know whether my materials still exist as I left them.
All I can hope for is to one day be able to pay back the advances I was given, adjusted for inflation. Alternatively, if I had the space to start a woodshop at home, I could try to get my unfinished project back from Woodcraft (or start over) -- but considering how much time and money would be involved, I think the first option would be best.
It gnaws at me from time to time. Don't think I've forgotten.
Will I ever build furniture again? Maybe -- but probably not as a business venture.
Phil Smith
September 10, 2008
_____
Once upon a time, I attempted to be self-employed.
I got a membership to the Woodworkers' Club at Woodcraft and started to build things that I designed myself. A grand total of 3 furniture projects were completed before I was forced to quit.
Not satisfied with merely designing the look of these projects, I felt compelled to be innovative with joinery. The philosophy was to approach woodworking from a fresh perspective, largely ignoring traditional methods. Each project was successful -- or, would have been...
A complex combination of factors led to my ultimate failure. One of them, I have to admit, is my general lack of a work ethic. I take too long to finish things even when they're projects that I enjoy...
In the end the issue was time. For time spent in the shop, I was supposed to pay a monthly fee. For a while my fees were overlooked, but then someone decided to crack down -- and they wanted back dues. I forget how much it was per month, but over several months it added up to something I could not possibly pay. I could keep up with monthly dues, but that wasn't enough.
It might have been possible to complete those coffee tables before I was forced out. Even when I did manage to find a few hours to spend in the shop, though, there was no guarantee I'd find the space to work in, and often the equipment I needed was being used by someone else.
Another factor was my personal rule of not getting near power tools when I was pissed off. You have no idea -- or maybe you do -- how often a rule like that can impede progress.
Those coffee tables were set to become a pair of impressive pieces, and probably would have led to more consignments. I would still very much like the chance to complete the project, but I have no idea how that could happen. I don't even know whether my materials still exist as I left them.
All I can hope for is to one day be able to pay back the advances I was given, adjusted for inflation. Alternatively, if I had the space to start a woodshop at home, I could try to get my unfinished project back from Woodcraft (or start over) -- but considering how much time and money would be involved, I think the first option would be best.
It gnaws at me from time to time. Don't think I've forgotten.
Will I ever build furniture again? Maybe -- but probably not as a business venture.
Phil Smith
September 10, 2008
