Woodworker's Journal 1984-8-6, страница 15

NEW! EIEKTRA US.A.

The advanced technology woodworking system. One motor (2V2 h.p.) powers a complete range of woodworking machines.

Workshop Income, (Cont'd)

Although nearly all the woodworkers we surveyed had moved on to commercial duty equipment, almost everyone started out with Sears tools. Indeed, many woodworkers reported that one or two of their original Sears tools had performed so well over the years that they were still in daily use. No one hesitated to recommend equipping a shop entirely with Sears when starting out, especially if price is a major consideration. Most woodworkers pointed out, however, that Sears tools are designed primarily for use by weekend or hobby woodworkers, and not for use in production shop situations.

An alternative to the purchase of new tools is the purchase of used equipment. The fact that so many of our readers have written in to us requesting information on operating manuals for older tools is an indication of the interest in them, As a rule, when they are well treated, woodworking tools can last indefinitely. If the tool is structurally sound, new bearings, cutters, and, if necessary, a motor are all that are required to make an old tool perform like new. Although much of this older equipment was cast heavier than contemporary tools, when properly reconditioned there should be no sacrifice in either speed or accuracy. In fact, for the price of new, medium-duty tools you may be able to set up your shop with reconditioned production-duty equipment.

Unless you have an unlimited supply of orders, location can be one of the keys to success. Contrary to the popular conception of the lone woodworker isolated deep in the woods, the contemporary woodworker may have to depend on his shop for exposure. Many of those surveyed indicated that they had succeeded by locating their shop in an urban setting where passers-by could actually look into the shop and see how things are made. In spite of the obvious disadvantage of such interruptions, woodworkers said that the exposure generated considerable interest, and therefore sales. In the words of one woodworker, "It matters not how good you may be; until people discover you, you will labor in obscurity."

On the question of wholesale or retail, most of the full time production woodworkers admitted that the bulk of their sales was wholesale, not retail. Very simply, full time woodworkers said that they did not have the time to both make and market their own work. Most of those woodworkers selling at the retail level either owned their own store-workshops, or were part time, hobbyist woodworkers.

The woodworkers we surveyed were divided in their attitudes toward financing a business. Some borrowed from conventional sources — banks and lending institutions, while others counseled conservatism — "start small and add new machinery as you grow." By and large, though, the consensus of opinion was that if you believe in yourself and have a product that will sell, do it right. If necessary, borrow enough money to both buy the right equipment and locate in a shop with adequate space. Other viable alternatives mentioned were taking in a partner, and borrowing from family.

On the subject of what to make, most woodworkers reported that they made either furniture or specialty items. Many of the woodworkers acknowledged, however, that the real "money" is in architectural woodworking, primarily kitchen cabinets. Summing up the thoughts of our respondents, one particularly astute woodworker counseled, "To succeed in this business, you make what people need." \\wf

ALL-PURPOSE CONTOUR

SANDER

for the WOODWORKING INDUSTRY

Complete with 6" dia, x 7" wide and 3" dia. X 7" wide pneumatic drums and % H.P. single phase motor.

MODEL MDD-63

PNEUMATIC DRUMS:

Available in 2", 3", 4" and 6" diameters in both 7" and 9' widths. 8" dia. X 9" wide is also available.

ABRASIVES:

Abrasive sleeves to fit all Sand-Rite pneumatic drums can be ordered from stock in grit #'s SO to 150 in resin-bond garnet cloth. Coarser and finer grits can be made on special order.

Write for free brochure & price list.

Scutd-IRcte

MFG. COMPANY

1611 NORTH SHEFFIELD AVENUE • CHICAGO, ILL. 60614 • 312/642-7287

Unimex Motor SZ26.50

Also available: Saridtaws, Dusi Extractors. See these machines demonstratucl at Woodworking World Shows: Phllo,, Now, 9-11; Houston, Jon. 1113; Wash. DC, March 1 >3. Not'I. Working with Wood, San Francisco, March 0-10.

Dealer inquiries welcome.

Call 1-300-223-8600. Send $1.00 for catalog:

ELEKTRA BECKUM USA CORP.

OufJt. MND, PO Box 24, Somurdale, NJ 03083

Spindle Shaper S758.00

Jointer' Planer Thtcknesser $1023,50