Replies

1. 
   Hastings | May 18, 2008 03:04am | #1

   Chaim:

   I have a Felder combination machine that I love. I do not have enough space for individual machines, but if I did I would split the combo (which you can do BTW) into Saw/Shaper and Jointer/Planer.

   For any kind of production shop, where you are concerned about worker productivity, I would strongly suggest individual machines. Although changing functions is quick and easy, it would still eat up a lot of time.

   Hastings

2. 
   Dave45 | May 18, 2008 03:13am | #2

   One more thing How do one man shops handle production, estimates, and design all at the same time? Doesn't dealing with clients and designing pieces impede on productivity?

   Oh man, does it ever impede productivity!!  Of course, dealing with clients, estimating, and design are what make productivity necessary.  Eliminate one of them and you're sitting in your shop watching things get rusty - or touching up the edges on your planes 'cause you're bored outta your mind.  Oh yeah, did I mention book keeping, shop maintenance, materials purchasing, etc, etc, etc.

   Is there a Yiddish word for multi tasking?  If there isn't, here's your big chance to make a contribution that can last for generations. - lol

3. 
   ring | May 18, 2008 08:02am | #3

   "Doesn't dealing with clients and designing pieces impede on productivity?"

   This comes up from time to time and you might do a search of some old threads about the challenges of keeping the business running. Let me just say that dealing with clients, designing, marketing, purchases, labor relations, office work, and so on - THEY ARE THE BUSINESS. I've known lots of shops over the years (I'm in Israel too) and I've NEVER EVER seen a shop close because of low productivity. They close because they don't find their niche, because they mistreat clients, and so on.

   Make a decision about your machines and move on quickly. It's everything else that you need to worry about now...

   David Ring

   http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e

4. 
   dherzig | May 18, 2008 11:58pm | #4

   I am not a production woodworker, but only an amateur craftsman that occasionally gets a commission. I am lucky in that I can accept or reject it depending on whether I think I can do the job and have the time from my consulting business. (I also only accept consulting if I am pleased with the client and his opportunity!)

   From what I have learned from dealing with other small business men in the area, there is nothing better for their business than having some else take phone calls, chat-up the clients, keep the books, etc. A pleasant female voice to answer questions immediately rather than you trying to answer voice messages when you and the client are both free and you are not tired and overstressed will go a long way toward building the business.

   If your wife is not available to fill that role, consider another woman in the neighborhood who might be looking for a part-time job at a relatively low wage as you get up and running.

   Mazel tov!

   PS: I did not mean to have this sound sexist, but around here 99.9% of these positions are filled by women, usually a wife who is not working outside the home at the present time. This is particularly helpful when it comes to the bookkeeping and billing.

   
   

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   Edited 5/18/2008 5:52 pm ET by dherzig

1. 
   chaim | May 19, 2008 08:42am | #5

   Thanks for your advise. You don't sound sexist at all, just realistic.

   I don't know too many other guys that don't want to hear a friendly female voice!

   My wife and I always talk about how modern day society has screwed us all up! No one seems to know their place anymore! Do I have to work or should I stay home with the kids and drink bear all day (which makes them more tolerable)

   Chauvinism is not bad just misplaced. woman can be smart, Productive and the bread winner in the family, but usually when I meet those kind of couples the guy is a complete waste of life who cant tie his shoelace with out permission and instructions from his spouse.

   Anyhow I don't know about a secretary but as I close in on opening I see a couple of months Of nothing but prep work, setting up and and doing pieces for a catalog.

   I also signed myself up for a business course. I have a degree in restaurant management and plenty of experience already. I even helped to open a few so the basics I got covered. Its just that initial plunge (sort of like making a mortise with your router) If you do it fast you may turn off coarse, too slow and you'll burn the wood (so the pva glue wont hold properly) 

   Do I buy new used small or large capacity This is the question?

   Thanks,

    ChaimMake your own mistakes not someone elses, this is a good way to be original !