Replies

1. 
   dkellernc | Jul 13, 2008 05:33pm | #1

   I'm from NC so I can't specifically help you.  However, I do know that New Hampshire has a very strong organization of traditional (commercial) woodworkers, and there's a furniture guild that's named something like "New England Furniture Masters".  Garret Hack is a member, and such a guild might be a good place to start to find a fairly small shop that needs an extra, experienced hand.

2. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Jul 14, 2008 02:37pm | #2

   Morning Pat,

   I live ~ 40 miles northwest of Berlin and to the best of my knowledge there are no organized clubs/guilds in the imediate area.  Starting one has been on my ToDo List for some time now.

   If you enjoy the outdoors and a four seasons way of life you'd be hard pressed to find a better place to enjoy.  Life up here is tough to say the least.  Most businesses are struggling to survive and there is staunch loyalty to locals.  Not trying to paint a gloomy picture, just being as factual as I can.

   In recent years there has been an influx of wealthy people from down below so there are dynamics going on that lead me to believe there is a market for quality woodworking.  I'm not sure which would be the better course to take; start your own business or work for someone else. 

   The one thing I think you need to do is establish yourself as a maker of quality.  Word of mouth is the way of this part of the country and once established it spreads like fire!  It may take a while but if you focus on quality, give fair prices and stand behind your product(s), you will be successful.  I don't think that recipe is unique to this area though.

   If I can help you please don't hesitate to contact me.

   Regards,

   Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

1. 
   Sardog | Jul 15, 2008 04:06pm | #3

   Hay Bob

   Berlin VT or NH

   Jeff

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Jul 15, 2008 04:43pm | #4

   Hi Jeff,

   Oooops, I meant NH.  Didn't know there was a Berlin, VT.  Yup, it's in Washington County, eh.

   Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

1. 
   Sardog | Jul 16, 2008 02:09am | #5

   Too bad.

   Thought I'd take a run over.

   Jeff

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Jul 16, 2008 02:46pm | #6

   Jeff,

   Berlin, VT is right around Montpelier.  If you look at the map here, just up from Montpelier where the Int. 91 sign appears, look about due East into NH and you'll see Berlin, NH.

   Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

2. 
   Sardog | Jul 16, 2008 03:26pm | #7

   Bob

   I used to hike up in that area.

   Drop me directions at:   [email protected]

3. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Jul 16, 2008 04:28pm | #8

   Jeff,

   I'm assuming you were hiking in Pinkham Notch just south of Berlin, NH right?  It's where Wildcat ski area is.  Just north and a little east of there in ME is Grafton Notch - lots of nice hiking trails there also.

   Regards,

   Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

   Edited 7/16/2008 9:28 am ET by KiddervilleAcres

4. 
   nboucher | Jul 16, 2008 06:11pm | #9

   Shhh, Bob. I'm trying to keep Grafton Notch a secret. One of the best things about it is that the trail traffic is light. The Baldface loop is one my all-time favorites.Norman

5. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Jul 16, 2008 06:15pm | #10

   Norm,

   OK, how's this?

   Make sure to bring a LOT of flydope!  You'll need it!

   Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

6. 
   nboucher | Jul 16, 2008 06:21pm | #11

   Much better. And make sure to go during the second half of May, when there are no black flies . . .

7. 
   Sardog | Jul 16, 2008 10:53pm | #12

   Bob

   I hate to admit it, but was there only a few times.

   I did the Presidentials in 1972 to 77  with a friend (he navigated). 

   Tuckerman's  a few times.

   Then shifted to the Adirondack's (sp?).

   Was out of the area till I started climbing when I moved to Vermont in '84.

   Except for training and Search's, I didn't get there much after '84.

   Jeff

   Edited 7/16/2008 3:55 pm ET by Sardog

3. 
   cherryjohn | Jul 19, 2008 11:32am | #13

   I hear the new prison in Berlin is hiring

   Wicked Decent Woodworks

   (oldest woodworking shop in NH)

   Rochester NH

   " If the women dont find you handsome, they should at least find you handy........yessa!"