I have been a hobby, part time woodworker my entire life. I have a cabinet, custom woodwork business that I started full time in 2019 Last year my gross sales were $360K. I do all the site measuring, cad drawings, ordering, building and a lot of the installs. It is a lot of work but very satisfying working for myself. Keep your customers happy and your helpers happy and you will be successful. I do not advertise as word of mouth is, hands down, the only advertising you need. Excellent video!
Last year I was at 28.6% net profit, or $102,600 approx. My overhead is low as my shop is based out of my residence. If I has=d the space I could probably improve on that buy buying sheet goods and hardware in larger bulk quantities than I already do. I am currently working with another larger, local cabinet maker to do just that. Hope this answers your question!@@garrettp.5018
Yes I am a single person company. I have fortune of my brother being a contractor so he does most of the installs. I do not have a cnc as my home shop is simply not large enough. I have an 8 foot sliding panel saw with an auto fence, an edge bander, a 21 spindle line bore machine and a hinge boring drill. I make some doors but mostly order them. I can cut and assemble an average kitchen in about three days by myself. I build all my drawers using pocket holes. It is quick and the boxes are strong. Just a note, I had a CNC in the past and unless you are doing more than a kitchen a week I really don't think you need one if your sole focus is building boxes. Hope this helps you out and good luck!@@ElCidPhysics90
I’m a stay at home mom of 2 and an amateur wood worker. I try to learn as much as possible but sometimes I just wish someone taught me few things about cabinetry. I would work for this guy for free for 3 months just cleaning his shop and help out on somethings in exchange for learning few tricks such cutting on a table saw precisely, making drawers etc etc.
Thank you for this video. I have been managing production in cabinet shops for nearly 10 years but never run my own business. This was helpful. I was let go from my position as plant manager on January 1....2 days ago and starting my own business which is JMW Woodwork- I saw you video and linearity and how much alike we are. I also have the same passions for teaching, faith and had the same idea for a redemptive apprenticeship program....I am in North Carolina.....but sooo cool to see how alike we are. Great work
Just got back from Manteo a couple weeks ago. My first time to NC... won't be my last. Loved the drive from Raleigh & back. I was a Quality Engineer for a medical device manufacturer. Fired for calling out unethical practices by management. I have a tenant that has a handyman business & he is good with what he does. I have some woodworking experience on top of some machining experience (I set my table saw up like I set up a bridgeport... dial test indicator & tenths tolerances.. overkill, I know). He has several people on the hook for cabinets & wants me to either try & get a wholesale account for RTA's or start building them in my garage. I know I can build what he wants... "cheap" cabinets for modular homes & lower end rentals to start. Being a hobbyist & a QE.. I am having a hard time with "good enough" to keep costs down. Any advice on what sheet goods to go for? I really don't want to go with particle board, but need to keep costs down. Only laminate core ply I could find that is of decent quality still isn't very good quality... & it's $65 a sheet with his wholesale account.
I've been a cabinet maker for 35 years. Started in a small laminate shop. Then I built kitchens and baths for 15 plus years. I am currently the GM for a 55000 SF cabinet shop My body isn't as strong anymore so managing is a better fit for me now. I have always loved the cabinet field. I just wish more people wanted to learn it and make it a career. We are a dying trade.
I was a Quality Engineer for a medical device manufacturer. Fired for calling out unethical practices by management. I have a tenant that has a handyman business & he is good with what he does. I have some woodworking experience on top of some machining experience (I set my table saw up like I set up a bridgeport... dial test indicator & tenths tolerances.. overkill, I know). He has several people on the hook for cabinets & wants me to either try & get a wholesale account for RTA's or start building them in my garage. I know I can build what he wants... "cheap" cabinets for modular homes & lower end rentals to start. Being a hobbyist & a QE.. I am having a hard time with "good enough" to keep costs down. Any advice on what sheet goods to go for? I really don't want to go with particle board, but need to keep costs down. Only laminate core ply I could find that is of decent quality still isn't very good quality... & it's 65 sheet with his wholesale account.
@@Witty..UserName Unfortunately, Melamine is the way to go if cost is an issue. RTA cabinets by far are the most cost effective. I've built euro cabinets for years, no face frame, and even a basic melamine cabinet cost more to build than RTA cabinets. While most RTA cabinets are face frame there are options for frameless ones. I created a cut sheet years ago to compare cost and it was amazing how much cheaper RTA cabinets were. They even came with soft close undermount slides and dovetail drawers.
Don’t get into cabinet building to start handling 4x8 sheets of melamine…cost effective but so heavy and horrid to work with. Nasty saw dust as well. We as a rule don’t allow melamine into the shop for our own sake…
@@wearedahlin7103 Thank you for that. So often the unintended consequences are overlooked. & yea. I have been casting concrete sleepers using 4x8 melamine for molds... & cutting just 2 sheets into what I need left a huge mess. I did wear a dual cart respirator (I airbrush cars/bikes & have the PE for that). I hate saying this... but I found an oversees supplier that builds from plywood & delivered to my door is cheaper than big box store particle board stuff. Even for 1 off orders. There are very accomplished cabinet makers in my area & would assume they have the reputation & skill to have the high(er) end market captured. I don't have the experience, or even desire at this point, to go after that anyway. I think we will be going the oversees RTA for this section of our market. We'll see what tomorrow brings though.
Great information. My wife and I are really looking forward to building our start up shop here in Chicagoland. My father-in-law builds custom cabinets and furniture in Europe and we hope he will come here and help us get going. Lots of learn. I just can’t wait to be liberated from my corporate job and do something I can really love and enjoy. God bless, brother.
I've used table saws, sliders and verticals to cut cabinetry. All have their pros and cons. I prefer vertical saws like a Striebig or Hotz her for a small shop. Less of a footprint. Sliders make it easier to do angles though. I made a jig that goes on the second cut station for angle cuts. Although, I'll take our 2 beam saws, 2 banders, end driller and 3 CNC's we have here.
Good for you man that's awesome. I'm a finish carpenter we just moved to a much smaller town and I'm looking to branch out into building and installing cabinets as well to keep busy
Nice video, I started my business 1998. Fist tool I bought was a {1} Altendorf Sliding table saw used very low price. 5 years before I even started and stored it and a lot of other tools I knew I would need. I really don't know how you can produce enough and fast the way your doing it. Are you taking advantage of the {2} shelf hole (5mm hole 32MM system) I use a Ayen SKB 50 it has 2 heads with 25 spindles each 1 side has 5MM and other side has 8mm bits for the dowels. 5mm for hinges and drawer guides and all other hardware. If your making the money say. If you tweek few a things and do 32mm system and Sliding table saw, you will make much more. The next big change would be {3 and 4}Cabinet case clamp and boring for dowles and glueing and clamping. After all milling and boring done. Cabinets fly together because you would screw all hardware on before assembly {5} flat table before glueing and clamping case(drawer guides hinges and other hardware.) You are on a better track than I could do. These are 5 changes that would increase flow. And that is just a start to the big guys CNC machines game changer. I regret I never invested in the CNC. You also would need to invest in good Cad and cabinet software they will do all the cut lists stickers for parts and exact placements for the 32mm holes and 8mm dowel holes. I do use the software and if you want to start cheaper. Software "CutlistPlus" (Cabinet parts) AutoCad "DraftSight" I was using AutoCad from AutoDesk it changed so much over the years and got to expensive. If you can afford it go with AutoDesk Cad software it's much more user friendly. Good luck. Mark
Ok I am an ex teacher having made his transition and three years into carpentry/set building. Really helpful video as I essentially want to start my own business! Question. How long till you started working for yourself rather than for other people who got the work in?
I started our business while I was teaching. After 3 years part time, I went full time and it’s been 6 years full time now. In all 9 years working for myself. Though there was a stretch where I was a finish carpentry subcontractor working “for other people.”
I don't see a table saw, Yes for cabinets a slider with a scoring blade. you would want both. For my shop I have two 12" table saws and a 5 ft. x 10 ft. CNC..
Our old shop in that video was about 2700 sq ft. We moved in June 2023 into a 3500 sq ft space, about 2500 sq ft shop and 1000 sq ft between bathrooms, office, and showroom.
I dont know if anyone can help here, i have 3years experience in furniture and cabinet making, i live in Canada, and i need an employer to help me with cabinet making job, i so much love this job 😢
We have a Safety Speed panel saw and that has sped up our cabinet making processes. We also notch out the toe kick on our band saw and have an edge bander for shelves or frameless work. A CNC is on the wish list but we’d need a bit more shop space to accommodate it or reimagine our shop flow and layout. We’re about 70% furniture and 30% cabinetry right now so a CNC isn’t necessary yet for our overall workload.
Your employees pay for there own taxes, if you are paying them $25 per hrs your nit paying $45 a hrs cause your counting the work com taxes and so forth. You need to quit bulkshitting. I have a custom cabinetry business myself
Old fashioned Carpenter and carpintería shop ... They don't know jet... but this system is totally extinct. Robot can make it better faster and chipest .
Lol I don’t think you understand building/renovations. There’s people that spend $5-10k on cheap “robot” made cabinets and then there’s a huge market for people that want high end, custom made solid wood cabinets that will pay $30-100k to get them. It’s all relative.
Jesus Christ is Lord. He is the only way to eternal life. The first man, Adam, sinned, and after him, all humanity. Mankind was brought under the curse through Adam. So the Lord Jesus Christ had to take on flesh, and live the perfect life for us. He then died on the cross for our sins as our perfect substitute and rose from the dead on the third day in victory. In doing so, He frees the one who believes in Him from the curse and brings us under His representation, by which we are declared righteous before God. Further, it’s through His blood that He gives the believer power to live a new life, free from the slavery of sin. Everyone was born once (physically). That’s how you enter earthly life. But to receive eternal life, you must be born again (spiritually) - and that comes through the Lord Jesus Christ alone.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I have been a hobby, part time woodworker my entire life. I have a cabinet, custom woodwork business that I started full time in 2019 Last year my gross sales were $360K. I do all the site measuring, cad drawings, ordering, building and a lot of the installs. It is a lot of work but very satisfying working for myself. Keep your customers happy and your helpers happy and you will be successful. I do not advertise as word of mouth is, hands down, the only advertising you need. Excellent video!
What is your SDE and margins on a business like that making 360k?
Last year I was at 28.6% net profit, or $102,600 approx. My overhead is low as my shop is based out of my residence. If I has=d the space I could probably improve on that buy buying sheet goods and hardware in larger bulk quantities than I already do. I am currently working with another larger, local cabinet maker to do just that. Hope this answers your question!@@garrettp.5018
Wow. That is amazing sales. Are you a single person company? Do you use a CNC? If so, which one? I started wondering if this is a possibility for me.
Yes I am a single person company. I have fortune of my brother being a contractor so he does most of the installs. I do not have a cnc as my home shop is simply not large enough. I have an 8 foot sliding panel saw with an auto fence, an edge bander, a 21 spindle line bore machine and a hinge boring drill. I make some doors but mostly order them. I can cut and assemble an average kitchen in about three days by myself. I build all my drawers using pocket holes. It is quick and the boxes are strong. Just a note, I had a CNC in the past and unless you are doing more than a kitchen a week I really don't think you need one if your sole focus is building boxes. Hope this helps you out and good luck!@@ElCidPhysics90
@@Kawi-yz3mf thank you.
I’m a stay at home mom of 2 and an amateur wood worker. I try to learn as much as possible but sometimes I just wish someone taught me few things about cabinetry. I would work for this guy for free for 3 months just cleaning his shop and help out on somethings in exchange for learning few tricks such cutting on a table saw precisely, making drawers etc etc.
Take that time, buy some scrap wood and practice.
Thank you for this video. I have been managing production in cabinet shops for nearly 10 years but never run my own business. This was helpful. I was let go from my position as plant manager on January 1....2 days ago and starting my own business which is JMW Woodwork- I saw you video and linearity and how much alike we are. I also have the same passions for teaching, faith and had the same idea for a redemptive apprenticeship program....I am in North Carolina.....but sooo cool to see how alike we are. Great work
Just got back from Manteo a couple weeks ago. My first time to NC... won't be my last. Loved the drive from Raleigh & back.
I was a Quality Engineer for a medical device manufacturer. Fired for calling out unethical practices by management. I have a tenant that has a handyman business & he is good with what he does.
I have some woodworking experience on top of some machining experience (I set my table saw up like I set up a bridgeport... dial test indicator & tenths tolerances.. overkill, I know).
He has several people on the hook for cabinets & wants me to either try & get a wholesale account for RTA's or start building them in my garage. I know I can build what he wants... "cheap" cabinets for modular homes & lower end rentals to start. Being a hobbyist & a QE.. I am having a hard time with "good enough" to keep costs down.
Any advice on what sheet goods to go for? I really don't want to go with particle board, but need to keep costs down. Only laminate core ply I could find that is of decent quality still isn't very good quality... & it's $65 a sheet with his wholesale account.
I've been a cabinet maker for 35 years. Started in a small laminate shop. Then I built kitchens and baths for 15 plus years. I am currently the GM for a 55000 SF cabinet shop My body isn't as strong anymore so managing is a better fit for me now. I have always loved the cabinet field. I just wish more people wanted to learn it and make it a career. We are a dying trade.
I was a Quality Engineer for a medical device manufacturer. Fired for calling out unethical practices by management. I have a tenant that has a handyman business & he is good with what he does.
I have some woodworking experience on top of some machining experience (I set my table saw up like I set up a bridgeport... dial test indicator & tenths tolerances.. overkill, I know).
He has several people on the hook for cabinets & wants me to either try & get a wholesale account for RTA's or start building them in my garage. I know I can build what he wants... "cheap" cabinets for modular homes & lower end rentals to start. Being a hobbyist & a QE.. I am having a hard time with "good enough" to keep costs down.
Any advice on what sheet goods to go for? I really don't want to go with particle board, but need to keep costs down. Only laminate core ply I could find that is of decent quality still isn't very good quality... & it's 65 sheet with his wholesale account.
@@Witty..UserName Unfortunately, Melamine is the way to go if cost is an issue. RTA cabinets by far are the most cost effective. I've built euro cabinets for years, no face frame, and even a basic melamine cabinet cost more to build than RTA cabinets. While most RTA cabinets are face frame there are options for frameless ones. I created a cut sheet years ago to compare cost and it was amazing how much cheaper RTA cabinets were. They even came with soft close undermount slides and dovetail drawers.
@@jeffreys2110
Thanks for the reply & advice. Greatly appreciated.
Don’t get into cabinet building to start handling 4x8 sheets of melamine…cost effective but so heavy and horrid to work with. Nasty saw dust as well. We as a rule don’t allow melamine into the shop for our own sake…
@@wearedahlin7103
Thank you for that.
So often the unintended consequences are overlooked. & yea. I have been casting concrete sleepers using 4x8 melamine for molds... & cutting just 2 sheets into what I need left a huge mess. I did wear a dual cart respirator (I airbrush cars/bikes & have the PE for that).
I hate saying this... but I found an oversees supplier that builds from plywood & delivered to my door is cheaper than big box store particle board stuff. Even for 1 off orders.
There are very accomplished cabinet makers in my area & would assume they have the reputation & skill to have the high(er) end market captured. I don't have the experience, or even desire at this point, to go after that anyway.
I think we will be going the oversees RTA for this section of our market.
We'll see what tomorrow brings though.
Great information. My wife and I are really looking forward to building our start up shop here in Chicagoland. My father-in-law builds custom cabinets and furniture in Europe and we hope he will come here and help us get going. Lots of learn. I just can’t wait to be liberated from my corporate job and do something I can really love and enjoy. God bless, brother.
You are correct, a sliding table saw and an edge bander will allow one man to do all the cutting and edge banding for a large kitchen in one day.
Excellent video with practical advice! I just started building my own cabinets. Love what you’re doing!
I've used table saws, sliders and verticals to cut cabinetry. All have their pros and cons. I prefer vertical saws like a Striebig or Hotz her for a small shop. Less of a footprint. Sliders make it easier to do angles though. I made a jig that goes on the second cut station for angle cuts. Although, I'll take our 2 beam saws, 2 banders, end driller and 3 CNC's we have here.
Good for you man that's awesome. I'm a finish carpenter we just moved to a much smaller town and I'm looking to branch out into building and installing cabinets as well to keep busy
Nice video, I started my business 1998. Fist tool I bought was a {1} Altendorf Sliding table saw used very low price. 5 years before I even started and stored it and a lot of other tools I knew I would need. I really don't know how you can produce enough and fast the way your doing it. Are you taking advantage of the {2} shelf hole (5mm hole 32MM system) I use a Ayen SKB 50 it has 2 heads with 25 spindles each 1 side has 5MM and other side has 8mm bits for the dowels. 5mm for hinges and drawer guides and all other hardware. If your making the money say. If you tweek few a things and do 32mm system and Sliding table saw, you will make much more. The next big change would be {3 and 4}Cabinet case clamp and boring for dowles and glueing and clamping. After all milling and boring done. Cabinets fly together because you would screw all hardware on before assembly {5} flat table before glueing and clamping case(drawer guides hinges and other hardware.) You are on a better track than I could do. These are 5 changes that would increase flow. And that is just a start to the big guys CNC machines game changer. I regret I never invested in the CNC. You also would need to invest in good Cad and cabinet software they will do all the cut lists stickers for parts and exact placements for the 32mm holes and 8mm dowel holes. I do use the software and if you want to start cheaper. Software "CutlistPlus" (Cabinet parts) AutoCad "DraftSight" I was using AutoCad from AutoDesk it changed so much over the years and got to expensive. If you can afford it go with AutoDesk Cad software it's much more user friendly. Good luck. Mark
Please give us feedback and any ideas for who we should interview next! Thank you to DSM Woodworking!
Very impressed and spired entrepreneurship history, good luck forever!!!
This is my goal, I have 10+ years experience now but I want to work on my own tbh. Unfortunately I haven't learned much about the buisness side yet.
Good advice, spectacular work aswell. All power to you.
Excellent video. Hearing numbers and details is what makes these type of videos captivating.
Inspirational, thank you for sharing
Hallelujah! God is good!
Great person! God bless!
Ok I am an ex teacher having made his transition and three years into carpentry/set building. Really helpful video as I essentially want to start my own business!
Question. How long till you started working for yourself rather than for other people who got the work in?
I started our business while I was teaching. After 3 years part time, I went full time and it’s been 6 years full time now. In all 9 years working for myself. Though there was a stretch where I was a finish carpentry subcontractor working “for other people.”
Thank you so much for Sharing Valuable Information
Thanks for watching!
If i start new business in this field how can i get the business i am coming from pakistan i have experienced guy along me.
I don't see a table saw, Yes for cabinets a slider with a scoring blade. you would want both. For my shop I have two 12" table saws and a 5 ft. x 10 ft. CNC..
Yes I would be closed without my CNC.
Its hard to run a cabinet shop
hi bro..may i ask about cabinet maker job?
Great video man! Headed over to instagram to give you a follow. Love that you are a man of faith! 🙏🏾 keep up the great work!
Great video. Really inspires me to get started.
Glad to hear that!
Wish I could work for this guy. How many sq ft is his shop?
Our old shop in that video was about 2700 sq ft. We moved in June 2023 into a 3500 sq ft space, about 2500 sq ft shop and 1000 sq ft between bathrooms, office, and showroom.
I dont know if anyone can help here, i have 3years experience in furniture and cabinet making, i live in Canada, and i need an employer to help me with cabinet making job, i so much love this job 😢
Kalamazoo?!? Shoot not far from me. Do you need a shop hand!? Haha
actually yes
its okay to say you made a profit on selling that trailer, lol
Cabinets, I wish you luck these coming up years.
How tf does he not have a CNC and makes cabinets for a living? Am I missing something?
there are many people who do not use a CNC... it has a lot of associated costs with it.
We have a Safety Speed panel saw and that has sped up our cabinet making processes. We also notch out the toe kick on our band saw and have an edge bander for shelves or frameless work. A CNC is on the wish list but we’d need a bit more shop space to accommodate it or reimagine our shop flow and layout. We’re about 70% furniture and 30% cabinetry right now so a CNC isn’t necessary yet for our overall workload.
Your employees pay for there own taxes, if you are paying them $25 per hrs your nit paying $45 a hrs cause your counting the work com taxes and so forth. You need to quit bulkshitting. I have a custom cabinetry business myself
1099 for employees is crazy
The secret to making 6 figures as a woodworker is simply to start with 7 figures.😁
Most woodworkers seem allergic to the idea of making money. They just sort of wander around "making things" and whatever happens, happens.
Is that bourbonmoth woodworking 6:12
What happened to this company? Their site no longer exists
They changed business names instagram.com/harvestkzoo/
Old fashioned Carpenter and carpintería shop ... They don't know jet... but this system is totally extinct. Robot can make it better faster and chipest .
Lol I don’t think you understand building/renovations. There’s people that spend $5-10k on cheap “robot” made cabinets and then there’s a huge market for people that want high end, custom made solid wood cabinets that will pay $30-100k to get them. It’s all relative.
Jesus Christ is Lord. He is the only way to eternal life. The first man, Adam, sinned, and after him, all humanity. Mankind was brought under the curse through Adam. So the Lord Jesus Christ had to take on flesh, and live the perfect life for us. He then died on the cross for our sins as our perfect substitute and rose from the dead on the third day in victory. In doing so, He frees the one who believes in Him from the curse and brings us under His representation, by which we are declared righteous before God. Further, it’s through His blood that He gives the believer power to live a new life, free from the slavery of sin. Everyone was born once (physically). That’s how you enter earthly life. But to receive eternal life, you must be born again (spiritually) - and that comes through the Lord Jesus Christ alone.
Shit, we don't need to know every damn nail and screw you bought. Liven up.
Okay man just chill
I do though. That's what I'm here for
Yeah, all of you quit your jobs so you can learn how to make 3k a week instantly. You’ll be a pro by next week and charging 100 hour.