Love that white finish on ash, it definitely subdues the sharp contrast between the sap and heart wood, which is my biggest complaint about ash. Also those drawer lights are something else! Great job dude
Thanks, man! The finish was definitely something I was most nervous about, but it definitely evened out the dark/light tones nicely. It made me potentially consider working with Ash again...however, I think I will stick to walnut for the next few projects 😜
When you say, "Yikes" towards the end is so funny. Above and Beyond does not begin to describe your work! Uncle Keith, you're the best! Did you factor in the Inspector's Fee? Jerry wants to know!
Mr. Johnson. Your channel is one of my favorites. You are incredibly talented, down to earth, funny, and you have the best helpers too (Jerry and Lola) Thank you so much for sharing. See you on the next video!
Aww, what a great uncle! Your niece was adorable and seemed to really love the desk. I always seem to really enjoy your pieces. You do very nice work. Jerry and Lola are a bonus and the 3D version cracked me up.
Loved it! Love yer kitty kats, too! I appreciated the effort that you put into the pricing of your niece's "pretend commissioned desk project," then sharing with us common folk! Also, I absolutely loved your very cute niece's reactions whilst finding her way around the desk and all of the extra things, e.g., 3d printed items! Well done, Sir!
It all depends upon your market mate. In a Hollywood boutique you might ask and get 7000, same desk in my small town furniture store might sell for 300, same desk in a high street charity store is worth 70. It always amazes me how niche bespoke table makers spend more money on a slab of wood than my car is worth, then after a few says loving attention it sells for five times that. If I tried that trick locally, no matter how pretty I made it, I’d be lucky to get 200 quid.
Only recently found your channel after listening to the podcast for quite a while; really enjoy your video style. Amazing work, your attention to detail is very evident. If your niece is anything like my girls, the desk probably has nail polish on it by now but still love what you did here. Ordered that same printer today, have heard nothing but great things from those that own one.
Looks fantastic! Great to hear your thought process and problem-solving. On time estimates, there's a technique used in software development where tasks are estimated to take 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 20 or 40 time units. Having this limited set of numbers to chose from reduces indecision, while at the same time reminding us that any high estimates will be inaccurate. If any task is estimated at 13 or more, we should probably split it into smaller tasks to better estimate them.
Good morning 🌅, I’d like to comment and it’s disappeared. It’s probably gone into somebody else, great work, Well worth the effort and time you put into it, The thing is as well you’ve got to cover the cost of your tools and machinery, et cetera, I have made a lot of furniture over the years , but I used to put Ebony or different coloured wood into my furniture as a contrast, I am a English dude , retired living in France, keep up the great work, look forward to your next project I presume the bookcase, From France
Amazing video Keith! Love the way you break down the pricing and totally agree that sometimes its worth taking the hit on some of the profit for extra time spent on doing what you enjoy. Your attention to detail is something that is unmatched! The only part I disagree with you on is your rate of $75/hr. Your quality of work is well worth over $100+/hr! Keep up the great work man
Very nice build as always Keith! Useful information as well. Was waiting for your new video, they don't come out as often as I wish but the wait is always rewarded
Always enjoy your videos. Educational, entertaining, informative and very useful. This one is no different. However, watching your niece's reaction does make this video very special.
Nothing but respect for you and your work. And if you can get those kinds of prices, I’m ecstatic for you, truly. My niece would be happy with a $10 desk from Goodwill. And so would I. LoL You and your clients are just totally different people than me and my friends/family/people I sell things to. That may be a $6000 desk in your world, but it’s a $200 one in mine at absolute most, no matter how nice it is. And that’s ok. We’re all on our own paths. :)
What an amazing desk! I would have loved a desk like that! Especially the narrow shelf and the brass accents. I love it! And love how Jerry is always there to help haha
I really enjoyed this insight. I've always found custom, one-of-a-kind jobs hard to price. I always poorly estimate time required and fair better with materials and other fixed costs. However I tend to always see the 'overages' on time the 'learned' part of the job. It's often wrestling with things that are new to me, which will be much easier next time. It's experience that will help inform the next job with similar requirements achieve a better estimate. Plus like you I enjoy going the extra mile for a customer and I can't tell you the number of times that's led to new customers bring new business my way.
I started working with ash recently, at first I thought it looked too much like pine for my taste but it was cheap. A high grit sanding and a nice hard wax finish and I was surprised how nice it actually came out.
Beautiful piece, as always. We take for granted that a KJ woodworking video will reveal an intricate creation. The Dog definitely raised her excitement level. P.S. are you accepting new great nieces? My daughter needs ( read wants) a new dresser. Can't wait for the next one.
Thank you for your line-item assessment & explanations. I don't sell my woodwork - I build so that I don't have to buy - but I do sell my jewelry work, so there's considerable overlap that applies. Thanks again! BTW, my shop cats are Bandit (18yo tabby) & Baghera (17yo black blob).
Hey Keith - great work. Why did you choose to use metal straps vs. Attaching the leg / stretched assembly to the top with something like dominos on the loose setting which would add side to side stiffness and some people claim loose dominos and glue allow for adequate movement. Is it something else or do you find that movement still is a risk?
Wow!. That's a lot of hours and expenses. I kind of knew that, but this beats it quite a bit for this seemingly simple desk ("seemingly simple" is meant in the most positive sense). Costs for all the tools, the heated and lit space you work in, are not even on the list! Great work!
Great video and great information. Like you I think the shelf should be slightly wider and I might have suggested a brass rail or half inch high back to both the desk and shelf. My daughter had a similar desk (no shelf) and was always climbing under it to pick up things that fell. Added a piece of half inch trim and solved the problem
I think your work is superb. I must live in the wrong area. I don’t know anyone that has this kind of money to buy a custom project like this. I do love it though.
40:34 If you love to do those things and do them on your own choice, not being requested by the customer, you can't put it on the customer. If I develop a software for a customer and give them an estimated time/price of 120 hours, and the software is finished by then, but I decide to invest another 20 hours just refactoring the code because I enjoy it I can't charge the customer these additional hours. If they ask me to do it they pay for it but I can't charge them if it's done out of my enjoyment. I can only charge the customer for what they've requested/approved, not what I enjoy doing additionally.
40 years of engineering consulting: never came close to estimating the actual amount of time that things take. A factor of 2 is traditional when estimating, but it ranges from 1.8 to over 3 - sometimes things go way wrong... Delivery dates are just as bad, often because of vendors. Real life is just that fuzzy.
I try not to use more glue than necessary to minimize it. People often use way more glue than needed. You can also push your joint almost all the way together and wipe away any squeeze out before fully seating the joint.
I don’t have a business yet. But that is my goal and pricing is my biggest fear. lol! I am in the middle of a project that I thought would be 5-7 hours of work and I’m already to 15. lol! Great video!
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking Is it easier to find 1 customer to buy a $6000 table or 6 customers to buy $1000…simpler projects? I can totally understand how large companies sell cheaper things and make massive profits. I appreciate speaking on margins. Being a DIY dad I feel I could only charge $20/hour at most based on experience and general quality of work i can make right now.
Hi Keith, Nice to see a new video from you again. It's a shame that we can't match the prices here in Germany. As a handicraft, you can at best generate €500 for a desk like this from us. People simply don't see the material cost of solid wood and don't respect the handwork. Many greetings from Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany. Werner
Hey Keith. Why do you use a pattern bit vs a flush trim bit? I have the two B&B compression Flush Trim bits (1/2 and 1/4 shank). The half inch FTB has 2" of cutting capacity along with top and bottom bearings, so it's always confused me. Thanks!
for that money you can buy your niece a used car, not a crappy desk. for 5,000 you can buy 5 oz of gold. 5oz of gold for child's desk... phhh. but, Keith, I admit, you are genious if you can sell your work for that much.
I'm basically semi-pro. I do some custom work, but not a lot. In my area, there would be almost no one willing to pay anywhere near that. I agree that is what it's worth, though.
Great build & video, Keith~! Pricing my work is my Kryptonite. How did you calculate your hourly rate? That's my hardest part since materials cost is pretty straight forward. Thanks~!!
That's another magical question. It varies for many people, but here is a formula to start with: Desired profit amount + desired salary + operating costs / number of income producing hours = your hourly rate.
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking A little bit of a brain buster, but I greatly appreciate your insight. I'll add this bit of info into my notes. Thanks much for the reply~!
The piece is amazing and I really appreciate the pricing breakdown. It's something I've been trying to figure out. Assume this wasn't a family member, how do you tell a client that the final price is about 40% more than the estimate?
Looking at ash from both ends, top, behind...lol. Just curious, do you tend to do a single project start to finish or do you have multiple projects going at once?
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking I get it. I've got one side of a two car garage, but I'm not sure my brain could handle more than one project anyway. Thanks for the engagement, advice, and inspiration. I get very excited with every new video.
Starting out there is no way to command these crazy prices for an ash desk. But if you have a folllowing/brand then the uber rich will pay whatever to have a “Keith Johnson” desk built. Real world this desk won’t commission for $1000
Keith, this is good content. I'm not sure I'd use that model myself, mainly because I cannot and could not advertise myself as a 'professional' woodworker. My head-scratcher has always been the hourly rate. You definitely should charge $75/hr. So, I know that I could execute that desk myself, and would take much longer to do, and would probably come close but not exactly to your level of fit, finish, etc. What's my hourly rate, then? I've been told between $35 and $45 an hour, and still get looks like the air just left the room on rough quotes. My "day" job earns me about $65/hr, but is nothing close to woodworking. I guess to reframe the question, where did you start at with a labor rate just starting out, and at what points did you bump them up until you hit $75/hr?
I think it’s a different calculation for everyone based on many factors. Two of the primary ones for me being where I live (high cost of living) and overhead costs. I work in my garage and don’t have to lease a space, so overhead costs are very low. There are formulas online that will give you a better idea on how to calculate what is best for you.
those sweet sunglasses you were wearing while doing the UV finish makes you look like you're an 80 year old lady going to the post office. That is to say, please wear them more.
I think you need to partner with Total Boat and other makers who use Total Boat so that your "Total Boat Baby" animation shows up in other peoples videos also! Anytime I see or hear someone using Total Boat, I say "Total Boat Baby"!
Dang I should become a woodworker and start making desks if there is a market for $6000 desks when people can get a desk at ikea for under $100 or a rising desk for about $300
While there’s probably not a deep market for $6,000 desks, the quality and durability of custom woodworker compared to disposable IKEA or other pressboard furniture put them in completely different worlds.
Whilst you're both correct, the desk in the video is not special enough to justify that price tag, regardless of his breakdown. The extra features are nice, but a high cost needs to justify itself in high end materials and unique design, and as nice as this desk is, it does neither of those things.
Actually kind of a bummer. I was hoping that since the things you make are so exceptional that your prices would be insane. Now I find out you’re cutting people deals? I guess I just figured that people with unlimited budgets would seek you out on the regular because furniture tube. Some how… 🤷♂️ Regardless, this video, like all your videos, is a great comfort to me because actual labor at 2x estimated is pretty standard for me. And I’m not filming 😅 Thanks and keep up the great work
In my shop, and to my special customer, I'd estimate no more than $1200.00. When I delivered the desk to the client's room...I would tear up the invoice. There is no way to correctly estimate the cost of custom furniture.
Head to shrsl.com/4qy0c for Bambu Lab’s Black Friday page to get your Bambu Lab X1C and other size units according to your needs!
Love that white finish on ash, it definitely subdues the sharp contrast between the sap and heart wood, which is my biggest complaint about ash. Also those drawer lights are something else! Great job dude
Thanks, man! The finish was definitely something I was most nervous about, but it definitely evened out the dark/light tones nicely. It made me potentially consider working with Ash again...however, I think I will stick to walnut for the next few projects 😜
Your niece’s reaction made it all worthwhile ❤
Couldn't agree more, Chet!
When you say, "Yikes" towards the end is so funny. Above and Beyond does not begin to describe your work! Uncle Keith, you're the best! Did you factor in the Inspector's Fee? Jerry wants to know!
😂 Thanks Juliet! Dang! I need to add a line item for the Inspector 😬😹. He definitely deserves his cut.
Yes, definitely add a line for the CAT scans
Your number one client. Her appreciation is payment satisfied.
Agreed! That's what it's all about!
That shadow line on the sides perfectly matched the drawer gap. Nicely done.
I appreciate the eye for detail!
Your niece is adorable and her reaction really made the whole video. Made me want to go make something for my daughter who's about the same age.
Thanks! I hope you're able to experience that same amazing feeling!
Mr. Johnson.
Your channel is one of my favorites. You are incredibly talented, down to earth, funny, and you have the best helpers too (Jerry and Lola)
Thank you so much for sharing. See you on the next video!
Thanks, man! I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos! I’m working on getting Lola trained up and Jerry might be getting his own channel soon! 😹
@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking
When that happens, I'll be the first one to subscribe to their channel.😀
Thanks a million!
I really enjoyed seeing your niece's enthusiastic reaction to her new piece of furniture!
Thanks! I think she might be a future customer! 😅
Definitely appreciate the numbers crunching and the fact that you ended up where I often do, wondering how I spent so much time.
Right on! I’m always surprised how much time is really involved.
This is super helpful especially as someone who has struggled giving quotes. Also nice to know that going over in time isn't the end of the world
I'm glad it helps! It's a big mental hurdle to overcome!
Keith, you are MASTER, I truly enjoy the video because is educational and I get to see new products, again your are worth every penny in gold!
Wow, thatnks so much! I greatly appreciate it.
Aww, what a great uncle! Your niece was adorable and seemed to really love the desk. I always seem to really enjoy your pieces. You do very nice work. Jerry and Lola are a bonus and the 3D version cracked me up.
Thanks, it was a special uncle moment! 😄
Loved it! Love yer kitty kats, too!
I appreciated the effort that you put into the pricing of your niece's "pretend commissioned desk project," then sharing with us common folk!
Also, I absolutely loved your very cute niece's reactions whilst finding her way around the desk and all of the extra things, e.g., 3d printed items!
Well done, Sir!
Thanks Robert! I appreciate the feedback. And it was a an amazing uncle moment to see her reaction! 🥰
I really like to see you back in process! I’m learning this hobby! I really like your videos!!
Awesome! Thank you!
It all depends upon your market mate. In a Hollywood boutique you might ask and get 7000, same desk in my small town furniture store might sell for 300, same desk in a high street charity store is worth 70. It always amazes me how niche bespoke table makers spend more money on a slab of wood than my car is worth, then after a few says loving attention it sells for five times that. If I tried that trick locally, no matter how pretty I made it, I’d be lucky to get 200 quid.
@@contessa.adella Yes, it’s all about your market and clientele.
Only recently found your channel after listening to the podcast for quite a while; really enjoy your video style. Amazing work, your attention to detail is very evident. If your niece is anything like my girls, the desk probably has nail polish on it by now but still love what you did here. Ordered that same printer today, have heard nothing but great things from those that own one.
She's a wild one, but the desk is still holding up! 😜😂 And enjoy that printer!
nice piece and love her reaction, not sure how you can gave almost 3 weeks into the piece, but it came out nice!!
It takes what it takes! 😅
There is no amount of money in the world you could’ve charged a client that is worth that reaction. Great stuff as always mate!
Looks fantastic! Great to hear your thought process and problem-solving.
On time estimates, there's a technique used in software development where tasks are estimated to take 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 20 or 40 time units. Having this limited set of numbers to chose from reduces indecision, while at the same time reminding us that any high estimates will be inaccurate. If any task is estimated at 13 or more, we should probably split it into smaller tasks to better estimate them.
Thanks for the tips! That's a great approach.
Uncle of the year 🙌
😂 This is definitely my final campaign push!
Good morning 🌅, I’d like to comment and it’s disappeared. It’s probably gone into somebody else, great work,
Well worth the effort and time you put into it, The thing is as well you’ve got to cover the cost of your tools and machinery, et cetera,
I have made a lot of furniture over the years , but I used to put Ebony or different coloured wood into my furniture as a contrast,
I am a English dude , retired living in France, keep up the great work, look forward to your next project I presume the bookcase,
From France
Thanks so much! I appreciate the comment. Cheers!
Amazing video Keith! Love the way you break down the pricing and totally agree that sometimes its worth taking the hit on some of the profit for extra time spent on doing what you enjoy. Your attention to detail is something that is unmatched! The only part I disagree with you on is your rate of $75/hr. Your quality of work is well worth over $100+/hr! Keep up the great work man
Thanks Luke! I appreciate it, man. Hourly rate does vary based on complexity of work, so it’s normally $100+. I cut my niece a deal on this one 😜
Very nice build as always Keith! Useful information as well. Was waiting for your new video, they don't come out as often as I wish but the wait is always rewarded
Appreciate the support! I’m trying to make them as high quality as possible!
Another great woodwork project video. Best woodworker on UA-cam.
Wow, thanks! 👊🏻
I love ash furniture and that finish looks amazing on it. Great work!
Thanks bro! Not sure I would use Ash again unless I got a request for it, but it wasn't too bad to work with!
Always enjoy your videos. Educational, entertaining, informative and very useful. This one is no different. However, watching your niece's reaction does make this video very special.
Thanks so much! And seeing my niece’s reaction was priceless 😁
Fantastic video! Your niece is one lucky girl to have an heirloom piece like that. And definitely buying that 3D printer.
Wow, thanks! And enjoy that printer...I think you're going to love it!
So beautiful! And she was happy! That was awesome! ❤
Thanks, she really loved it! 😁
Pretty sweet...my daughters been bugging me for a desk. I think my skill set might all most be there. Your work is excellent as always.
Go for it! I'm sure she will love anything you build for her!
Really cool video. I definitely appreciate your adding so much insight into building custom furniture.
Thanks! Glad you found it helpful!
Nothing but respect for you and your work. And if you can get those kinds of prices, I’m ecstatic for you, truly.
My niece would be happy with a $10 desk from Goodwill. And so would I. LoL
You and your clients are just totally different people than me and my friends/family/people I sell things to. That may be a $6000 desk in your world, but it’s a $200 one in mine at absolute most, no matter how nice it is.
And that’s ok. We’re all on our own paths. :)
Fair enough.
Fantastic video and informative beyond any ask. Perfect timing for me, thank you Keith.
Right on! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks! 👊🏼
Great job, Keith! The desk looks awesome.
Cheers Rob! I appreciate it 👊🏼
What an amazing desk! I would have loved a desk like that! Especially the narrow shelf and the brass accents. I love it! And love how Jerry is always there to help haha
Thanks so much! Jerry is the unsung hero of every build 😹
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking I praise him haha, always love to see them both...and your work of course!
I really enjoyed this insight. I've always found custom, one-of-a-kind jobs hard to price. I always poorly estimate time required and fair better with materials and other fixed costs. However I tend to always see the 'overages' on time the 'learned' part of the job. It's often wrestling with things that are new to me, which will be much easier next time. It's experience that will help inform the next job with similar requirements achieve a better estimate. Plus like you I enjoy going the extra mile for a customer and I can't tell you the number of times that's led to new customers bring new business my way.
Yes! We share the same philosophy. Cheers!
Turned out great dude! Loved seeing her reaction to it.
Thanks Bret! And thanks for all the plans help! 👊🏼🙌🏻
Always an enjoyable experience to watch your work.
Thank you sir!
YES, YEHEEES, finally an Ash build. I'VE BEEN WAITING YEARS FOR THIIIS ^^
Hope it was worth the wait! 😉
I started working with ash recently, at first I thought it looked too much like pine for my taste but it was cheap. A high grit sanding and a nice hard wax finish and I was surprised how nice it actually came out.
Yeah, it can definitely look like pine if it's flat sawn. But it's hardness makes it far more durable and stronger than pine.
Beautiful!! It was cute how much she loved the dog you printed.
She has a great eye for detail! 😜
That's a cool video Keith. I think alot of people have wondered how you, and others, do this. Very insightful.
Thanks! Hope it was helpful!
Beautiful piece, as always.
We take for granted that a
KJ woodworking video will reveal an intricate creation.
The Dog definitely raised her excitement level.
P.S. are you accepting new great nieces? My daughter needs ( read wants) a new dresser.
Can't wait for the next one.
😂 Thanks Moshe! Unfortunately, niece applications are closed at the moment 😜
Thank you for your line-item assessment & explanations. I don't sell my woodwork - I build so that I don't have to buy - but I do sell my jewelry work, so there's considerable overlap that applies. Thanks again!
BTW, my shop cats are Bandit (18yo tabby) & Baghera (17yo black blob).
Thanks! It's always interesting to see how others approach pricing their work. Tell Bandit & Baghera hello 😺😺
You're a good uncle! Her reaction was more than worth your extra efforts, I'm sure.
Couldn't agree more! Thanks!
her excitement of the drawers is all worth it
Agreed! It was a great moment!
Truly amazing work, Keith! Beautiful desk!!! 😃
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
Thanks, appreciate it! Stay safe as well!
Such a good and detailed video! You have outdone yourself again Keith!
Thanks John! I appreciate it, man!
Yikes!!! Great video, great result at the end, Jerry's final word on the matter as insightful as ever!
😹 The little fur ball is indeed a wordsmith!
Hey Keith - great work. Why did you choose to use metal straps vs. Attaching the leg / stretched assembly to the top with something like dominos on the loose setting which would add side to side stiffness and some people claim loose dominos and glue allow for adequate movement. Is it something else or do you find that movement still is a risk?
I like the base and top to be separate entities.
Amazing desk Keith, been following the pain via your pod cast. Looking forward to the next video.
Thanks so much!
Beautiful desk and as always a great video. Thanks 👍
Thanks so much for watching! 🙌🏻
Wow!. That's a lot of hours and expenses. I kind of knew that, but this beats it quite a bit for this seemingly simple desk ("seemingly simple" is meant in the most positive sense).
Costs for all the tools, the heated and lit space you work in, are not even on the list!
Great work!
Thanks for the comment! And yes, all the tools, utilities, etc. are included in overhead which is factored into my hourly rate.
Great video and great information. Like you I think the shelf should be slightly wider and I might have suggested a brass rail or half inch high back to both the desk and shelf. My daughter had a similar desk (no shelf) and was always climbing under it to pick up things that fell. Added a piece of half inch trim and solved the problem
Yeah, I proposed the back rail many times, but she didn't want one 🤷🏼♂️
I think your work is superb. I must live in the wrong area. I don’t know anyone that has this kind of money to buy a custom project like this. I do love it though.
Thanks man! Yeah, different areas of the country can command hire rates for custom work.
Looks like works gonna wait this morning… KJ posts a video, you drop everything!
😂 I’ll give you a doctors note if you need it for your boss 😜
Thanks for sharing your process. Very helpful.
Thanks for watching!
40:34 If you love to do those things and do them on your own choice, not being requested by the customer, you can't put it on the customer. If I develop a software for a customer and give them an estimated time/price of 120 hours, and the software is finished by then, but I decide to invest another 20 hours just refactoring the code because I enjoy it I can't charge the customer these additional hours. If they ask me to do it they pay for it but I can't charge them if it's done out of my enjoyment. I can only charge the customer for what they've requested/approved, not what I enjoy doing additionally.
Yes, correct. I don't charge for added time/details that I decide to add.
@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking Ah okay, it sounded like those where part of the 100h. My bad :D
40 years of engineering consulting: never came close to estimating the actual amount of time that things take. A factor of 2 is traditional when estimating, but it ranges from 1.8 to over 3 - sometimes things go way wrong... Delivery dates are just as bad, often because of vendors. Real life is just that fuzzy.
Unless you build the same thing over and over, cost estimation is definitely variable. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose 😂
read the book version of "The Martian" instead... way more details and a lot of fun.
Oh yeah, the book is phenomenal, but I thought they did a decent job bringing it to life.
Awesome content! Quick question, how do you deal with glue squeeze out? For me it’s one of the most annoying things to deal with!
I try not to use more glue than necessary to minimize it. People often use way more glue than needed. You can also push your joint almost all the way together and wipe away any squeeze out before fully seating the joint.
I don’t have a business yet. But that is my goal and pricing is my biggest fear. lol! I am in the middle of a project that I thought would be 5-7 hours of work and I’m already to 15. lol! Great video!
Yeah, you gotta learn to factor in the "oh-sh**" hours. 😜
Beautiful work, Uncle Keith! ;-)
Thanks man! I appreciate it 👊🏼
Hi Keith, great video as always. Would u mind sharing where do u outsource the 3d printing files. Who are u using? Thanks
I use a friend that doesn't do it full-time, but check out FIVERR or Upwork to find thousands of people that can 3D model.
My friend - you’re such an inspiration for me. Thanks again for an amazing video. And see you soon :).
Thanks Fantin! It was a great weekend in TX!
@ indeed! Too short but good nevertheless :(
Always a great watch. Also, you're looking quite fit these days!
Thank you kindly!
Ay I just bought a Bambu too! It's so easy to use it's crazy. Pretty fast too! I got the A1 though. So won't put it in my shop anytime soon.
That’s awesome! Glad it’s working for you. And yeah, the A1 needs a more sterile environment 😂
The hardest working shop cats around!
Jerry is the unsung hero of the shop! 😂
Just starting the video and I can't wait to see that girls face when you hand her the bill!
We are still in negotiations...she's a tough nut!
Materials $426, Supplies $603, labor $8550
The smile of your niece ? Priceless 😁
Yes! You nailed it, Rob!
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking
Is it easier to find 1 customer to buy a $6000 table or 6 customers to buy $1000…simpler projects? I can totally understand how large companies sell cheaper things and make massive profits.
I appreciate speaking on margins. Being a DIY dad I feel I could only charge $20/hour at most based on experience and general quality of work i can make right now.
Well done sir.
Thanks so much! Glad you liked it 🤙🏼
Hi Keith,
Nice to see a new video from you again.
It's a shame that we can't match the prices here in Germany. As a handicraft, you can at best generate €500 for a desk like this from us.
People simply don't see the material cost of solid wood and don't respect the handwork.
Many greetings from Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany.
Werner
You should target different income brackets
Thanks for the comment! Prices for handmade goods are different all over the world.
Much better title!
I appreciate the feedback!
I love working with ash. Currently also making a desk out of it, with bocote accents.
oh very nice! 👌
Hey Keith. Why do you use a pattern bit vs a flush trim bit? I have the two B&B compression Flush Trim bits (1/2 and 1/4 shank). The half inch FTB has 2" of cutting capacity along with top and bottom bearings, so it's always confused me. Thanks!
Good question. 😂. Just preference, I guess.
Great video! My 9 year old daughter would have gone straight to the 3D printed dog as well.
Haha. It's funny what the focus on. 😂
One very happy young lady.
for that money you can buy your niece a used car, not a crappy desk.
for 5,000 you can buy 5 oz of gold. 5oz of gold for child's desk... phhh.
but, Keith, I admit, you are genious if you can sell your work for that much.
I'm basically semi-pro. I do some custom work, but not a lot. In my area, there would be almost no one willing to pay anywhere near that. I agree that is what it's worth, though.
Understood! Where you live is definitely a big factor when pricing custom work.
Great build & video, Keith~! Pricing my work is my Kryptonite. How did you calculate your hourly rate? That's my hardest part since materials cost is pretty straight forward. Thanks~!!
That's another magical question. It varies for many people, but here is a formula to start with: Desired profit amount + desired salary + operating costs / number of income producing hours = your hourly rate.
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking A little bit of a brain buster, but I greatly appreciate your insight. I'll add this bit of info into my notes. Thanks much for the reply~!
Which vacuum bags do you use?
Not sure the brand, but I bought it from veneersupplies.com
Thank you
🤙🏼😎
The piece is amazing and I really appreciate the pricing breakdown. It's something I've been trying to figure out. Assume this wasn't a family member, how do you tell a client that the final price is about 40% more than the estimate?
I wouldn't. Unless they make changes or add things after they sign the estimate, I have to eat the extra hours.
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking Good point. Thanks!
Great video, how many projects do you have going at one time?
It really depends on the scope of the projects and how big there are, but typically 1-2.
Hi Keith! Where did you get the handle for the domino from?
Right here: www.tailoredforest.com/store/p/festool-domino-walnut-handle?srsltid=AfmBOorrJlT90R6eiGj363nO_W5TvJX6tSx7QVW26x2rRC59hoXY4288
Amazing!
Thanks Dan!
Looking at ash from both ends, top, behind...lol. Just curious, do you tend to do a single project start to finish or do you have multiple projects going at once?
I try to only focus on one project at a time due to being in small shop.
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking I get it. I've got one side of a two car garage, but I'm not sure my brain could handle more than one project anyway. Thanks for the engagement, advice, and inspiration. I get very excited with every new video.
That's a happy client! Just one small correction for your video: you cannot watch The Martian too much.
You're not wrong! 😂
Starting out there is no way to command these crazy prices for an ash desk. But if you have a folllowing/brand then the uber rich will pay whatever to have a “Keith Johnson” desk built. Real world this desk won’t commission for $1000
Yeah, a family heirloom is way overprice, you'll pay $5000 for a big screen TV that will die in 2 years to fry your brain . Priorities, I suppose.
Lámelo clam X connectors. Where can I buy a small amount? Seems all options are for hundreds of dollars worth. Where’s that Affiliate link?
You can buy directly through me, as I am a dealer. The smallest box is an 80 count for $145 plus shipping.
Keith, this is good content. I'm not sure I'd use that model myself, mainly because I cannot and could not advertise myself as a 'professional' woodworker. My head-scratcher has always been the hourly rate. You definitely should charge $75/hr. So, I know that I could execute that desk myself, and would take much longer to do, and would probably come close but not exactly to your level of fit, finish, etc. What's my hourly rate, then? I've been told between $35 and $45 an hour, and still get looks like the air just left the room on rough quotes. My "day" job earns me about $65/hr, but is nothing close to woodworking.
I guess to reframe the question, where did you start at with a labor rate just starting out, and at what points did you bump them up until you hit $75/hr?
I think it’s a different calculation for everyone based on many factors. Two of the primary ones for me being where I live (high cost of living) and overhead costs. I work in my garage and don’t have to lease a space, so overhead costs are very low. There are formulas online that will give you a better idea on how to calculate what is best for you.
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking I'm in an HCOL area also, but I'll dig into it. Thanks!
Proves once again that made to order is a nightmare and almost nobody is willing to pay what we should be charging
There are plenty willing to pay, it’s just finding them 😜
those sweet sunglasses you were wearing while doing the UV finish makes you look like you're an 80 year old lady going to the post office. That is to say, please wear them more.
What can I say, I’m a fan of the classics, especially if they’re protecting my eyes! 😎
I think you need to partner with Total Boat and other makers who use Total Boat so that your "Total Boat Baby" animation shows up in other peoples videos also! Anytime I see or hear someone using Total Boat, I say "Total Boat Baby"!
No way ! That’s my signature! 😜😂
The look on her face was worth every penny
Couldn’t agree more, Dave!
How much does the cute cat’s help cost?
Paid intreats, play time and 48 different beds to nap in. 😹
Dang I should become a woodworker and start making desks if there is a market for $6000 desks when people can get a desk at ikea for under $100 or a rising desk for about $300
No there’s not a market for it
While there’s probably not a deep market for $6,000 desks, the quality and durability of custom woodworker compared to disposable IKEA or other pressboard furniture put them in completely different worlds.
Whilst you're both correct, the desk in the video is not special enough to justify that price tag, regardless of his breakdown. The extra features are nice, but a high cost needs to justify itself in high end materials and unique design, and as nice as this desk is, it does neither of those things.
It wasn't made for you.
Yes, there is @obryanwoodworks
Actually kind of a bummer. I was hoping that since the things you make are so exceptional that your prices would be insane. Now I find out you’re cutting people deals? I guess I just figured that people with unlimited budgets would seek you out on the regular because furniture tube. Some how… 🤷♂️
Regardless, this video, like all your videos, is a great comfort to me because actual labor at 2x estimated is pretty standard for me. And I’m not filming 😅
Thanks and keep up the great work
You know what, I actually don’t think I’ve ever had an unlimited budget, and that’s ok! 😂
In my shop, and to my special customer, I'd estimate no more than $1200.00. When I delivered the desk to the client's room...I would tear up the invoice.
There is no way to correctly estimate the cost of custom furniture.
Sounds good!
It's nice but I don't know one person who would pay that much for that, even the original estimate.
Everyone has a different budget...some much lower than ours, and some insanely higher.