I'm 20 years old, and I've been feeling the weight of trying to prepare and set myself for a life like the one you've earned. I've been trying to remind myself that the urge to give up after a few failures is natural and inevitable, and that the quicker I learn to bite the bullet and keep going, the better. Nothing makes me happier than woodworking, but I also have other passions that I couldn't imagine living without. Striking an even balance is key. Thank you for this video.
Tyrese Chambers i assume it’s before taxes, meaning minus 40% and also, it's hard to get all hours a week paid. I was a web developer and over the year I managed to get around 20 hours a week paid 50 dollars per hour. It was sustainable, but tough. Managed for 6 years. Rough competition as well. Starting a business you'll need to do free hours, learn many hard lessons and 60 hour working weeks in the start.
@@josephjeffers6102 dude you have no idea. We get taxed on everything. There is even a carbon tax on gas us standard federal and provincial tax. Best part not all are healthcare is free.
My old man is a carpenter (subcontractor) and I've been working for him (unofficially) since I was 10 in the shore towns on the east coast, USA building 5 - 10 million dollar homes. I'm now on the verge of graduating from college with a degree I have no interest in pursuing (per advice from my parents) aka, go to college. I want to be a carpenter and potentially own my own business. This video really meant a lot to me. Thanks Samurai.
What are you all talking about?! I make about $1200/mo and I'm fine. I can afford a house, dog, bills, going out occasionally, decent car, food. I'm not struggling at all. I just don't buy unnecessary shit that temporarily makes me happy or need some giant house yo fill a void.
Great video! Back when I was in high school it's like no one even told us that working with your hands was an option. Go to college, get a degree, be a wage slave, die unfulfilled, wash, rinse, repeat. You can make a good living wage in the building trades, just like just about any other industry, if you're smart, hard-working, and motivated. Thrilled to see you getting it done and at a damn fine quality too.
You can make great money as a craftsman/contractor!! You have to work for yourself. I do high end interiors gross over 700K a year with 3 man crew. I charge $150.00 per hour for shop time and $90 per man hour for field work.
Hello. I am going to college studying carpentry. Its about 3 months now and I have been sitting and standing around a lot, we have not been able to practice or learn how to do anything important, just basic things, i was pretty disappointed
Its important to note, he said he is from Victoria, it has a reputation of being heinously expensive there. Its no wonder he had to earn $50/hr to feel like he had any money.
Much as we like to think we may not be someone's servant by advancing our careers, we only end up being the servant of a larger number of more demanding masters as we advance (review the concept of customers if you disagree). However, service to others is not a bane; nay, it is our contribution to society and the world. May we all endeavor to serve more, and serve better; and may we all quit seeking only to be served.
Been in food service for 7 years. I’ve topped out at 16/hr. I dont even want the burden of the white hat anymore. Your words about adaptation and perseverance are huge words of encouragement. I’m not a talented carpenter by any means, but I have built a 12’ farm table without any training. Just kind of winged it. I could stand and jump on it when I was done and there was no flex or wobble. I can say also as a fulltime/overtime line cook working in some insane kitchens, after overcoming near death illness, and making it this far where Im paying my own bills and feeding myself and keeping the car running, that push is all I know. I might look for an apprenticeship in carpentry. I know I have creative ideas for furniture, good taste in woodworking, I know a bit of this and that about musical instruments. I can go find steady work and also apply my knowledge of music to making instruments which I can sell, furniture and do shows at these big trade shows where we made 10 grand in a weekend just fixing up and refinishing furniture we bartered for at hoarders houses and flea markets. There’s ways to make a buck if you think hard enough. This video makes me feel hopeful about the trade if anything. Just need that hustle and grind. That being said, I need to go finish finishing my parents cabinets for them. You got a sub today my friend. Thank you for your words and teaching.
I completely agree with the college crap. I went to school for 5 years to get a B.S in Psychology and Sociology, on top of 2 years of technical school in Engineering (the Engineering while I was still in High School so the state paid for that schooling). I'm swimming in student loan debt and my job has absolutely nothing to do with either the certificate or the degree. However I have years of experience in fixing, building things, and whatnot, but employers don't care about that. Every job interview I get seems to end in either I'm overqualified due to my education or I'm under-qualified due to my experience in mostly manufacturing type jobs. I'd love to become a full time woodworker, but that doesn't pay the bills sadly. One day though I hope to get it figured out cause I'm tired of working for company after company of people who always seem to pile on the bullshit a little at a time.
I am a 27 year old carpenter/ contractor in charleston sc and just discovered your videos. very refreshing to see there are others out there with a passion for the job and the drive to do it a little better. It can be discouraging seeing all the guys in the trade who couldent care less and this is a breath of fresh air. I would agree strongly that if you want to live your dreams these days you will need to do more than just carpentry and thinking of yourself as an entrepreneur in general is the way to go.
Great video and talk. I myself am a journeyman carpenter and can validate pretty much everything he said on that topic. Things I would add are the 2 major routes. Residential and Commercial. I've never worked in commercial (thank the lord) and from my experience building high end custom homes in Vancouver you truly get to do almost everything, my company does the 3 main types of carpentry forming, framing aswell as finishing which adds a lot of variety to the job and keeps everything fresh and new. I would highly recommend being a residential carpenter and going to school for it. It's a great job and you learn way more than just carpentry skills but also skills to problem solve and manage everyone else. The pay might not be as good as a specific subcontractor like an electrician or plumber but it rarely get repetitive and you can use your tools for woodworking in your spare time like most of us probably do.
Getting rich isn’t solely based on a career or a certain set of skills. Getting rich is simply a mindset and using certain tools in a way to get you there.
Getting rich isn’t a worthy goal. You put your worth in money? Amassing wealth? If amassing wealth was a worthy goal for a human then we’d be the happiest humans in history. The middle class live lavishly compared to history. The meaning and purpose of life is not to get rich.
I want to build apox resin tables etc mainly. I’d imagine I’d need to take a carpentry course for that? I don’t particularly want to be doing construction. Those slabs in the background making me excited.
You nailed it on the head brother. I'm a lot like you. I'm a GC, put my time in the trades, even went to college and got a desk job at one point. All of it has lead to this point in my life where I am beginning to feel really good about the seeds I have planted along the way. Everything you said about disseminating the most information and developing the most talents is key. That is the answer folks.
I think you pretty much nailed it on the advice. As a contractor I would add learning plumbing, electrical , tile, and roofing to the mix but no one will force you, the opportunities might force you or the lack there of. If you just like engineering and problem solving in general.
You, Sir, are a special one...As a family man and aspiring carpenter, I appreciate the efforts and sacrifices you and your wife take to make these videos possible. Thank you for sharing. The quality of your work is admirable, and the public sharing of your extensive experiences are invaluable! I appreciate you. PleaSE EXCUSE MY POOR ENGLISH
I really liked your video because you spoke plainly and didn't coddle the viewer in hype and spin. Which, of course, means that half the listeners probably thought you were *mean* and *harsh* because you were *realistic* in the things you said.
+TheDamnSpot I'm very much putting in the hours and elbow grease to make my projects come true, and his words STILL shook me, as if I'm been slacking and not really doing things the I really should. So yeah, some people are gonna cry, point at him and shout "You meanie!"
Currently 24 years old and in my first year of apprenticeship, but I worked in a full shop for a while with all of the toys- I mean, tools heh- you would want (professional planer, jointer, amazing cabinet saw, lathe, drill press, hollow chisel mortiser, router, belt sanders, two size bandsaws- most of the machines were made by General from their old drummondville factory). Kind of like you, my dream is to one day own my own shop. I also hail from Canada so perhaps one day our paths will cross if I become a fellow samurai. Thanks for the inspirational words, mr. sensei, and sayonara!
Hey Jesse, this is a good thing you're doing. "You won't get rich doing it" is what people need to hear. Nowadays everyone's dreaming about owning a BMW or Mercedes or Ferraris or what not, and some of them's gonna think "maybe this thing with wood is my ticket." Not saying it couldn't be done, but that would be more the exception than the norm.
Add motivational speaker to that list. Well stated. I enjoy your videos immensely and have been inspired to not only build, but hone my craftsmanship skills. I will happily support you in the cause
+Josh Whitmarsh Thanks for your support brother. It's nice to meet perfect strangers that see the potential for what is happening here and are happy to lend a hand.
As another 32 year old entrepreneur in an information technology business....this resonates, so freakin' much. The difficulty of the work is what thins out the crowds of competitors. If it was easy, everybody would be doing it. But there are limited resources and markets are only so big. Not that there is anything wrong with being an employee or that it doesn't have it's own unique challenges...but some people just need to challenge themselves as entrepreneurs.
I hear what your saying. As an electrician I was making $28 an hour here in Maryland, great except for getting laid off periodically, in between lay offs it was unemployment or working at a remodeling company if you could find it. Problem was you never knew when you were going to lose your job. So after working in a service department of a national home builder making $18 an hour for a year and a half I got laid off in 2007 as did a lot of folks. I had a side job that night putting in ceiling fans and haven't looked back. Working for myself has been the second most stressful thing I've ever done but the most rewarding personal accomplishment . I now have a successful business and a partner. Keys: work hard, do what is asked of you and more, learn everything you can and if you want more you are going to have to get it yourself because most of us don't have someone to hand it to us and I'm glad I didn't.
Thanks for the honest and sensible talk. I have been practicing woodworking from home from quite a long time and I love the way of woodwork you guys do and I'm very inspired by it. I'm not a full time woodworker but I'm doing everything to be one.
as a general cpmtractor from mi moved to texas,im a custom framer found this to be a great video,i my self do more i frame an finish have learned many trades i worked union got my y journey man and have been in the field over 25 yrs i stay away from commercial work my family i was fortunate to have a few trades such as excavating,dirt work to concrete finishing,and carpentry rough to finish electrical plumbing learn the trades put your heart into it and life will follo,and dont be a hack i see carpenters who have shoddy workmanship and just plain suck and how an they are licensed is beyond me,i put my heart an soul an have made a great life an you cam become wealthy in a trade it depends on supply and demand and hiw bad do you want it i was hungry! and came to texas an killed it first custom house i built and finished was a 400k profit dont learn elegbra lesrn money an hiw to invest!!! great video
Samurai!!!! I recently purchased a table saw and built myself an outdoor shower. I want to get into carpentry as a hobby, but want to build furniture, mainly with hand carved joinery. I have a limited budget for the time being and don't know how to prioritize which tools to buy first. I have a table saw, a radial arm saw and that's about it. What would be your absolute must have tools if you were to start your collection from scratch
thank you, Samurai, for these humbled words. you're truly talented, open minded and passionate. intelligence is not measure by years in school, rather by being opened minded, passion, and perseverance.
Good message . As an older person I agree, the world is ever changing and if you don't move with these changes you will become " got off my lawn guy" don't let that happen. I am just getting into woodworking and I have no plans of making any money but who knows my wife's grandmother started a very successful real-estate frim in her 60s'. For those of you that want to just work a trade I would highly suggest getting into a trade that you need a license, electrician, plumber. Barrier to entry is very important and will have a lot to do with how well you are paid. Doctors, Lawyers, CPA's and RN's all have licenses. It keeps the unskilled and more importantly untrained from taking your job. In my area of the Northeast a union tradesmen can make over 200,000 year with overtime, with a nice benefits plan. Thanks, take care.
I'm not a carpenter, and you inspire the hell out of me anyway Samurai! The years you've spent in the trenches developing the craftsmanship, persisting through financial hardship, and so on. I totally get it, I'm in the same boat, you give me hope that as long as a keep knocking someone is going to answer. Keep up the good work mate; ignore the naysayers and keep telling it how it is. I wish you and your family all the freaking best!
Couldn't have said it better myself. I have my own company doing construction including custom woodwork, metalwork, and landshaping. It's hard work, and you can't really charge extra for being good at a lot of things, you get paid to do one thing. Plus, you can't really charge people for offering a estimate, you have to bring in jobs while not getting paid, you have to get your own tools, some of which are super expensive, like my excavator which I bought used for a cut rate price of about 30k US (here in Sweden). The thing is. Until you become the woodworking/carpenter god who get's to pick between contracts, you have to take close to every job to build renown (the best way to advertise yourself is to be cheap, _fast_, and generally a good hire, so your customers will recommend you to their friends) and to put food on the table, PLUS you have to be able to buy more tools to take on more jobs etc. It's hard work, and at some points, you will be close to giving up, but in the end, if you persist, it will be worth it.
Being good at a lot of things will help you get more contracts, i.e fill your schedule. Bringing in jobs is the hardest part. When I started out at as a 19 y.o, I didn't make shit, I lived cheap as fuck working like 12-13 hours a day just to get started buying tools. Fortunately for me, my parents had renovated two houses and had some tools laying around for me to get started with.
Thanks for all your words. It is so motivated for me. I'm still trying and trying and changing the way to make the things. And I know that I will be the best, as you. I am from Brazil and I'll move to somewhere in British Columbia, still studying to know the right place to start a new life. I accept an option. Thanks again. Gus
+The Samurai Carpenter first, i'd like to say thank you for answer my question and second can you visit my instagran @locannpinturas @gusbunn . there you can see some of my paint jobs. thanks again. And sorry if my english is not really good, i'm still trying
Hey mate have you considered Australia? I left Brazil two years ago and moved in to Perth to do a carpentry apprenticeship. I am very happy here, wages are ok and it is not as cold as Canada! Abracos
Did you get right into the apprenticeship? Like did you need any further knowledge before the apprenticeship? Also, did you have to save up money to move to Austalia?? I really want to live there also. You sound exactly what I want to do and be. I'll appreciate it a lot if you could reply. Thanks!
Yes I got right into the apprenticeship. All you need to get in is school year 10 or equivalent. Yeah I had to save heaps of money, as international student you will have to pay 7000,00 per semester during two years + health insurance. Hit me up if you have any more questions
Keep in mind each state and each local union pays different wages right now in oregon LU 1503 journeyman are making 40 dollars an hour and me as a 2nd term apprentice is making 23.55 an hour
I have to pick my major for high school in a couple weeks, I am thinking about carpentry. The stuff you said about money, would you get paid more, the Longer you work there? Is there like a promotion system? And what would the day in the life of a carpenter look like
+Carter Wilson Workshop with Bradley Boggs Me too. Had to unlearn the notion that you had to go to college to be successful and that its ok to pursue a carer in carpentry.
Samurai!!!! I recently purchased a table saw and built myself an outdoor shower. I want to get into carpentry as a hobby, but want to build furniture, mainly with hand carved joinery. I have a limited budget for the time being and don't know how to prioritize which tools to buy first. I have a table saw, a radial arm saw and that's about it. What would be your absolute must have tools if you were to start your collection from scratch?
Working in construction, concrete work(wall/foundation crew) , I enjoy the hard work forms, learning, plus the bit wee more pay. Currently in college, business degree is the plan. It may change, but I need to do something, and not be just an employee at a Company.
Dude, you hit the nail right on the head! Even though I live in the Netherlands, everything you said totally applies over here too. Thanks for sharing this with the U-tubes.
Hi Samuri, my name is Earlene. I live in Rhode Island USA. I had always enjoyed wood working, making little things. How I ended up being a Medic on a rescue for 15 years I don't know lol. Everyone tells me that I'm too old to learn carpentry or be an apprentice because I am 56. It's never too late is what I believe. Love your videos. What do you think ?
for those talking about cost per hour... Some trade jobs, it could be high $$/hr but the work itself could be short-term. The boating industry, there are workers who charge $100/hr, but the work they do could be few hours to few days (depending on type of job), but then many days where there's no work at all in between projects. The main thing is trying to get high $$/hr AND continuous work. Some fields, it's just difficult. Due to the high rates, I tend to do projects on my boat myself to save money (but doesn't necessarily save time). I imagine many woodworking projects are the same in that there are many days without paid work, which is why $$/hr can sometimes be higher.
Well said... The message however doesn't only apply to carpentry it applies to any career. I've been getting but butt kick for years while in training and it still keeps coming because theres so much to learn and always ways to improve.
Well said. However I would like to point out that YOU are a young buck! 10-12 yrs. is not all that long in the trade. It is possible to go on from basic contracting to running your own remodeling business or building new homes. And that my friend can provide a much higher income. Like you said you have to learn many different things to become successful as a builder/remodeler. I didn't even begin until I was much older than you are now.
+thedge7 I agree with you. I believe if you learn a few more trades to aid in your carpentry, you can do well for yourself by doing small remodels, kitchens, and bathrooms. I did not get into the building trade until I was 26. How old were you when you got in?
I found your channel last week. At the end of this week I've watched every video that I could find of yours, some twice. LOVE IT!! This video is spot on! I'm not a fan of Ashton Kutcher but he said something that young (and some older) people need to hear "Opportunity looks a lot like hard work". It doesn't matter what you do, do your best, work hard, and keep at it and you will be successful.
Hey, I've been following you for a while now and have constantly been inspired by your work. I am the college grad you talked about with the desk job. Granted I have been fortunate enough to make a very decent wage and be successful. In 2 weeks I'll be 30 and I have a lot of buckets list items checked off. House, 4 acre property in eastern PA, Wife, kids, only one debt (mortgage). However, I always feel like I'm not pursing my real dreams - self sufficiency. I don't know what that is for me exactly but, this video was particularly inspiring. Thanks for the post. -- Cheers. -Patrick-
i started hanging cabinets and trimming houses with my dad very young, somewhere around 6. im 22 now. and alot of the older guys in the trades always bust on me saying things like "you haven't learned your lesson yet?!" haha for where i live in the northeast, there isint alot of carpenters my age, its nothing but the old guys!, especially finish carpenters. im still an "employee" and always will be until my dad retires, but i make a good living, i have the speed and drive of a kid but the quality of someone thats been in the trade for decades. it takes alot of work, and a lot of time.carpentry is a great career path. but its a job where success is not going to be handed to you, you have to work hard to get to the top.
I'm an employee journey man carpenter in the interior of British Columbia. You'll definitely find you'll be struggling a bit to keep your head above water. The wages the samurai mentioned for employees is pretty accurate, but even then it all depends on how much your company is willing to pay you, and most likely you'll find that it'll be several dollars less than what it should be, which is frustrating because you've put the time and effort and money in to get your red seal and be all certified and what not and still not really make any more then the guy next to you that isn't very concerned with going to school. This is all not to mention that at this point in time there isn't a whole lot of work going on and some companies aren't willing to pay to have journey men around when a second/third year can do very similar work for less hourly wage. In my opinion, the gov't worked so hard to get people into the trades, they have now flooded the industry with way more people than are needed (at this point in time) and now for us younger guys and girls trying to get their foot in the door long term and further our skills to one day become subs and contractors, its just not happening, especially when all of the trades people the gov't thought were going to be retiring, aren't really retiring.
+LowIncomeMovies It was all apart of the governments plan to keep wages low by keeping the supply higher than the demand. That is why I'm getting out of the rat race and becoming a youtuber.
+The Samurai Carpenter Awesome plan. Seems to be working so far, keep up the great videos. I've still got a few more years of experience to go before I set off on my own and what not, one day haha. Down the road if you would ever consider doing wood working classes or something like that, sign me up!
There's nothing like being a GC if you love building and making things. I've been contracting for 10 years, the only thing I'd change is I would have started building my internet brand earlier.
+Adam Gabbert online influence is critical to any business in this day and age. The trades seem to always be the last ones to innovate and incorporate new technology.
+The Samurai Carpenter tell me about it. my business (here in Wales) is trying to get companies to use social media and online resources to advance their company profile etc...It is like banging your head against a brick wall. (normally a very well made one)
+The Samurai Carpenter Speaking of incorporating new technologies into 'the trade' .... building an online presence is one aspect of it and a highly important one too - it's modern day 'word of mouth' and anyone who knows even the basics of building a business knows there's no more powerful marketing tool than word of mouth, people speaking highly of the services or products you provide and the way you provide it all. Using video as the means with which to build that online presence is the _most_ appropriate approach for real craftsmen in my opinion, the most appropriate for people who have everything to show and nothing to hide. The results _and_ the work speak for themselves. It's a powerful and, dare I say it, powerfully _attractive_ thing. But wait, I'm getting carried away with myself there. The point I wanted to make and the advice I wanted to give, and not to anyone in particular but to _all_ builders & makers, whatever your chosen material may be, is to incorporate 3D design using software like SketchUp into your process. Whereas other forms of new technology can help craftsmen _market_ whatever it is they've got to offer, knowing how to design in 3D makes you better at _producing_ ... both in terms of speed _and_ quality design. It won't make you a better craftsman but it will add up to you being able to do more in the same amount of time. Less time spent hashing out details in the design process means more time building. The better you get at it the less prototypes you have to make and so on. If time is precious to you then I would also say to you that learning how to design using 3D software is also an essential new technology to get to grips with.
Love how many people see general wage talk of $/hour and thinks it's awesome. They do not realize how costs work. As has been the case with every case I've come across, when you make more money, you have to pay more. Especially if you do it legally.
Hi Samurai, Love your channel, love your style. I have been a lifelong subcontractor in the states below you. A lot of ups and downs and a great adventure. never been able to set my wages though. good times are good, tough times are tough. wouldn't trade it for all the money in the world
After 30 plus years as a self employed carpenter, let me say that just being a good carpenter is not enough to create success. Learning to run a business is just as hard as learning to be a carpenter. Plan on ten years of hard work for little pay, and if you have the parts to stick with it, you might succeed. If you can last that long, you will have established a good reputation, a track record with the govt and banks, and have dealt with enough customers and employees to be able to handle any situation properly. My advice is find a quality builder willing to teach you and put 10 years in before you even consider starting on your own. It can be done sooner, but the more experience you have the lesser the hardships will be. Don't forget to learn how to run a business before you start one, not after. Good luck.
I’ve been doing drywall and handyman construction type work ever since I was young and I’m thinking about getting into a local union..... it’s good honest work and you could always make money under the table
I am 76 years old worked all my life in woodworking. Carpenter. My experience is most the time it is TO cold or TO Hot. Nothing will ever work like it is suppose to. NO one will do their job the way they should. NO choose another job!
I love your woodworking videos and enjoy your entertaining style. Long-term success is knowing your craft and sticking to what you do best. I look forward to more entertaining and helpful woodworking videos. Thanks!
Great video sir. I unfortunately did not get into the field, but nonetheless I am able to work in my garage which I've completely set up for projects. I love carpentry and it's something my father and father-in-law get to do so it makes me happy. I'm trying to build my tool inventory though; any suggestions on where to purchase used tools for a novice? I have one chisel lol...I worked it down to the bone.
Garage sales and second hand tool shops (if there is one in your area). I picked up an old 6 inch jointer made back in the '60s, bench top drill press and some planes from an estate sale. Regularly check the online classifieds such as craigslist, especially when Spring arrives. IMO, make a list of tools you want and research on what to look for to avoid the bad ones.
Okay Samurai, If you get a chance amongst all the interviewing you are doing, could you please comment on the humidity in your shop vs moisture in in those slabs? Can the slabs dry out more than the air in the shop? How do the two compare? Sorry in advance if in your infinite wisdom my question sounds well, laimo.......
Awesome words of wisdom I worked for 20 years in the custom picture framing business I am a professional photo restoration artist and took any jobs that I could and even ones out of my comfort zone. I started using UA-cam and documented most of my house build and I am still building. I wanted to show people that it was possible to build a house mortgage fee and my slogan is one board at a time one day at a time. Now this did not just happen I fell too in 2009 I lost our home the economy crashed and no money was coming in I felt horrible as a single father looking at my daughter as they locked the door on our home a home I worked hard for. The movie Pursuit of happiness is one that as a father is hard to watch and brings tears to my eye cause I lived it but I picked myself up and with my belief in God and my faith I was able to overcome and get back on my feet and start all over again. These our some of Gods life lessons and I am glad I went through it even though it sucked it taught me a valuable lesson. If you put your mind to anything you can and will accomplish it but you have to do the work.
just bought that same filter system but haven't done the wiring yet - want to pimp it a bit with current sensors so i don't need to keep fumbling with a remote. i notice you haven't modified it with a cyclone - how is it working for you?
In my area a journeyman builder makes $28 an hour at the union. I work in drywall acoustic and a journeyman makes $39 an hour at the union. My dad's neighbor own a building company and his guys start at $17 and when they are done it's $37 an hour. But I would say the average is about $30 an hour for most guys who aren't union and it's sad. Still a good wage but unless your in the commercial sector you don't make has much.
Love your comments. Mike Rowe of dirty jobs seems to believe that a tradesman can start out at $45,000 and progress to $120,000 in a year or two. I've never known that to be the case. In Houston Texas it seems as if most top level guys who aren't really hustling and content to be working as independent contractor carpenters make around $25 to $30. Many make a lot less. The key is entrepreneurship. Learning to run a business, hustle, develop a smooth operating business, cultivate your market. I believe I do know the "secret" of operating a good business. I had asked a very successful flooring contractor his "magic formula" for running a very smoothly running operation. He said "It takes about 10 years". I'm sure business geniuses on the internet would digress, but that seems pretty accurate.
I totally agree with you. I was in the Plastering Trade for 35 years and saw my wages drop from $25 to $12 from 1987-2004. I was told in 1987 "you will need to take a 25% cut in pay in order for the company to be compatible with those that are hiring illegals. That was work for Residential Housing so I quit and moved into the Higher End homes, 2-20 million dollar homes and kept my $25 an hour wage. In $2002 I had a falling out with my boss (owner) over money being taken out of my check for Health Insurance but not having Health Insurance. At that time I found out Residential Construction was being done by non-English Speaking employees, at higher end pay of $12, but I was being asked to translate to the General Contractor from the Foreman. At that time I was told "if you want to make what you used to make you will need to start your own company and hire first generation Hispanic's (meaning illegals) to do the work. From there I started my own business doing custom interior finishes and did all the work myself. Working from word of mouth I was able to stay pretty busy and achieve an income of roughly $45 an hour. That didn't last long sorry to say, I am a diabetic and that took a toll on my body. My advice now is Don't work your self too death and if you find illegals working anywhere call ICE, IRS and whom ever else will listen too you. Our Children will need jobs that support families or them selves as mine once did.
Michael Riecher Americans are fat and lazy. Ever notice most people begging for money are white and those who work shit jobs are illegals ? Why is that? Or that's right because they are not lazy and will bust their ass for any amount of money instead of begging for it
K Singleton That guy is in Canada, not the US. Those numbers are Canadian market and maybe the northeast. I am fat and lazy but adjusted my hourly rate and frequency I work for it to make sense for clients with what I bring to the table and the problems I solve for them. Hence I get more done and make more money in three hours than what gets done in twenty billable $85 hours from these outfits that are three appointments and a two week wait before their $15/hr employees show up in a company van to work maybe six hours on site.
Having something no one else can do lets you charge what you need to do the work. I'm not going to go into detail about what I did in the Plastering Field but I will tell you I charged $3.26 a square ft and was able to do 1200ft a day by myself. Find a niche and don't tell others what or how you do it. I used to take the material out of the bucket it came in and place it in a bucket with my own sticker. No one new what I used to create the look on their walls.
there's alot of jobs in the fine woodworking spectrum and lots of companies hiring that do jobs for contractors. I got a job right out of school, fairly decent pay, but less than BC, and its an engineering and drafting, but I still get to come home and build my own things for people that want it. Hopefully going to build my business that way once I pay off my student loans.
Im a little late to this video, but as far as I've learned, this is very similar to my experience. Im a cabinet maker in saskatoon, and the wages are on the low end of basically all trades. So i've had to aim for other streams of income... the biggest being rentals. The next step for me is going out on my own as an installer and custom builder... its the only way to get to the next step! Thanks for a little motivation, and a reminder to keep pushing.
Wow. My boyfriend is an apprenticeship and is making 28 an hour and lots of overtime. He will be making around 35 an hr when he earns his journeyman. Thats enough to live here in MN. He is working his credit and we will be buying a home eventually.
good info Samaria. I wish I wouldve gotten interested in woodworking when I was younger. I'm 39 now been in the oilfield since I was 18. last yr the oilfield went to s#$t. so I started as a helper then partnered up with a guy and then another and learned the hard way. PARTNER's do NOT work. So I'm struggling to doing this late dream. if I can't figure it out I UA-cam it and I am OCD with any job I do. And have had very happy customers. and I try and try over and over again. Thx for advice. ur an awesome motivator for me bro
This is what i was waiting for the old sincere and confident Samurai im glade your back. Hope more videos are in this spirit and your in your sensei mood :)
I've followed your channel for some time so I enjoyed hearing more about you as a person and the ways in which you have adapted your approach to meet your own goals.
Thanks for the video!!! Be always an entrepreneur, you are already living your (and many others) dream. What you have done isn't easy to anybody. Best wishes from Ecuador
hey eavryone so i always loved working with my hands and build stuff, right now im in the army, i like what i do but i also love working with my hands and i was just curious, whats the best job u guys think its the best in this field?
Thanks for the honesty. The content is spot on, wages have not increased in 25 years. I hear since 1985 carpenters were making $25 on average, I have beed a carpenter since highschool too & became one because it is in my blood, my desire to make & build is in the core of my dna. interesting post, good advice, ok, MIKE out, lol
![Carpentry 101: Basics of Wood Framing with MattBangsWood [#1]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/y8W7KbJTg7A/mqdefault.jpg)
![Carpentry 101: Basics of Wood Framing with MattBangsWood [#1]](/img/tr.png)
I'm 20 years old, and I've been feeling the weight of trying to prepare and set myself for a life like the one you've earned. I've been trying to remind myself that the urge to give up after a few failures is natural and inevitable, and that the quicker I learn to bite the bullet and keep going, the better. Nothing makes me happier than woodworking, but I also have other passions that I couldn't imagine living without. Striking an even balance is key. Thank you for this video.
what a brilliant talk... this is the sort of talk that's needed in schools to give the next workforce a realistic idea of what to expect in life.
25$ a hour is like hitting the jack pot for me
Tyrese Chambers i assume it’s before taxes, meaning minus 40% and also, it's hard to get all hours a week paid. I was a web developer and over the year I managed to get around 20 hours a week paid 50 dollars per hour. It was sustainable, but tough. Managed for 6 years. Rough competition as well. Starting a business you'll need to do free hours, learn many hard lessons and 60 hour working weeks in the start.
@@Nehbur MINUS 40 PERCENT LMAO. I love you Canadians but wow those taxes are insane
@@josephjeffers6102 dude you have no idea. We get taxed on everything. There is even a carbon tax on gas us standard federal and provincial tax. Best part not all are healthcare is free.
We would literally start killing people over that here lol
His 25 bucks is not in America
My old man is a carpenter (subcontractor) and I've been working for him (unofficially) since I was 10 in the shore towns on the east coast, USA building 5 - 10 million dollar homes. I'm now on the verge of graduating from college with a degree I have no interest in pursuing (per advice from my parents) aka, go to college. I want to be a carpenter and potentially own my own business. This video really meant a lot to me. Thanks Samurai.
education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think
alex power well, its both
Very well put. I'll remember reading this already knowing its meaning but never really thinking about it.
I'm living my dream for about 1200 USD/month, my dream was to not waste my life on work to by shit that I don't need.
+Johan Holmström That definitely can work, but you basically need to live in a van.
What are you all talking about?! I make about $1200/mo and I'm fine. I can afford a house, dog, bills, going out occasionally, decent car, food. I'm not struggling at all. I just don't buy unnecessary shit that temporarily makes me happy or need some giant house yo fill a void.
Great video! Back when I was in high school it's like no one even told us that working with your hands was an option. Go to college, get a degree, be a wage slave, die unfulfilled, wash, rinse, repeat. You can make a good living wage in the building trades, just like just about any other industry, if you're smart, hard-working, and motivated. Thrilled to see you getting it done and at a damn fine quality too.
You can make great money as a craftsman/contractor!! You have to work for yourself. I do high end interiors gross over 700K a year with 3 man crew. I charge $150.00 per hour for shop time and $90 per man hour for field work.
When can I start ? Lol
me too?
ball boy jones curious, Sir. What part of the country are you living?
Hello. I am going to college studying carpentry. Its about 3 months now and I have been sitting and standing around a lot, we have not been able to practice or learn how to do anything important, just basic things, i was pretty disappointed
@@macbrick66 should’ve been an apprentice
I'm assuming this is Canadian dollars, as 30/hr American is pretty good in these parts
30 canadian is around 22.50 usd
Chuck Johnson 30 cad is still good in Canada
Its important to note, he said he is from Victoria, it has a reputation of being heinously expensive there. Its no wonder he had to earn $50/hr to feel like he had any money.
Much as we like to think we may not be someone's servant by advancing our careers, we only end up being the servant of a larger number of more demanding masters as we advance (review the concept of customers if you disagree). However, service to others is not a bane; nay, it is our contribution to society and the world. May we all endeavor to serve more, and serve better; and may we all quit seeking only to be served.
Been in food service for 7 years. I’ve topped out at 16/hr. I dont even want the burden of the white hat anymore. Your words about adaptation and perseverance are huge words of encouragement. I’m not a talented carpenter by any means, but I have built a 12’ farm table without any training. Just kind of winged it. I could stand and jump on it when I was done and there was no flex or wobble. I can say also as a fulltime/overtime line cook working in some insane kitchens, after overcoming near death illness, and making it this far where Im paying my own bills and feeding myself and keeping the car running, that push is all I know. I might look for an apprenticeship in carpentry. I know I have creative ideas for furniture, good taste in woodworking, I know a bit of this and that about musical instruments. I can go find steady work and also apply my knowledge of music to making instruments which I can sell, furniture and do shows at these big trade shows where we made 10 grand in a weekend just fixing up and refinishing furniture we bartered for at hoarders houses and flea markets. There’s ways to make a buck if you think hard enough. This video makes me feel hopeful about the trade if anything. Just need that hustle and grind. That being said, I need to go finish finishing my parents cabinets for them. You got a sub today my friend. Thank you for your words and teaching.
I completely agree with the college crap. I went to school for 5 years to get a B.S in Psychology and Sociology, on top of 2 years of technical school in Engineering (the Engineering while I was still in High School so the state paid for that schooling). I'm swimming in student loan debt and my job has absolutely nothing to do with either the certificate or the degree. However I have years of experience in fixing, building things, and whatnot, but employers don't care about that. Every job interview I get seems to end in either I'm overqualified due to my education or I'm under-qualified due to my experience in mostly manufacturing type jobs. I'd love to become a full time woodworker, but that doesn't pay the bills sadly. One day though I hope to get it figured out cause I'm tired of working for company after company of people who always seem to pile on the bullshit a little at a time.
Then why wouldn't you go for an apprenticeship in Carpentry or something like that?
Any updates on your idea of becoming a woodworker? I too am interested in becoming a woodworker/carpenter.
@@dankuspanku4650 I gave it up. I still do it as a hobby, but I finally found a career I like so I'm content
@@Renraw9002 I see, thanks for replying.
Well put. I would have had trouble doing a video like this without being cynical. Thanks again for another great video.
I am a 27 year old carpenter/ contractor in charleston sc and just discovered your videos. very refreshing to see there are others out there with a passion for the job and the drive to do it a little better. It can be discouraging seeing all the guys in the trade who couldent care less and this is a breath of fresh air. I would agree strongly that if you want to live your dreams these days you will need to do more than just carpentry and thinking of yourself as an entrepreneur in general is the way to go.
Great video and talk. I myself am a journeyman carpenter and can validate pretty much everything he said on that topic. Things I would add are the 2 major routes. Residential and Commercial. I've never worked in commercial (thank the lord) and from my experience building high end custom homes in Vancouver you truly get to do almost everything, my company does the 3 main types of carpentry forming, framing aswell as finishing which adds a lot of variety to the job and keeps everything fresh and new. I would highly recommend being a residential carpenter and going to school for it. It's a great job and you learn way more than just carpentry skills but also skills to problem solve and manage everyone else. The pay might not be as good as a specific subcontractor like an electrician or plumber but it rarely get repetitive and you can use your tools for woodworking in your spare time like most of us probably do.
I just gave a standing ovation to this little gem. My coworker looked at me like a was crazy!
Getting rich isn’t solely based on a career or a certain set of skills. Getting rich is simply a mindset and using certain tools in a way to get you there.
Getting rich isn’t a worthy goal. You put your worth in money? Amassing wealth? If amassing wealth was a worthy goal for a human then we’d be the happiest humans in history. The middle class live lavishly compared to history.
The meaning and purpose of life is not to get rich.
I want to build apox resin tables etc mainly. I’d imagine I’d need to take a carpentry course for that? I don’t particularly want to be doing construction. Those slabs in the background making me excited.
You nailed it on the head brother. I'm a lot like you. I'm a GC, put my time in the trades, even went to college and got a desk job at one point. All of it has lead to this point in my life where I am beginning to feel really good about the seeds I have planted along the way. Everything you said about disseminating the most information and developing the most talents is key. That is the answer folks.
I think you pretty much nailed it on the advice. As a contractor I would add learning plumbing, electrical , tile, and roofing to the mix but no one will force you, the opportunities might force you or the lack there of. If you just like engineering and problem solving in general.
You, Sir, are a special one...As a family man and aspiring carpenter, I appreciate the efforts and sacrifices you and your wife take to make these videos possible. Thank you for sharing. The quality of your work is admirable, and the public sharing of your extensive experiences are invaluable! I appreciate you. PleaSE EXCUSE MY POOR ENGLISH
Wow. Your honesty is refreshing and inspiring. Thanks for all you do!
I really liked your video because you spoke plainly and didn't coddle the viewer in hype and spin. Which, of course, means that half the listeners probably thought you were *mean* and *harsh* because you were *realistic* in the things you said.
+TheDamnSpot I'm very much putting in the hours and elbow grease to make my projects come true, and his words STILL shook me, as if I'm been slacking and not really doing things the I really should.
So yeah, some people are gonna cry, point at him and shout "You meanie!"
wooo! finally someone talking sense! Stop teaching your kids to be employees!
T Regis lmao landing a job like that is completely unrealistic.
@@imnotgaygay1253 being a boss of a job like that is even more unrealistic 😂
the_weirdkidd lol, sad but true
Levi Coffman my mother always tells me working for somebody , working for yourself , having your own shop your own business do what you love
Currently 24 years old and in my first year of apprenticeship, but I worked in a full shop for a while with all of the toys- I mean, tools heh- you would want (professional planer, jointer, amazing cabinet saw, lathe, drill press, hollow chisel mortiser, router, belt sanders, two size bandsaws- most of the machines were made by General from their old drummondville factory). Kind of like you, my dream is to one day own my own shop. I also hail from Canada so perhaps one day our paths will cross if I become a fellow samurai. Thanks for the inspirational words, mr. sensei, and sayonara!
Hey Jesse, this is a good thing you're doing. "You won't get rich doing it" is what people need to hear. Nowadays everyone's dreaming about owning a BMW or Mercedes or Ferraris or what not, and some of them's gonna think "maybe this thing with wood is my ticket." Not saying it couldn't be done, but that would be more the exception than the norm.
should I be a carpenter?
you spoke from the heart, you nailed it. I pray for your family and success. Pacific Pilot One. Olympia Washington
Add motivational speaker to that list. Well stated. I enjoy your videos immensely and have been inspired to not only build, but hone my craftsmanship skills. I will happily support you in the cause
+Josh Whitmarsh Thanks for your support brother. It's nice to meet perfect strangers that see the potential for what is happening here and are happy to lend a hand.
As another 32 year old entrepreneur in an information technology business....this resonates, so freakin' much.
The difficulty of the work is what thins out the crowds of competitors. If it was easy, everybody would be doing it. But there are limited resources and markets are only so big.
Not that there is anything wrong with being an employee or that it doesn't have it's own unique challenges...but some people just need to challenge themselves as entrepreneurs.
sometimes being a man of value can out way being a man of success
I hear what your saying. As an electrician I was making $28 an hour here in Maryland, great except for getting laid off periodically, in between lay offs it was unemployment or working at a remodeling company if you could find it. Problem was you never knew when you were going to lose your job. So after working in a service department of a national home builder making $18 an hour for a year and a half I got laid off in 2007 as did a lot of folks. I had a side job that night putting in ceiling fans and haven't looked back. Working for myself has been the second most stressful thing I've ever done but the most rewarding personal accomplishment . I now have a successful business and a partner.
Keys: work hard, do what is asked of you and more, learn everything you can and if you want more you are going to have to get it yourself because most of us don't have someone to hand it to us and I'm glad I didn't.
Thanks for the honest and sensible talk. I have been practicing woodworking from home from quite a long time and I love the way of woodwork you guys do and I'm very inspired by it. I'm not a full time woodworker but I'm doing everything to be one.
as a general cpmtractor from mi moved to texas,im a custom framer found this to be a great video,i my self do more i frame an finish have learned many trades i worked union got my y journey man and have been in the field over 25 yrs i stay away from commercial work my family i was fortunate to have a few trades such as excavating,dirt work to concrete finishing,and carpentry rough to finish electrical plumbing learn the trades put your heart into it and life will follo,and dont be a hack i see carpenters who have shoddy workmanship and just plain suck and how an they are licensed is beyond me,i put my heart an soul an have made a great life an you cam become wealthy in a trade it depends on supply and demand and hiw bad do you want it i was hungry! and came to texas an killed it first custom house i built and finished was a 400k profit dont learn elegbra lesrn money an hiw to invest!!! great video
Samurai!!!! I recently purchased a table saw and built myself an outdoor shower. I want to get into carpentry as a hobby, but want to build furniture, mainly with hand carved joinery.
I have a limited budget for the time being and don't know how to prioritize which tools to buy first. I have a table saw, a radial arm saw and that's about it. What would be your absolute must have tools if you were to start your collection from scratch
thank you, Samurai, for these humbled words. you're truly talented, open minded and passionate. intelligence is not measure by years in school, rather by being opened minded, passion, and perseverance.
Good message . As an older person I agree, the world is ever changing and if you don't move with these changes you will become " got off my lawn guy" don't let that happen. I am just getting into woodworking and I have no plans of making any money but who knows my wife's grandmother started a very successful real-estate frim in her 60s'. For those of you that want to just work a trade I would highly suggest getting into a trade that you need a license, electrician, plumber. Barrier to entry is very important and will have a lot to do with how well you are paid. Doctors, Lawyers, CPA's and RN's all have licenses. It keeps the unskilled and more importantly untrained from taking your job. In my area of the Northeast a union tradesmen can make over 200,000 year with overtime, with a nice benefits plan. Thanks, take care.
I'm not a carpenter, and you inspire the hell out of me anyway Samurai! The years you've spent in the trenches developing the craftsmanship, persisting through financial hardship, and so on. I totally get it, I'm in the same boat, you give me hope that as long as a keep knocking someone is going to answer. Keep up the good work mate; ignore the naysayers and keep telling it how it is. I wish you and your family all the freaking best!
Couldn't have said it better myself. I have my own company doing construction including custom woodwork, metalwork, and landshaping. It's hard work, and you can't really charge extra for being good at a lot of things, you get paid to do one thing. Plus, you can't really charge people for offering a estimate, you have to bring in jobs while not getting paid, you have to get your own tools, some of which are super expensive, like my excavator which I bought used for a cut rate price of about 30k US (here in Sweden). The thing is. Until you become the woodworking/carpenter god who get's to pick between contracts, you have to take close to every job to build renown (the best way to advertise yourself is to be cheap, _fast_, and generally a good hire, so your customers will recommend you to their friends) and to put food on the table, PLUS you have to be able to buy more tools to take on more jobs etc. It's hard work, and at some points, you will be close to giving up, but in the end, if you persist, it will be worth it.
Being good at a lot of things will help you get more contracts, i.e fill your schedule. Bringing in jobs is the hardest part. When I started out at as a 19 y.o, I didn't make shit, I lived cheap as fuck working like 12-13 hours a day just to get started buying tools. Fortunately for me, my parents had renovated two houses and had some tools laying around for me to get started with.
Thanks for all your words. It is so motivated for me. I'm still trying and trying and changing the way to make the things. And I know that I will be the best, as you.
I am from Brazil and I'll move to somewhere in British Columbia, still studying to know the right place to start a new life.
I accept an option. Thanks again.
Gus
+Gustavo Bunn Victoria, Vancouver Island. It's the most beautiful city and has the best weather in Canada.
+The Samurai Carpenter first, i'd like to say thank you for answer my question and second can you visit my instagran @locannpinturas @gusbunn . there you can see some of my paint jobs. thanks again. And sorry if my english is not really good, i'm still trying
Hey mate have you considered Australia? I left Brazil two years ago and moved in to Perth to do a carpentry apprenticeship. I am very happy here, wages are ok and it is not as cold as Canada! Abracos
Did you get right into the apprenticeship? Like did you need any further knowledge before the apprenticeship? Also, did you have to save up money to move to Austalia?? I really want to live there also. You sound exactly what I want to do and be. I'll appreciate it a lot if you could reply. Thanks!
Yes I got right into the apprenticeship. All you need to get in is school year 10 or equivalent. Yeah I had to save heaps of money, as international student you will have to pay 7000,00 per semester during two years + health insurance. Hit me up if you have any more questions
Keep in mind each state and each local union pays different wages right now in oregon LU 1503 journeyman are making 40 dollars an hour and me as a 2nd term apprentice is making 23.55 an hour
I have to pick my major for high school in a couple weeks, I am thinking about carpentry. The stuff you said about money, would you get paid more, the Longer you work there? Is there like a promotion system? And what would the day in the life of a carpenter look like
Truth brother! Been learning this lesson myself the last few years!
+Carter Wilson Workshop with Bradley Boggs Me too. Had to unlearn the notion that you had to go to college to be successful and that its ok to pursue a carer in carpentry.
Samurai dropping wisdom bombs! We plugged your channel and fan funding on Faking IT Podcast. Show drops on the 11th! Love the content!
Samurai!!!! I recently purchased a table saw and built myself an outdoor shower. I want to get into carpentry as a hobby, but want to build furniture, mainly with hand carved joinery.
I have a limited budget for the time being and don't know how to prioritize which tools to buy first. I have a table saw, a radial arm saw and that's about it. What would be your absolute must have tools if you were to start your collection from scratch?
Working in construction, concrete work(wall/foundation crew) , I enjoy the hard work forms, learning, plus the bit wee more pay. Currently in college, business degree is the plan. It may change, but I need to do something, and not be just an employee at a Company.
Dude, you hit the nail right on the head! Even though I live in the Netherlands, everything you said totally applies over here too. Thanks for sharing this with the U-tubes.
Hi Samuri, my name is Earlene. I live in Rhode Island USA. I had always enjoyed wood working, making little things. How I ended up being a Medic on a rescue for 15 years I don't know lol. Everyone tells me that I'm too old to learn carpentry or be an apprentice because I am 56. It's never too late is what I believe. Love your videos. What do you think ?
for those talking about cost per hour...
Some trade jobs, it could be high $$/hr but the work itself could be short-term. The boating industry, there are workers who charge $100/hr, but the work they do could be few hours to few days (depending on type of job), but then many days where there's no work at all in between projects. The main thing is trying to get high $$/hr AND continuous work. Some fields, it's just difficult. Due to the high rates, I tend to do projects on my boat myself to save money (but doesn't necessarily save time). I imagine many woodworking projects are the same in that there are many days without paid work, which is why $$/hr can sometimes be higher.
Well said... The message however doesn't only apply to carpentry it applies to any career. I've been getting but butt kick for years while in training and it still keeps coming because theres so much to learn and always ways to improve.
Well said. However I would like to point out that YOU are a young buck! 10-12 yrs. is not all that long in the trade. It is possible to go on from basic contracting to running your own remodeling business or building new homes. And that my friend can provide a much higher income. Like you said you have to learn many different things to become successful as a builder/remodeler. I didn't even begin until I was much older than you are now.
+thedge7 I agree with you. I believe if you learn a few more trades to aid in your carpentry, you can do well for yourself by doing small remodels, kitchens, and bathrooms. I did not get into the building trade until I was 26. How old were you when you got in?
I found your channel last week. At the end of this week I've watched every video that I could find of yours, some twice. LOVE IT!! This video is spot on! I'm not a fan of Ashton Kutcher but he said something that young (and some older) people need to hear "Opportunity looks a lot like hard work". It doesn't matter what you do, do your best, work hard, and keep at it and you will be successful.
Hey, I've been following you for a while now and have constantly been inspired by your work. I am the college grad you talked about with the desk job. Granted I have been fortunate enough to make a very decent wage and be successful. In 2 weeks I'll be 30 and I have a lot of buckets list items checked off. House, 4 acre property in eastern PA, Wife, kids, only one debt (mortgage). However, I always feel like I'm not pursing my real dreams - self sufficiency. I don't know what that is for me exactly but, this video was particularly inspiring. Thanks for the post. -- Cheers. -Patrick-
i started hanging cabinets and trimming houses with my dad very young, somewhere around 6. im 22 now. and alot of the older guys in the trades always bust on me saying things like "you haven't learned your lesson yet?!" haha
for where i live in the northeast, there isint alot of carpenters my age, its nothing but the old guys!, especially finish carpenters. im still an "employee" and always will be until my dad retires, but i make a good living, i have the speed and drive of a kid but the quality of someone thats been in the trade for decades. it takes alot of work, and a lot of time.carpentry is a great career path. but its a job where success is not going to be handed to you, you have to work hard to get to the top.
I'm an employee journey man carpenter in the interior of British Columbia. You'll definitely find you'll be struggling a bit to keep your head above water. The wages the samurai mentioned for employees is pretty accurate, but even then it all depends on how much your company is willing to pay you, and most likely you'll find that it'll be several dollars less than what it should be, which is frustrating because you've put the time and effort and money in to get your red seal and be all certified and what not and still not really make any more then the guy next to you that isn't very concerned with going to school. This is all not to mention that at this point in time there isn't a whole lot of work going on and some companies aren't willing to pay to have journey men around when a second/third year can do very similar work for less hourly wage. In my opinion, the gov't worked so hard to get people into the trades, they have now flooded the industry with way more people than are needed (at this point in time) and now for us younger guys and girls trying to get their foot in the door long term and further our skills to one day become subs and contractors, its just not happening, especially when all of the trades people the gov't thought were going to be retiring, aren't really retiring.
+LowIncomeMovies It was all apart of the governments plan to keep wages low by keeping the supply higher than the demand. That is why I'm getting out of the rat race and becoming a youtuber.
+The Samurai Carpenter Awesome plan. Seems to be working so far, keep up the great videos. I've still got a few more years of experience to go before I set off on my own and what not, one day haha. Down the road if you would ever consider doing wood working classes or something like that, sign me up!
i have friends in the trade who stared off as carpenters and they are now contractors and are pretty much well off.
Thank you .
There's nothing like being a GC if you love building and making things. I've been contracting for 10 years, the only thing I'd change is I would have started building my internet brand earlier.
+Adam Gabbert online influence is critical to any business in this day and age. The trades seem to always be the last ones to innovate and incorporate new technology.
+The Samurai Carpenter tell me about it. my business (here in Wales) is trying to get companies to use social media and online resources to advance their company profile etc...It is like banging your head against a brick wall. (normally a very well made one)
+The Samurai Carpenter - I couldn't have said it better myself.
+The Samurai Carpenter Speaking of incorporating new technologies into 'the trade' .... building an online presence is one aspect of it and a highly important one too - it's modern day 'word of mouth' and anyone who knows even the basics of building a business knows there's no more powerful marketing tool than word of mouth, people speaking highly of the services or products you provide and the way you provide it all.
Using video as the means with which to build that online presence is the _most_ appropriate approach for real craftsmen in my opinion, the most appropriate for people who have everything to show and nothing to hide. The results _and_ the work speak for themselves. It's a powerful and, dare I say it, powerfully _attractive_ thing.
But wait, I'm getting carried away with myself there. The point I wanted to make and the advice I wanted to give, and not to anyone in particular but to _all_ builders & makers, whatever your chosen material may be, is to incorporate 3D design using software like SketchUp into your process. Whereas other forms of new technology can help craftsmen _market_ whatever it is they've got to offer, knowing how to design in 3D makes you better at _producing_ ... both in terms of speed _and_ quality design. It won't make you a better craftsman but it will add up to you being able to do more in the same amount of time.
Less time spent hashing out details in the design process means more time building. The better you get at it the less prototypes you have to make and so on. If time is precious to you then I would also say to you that learning how to design using 3D software is also an essential new technology to get to grips with.
Love how many people see general wage talk of $/hour and thinks it's awesome. They do not realize how costs work. As has been the case with every case I've come across, when you make more money, you have to pay more. Especially if you do it legally.
Hi Samurai, Love your channel, love your style. I have been a lifelong subcontractor in the states below you. A lot of ups and downs and a great adventure. never been able to set my wages though. good times are good, tough times are tough. wouldn't trade it for all the money in the world
After 30 plus years as a self employed carpenter, let me say that just being a good carpenter is not enough to create success. Learning to run a business is just as hard as learning to be a carpenter. Plan on ten years of hard work for little pay, and if you have the parts to stick with it, you might succeed. If you can last that long, you will have established a good reputation, a track record with the govt and banks, and have dealt with enough customers and employees to be able to handle any situation properly. My advice is find a quality builder willing to teach you and put 10 years in before you even consider starting on your own. It can be done sooner, but the more experience you have the lesser the hardships will be. Don't forget to learn how to run a business before you start one, not after. Good luck.
@Barry M
i will truly like to know you pesonally
I love your practical advice
I’ve been doing drywall and handyman construction type work ever since I was young and I’m thinking about getting into a local union..... it’s good honest work and you could always make money under the table
I am 76 years old worked all my life in woodworking. Carpenter. My experience is most the time it is TO cold or TO Hot. Nothing will ever work like it is suppose to. NO one will do their job the way they should. NO choose another job!
Hi Sam. Could you tell me more about your experiences?
I tell you what man I'm really digging these last few videos you've put out. I like the direction it's going.
Same with the lecturing route. Need to teach, research, publish, consult, you name it!
Great tips and advice, transferable knowledge here!
As an electrician in BC, our wages haven't gone up much, especially in residential. Hence the reason I moved to commercial.
Great advise Samurai. Young people have got to hear the message. Thank you and keep up the great work.
Never give up. Great wisdom at the end there, thanks man.
I love your woodworking videos and enjoy your entertaining style. Long-term success is knowing your craft and sticking to what you do best. I look forward to more entertaining and helpful woodworking videos. Thanks!
+Idan Burs Yes more woodworking videos. That's why I come here.
Great video sir. I unfortunately did not get into the field, but nonetheless I am able to work in my garage which I've completely set up for projects. I love carpentry and it's something my father and father-in-law get to do so it makes me happy. I'm trying to build my tool inventory though; any suggestions on where to purchase used tools for a novice? I have one chisel lol...I worked it down to the bone.
Garage sales and second hand tool shops (if there is one in your area). I picked up an old 6 inch jointer made back in the '60s, bench top drill press and some planes from an estate sale. Regularly check the online classifieds such as craigslist, especially when Spring arrives. IMO, make a list of tools you want and research on what to look for to avoid the bad ones.
That was a great video. Very inspiring. Hard work does pay off.
Can we have a video of some of the things you've invented. That'd be cool.
+Power Ranger Good point....or how about showcasing just a few of the Samurai inventions. That'd be authentic!
Really inspiring video man! You can't believe how helpfull can be your advices and tipps! Keep doing it! Thanks for all your ideas!
thanks
Okay Samurai, If you get a chance amongst all the interviewing you are doing, could you please comment on the humidity in your shop vs moisture in in those slabs? Can the slabs dry out more than the air in the shop? How do the two compare? Sorry in advance if in your infinite wisdom my question sounds well, laimo.......
+TODD SWENSON The Beams running down the middle of my shop are at 12%. I have a dehumidifier running around the clock in the shop.
Awesome words of wisdom I worked for 20 years in the custom picture framing business I am a professional photo restoration artist and took any jobs that I could and even ones out of my comfort zone. I started using UA-cam and documented most of my house build and I am still building. I wanted to show people that it was possible to build a house mortgage fee and my slogan is one board at a time one day at a time. Now this did not just happen I fell too in 2009 I lost our home the economy crashed and no money was coming in I felt horrible as a single father looking at my daughter as they locked the door on our home a home I worked hard for. The movie Pursuit of happiness is one that as a father is hard to watch and brings tears to my eye cause I lived it but I picked myself up and with my belief in God and my faith I was able to overcome and get back on my feet and start all over again. These our some of Gods life lessons and I am glad I went through it even though it sucked it taught me a valuable lesson. If you put your mind to anything you can and will accomplish it but you have to do the work.
just bought that same filter system but haven't done the wiring yet - want to pimp it a bit with current sensors so i don't need to keep fumbling with a remote. i notice you haven't modified it with a cyclone - how is it working for you?
Great information at 23 I have some thinking to do and get this done. Thank you sir.
Great video Samurai, you hit the nail on the head.
In my area a journeyman builder makes $28 an hour at the union. I work in drywall acoustic and a journeyman makes $39 an hour at the union. My dad's neighbor own a building company and his guys start at $17 and when they are done it's $37 an hour. But I would say the average is about $30 an hour for most guys who aren't union and it's sad. Still a good wage but unless your in the commercial sector you don't make has much.
absolutely true words and a nice little insight into the business. Thanks man!
Thank you edge7, my thoughts exactly, 12 years is just a start. I'm now retired, still learning, gaining WISDOM.
Does it take a lot of Math
Love your comments. Mike Rowe of dirty jobs seems to believe that a tradesman can start out at $45,000 and progress to $120,000 in a year or two. I've never known that to be the case.
In Houston Texas it seems as if most top level guys who aren't really hustling and content to be working as independent contractor carpenters make around $25 to $30. Many make a lot less. The key is entrepreneurship. Learning to run a business, hustle, develop a smooth operating business, cultivate your market.
I believe I do know the "secret" of operating a good business. I had asked a very successful flooring contractor his "magic formula" for running a very smoothly running operation. He said "It takes about 10 years".
I'm sure business geniuses on the internet would digress, but that seems pretty accurate.
Great video, honest, humble and to the point
In other words; Don't let your dreams, be dreams. Just DO IT!
+AnarchoArchitect Yesterday you said tomorrow!
Hahaha that's the short version
I totally agree with you. I was in the Plastering Trade for 35 years and saw my wages drop from $25 to $12 from 1987-2004. I was told in 1987 "you will need to take a 25% cut in pay in order for the company to be compatible with those that are hiring illegals. That was work for Residential Housing so I quit and moved into the Higher End homes, 2-20 million dollar homes and kept my $25 an hour wage. In $2002 I had a falling out with my boss (owner) over money being taken out of my check for Health Insurance but not having Health Insurance. At that time I found out Residential Construction was being done by non-English Speaking employees, at higher end pay of $12, but I was being asked to translate to the General Contractor from the Foreman. At that time I was told "if you want to make what you used to make you will need to start your own company and hire first generation Hispanic's (meaning illegals) to do the work. From there I started my own business doing custom interior finishes and did all the work myself. Working from word of mouth I was able to stay pretty busy and achieve an income of roughly $45 an hour. That didn't last long sorry to say, I am a diabetic and that took a toll on my body. My advice now is Don't work your self too death and if you find illegals working anywhere call ICE, IRS and whom ever else will listen too you. Our Children will need jobs that support families or them selves as mine once did.
And we keep hearing that illegals are only taking jobs that Americans won't do, BS.
Michael Riecher Americans are fat and lazy. Ever notice most people begging for money are white and those who work shit jobs are illegals ? Why is that? Or that's right because they are not lazy and will bust their ass for any amount of money instead of begging for it
You do understand the wage in Mexico is $40 a week for an Auto Mechanic. A case of Corona Beer cost $2. How can living in the USA compare?
K Singleton That guy is in Canada, not the US. Those numbers are Canadian market and maybe the northeast. I am fat and lazy but adjusted my hourly rate and frequency I work for it to make sense for clients with what I bring to the table and the problems I solve for them. Hence I get more done and make more money in three hours than what gets done in twenty billable $85 hours from these outfits that are three appointments and a two week wait before their $15/hr employees show up in a company van to work maybe six hours on site.
Having something no one else can do lets you charge what you need to do the work. I'm not going to go into detail about what I did in the Plastering Field but I will tell you I charged $3.26 a square ft and was able to do 1200ft a day by myself. Find a niche and don't tell others what or how you do it. I used to take the material out of the bucket it came in and place it in a bucket with my own sticker. No one new what I used to create the look on their walls.
Truth bomb! Love what your doing with this channel and I'm happy to see good hearted people spreading the good news through your craft.
you are an inspiration for us all ! love your channel,
Jeff.
there's alot of jobs in the fine woodworking spectrum and lots of companies hiring that do jobs for contractors. I got a job right out of school, fairly decent pay, but less than BC, and its an engineering and drafting, but I still get to come home and build my own things for people that want it. Hopefully going to build my business that way once I pay off my student loans.
Im a little late to this video, but as far as I've learned, this is very similar to my experience. Im a cabinet maker in saskatoon, and the wages are on the low end of basically all trades. So i've had to aim for other streams of income... the biggest being rentals. The next step for me is going out on my own as an installer and custom builder... its the only way to get to the next step! Thanks for a little motivation, and a reminder to keep pushing.
Wow. My boyfriend is an apprenticeship and is making 28 an hour and lots of overtime. He will be making around 35 an hr when he earns his journeyman. Thats enough to live here in MN. He is working his credit and we will be buying a home eventually.
is red seal any good?
good info Samaria. I wish I wouldve gotten interested in woodworking when I was younger. I'm 39 now been in the oilfield since I was 18. last yr the oilfield went to s#$t. so I started as a helper then partnered up with a guy and then another and learned the hard way. PARTNER's do NOT work. So I'm struggling to doing this late dream. if I can't figure it out I UA-cam it and I am OCD with any job I do. And have had very happy customers. and I try and try over and over again. Thx for advice. ur an awesome motivator for me bro
This is what i was waiting for the old sincere and confident Samurai im glade your back. Hope more videos are in this spirit and your in your sensei mood :)
advice i wish i had received many years ago.
I've followed your channel for some time so I enjoyed hearing more about you as a person and the ways in which you have adapted your approach to meet your own goals.
Thanks for the video!!! Be always an entrepreneur, you are already living your (and many others) dream. What you have done isn't easy to anybody. Best wishes from Ecuador
Is the home for your dust-extraction setup complete ar a work in progress?
+Thomas Morley Work in progress
hey eavryone so i always loved working with my hands and build stuff, right now im in the army, i like what i do but i also love working with my hands and i was just curious, whats the best job u guys think its the best in this field?
Thanks for the honesty. The content is spot on, wages have not increased in 25 years. I hear since 1985 carpenters were making $25 on average, I have beed a carpenter since highschool too & became one because it is in my blood, my desire to make & build is in the core of my dna. interesting post, good advice, ok, MIKE out, lol
I was shocked when he said 25 I didn't think they made that kind of money!
Im curious on the inventions!