Hey Chris @foureyes.furniture ! Love your work! Been following you for many years. For a while now have been wondering what happened to your MM podcast. Would appreciate you guys coming back on air
Best advice ever.... "Pick the path that you enjoy... enjoy the ride!" Thank you for another great video and some really great insights. Plus, got to see two beautiful tables being built! Thank you.
i love the effect of the filleted slots "sucking" on the piece coming through it. that little detail really gives it that something extra that ive never seen.
I like the custom table because I can appreciate the work that went into it. Not just the building, but the designing, the lay out, the details, the grain orientation to make the panels look good. It's all those little things that cannot be present in a slab on metal legs that makes the piece special and the work fun.
I have known about your channel for about a week now and I am so glad you uploaded. I have learnt so much from you as a young woodworker, and hearing your voice genuinely calms me down. Thank you.
Don't want to be weird.... I listen his videos as I fall asleep and sometimes the stuff he says is so funny I wake my wife up cackling in the darkness lol
I made a very simple table for my home office. A rectangle 1" thick pre made top with thick rectangle black legs, installed on a 30⁰ angle. All in it cost me about $130 and it looks great, and I'm satisfied. Sometimes, doing something the simple way means getting a project finished. I'm going to take a similar approach with a hall table. I want elaborate, but I don't have the time. So a Banksia slab with some nice pre made legs will do nicely. Thanks for the great video. Was eye watering how fast things added up!
I really like the design drawings you show in these videos, and seeing how the ideas and iterations eventually lead into a real piece of wood. I'm a bit of an amateur designer myself and I feel really inspired every time I get a glimpse into your creative process. I'm glad you're out there following your passion. Also the table looks like it's munching on the shelf like a stick of celery and it really is creepy-cute. Nice.
I simply love your work. Not only are your designs beautiful, but i really enjoy your videos. They're a perfect mix between you showing off your passion and hard work, getting to watch a beautiful creation from start to finish, and the commentary, which I find to include really solid life lessons, as well as comedic inputs. I really appreciate all you do. Thank you!
If there's anything I learned in the last few years, it's that what we're selling is not products, it's our time. If we don't value our time correctly, other people will take advantage of it. So letting people tell you how much they'd pay is never an option. You need to set your own time's value and start from there, especially when what you deliver is custom work and top quality. Any auction should start with a minimum price, the minimum you'd accept for that product, not with what people would pay. People would rather have it for free and throw a few curse words as well if they could. Keep up the good work and value your time accordingly. The time you spend working, that you will never get back. At least make it worth it (money wise).
I've been trying a whole bunch of different things over the last year or so, and it is definitely so important to find what you enjoy! I've taken on so many projects that I just never want to have to do again, and others that I can't wait to repeat and refine.
You also have to take into account the fact that you're pretty popular right now thanks to your channel. It would be way harder to sell you custom table if you were new in the business even if it had the exact same quality, so your large audience is part of your capital. A lot of people seems to advise to start with simple and scalable designs as you said, and then gradually move to the custom path once you've built reputation through word-of-mouth, and as more and more people see your products.
Thanks... I love the design!! I did make the mistake of showing my wife it seems I will now be building something like it. Like it, not the same, I don't think my skill level will reach there, but something inspired by it. Seriously though, grateful for the inspiration!
Love the video! You bring up an excellent point about building what you want to build. In this day and age people get burned out easily because they're doing things that they're not passionate about. There's a balance of course. Placing a value on your time matters. That's something you can't get back.
@@delvalle9256 I think so too, for the most part. Cam's channel is a little more goofy and irreverent. They both make wood furniture, but I come here for thoughtful voiceover and to Blacktail to listen to a smartass work his craft. The furniture building is almost just a bonus for me.
Im starting to delve into furniture making myself, and have been mulling over things like how much to sell for etc. but honestly, i just love creating things and have no space to keep them, so i may as well see if i can get some sort of return. Even if it just covers material cost i will be happy. I had fun bringing an idea to fruition, constantly learning as i go, and someone gets a cool bit of furniture at materials cost price. Everyone wins in a way.
I, like you chose the designer side of my profession, The greatest side of this. that I have found, everything I do is unique and different, plus I spend alot of time with my clients....I still have my original client from 21 years ago and have seen multiple clients kids be born and to go on to graduate from university....The designer side of things, is a whole lot more personal than the production side of things.
Pick the path that you enjoy. Because you might succeed or you might fail, no matter which one you take, but at least that way you'll enjoy the ride. That's the best advice for life in general, thank you for this! 😊
Thank you for your insight into what happens and how much it costs to create what you do. It is always good to have the opportunity to 'see behind the curtain'. Great vid, as usual.
That's for the "dowels lining up tip!" I will definitely benefit from that. Given the cool stuff you've done, I agree it's the prettiest. I'd love to see your take on something art nouveau. I think it would definitely stretch your design muscles.
Thank you….appreciate your videos, your sense of right and wrong, your dry humor, and most of all, that your giving away one of your tables. Cause, quite frankly, I don’t believe I could ever afford one, and well….i guess that’s it. So, thanks.
This is a great video! Yes, many of us do this for fun, but I'm also fascinated by the thought process of the design, and the end result of the economics of your time once the labor is factored in. Like many I'm sure, I harbor vague notions of wanting to sell some of the stuff I make- my family isn't that big, and I can only store so many projects. Super super interesting content!
Very interesting video. And beautiful tables too. I think a factor to consider when woodworking is that, after you stablish you like it and have the basic skills to do it, how pressed you are to make money. Confidence in the value of your work comes over time, and if you are going to need the the money right away, it's very likely you end up giving your work a lot cheaper than you should.
I felt that the custom table would come out as the winner because people appreciate custom things. I think the best answer is what you left the video off with. Still, I also know that you're right that getting and installing legs after cleaning up the slabs is definitely more scalable as you could feasibly make multiple per day especially if you have the CNC and enough space to keep flattened slabs, you could run a set of slabs and work on filling gaps. In contrast, another set is flattened, and so on and so forth.
The cool designs, plus the willingness to talk about your process, lured me in, but your dry humor added the bit that'll have me watching all your videos instead of just the ones I think look the best. 👍
The custom obviously looks a thousand times better. And, even though I, personally, may likely never be able to afford such things, putting pieces like that out there in the world is far more valuable than the cost or price. Beautiful work.
Hairpin table's nice, but I love the custom table. I'm no woodworker, but I think that even "hobbies" that are done purely as a labor of love still benefit from a bit of cost/time analysis, and I enjoy hearing yours.
Very nice build and a fun/interesting experiment. It occurs to me that in the same 27 hours spent on the custom table, you could have built 2 pin leg tables. I still agree with doing what makes you happy though.
I would say that all the time planning, designing, staring wondering what to do next, should all be included in the time. I believe that the amount of this was way more for any custom project and would actually flip flop your costs on this, However custom is more fun, and will keep your business going longer.
I love them both, and the bids were a little low. But that's how auctions work, I suppose. I love your advice, sense of humor, and the talent you share with us. Some day, hopefully, within the next 5 years, I'll retire (I'm shooting for 67) and start a new path.
I'm impressed. Figured that the custom path would take so much time that you wouldn't make much money. Here's hoping you make more than that on an hourly basis on other projects!
Great video. Another way to look at it is depending on how much time you have to spend on a certain project, you decide what you can best achieve in those hours or days. So if it takes 30 hours to do a custom piece and you can only squeeze in about 15-20 hours on a new project because there are several running in parallel, then you do a standard piece rather than sit idle. My 2 cents…
you can run a business and not want to "maximize profits". But you're a businessman, you track this stuff so you know how much you're making or losing. If someone wants to run a business, they HAVE to do this for taxes AT LEAST. Great video, love the transparency.
I have been enjoying your videos for a year now. I immersed my time into watching a ton Wood working UA-cam videos. I know all the big names in this woodworking UA-cam world. I like how all of you work together when you challenge yourself to work outside of your comfort zone. You and Scott Walsh top the list, so much so that I have just finish building myself a stand-alone work shop. I have lots of tools but no cabinets or assembly tables. I would like to purchase a Brass Chunky Mechanical Pencil, a Sample 73 Wood Finish, and I will look through the plans, but I think I will be busy building shop furniture for a while. My big issue is that I am located in Thailand and I'm wondering if you would take the extra effort and mail it overseas? Either way, I enjoy your woodworking tips.
Good video. One thing that came to mind that I am positive, Foureyes is aware of, is how easy is it to sell. Clearly the more expensive table is more beautiful, at least to me. There's likely some bell curve where cost, meets beauty, and then equals "most able to be sold for the most profit"....but also likely a moving target. Either way thanks for the vid!
Great video Chris. I think this may be your best video ever. I'm moving in this direction as I'm setting up my shop, and getting slabs ready (I'm cutting my own slabs from wood that is "rescued" that would otherwise be bound for the chipper, so my slabs need some time to dry too). I got your Sample 73 a couple weeks ago in the first round of supply. I haven't tried it yet, but I'll go ahead with another from your Black Friday Sale as well. Cheers! Scott from Japan
I couldn’t purchase a course any quicker!! If anybody out there has been thinking about it or knows nothing about them do it NOW!!! Best Black Friday deal ever! You won’t feel like you wasted money I guarantee it.
This bidding process showed me that it perhaps is more profitable to set minimum bids to weed out the nuisance bids of $30 and let the more serious bidders compete. You put so much quality into each build right up to the "micro" protectant, it's always a pleasure to see you build and the final products are beautiful!
Yes...and I have definitely done that before. To be honest though, I've stopped doing auctions unless it is for an experiment like this. The last few things I've built on spec, I just set a price and wait for somebody to say they want it. That's worked out much better for me.
I think it's always best to enjoy your passion as much as possible. If that becomes a way to support yourself and family (if that applies), all the better.
Although I'm now retired and not on the path to start a second career, I couldn't agree more about doing what you enjoy. The second part of that, which is a lesson I learned long ago, is "...and the money will follow". For my fellow amateur (or "hack", in my case) woodworkers, just a quick shout out for the FourEyes project courses that Chris has on his site. I am in the middle of building the Moon Fry bed project which is pushing my limits in a good way. When I get stuck, Chris and Shawn are there to lend a hand (response time is usually < 24hrs). Thanks guys, and sorry for all the bone-headed questions!! (Peter R.)
Hey Peter. Appreciate it. And for proof that he isn’t making the at up. I remember your question from this morning. About the round overs on the outside of the legs. Beginning of chapter 11 😊
Don't know how you make everything you build look amazing. Seriously mate, you're an incredible craftsman. I'm building a coffee table at the moment as a gift for my brothers wedding. It's a river river coffee table. I'm trying to come up with ideas for legs. They need to come apart so it's easy to ship to him (kinda like a flat pack), got any ideas for me? Needs to be simple though, my skill level is no where near yours. Cheers mate
Really loved the first leg design you suggested, with the crossing legs. I really love the Y-shape on it's side in both ends. I think that is a beautiful shape and even better looking than what you have made in a similar shape before. Would love to se that made.
one day, I want to reach the point where I build similiar level table as your custom one here... This was really interesting video for me, covering financial part and still giving the pleasure to watch your work! Take care, huge thanks from UA for inspiration
I have a repeat client that likes nice things and enjoys good bourbon, but likes a bargain as well. I have done a couple of projects for him that I traded for bourbon. He has contacts in the industry. I say “I’ll do that for a bourbon in this value range”. I have several spectacular bottles, and I was able to build something beautiful for him. Win-win. “Profit” is in the eye of the beholder.
There's also the Foureyes premium. Your 'cheap' table will sell more because it's you, and you make cool tables generally. You're known for your quality and competence, even if that table is simple. Food for thought.
100% At a certain point it almost becomes like art. And I don't mean that from a philosophical/emotion POV. I mean it from a economic POV. It's not a utility good.
@@Foureyes.Furniture plastics and polymers are way more durable and cheaper nowadays, so yes purchasing things made of natural wood is kinda irrational now, one should really love the feeling and the touch of natural wood to purchase one. Thanks for the videos 😊 They do inspire 😊
I really love graphic sketches, drawings and 3d models in your videos. Could you please share the information about software you using, or maybe some specific addons or graphic line styles you’re using. Thanks for your time.
I think your thoughts on the simpler table concept are correct . You could also afford to have a few slabs pre prepped and ready to go that would not take up much space . Some people are not prepared to wait . I think a lot of people like the fact the legs don't take any eyes away from the beauty of the slab , which is the real star of the show . Just a few of one persons thoughts . They both look great .
i am retired now, but as a one man custom shop i stayed away from anything production because of the boredom factor. the more interesting the clients needs the more satisfaction i gained building it. if you asked me to build a table with metal legs like that i would have said no, because i would have hated doing it. satisfaction is worth more than money.
The custom table definitely is nicer and much more profitable but I think a lot of people forget about complexity of custom. A lot of things can go wrong, sometimes it ends up costing more material, more labor, headaches... Only when things go as smoothly as possible, custom work is satisfying and highly profitable. It takes someone with extreme skills and attention to detail to pull it off.
Both tables turned out pretty well. The custom table is nicer in my opinion mainly because I like the extra wood it had. It would be a bear to move but looked nicer.
This money talk is great. I’m betting a large number of amateurs watch you. Some are thinking about going for it as a job. The money matters to them. Plus it’s interesting.
Pity he wasn't clear about his profit / hour then isn't it? I love his designs personally, but if you do this for a living then time spent designing a piece is every bit as important as actually making it. Therefore, that time should be taken into account piece by piece when calculating profits. Do you think for example, Ford motor company just ignore the costs of designing a car before a model has paid for itself?
@ I agree. My thinking is this would be interesting, not exhaustive. The other costs don’t vanish, but he was trying to do a base comparison. It’s imperfect either way.
Ahhh yes! Another video that pleases my eyes ( beautiful furniture) and ears! I'll keep saying it, you have one of the best voices with some of the most insightful words and I could listen to this for days. Hopefully I can win that table too! hah cheers from Wisconsin.
I like your videos, you mostly have good design on what you make, I'm a hobby builder myself and I struggle a bit when I'm in a wheelchair so I can't go for such large objects.
The simple table is easier to mass produce. You can do one step ten times, then the next ten times. That means the setup costs are extended over all ten tables. That is a bit harder to do with custom tables. So there are more variables than just those you gave. But you were correct. It all depends on what your goals are.
This was not at all the result I was expecting in terms of profit/hour on these two projects. In this case, I am happy to have had my cynicism proven wrong. The hard work, and longer hours paid off! Both tables came out amazing, but you can tell the custom one was something special and inspired. I’m glad the payoff rewarded that.
Chris, I've been watching your channel since way back in your garage shop, Cubs hat wearing days. Love your artistry, videography, commentary, humor. #thickni Thank you so much for detailing the costs of the two table builds. And more importantly, for your thoughts regarding how to view the various associated material and intellectual values.
Great video. I always find value in what you create, thank you. On the custom piece, what is your opinion about wood movement of the bottom shelf? It seems like it fits snuggly. Designing for wood movement is interesting, basically adding criteria/requirements for the design. Plenty of other examples of criteria that we set when designing something. Point being, if I were to error on the side of caution, I would add an “air gap” to the left and right of the shelf/in the legs.
That’s part of the reason each leg panel is split in two. The shelf can expand and each side of the panel could move with the shelf. The only attachment point to worry about beyond that is how the top attaches. Since the holes for the bolts and inserts are oversized. It’s all good.
Hey Chris, thanks for another insightful video. I've been watching your channel for a few years now and I even build one of your plans (the Moonfry bed and nightstands). I have a slightly off-topic question. I'm at that point with my woodworking and design skills that I'm ready to start building for other people here and there, but not quite ready for prime time. I also have no plans of quitting my day job as a kindergarten teacher, but I'd love to fund my tool collection and continue to develop my skills and explore my creativity. How did you make the transition from hobbyist to part-time woodworker when you started out? How did you get clients? Did you build then sell stuff (if so, where did you store it all) or did you sell from drawings? Inquiring minds want to know.
Hey Mike, I had a full-time job and I started building and selling things in my spare time out of my garage. I came up with about 5 original pieces and I got featured on a few design blogs...then people could go to my website and inquire on a piece. Everything was a slightly customized version of the catalog pieces. I did that for a few years and kept reinvesting the money in tools...and started taking on bigger things as opportunities came along.
There is anothr thing, thou, the time left, you could build 2 simple tables in the same amount. But i totally agree with you. The path you enjoy the most is the correct one.
Always great projects and really like to hear your thought process throughout the build. Couldn’t agree more on your philosophy to build what you love as the priority. Recommend ‘Happiness Advantage” by Shawn Achor that aligns to the same idea….chase your Happy and your success will follow. Keep up the great work and looking forward to the next one.
The term for clamping multiple objects together and drilling both at the same time is sometimes called ”gang drilling”, even though the term also is used for machines that have multiple drill spindles that operate together.
Quick question. On your Kreg Track Saw, I am sure you have replaced the blades. I went with an alternate blade and it was thinner than the writhing knife. Do you use the stock blades or have you found a better blade that has the same width of the writhing knife? Totally agree with your final assessment! Do what you love and consider it a bonus to your pay.....that you love what your doing.
Black Friday Sale Live Now:
Woodworking Plans (50% Off) - foureyes.podia.com/
Sample 73 Wood Finish ($67.99) - qwerktools.com/pages/sample73
Brass Chunky Mechanical Pencil ($67.99) - qwerktools.com/
Hey Chris @foureyes.furniture ! Love your work! Been following you for many years. For a while now have been wondering what happened to your MM podcast. Would appreciate you guys coming back on air
I think it just kind of ran it's course.
6:04 🤲🏼❤️❤️
@foureyes_furniture is there a discount code on the plans or are they already discounted?
Regards from Norway.
Best advice ever.... "Pick the path that you enjoy... enjoy the ride!" Thank you for another great video and some really great insights. Plus, got to see two beautiful tables being built! Thank you.
Sound advice for any artist...wood, paint, stone, writing, acting, music...
@@TheMrAshley2010 Sound advice for anyone in any line of work. "If you're enjoying it, it's not work" (Twain and/or Confucius)
Hey! I remember pulling those slabs, glad they went to good use 👏
Hello colleagues)))) we have a stock of wood and timber also, but quite far away from where you are located. Good luck anyway 😊
i love the effect of the filleted slots "sucking" on the piece coming through it. that little detail really gives it that something extra that ive never seen.
Whoever won the bid on the custom table got a steal. That table is stunning.
The custom table is beautiful, maybe even one of the best looking tables I’ve ever seen.
Agreed, and want to add that the other most beautiful tables I've seen have been his work too :)
I LOVE the stories that you tell of the project as you make it. Never change.
The custom bench and it's not even close. Absolutely spectacular build.
I like the custom table because I can appreciate the work that went into it. Not just the building, but the designing, the lay out, the details, the grain orientation to make the panels look good. It's all those little things that cannot be present in a slab on metal legs that makes the piece special and the work fun.
I have known about your channel for about a week now and I am so glad you uploaded. I have learnt so much from you as a young woodworker, and hearing your voice genuinely calms me down. Thank you.
Wow...you picked a good time to find me. Glad you enjoyed :)
Don't want to be weird.... I listen his videos as I fall asleep and sometimes the stuff he says is so funny I wake my wife up cackling in the darkness lol
haha i remember the first week i found him. i binged SO MANY videos
I made a very simple table for my home office. A rectangle 1" thick pre made top with thick rectangle black legs, installed on a 30⁰ angle. All in it cost me about $130 and it looks great, and I'm satisfied. Sometimes, doing something the simple way means getting a project finished.
I'm going to take a similar approach with a hall table. I want elaborate, but I don't have the time. So a Banksia slab with some nice pre made legs will do nicely.
Thanks for the great video. Was eye watering how fast things added up!
The custom-made table is a beautiful pieces of furniture. I love the design.
I really like the design drawings you show in these videos, and seeing how the ideas and iterations eventually lead into a real piece of wood. I'm a bit of an amateur designer myself and I feel really inspired every time I get a glimpse into your creative process. I'm glad you're out there following your passion.
Also the table looks like it's munching on the shelf like a stick of celery and it really is creepy-cute. Nice.
Leg Panels Sucking On Things :)
I simply love your work.
Not only are your designs beautiful, but i really enjoy your videos. They're a perfect mix between you showing off your passion and hard work, getting to watch a beautiful creation from start to finish, and the commentary, which I find to include really solid life lessons, as well as comedic inputs.
I really appreciate all you do.
Thank you!
If there's anything I learned in the last few years, it's that what we're selling is not products, it's our time. If we don't value our time correctly, other people will take advantage of it. So letting people tell you how much they'd pay is never an option. You need to set your own time's value and start from there, especially when what you deliver is custom work and top quality. Any auction should start with a minimum price, the minimum you'd accept for that product, not with what people would pay. People would rather have it for free and throw a few curse words as well if they could. Keep up the good work and value your time accordingly. The time you spend working, that you will never get back. At least make it worth it (money wise).
But he failed to value his time when he omitted the 20 hours it took to design the custom table!
"do the thing you most enjoy" is absolutely the best advice you can give any creative professional
I've been trying a whole bunch of different things over the last year or so, and it is definitely so important to find what you enjoy! I've taken on so many projects that I just never want to have to do again, and others that I can't wait to repeat and refine.
You also have to take into account the fact that you're pretty popular right now thanks to your channel. It would be way harder to sell you custom table if you were new in the business even if it had the exact same quality, so your large audience is part of your capital. A lot of people seems to advise to start with simple and scalable designs as you said, and then gradually move to the custom path once you've built reputation through word-of-mouth, and as more and more people see your products.
This is addressed in the video
Thanks... I love the design!! I did make the mistake of showing my wife it seems I will now be building something like it. Like it, not the same, I don't think my skill level will reach there, but something inspired by it. Seriously though, grateful for the inspiration!
Love the video! You bring up an excellent point about building what you want to build. In this day and age people get burned out easily because they're doing things that they're not passionate about. There's a balance of course. Placing a value on your time matters. That's something you can't get back.
Do a collab with Cam Black Tail Studio. You make the legs / bottom, and he should make the top. Legendary table !
There might be something similar to this early next year :)
@Foureyes.Furniture Yeeeaaahhh! Let's Gooooo!!!!
@@Foureyes.Furnitureyour designs are better in my opinion
@@delvalle9256 I think so too, for the most part. Cam's channel is a little more goofy and irreverent. They both make wood furniture, but I come here for thoughtful voiceover and to Blacktail to listen to a smartass work his craft. The furniture building is almost just a bonus for me.
@@rcranes2227couldn't agree more. Love both channels for the same reason.
Im starting to delve into furniture making myself, and have been mulling over things like how much to sell for etc.
but honestly, i just love creating things and have no space to keep them, so i may as well see if i can get some sort of return.
Even if it just covers material cost i will be happy.
I had fun bringing an idea to fruition, constantly learning as i go, and someone gets a cool bit of furniture at materials cost price. Everyone wins in a way.
I, like you chose the designer side of my profession, The greatest side of this. that I have found, everything I do is unique and different, plus I spend alot of time with my clients....I still have my original client from 21 years ago and have seen multiple clients kids be born and to go on to graduate from university....The designer side of things, is a whole lot more personal than the production side of things.
Pick the path that you enjoy.
Because you might succeed or you might fail, no matter which one you take, but at least that way you'll enjoy the ride.
That's the best advice for life in general, thank you for this! 😊
Well sometimes failing means no food and you become homeless so yea failing is way more complex.
Thank you for your insight into what happens and how much it costs to create what you do. It is always good to have the opportunity to 'see behind the curtain'. Great vid, as usual.
That's for the "dowels lining up tip!" I will definitely benefit from that. Given the cool stuff you've done, I agree it's the prettiest. I'd love to see your take on something art nouveau. I think it would definitely stretch your design muscles.
Thank you….appreciate your videos, your sense of right and wrong, your dry humor, and most of all, that your giving away one of your tables. Cause, quite frankly, I don’t believe I could ever afford one, and well….i guess that’s it. So, thanks.
I love everything about your videos. The design process, the design, the aesthetic. It's great. Never stop.
This is a great video! Yes, many of us do this for fun, but I'm also fascinated by the thought process of the design, and the end result of the economics of your time once the labor is factored in. Like many I'm sure, I harbor vague notions of wanting to sell some of the stuff I make- my family isn't that big, and I can only store so many projects. Super super interesting content!
I'm not into woodworking (a passing interest, if anything), but this video gets my "like" from the start because of the analysis. Great approach!
Thanks for the like before I even finished watching. I was not disappointed. Great cost-benefit analysis and conclusion! You've got a new subscriber.
Very interesting video. And beautiful tables too. I think a factor to consider when woodworking is that, after you stablish you like it and have the basic skills to do it, how pressed you are to make money. Confidence in the value of your work comes over time, and if you are going to need the the money right away, it's very likely you end up giving your work a lot cheaper than you should.
I really like your honesty. There is not one, true answer.
Great video 👍👍.
I felt that the custom table would come out as the winner because people appreciate custom things.
I think the best answer is what you left the video off with. Still, I also know that you're right that getting and installing legs after cleaning up the slabs is definitely more scalable as you could feasibly make multiple per day especially if you have the CNC and enough space to keep flattened slabs, you could run a set of slabs and work on filling gaps. In contrast, another set is flattened, and so on and so forth.
The cool designs, plus the willingness to talk about your process, lured me in, but your dry humor added the bit that'll have me watching all your videos instead of just the ones I think look the best. 👍
Ok.
I think that is the best video and project so far. So to you I say thank you. Love the way the light hits the dowels… that did it!
The custom obviously looks a thousand times better. And, even though I, personally, may likely never be able to afford such things, putting pieces like that out there in the world is far more valuable than the cost or price.
Beautiful work.
Awesome! I'd be proud to have either table in my living room, and would sing your praises to any and all my visitors who saw it.
Hairpin table's nice, but I love the custom table. I'm no woodworker, but I think that even "hobbies" that are done purely as a labor of love still benefit from a bit of cost/time analysis, and I enjoy hearing yours.
That custom table is truly a beautiful design. It might just be me, but every aspect of its aesthetic just works so well together
Very nice build and a fun/interesting experiment.
It occurs to me that in the same 27 hours spent on the custom table, you could have built 2 pin leg tables.
I still agree with doing what makes you happy though.
I would say that all the time planning, designing, staring wondering what to do next, should all be included in the time. I believe that the amount of this was way more for any custom project and would actually flip flop your costs on this, However custom is more fun, and will keep your business going longer.
I love them both, and the bids were a little low. But that's how auctions work, I suppose. I love your advice, sense of humor, and the talent you share with us. Some day, hopefully, within the next 5 years, I'll retire (I'm shooting for 67) and start a new path.
I'm impressed. Figured that the custom path would take so much time that you wouldn't make much money. Here's hoping you make more than that on an hourly basis on other projects!
Thanks...and yes...I definitely wouldn't be able to run my business if this were the case.
Great video. Another way to look at it is depending on how much time you have to spend on a certain project, you decide what you can best achieve in those hours or days. So if it takes 30 hours to do a custom piece and you can only squeeze in about 15-20 hours on a new project because there are several running in parallel, then you do a standard piece rather than sit idle. My 2 cents…
you can run a business and not want to "maximize profits". But you're a businessman, you track this stuff so you know how much you're making or losing. If someone wants to run a business, they HAVE to do this for taxes AT LEAST. Great video, love the transparency.
Calming, educational, interesting, and the perfect amount of humor as always. Thank you.
I have been enjoying your videos for a year now. I immersed my time into watching a ton Wood working UA-cam videos. I know all the big names in this woodworking UA-cam world. I like how all of you work together when you challenge yourself to work outside of your comfort zone. You and Scott Walsh top the list, so much so that I have just finish building myself a stand-alone work shop. I have lots of tools but no cabinets or assembly tables. I would like to purchase a Brass Chunky Mechanical Pencil, a Sample 73 Wood Finish, and I will look through the plans, but I think I will be busy building shop furniture for a while. My big issue is that I am located in Thailand and I'm wondering if you would take the extra effort and mail it overseas? Either way, I enjoy your woodworking tips.
Good video. One thing that came to mind that I am positive, Foureyes is aware of, is how easy is it to sell. Clearly the more expensive table is more beautiful, at least to me. There's likely some bell curve where cost, meets beauty, and then equals "most able to be sold for the most profit"....but also likely a moving target.
Either way thanks for the vid!
you're really an artist when it comes to design. love it.
Normally not a super fan of your designs, Mid-Century modern isn't for me, but I really liked this one. Good job.
man, whoever got the custom table, got it for a steal! I love your insights!
Great video Chris. I think this may be your best video ever. I'm moving in this direction as I'm setting up my shop, and getting slabs ready (I'm cutting my own slabs from wood that is "rescued" that would otherwise be bound for the chipper, so my slabs need some time to dry too). I got your Sample 73 a couple weeks ago in the first round of supply. I haven't tried it yet, but I'll go ahead with another from your Black Friday Sale as well. Cheers! Scott from Japan
That’s Scott. How was my pronunciation. Of Kimokawaii?
I can’t believe the custom table sold for so little! Amazing design❤🎉
I couldn’t purchase a course any quicker!! If anybody out there has been thinking about it or knows nothing about them do it NOW!!! Best Black Friday deal ever! You won’t feel like you wasted money I guarantee it.
Much appreciated :)
This bidding process showed me that it perhaps is more profitable to set minimum bids to weed out the nuisance bids of $30 and let the more serious bidders compete. You put so much quality into each build right up to the "micro" protectant, it's always a pleasure to see you build and the final products are beautiful!
Yes...and I have definitely done that before. To be honest though, I've stopped doing auctions unless it is for an experiment like this.
The last few things I've built on spec, I just set a price and wait for somebody to say they want it.
That's worked out much better for me.
I think it's always best to enjoy your passion as much as possible. If that becomes a way to support yourself and family (if that applies), all the better.
Although I'm now retired and not on the path to start a second career, I couldn't agree more about doing what you enjoy. The second part of that, which is a lesson I learned long ago, is "...and the money will follow".
For my fellow amateur (or "hack", in my case) woodworkers, just a quick shout out for the FourEyes project courses that Chris has on his site. I am in the middle of building the Moon Fry bed project which is pushing my limits in a good way. When I get stuck, Chris and Shawn are there to lend a hand (response time is usually < 24hrs).
Thanks guys, and sorry for all the bone-headed questions!! (Peter R.)
Hey Peter. Appreciate it. And for proof that he isn’t making the at up. I remember your question from this morning. About the round overs on the outside of the legs. Beginning of chapter 11 😊
Don't know how you make everything you build look amazing. Seriously mate, you're an incredible craftsman. I'm building a coffee table at the moment as a gift for my brothers wedding. It's a river river coffee table. I'm trying to come up with ideas for legs. They need to come apart so it's easy to ship to him (kinda like a flat pack), got any ideas for me? Needs to be simple though, my skill level is no where near yours. Cheers mate
The custom table is just gorgeous. Your work is amazing!!
Thank you!
I really do like it. One of my favorite builds I've done
Thanks for the trick to reduce the amount of bowing in the lumber. Will definitely try that.
Really loved the first leg design you suggested, with the crossing legs. I really love the Y-shape on it's side in both ends. I think that is a beautiful shape and even better looking than what you have made in a similar shape before. Would love to se that made.
Beautiful workmanship in all things as always.
one day, I want to reach the point where I build similiar level table as your custom one here... This was really interesting video for me, covering financial part and still giving the pleasure to watch your work! Take care, huge thanks from UA for inspiration
i definitely like the custom one better. it is clear that you put a lot of thought and talent into it, and it's a beautiful piece
8:41 Wood resuscitation process until the heartbeat returns hahaha
I have a repeat client that likes nice things and enjoys good bourbon, but likes a bargain as well. I have done a couple of projects for him that I traded for bourbon. He has contacts in the industry. I say “I’ll do that for a bourbon in this value range”. I have several spectacular bottles, and I was able to build something beautiful for him. Win-win. “Profit” is in the eye of the beholder.
I have never heard of the “cut in half then glue back together” trick to remove the bow. Amazing tip.
Im always amazed at the sheer cost of materials for these slab tables.
There's also the Foureyes premium. Your 'cheap' table will sell more because it's you, and you make cool tables generally. You're known for your quality and competence, even if that table is simple. Food for thought.
100% At a certain point it almost becomes like art. And I don't mean that from a philosophical/emotion POV. I mean it from a economic POV. It's not a utility good.
@@Foureyes.Furniture plastics and polymers are way more durable and cheaper nowadays, so yes purchasing things made of natural wood is kinda irrational now, one should really love the feeling and the touch of natural wood to purchase one.
Thanks for the videos 😊
They do inspire 😊
Literally the last couple days I have been itching for a new Foureyes vid. Even tried to tide myself over by ordering some Sample 73 lol
I really love graphic sketches, drawings and 3d models in your videos. Could you please share the information about software you using, or maybe some specific addons or graphic line styles you’re using. Thanks for your time.
I think your thoughts on the simpler table concept are correct . You could also afford to have a few slabs pre prepped and ready to go that would not take up much space . Some people are not prepared to wait . I think a lot of people like the fact the legs don't take any eyes away from the beauty of the slab , which is the real star of the show . Just a few of one persons thoughts .
They both look great .
The chatoyancy on the custom's top is great, and I dig the base. Well done.
i am retired now, but as a one man custom shop i stayed away from anything production because of the boredom factor. the more interesting the clients needs the more satisfaction i gained building it. if you asked me to build a table with metal legs like that i would have said no, because i would have hated doing it. satisfaction is worth more than money.
The custom table definitely is nicer and much more profitable but I think a lot of people forget about complexity of custom. A lot of things can go wrong, sometimes it ends up costing more material, more labor, headaches... Only when things go as smoothly as possible, custom work is satisfying and highly profitable. It takes someone with extreme skills and attention to detail to pull it off.
Meticulously and precisely finished iron quilted wooden table top 👍👍
Both tables turned out pretty well. The custom table is nicer in my opinion mainly because I like the extra wood it had. It would be a bear to move but looked nicer.
This episode was very interesting. Love the two tables as well. The customer table is top notch
This money talk is great. I’m betting a large number of amateurs watch you. Some are thinking about going for it as a job. The money matters to them. Plus it’s interesting.
Pity he wasn't clear about his profit / hour then isn't it? I love his designs personally, but if you do this for a living then time spent designing a piece is every bit as important as actually making it. Therefore, that time should be taken into account piece by piece when calculating profits.
Do you think for example, Ford motor company just ignore the costs of designing a car before a model has paid for itself?
@ I agree. My thinking is this would be interesting, not exhaustive. The other costs don’t vanish, but he was trying to do a base comparison. It’s imperfect either way.
You were right: the drawing doesn't do the finished table justice. Great work!
Really great graphics in the video and great editing. A joy to watch.
Ahhh yes! Another video that pleases my eyes ( beautiful furniture) and ears! I'll keep saying it, you have one of the best voices with some of the most insightful words and I could listen to this for days. Hopefully I can win that table too! hah cheers from Wisconsin.
I like your videos, you mostly have good design on what you make, I'm a hobby builder myself and I struggle a bit when I'm in a wheelchair so I can't go for such large objects.
The simple table is easier to mass produce. You can do one step ten times, then the next ten times. That means the setup costs are extended over all ten tables. That is a bit harder to do with custom tables. So there are more variables than just those you gave. But you were correct. It all depends on what your goals are.
This was not at all the result I was expecting in terms of profit/hour on these two projects. In this case, I am happy to have had my cynicism proven wrong. The hard work, and longer hours paid off! Both tables came out amazing, but you can tell the custom one was something special and inspired. I’m glad the payoff rewarded that.
Chris, I've been watching your channel since way back in your garage shop, Cubs hat wearing days. Love your artistry, videography, commentary, humor. #thickni
Thank you so much for detailing the costs of the two table builds. And more importantly, for your thoughts regarding how to view the various associated material and intellectual values.
18:00 This is such a fun shot. Really cool seeing you get creative with your visual presentation.
Great video. I always find value in what you create, thank you. On the custom piece, what is your opinion about wood movement of the bottom shelf? It seems like it fits snuggly.
Designing for wood movement is interesting, basically adding criteria/requirements for the design. Plenty of other examples of criteria that we set when designing something. Point being, if I were to error on the side of caution, I would add an “air gap” to the left and right of the shelf/in the legs.
That’s part of the reason each leg panel is split in two. The shelf can expand and each side of the panel could move with the shelf.
The only attachment point to worry about beyond that is how the top attaches. Since the holes for the bolts and inserts are oversized. It’s all good.
Hey Chris, thanks for another insightful video. I've been watching your channel for a few years now and I even build one of your plans (the Moonfry bed and nightstands). I have a slightly off-topic question. I'm at that point with my woodworking and design skills that I'm ready to start building for other people here and there, but not quite ready for prime time. I also have no plans of quitting my day job as a kindergarten teacher, but I'd love to fund my tool collection and continue to develop my skills and explore my creativity. How did you make the transition from hobbyist to part-time woodworker when you started out? How did you get clients? Did you build then sell stuff (if so, where did you store it all) or did you sell from drawings? Inquiring minds want to know.
Hey Mike, I had a full-time job and I started building and selling things in my spare time out of my garage. I came up with about 5 original pieces and I got featured on a few design blogs...then people could go to my website and inquire on a piece. Everything was a slightly customized version of the catalog pieces. I did that for a few years and kept reinvesting the money in tools...and started taking on bigger things as opportunities came along.
That custom table is sick. Very cool design
Fantastic video, loved the comparison element. Someone had a bargain with the price of that custom table, stunning piece of work.
Dang, that custom table is FIRE!!
The 'eating' effect is pretty cool! Really loving the designs you do!
There is anothr thing, thou, the time left, you could build 2 simple tables in the same amount. But i totally agree with you. The path you enjoy the most is the correct one.
Custom table feels nakashima-esque - and I dig it. Big departure from the four eyes typical style, interested to see where it leads.
Always great projects and really like to hear your thought process throughout the build. Couldn’t agree more on your philosophy to build what you love as the priority. Recommend ‘Happiness Advantage” by Shawn Achor that aligns to the same idea….chase your Happy and your success will follow. Keep up the great work and looking forward to the next one.
The term for clamping multiple objects together and drilling both at the same time is sometimes called ”gang drilling”, even though the term also is used for machines that have multiple drill spindles that operate together.
Quick question. On your Kreg Track Saw, I am sure you have replaced the blades. I went with an alternate blade and it was thinner than the writhing knife. Do you use the stock blades or have you found a better blade that has the same width of the writhing knife?
Totally agree with your final assessment! Do what you love and consider it a bonus to your pay.....that you love what your doing.
I'm embarassed to say that I still have the OG blade on mine.
I love the transparancy (with numbers and money) I also love the backlit shots 19:13
I’m obsessed with the result!!😍