2 years ago, I put together a chair.
I really loved doing it.
And to be honest, it was a great ego(as far as woodworking goes) boost when Id build one for someone and theyd fawn all over it like theyve never seen an adirondack chair.
I was never sure if it was sincerity, or just showing thanks for the chair.
I never really gave it much thought, Id just keep cutting and building.
Then I got asked to build a coffee table, a little side table, a makeup vanity, blanket chest, and a few other things,and as amateurish as they were, they are all still in use, and appreciated, or so I think.
And there was nothing I enjoyed more than making something with my own hands for someone, something Ive never done or even attempted.
And now, I find myself avoiding pesty people who say things like, Id rather see you have the money than give it to them(meaning some low end furniture place, Im not talking custom built quality furniture, keeping it real)
I try to explain that although I have alot of free time(they know I do), Im trying to keep my time open for things I finally feel I could learn now, and would like to try. afterall I tell them, Im not getting younger or healthier.
Then the next remark, is but you can probably make this in no time, and Ill pay you for youre time as well, I dont expect anything for free.
So I ask them how much they make an hour, if thats ok for me to charge them the same for every hour I put in on their project, reminding them that a simple table with 4 legs could take me 30 or 40 hours easily. Maybe and probably more.
Im not sure if thats an obnoxious answer , but it seems to get a little steam out of them, and the subject gets dropped.
Twice, in the last month.
Mr Bartley: Bartering would be great, but the ones that ask, really dont have anything Id be interested in.