Love that white finish on ash, it definitely subdues the sharp contrast between the sap and heart wood, which is my biggest complaint about ash. Also those drawer lights are something else! Great job dude
Thanks, man! The finish was definitely something I was most nervous about, but it definitely evened out the dark/light tones nicely. It made me potentially consider working with Ash again...however, I think I will stick to walnut for the next few projects 😜
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking Put myself through college building custom picture frames in a shop that used quite a bit of Ash. Popular and beautiful finishes there were various Ash "rubs", including white, black, and especially gray rubs, but one could do most colors I'm sure - those were Minwax oil-based colors. Anyway, great work, Keith. I always enjoy and appreciate your videos.
When you say, "Yikes" towards the end is so funny. Above and Beyond does not begin to describe your work! Uncle Keith, you're the best! Did you factor in the Inspector's Fee? Jerry wants to know!
Your target audience is probably mostly woodworkers, but I'm sure I'm not the only alien here that has nothing to do with woodworking but yet is still fascinated by this stuff! I'm a powerlifting coach and gym owner, but somehow craftsmen like you were always an inspiration to me. The dedication, attention to detail, problem solving and patience is just astounding! Thank you for your great work, a non-woodworker fan of Québec!
Mr. Johnson. Your channel is one of my favorites. You are incredibly talented, down to earth, funny, and you have the best helpers too (Jerry and Lola) Thank you so much for sharing. See you on the next video!
This is one of the greatest woodworking videos on TH-cam, period. The build itself, Keith's commentary, and all of the insight into the time and cost... This is seriously top-tier content. Keith Johnson is one of the greats.
Another crucial detail with pricing is that the work invested for the first product of a line takes significantly longer than the second copy of the same product. With an established process, all that problem solving you had to do can be consolidated a lot. So the pricing for a one-off is very different even from doing a run of 5 products. With mass manufactured goods, the cost goes down significantly for the same reason but also incorporates automation, cheaper materials, simplified construction, and other variables.
Your niece is lovely. I hope when she's older she'll watch your vids and start to understand the depth of skill and care you put into that desk. With a bit of luck, she might even be interested in learning from you.
Loved it! Love yer kitty kats, too! I appreciated the effort that you put into the pricing of your niece's "pretend commissioned desk project," then sharing with us common folk! Also, I absolutely loved your very cute niece's reactions whilst finding her way around the desk and all of the extra things, e.g., 3d printed items! Well done, Sir!
Aww, what a great uncle! Your niece was adorable and seemed to really love the desk. I always seem to really enjoy your pieces. You do very nice work. Jerry and Lola are a bonus and the 3D version cracked me up.
Here is a formula that worked for me over the years for work I knew how to do: you can estimate the materials you're going to need. And you can estimate the labor it will take to do the job. Multiply the labor by 1.8. This always works out because it seems to always take 90% of the time to do the first 90% of the job, and then another 90% to do the last 10%.
What an amazing desk! I would have loved a desk like that! Especially the narrow shelf and the brass accents. I love it! And love how Jerry is always there to help haha
Looks fantastic! Great to hear your thought process and problem-solving. On time estimates, there's a technique used in software development where tasks are estimated to take 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 20 or 40 time units. Having this limited set of numbers to chose from reduces indecision, while at the same time reminding us that any high estimates will be inaccurate. If any task is estimated at 13 or more, we should probably split it into smaller tasks to better estimate them.
Only recently found your channel after listening to the podcast for quite a while; really enjoy your video style. Amazing work, your attention to detail is very evident. If your niece is anything like my girls, the desk probably has nail polish on it by now but still love what you did here. Ordered that same printer today, have heard nothing but great things from those that own one.
Very nice build as always Keith! Useful information as well. Was waiting for your new video, they don't come out as often as I wish but the wait is always rewarded
@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking, you know what the best part of this video was? Her reaction during the reveal! :D You must have been grinning ear to ear, cuz I sure was! Definitely winning in the favorite Uncle department! Beautiful desk too! Thank you for sharing!
Always enjoy your videos. Educational, entertaining, informative and very useful. This one is no different. However, watching your niece's reaction does make this video very special.
I really enjoyed this insight. I've always found custom, one-of-a-kind jobs hard to price. I always poorly estimate time required and fair better with materials and other fixed costs. However I tend to always see the 'overages' on time the 'learned' part of the job. It's often wrestling with things that are new to me, which will be much easier next time. It's experience that will help inform the next job with similar requirements achieve a better estimate. Plus like you I enjoy going the extra mile for a customer and I can't tell you the number of times that's led to new customers bring new business my way.
Great video. Love the attention to detail and the insight on the estimating. I still struggle with that. Glad it's not just me!. thanks for the inspiration.
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking I have a low shelf on my desk too, with lights under, and while it's not the most practical light, it definetly sets the atmosphere and is rather cosy :)
I’ve mentioned this in some of my builds. But there are these magnetic motion sensor lights that are rechargeable. Aliexpress and TikTok shop sell them really cheap. Whenever I find them for like $1 I buy them. I’ve attached them to the underside of the counter in drawers, in my storage trailer, in my shed, in my pantry, inside tv stand, coffee bar (armoire). Basically anywhere that doesn’t have power but you would like light. Super simple, super cheap, super functional. A single charge lasts a half a year to a couple years depending on use. My pantry and kitchen utensils drawer i have to charge the most often but like I said it’s like once every 6 months.
Amazing video Keith! Love the way you break down the pricing and totally agree that sometimes its worth taking the hit on some of the profit for extra time spent on doing what you enjoy. Your attention to detail is something that is unmatched! The only part I disagree with you on is your rate of $75/hr. Your quality of work is well worth over $100+/hr! Keep up the great work man
Among my colleagues (in an electronics industry) we used to say that a "simple/familiar" project will run pi (3.14) times above estimate, while a "complex/novel" would bust it pi squared (9.86). Distressingly often that was not far from reality...
Well done as I expected. Camera setup always takes more time then you’d think, definitely more then 15% for a beginner like me. Looking forward to the next video
Great video. I am trying to figure out my pricing too. It is easy enough to charge materials, shop fee, and time myself for labor. The hard part is trying to find someone who is willing to pay the price tag. I got lots of people who want my stuff but they don't want my price tag.
I started working with ash recently, at first I thought it looked too much like pine for my taste but it was cheap. A high grit sanding and a nice hard wax finish and I was surprised how nice it actually came out.
2:25 Looks like your buddy at Ptree's Workshop needs a new lower lens on his laser maybe? It basically just the protective lens that protects the real focal lens above it, but if it gets damaged it will start cutting like a highlighter (Wider line in one direction than the other). I bet when he takes it off it'll look like there is an etched rectangle or square in the center the of "lens" where the laser hits it. Although i could be wrong and it could just be camera angle or something :P
Beautiful work Keith! I continue to be motivated and inspired by your work and videos. I too have an 8 year old Niece in Jersey that needs a new vanity/desk. Any chance you'll be making plans for this one?
Thanks Chris! Unfortunately, I don't make plans for many things because I usually design joinery, etc. as I build, so to go back and make plans takes too long and doesn't have enough ROI to make it worth the time.
Beautiful piece, as always. We take for granted that a KJ woodworking video will reveal an intricate creation. The Dog definitely raised her excitement level. P.S. are you accepting new great nieces? My daughter needs ( read wants) a new dresser. Can't wait for the next one.
Thank you for your line-item assessment & explanations. I don't sell my woodwork - I build so that I don't have to buy - but I do sell my jewelry work, so there's considerable overlap that applies. Thanks again! BTW, my shop cats are Bandit (18yo tabby) & Baghera (17yo black blob).
It all depends upon your market mate. In a Hollywood boutique you might ask and get 7000, same desk in my small town furniture store might sell for 300, same desk in a high street charity store is worth 70. It always amazes me how niche bespoke table makers spend more money on a slab of wood than my car is worth, then after a few says loving attention it sells for five times that. If I tried that trick locally, no matter how pretty I made it, I’d be lucky to get 200 quid.
Hofstadter's Law: Everything takes longer than you think, even when you factor in Hofstadter's Law. There's no way even those of us who don't film and edit our builds can really make our hourly rate (I nominally charge $75/hr too). The hope is that over time you make a few bucks and mostly have fun doing what you love. Thanks for the behind the scenes view. I use an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of costs, but what the final cost to the client is depends on lots of intangible factors. Very nice build. I really like the curve on the arris of the legs. And definitely the 3/16" groove is perfect. It also hides any wood movement over time.
Thanks for the thoughtful comment and insights! Yeah, when each piece you build is unique, it's virtually impossible to correctly estimate the hours required. In the back of my head, I usually figure it will take me at least 30-40% longer than anticipated.
I don’t have a business yet. But that is my goal and pricing is my biggest fear. lol! I am in the middle of a project that I thought would be 5-7 hours of work and I’m already to 15. lol! Great video!
Pretty nice build. I'd have change the place of the light for the drawer though. I think it'd be better to place it under the main "plate", with a slight angle, so the light will come from the top of the drawers, instead of from the sides.
I think your work is superb. I must live in the wrong area. I don’t know anyone that has this kind of money to buy a custom project like this. I do love it though.
Nothing but respect for you and your work. And if you can get those kinds of prices, I’m ecstatic for you, truly. My niece would be happy with a $10 desk from Goodwill. And so would I. LoL You and your clients are just totally different people than me and my friends/family/people I sell things to. That may be a $6000 desk in your world, but it’s a $200 one in mine at absolute most, no matter how nice it is. And that’s ok. We’re all on our own paths. :)
Great video and great information. Like you I think the shelf should be slightly wider and I might have suggested a brass rail or half inch high back to both the desk and shelf. My daughter had a similar desk (no shelf) and was always climbing under it to pick up things that fell. Added a piece of half inch trim and solved the problem
Hi Keith, Nice to see a new video from you again. It's a shame that we can't match the prices here in Germany. As a handicraft, you can at best generate €500 for a desk like this from us. People simply don't see the material cost of solid wood and don't respect the handwork. Many greetings from Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany. Werner
Wow!. That's a lot of hours and expenses. I kind of knew that, but this beats it quite a bit for this seemingly simple desk ("seemingly simple" is meant in the most positive sense). Costs for all the tools, the heated and lit space you work in, are not even on the list! Great work!
Good morning 🌅, I’d like to comment and it’s disappeared. It’s probably gone into somebody else, great work, Well worth the effort and time you put into it, The thing is as well you’ve got to cover the cost of your tools and machinery, et cetera, I have made a lot of furniture over the years , but I used to put Ebony or different coloured wood into my furniture as a contrast, I am a English dude , retired living in France, keep up the great work, look forward to your next project I presume the bookcase, From France
Head to shrsl.com/4qy0c for Bambu Lab’s Black Friday page to get your Bambu Lab X1C and other size units according to your needs!
There is no amount of money in the world you could’ve charged a client that is worth that reaction. Great stuff as always mate!
It was truly priceless! 🥰
Your niece’s reaction made it all worthwhile ❤
Couldn't agree more, Chet!
Love that white finish on ash, it definitely subdues the sharp contrast between the sap and heart wood, which is my biggest complaint about ash. Also those drawer lights are something else! Great job dude
Thanks, man! The finish was definitely something I was most nervous about, but it definitely evened out the dark/light tones nicely. It made me potentially consider working with Ash again...however, I think I will stick to walnut for the next few projects 😜
Ash is better than Trash (tm)
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking Put myself through college building custom picture frames in a shop that used quite a bit of Ash. Popular and beautiful finishes there were various Ash "rubs", including white, black, and especially gray rubs, but one could do most colors I'm sure - those were Minwax oil-based colors. Anyway, great work, Keith. I always enjoy and appreciate your videos.
When you say, "Yikes" towards the end is so funny. Above and Beyond does not begin to describe your work! Uncle Keith, you're the best! Did you factor in the Inspector's Fee? Jerry wants to know!
😂 Thanks Juliet! Dang! I need to add a line item for the Inspector 😬😹. He definitely deserves his cut.
Yes, definitely add a line for the CAT scans
Your target audience is probably mostly woodworkers, but I'm sure I'm not the only alien here that has nothing to do with woodworking but yet is still fascinated by this stuff!
I'm a powerlifting coach and gym owner, but somehow craftsmen like you were always an inspiration to me. The dedication, attention to detail, problem solving and patience is just astounding!
Thank you for your great work, a non-woodworker fan of Québec!
It's always great to hear from fans outside the woodworking community! 😊 Thanks Joe!
Mr. Johnson.
Your channel is one of my favorites. You are incredibly talented, down to earth, funny, and you have the best helpers too (Jerry and Lola)
Thank you so much for sharing. See you on the next video!
Thanks, man! I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos! I’m working on getting Lola trained up and Jerry might be getting his own channel soon! 😹
@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking
When that happens, I'll be the first one to subscribe to their channel.😀
Thanks a million!
I really enjoyed seeing your niece's enthusiastic reaction to her new piece of furniture!
Thanks! I think she might be a future customer! 😅
Your niece is adorable and her reaction really made the whole video. Made me want to go make something for my daughter who's about the same age.
Thanks! I hope you're able to experience that same amazing feeling!
This is one of the greatest woodworking videos on TH-cam, period. The build itself, Keith's commentary, and all of the insight into the time and cost... This is seriously top-tier content. Keith Johnson is one of the greats.
Wow! Thanks so much. I GREATLY appreciate the kind words and your support! 👊🏻
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking Keep 'em coming, Johnson!
Another crucial detail with pricing is that the work invested for the first product of a line takes significantly longer than the second copy of the same product. With an established process, all that problem solving you had to do can be consolidated a lot. So the pricing for a one-off is very different even from doing a run of 5 products. With mass manufactured goods, the cost goes down significantly for the same reason but also incorporates automation, cheaper materials, simplified construction, and other variables.
Your niece is lovely. I hope when she's older she'll watch your vids and start to understand the depth of skill and care you put into that desk. With a bit of luck, she might even be interested in learning from you.
I hope so too!
That reaction! You win the coolest uncle award! Amazing desk, outstanding craftsmanship as usual... video was on point 🔥
I appreciate that! It truly was a priceless reaction.
Loved it! Love yer kitty kats, too!
I appreciated the effort that you put into the pricing of your niece's "pretend commissioned desk project," then sharing with us common folk!
Also, I absolutely loved your very cute niece's reactions whilst finding her way around the desk and all of the extra things, e.g., 3d printed items!
Well done, Sir!
Thanks Robert! I appreciate the feedback. And it was a an amazing uncle moment to see her reaction! 🥰
This an impressive piece of craftsmanship, Keith!💯 You’ve explained so well why investing in high-quality, handcrafted furniture is always worth it. 👌
Thank you so much! I appreciate it 🙏
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking You're welcome! I’m eager for the next masterpiece from you, Keith!🙌
That shadow line on the sides perfectly matched the drawer gap. Nicely done.
I appreciate the eye for detail!
I had the same thought. Excellent idea. Little shadow-lines add a lot of character.
Aww, what a great uncle! Your niece was adorable and seemed to really love the desk. I always seem to really enjoy your pieces. You do very nice work. Jerry and Lola are a bonus and the 3D version cracked me up.
Thanks, it was a special uncle moment! 😄
Definitely appreciate the numbers crunching and the fact that you ended up where I often do, wondering how I spent so much time.
Right on! I’m always surprised how much time is really involved.
Your number one client. Her appreciation is payment satisfied.
Agreed! That's what it's all about!
I really like to see you back in process! I’m learning this hobby! I really like your videos!!
Awesome! Thank you!
I love ash furniture and that finish looks amazing on it. Great work!
Thanks bro! Not sure I would use Ash again unless I got a request for it, but it wasn't too bad to work with!
Fantastic piece and video Keith. Watching someone more experienced break down pricing like this is beneficial. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much! It’s something I wish I understood sooner.
Her reactions were priceless 😍🙂.
Indeed! 🥰
Here is a formula that worked for me over the years for work I knew how to do: you can estimate the materials you're going to need. And you can estimate the labor it will take to do the job. Multiply the labor by 1.8. This always works out because it seems to always take 90% of the time to do the first 90% of the job, and then another 90% to do the last 10%.
What an amazing desk! I would have loved a desk like that! Especially the narrow shelf and the brass accents. I love it! And love how Jerry is always there to help haha
Thanks so much! Jerry is the unsung hero of every build 😹
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking I praise him haha, always love to see them both...and your work of course!
Looks fantastic! Great to hear your thought process and problem-solving.
On time estimates, there's a technique used in software development where tasks are estimated to take 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 20 or 40 time units. Having this limited set of numbers to chose from reduces indecision, while at the same time reminding us that any high estimates will be inaccurate. If any task is estimated at 13 or more, we should probably split it into smaller tasks to better estimate them.
Thanks for the tips! That's a great approach.
It seems like you break your time into chunks that correspond to Renard Series also known as Preferred Numbers.
it's great to see appreciation of your work. Kids not always are so enthusiastic about things like that...
Very true! It was an amazing moment!
Only recently found your channel after listening to the podcast for quite a while; really enjoy your video style. Amazing work, your attention to detail is very evident. If your niece is anything like my girls, the desk probably has nail polish on it by now but still love what you did here. Ordered that same printer today, have heard nothing but great things from those that own one.
She's a wild one, but the desk is still holding up! 😜😂 And enjoy that printer!
Keith, you are MASTER, I truly enjoy the video because is educational and I get to see new products, again your are worth every penny in gold!
Wow, thatnks so much! I greatly appreciate it.
Very nice build as always Keith! Useful information as well. Was waiting for your new video, they don't come out as often as I wish but the wait is always rewarded
Appreciate the support! I’m trying to make them as high quality as possible!
@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking, you know what the best part of this video was? Her reaction during the reveal! :D You must have been grinning ear to ear, cuz I sure was! Definitely winning in the favorite Uncle department! Beautiful desk too! Thank you for sharing!
It was an amazing moment for sure! 🥰
I'm amazed by the skills, the story telling AND the quality of every tool!
Send good vibes so one day I can afford that great set!! :D
I’m so glad you enjoyed the video! 🙏
This is super helpful especially as someone who has struggled giving quotes. Also nice to know that going over in time isn't the end of the world
I'm glad it helps! It's a big mental hurdle to overcome!
Always enjoy your videos. Educational, entertaining, informative and very useful. This one is no different. However, watching your niece's reaction does make this video very special.
Thanks so much! And seeing my niece’s reaction was priceless 😁
Aww, we loved your niece's reaction 💙💙
It was more than I could have hoped for! Priceless!! 🥰
Great job, Keith! The desk looks awesome.
Cheers Rob! I appreciate it 👊🏼
Fantastic video! Your niece is one lucky girl to have an heirloom piece like that. And definitely buying that 3D printer.
Wow, thanks! And enjoy that printer...I think you're going to love it!
@ just ordered it. Can’t wait. Any thoughts on hot end sizes to have on hand if I’m planning to use PLA and ABS? .2mm, .4mm, .6mm?
@@SmallProjectCentralAwesome! 0.4mm will work for both!
I really enjoyed this insight. I've always found custom, one-of-a-kind jobs hard to price. I always poorly estimate time required and fair better with materials and other fixed costs. However I tend to always see the 'overages' on time the 'learned' part of the job. It's often wrestling with things that are new to me, which will be much easier next time. It's experience that will help inform the next job with similar requirements achieve a better estimate. Plus like you I enjoy going the extra mile for a customer and I can't tell you the number of times that's led to new customers bring new business my way.
Yes! We share the same philosophy. Cheers!
I love how you first explain the difference between "Profit" and "Margin" just to talk about PROFIT-MARGINS in the very next sentence. Very helpful 😂
You're a good uncle! Her reaction was more than worth your extra efforts, I'm sure.
Couldn't agree more! Thanks!
Nice build.... clever design with practical features. I hope your niece doesn't abuse that desk too much! Although, it is pretty sturdy!
If it was for my nephew I would be slightly worried, but I think it’s going to be fine! 😉
Another great woodwork project video. Best woodworker on TH-cam.
Wow, thanks! 👊🏻
YES, YEHEEES, finally an Ash build. I'VE BEEN WAITING YEARS FOR THIIIS ^^
Hope it was worth the wait! 😉
Uncle of the year 🙌
😂 This is definitely my final campaign push!
Pretty sweet...my daughters been bugging me for a desk. I think my skill set might all most be there. Your work is excellent as always.
Go for it! I'm sure she will love anything you build for her!
Turned out great dude! Loved seeing her reaction to it.
Thanks Bret! And thanks for all the plans help! 👊🏼🙌🏻
her excitement of the drawers is all worth it
Agreed! It was a great moment!
Really cool video. I definitely appreciate your adding so much insight into building custom furniture.
Thanks! Glad you found it helpful!
Great video. Love the attention to detail and the insight on the estimating. I still struggle with that. Glad it's not just me!. thanks for the inspiration.
Thanks for the comment! I think pricing is a universal struggle for most woodworkers 😜
Fantastic video and informative beyond any ask. Perfect timing for me, thank you Keith.
Right on! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks! 👊🏼
Nice desk. I would've added light under the top shelf too.
And thanks for the breakdown of the cost and how you do your pricings etc.
Glad it was helpful! Not sure how effective a light under the shelf would be since it's so low which is why I also 3D printed a lamp for her 😉
@@KeithJohnsonCustomWoodworking I have a low shelf on my desk too, with lights under, and while it's not the most practical light, it definetly sets the atmosphere and is rather cosy :)
As always, a beautiful piece Keith. 👏
Thanks Jesse!! 🙌🏻
Such a good and detailed video! You have outdone yourself again Keith!
Thanks John! I appreciate it, man!
Beautiful work!
Thanks! It was a fun build.
That's a cool video Keith. I think alot of people have wondered how you, and others, do this. Very insightful.
Thanks! Hope it was helpful!
Love the shadow line in the joints
Thanks James! 😎
nice piece and love her reaction, not sure how you can gave almost 3 weeks into the piece, but it came out nice!!
It takes what it takes! 😅
So beautiful! And she was happy! That was awesome! ❤
Thanks, she really loved it! 😁
Truly amazing work, Keith! Beautiful desk!!! 😃
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
Thanks, appreciate it! Stay safe as well!
Always an enjoyable experience to watch your work.
Thank you sir!
Absolutely love those brass feet from campfire. Been using them for years and great customer service!
They really do look great, especially with walnut! And Justin is next level with his service. 🙌🏻
Beautiful desk, KJ her smile worth the effort.
I appreciate that! 😀
I’ve mentioned this in some of my builds. But there are these magnetic motion sensor lights that are rechargeable. Aliexpress and TikTok shop sell them really cheap. Whenever I find them for like $1 I buy them. I’ve attached them to the underside of the counter in drawers, in my storage trailer, in my shed, in my pantry, inside tv stand, coffee bar (armoire). Basically anywhere that doesn’t have power but you would like light. Super simple, super cheap, super functional. A single charge lasts a half a year to a couple years depending on use. My pantry and kitchen utensils drawer i have to charge the most often but like I said it’s like once every 6 months.
Sounds like a great, inexpensive solution! Thanks for sharing 👍🏼
Amazing video Keith! Love the way you break down the pricing and totally agree that sometimes its worth taking the hit on some of the profit for extra time spent on doing what you enjoy. Your attention to detail is something that is unmatched! The only part I disagree with you on is your rate of $75/hr. Your quality of work is well worth over $100+/hr! Keep up the great work man
Thanks Luke! I appreciate it, man. Hourly rate does vary based on complexity of work, so it’s normally $100+. I cut my niece a deal on this one 😜
Among my colleagues (in an electronics industry) we used to say that a "simple/familiar" project will run pi (3.14) times above estimate, while a "complex/novel" would bust it pi squared (9.86). Distressingly often that was not far from reality...
Wow. Great insight into custom work in another industry. Thanks for sharing!
Great video, good to see another truewerk fan!
Right on! I own way too many pairs of Truwerk pants 😂
Amazing desk Keith, been following the pain via your pod cast. Looking forward to the next video.
Thanks so much!
Nicely done Keith! 😃👍🏼👊🏼
Hey thanks Fred!! Hope you are well 👊🏻😎
My friend - you’re such an inspiration for me. Thanks again for an amazing video. And see you soon :).
Thanks Fantin! It was a great weekend in TX!
@ indeed! Too short but good nevertheless :(
Beautiful!! It was cute how much she loved the dog you printed.
She has a great eye for detail! 😜
Yikes!!! Great video, great result at the end, Jerry's final word on the matter as insightful as ever!
😹 The little fur ball is indeed a wordsmith!
Looks like works gonna wait this morning… KJ posts a video, you drop everything!
😂 I’ll give you a doctors note if you need it for your boss 😜
Well done as I expected. Camera setup always takes more time then you’d think, definitely more then 15% for a beginner like me. Looking forward to the next video
Thanks man! Yes, video production time can definitely add up!
Great video. I am trying to figure out my pricing too. It is easy enough to charge materials, shop fee, and time myself for labor. The hard part is trying to find someone who is willing to pay the price tag. I got lots of people who want my stuff but they don't want my price tag.
That’s the struggle for sure. It takes time to build a clientele who understands the value of quality.
Very nice work as usual!
Thanks, I appreciate it!
I started working with ash recently, at first I thought it looked too much like pine for my taste but it was cheap. A high grit sanding and a nice hard wax finish and I was surprised how nice it actually came out.
Yeah, it can definitely look like pine if it's flat sawn. But it's hardness makes it far more durable and stronger than pine.
2:25 Looks like your buddy at Ptree's Workshop needs a new lower lens on his laser maybe? It basically just the protective lens that protects the real focal lens above it, but if it gets damaged it will start cutting like a highlighter (Wider line in one direction than the other). I bet when he takes it off it'll look like there is an etched rectangle or square in the center the of "lens" where the laser hits it. Although i could be wrong and it could just be camera angle or something :P
I'll let him know!
Beautiful work Keith! I continue to be motivated and inspired by your work and videos. I too have an 8 year old Niece in Jersey that needs a new vanity/desk. Any chance you'll be making plans for this one?
Thanks Chris! Unfortunately, I don't make plans for many things because I usually design joinery, etc. as I build, so to go back and make plans takes too long and doesn't have enough ROI to make it worth the time.
Great build! Love this video
Thanks Adam! It was such a fun and rewarding project.
Beautiful piece, as always.
We take for granted that a
KJ woodworking video will reveal an intricate creation.
The Dog definitely raised her excitement level.
P.S. are you accepting new great nieces? My daughter needs ( read wants) a new dresser.
Can't wait for the next one.
😂 Thanks Moshe! Unfortunately, niece applications are closed at the moment 😜
Thank you for your line-item assessment & explanations. I don't sell my woodwork - I build so that I don't have to buy - but I do sell my jewelry work, so there's considerable overlap that applies. Thanks again!
BTW, my shop cats are Bandit (18yo tabby) & Baghera (17yo black blob).
Thanks! It's always interesting to see how others approach pricing their work. Tell Bandit & Baghera hello 😺😺
It all depends upon your market mate. In a Hollywood boutique you might ask and get 7000, same desk in my small town furniture store might sell for 300, same desk in a high street charity store is worth 70. It always amazes me how niche bespoke table makers spend more money on a slab of wood than my car is worth, then after a few says loving attention it sells for five times that. If I tried that trick locally, no matter how pretty I made it, I’d be lucky to get 200 quid.
@@contessa.adella Yes, it’s all about your market and clientele.
Hofstadter's Law: Everything takes longer than you think, even when you factor in Hofstadter's Law. There's no way even those of us who don't film and edit our builds can really make our hourly rate (I nominally charge $75/hr too). The hope is that over time you make a few bucks and mostly have fun doing what you love.
Thanks for the behind the scenes view. I use an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of costs, but what the final cost to the client is depends on lots of intangible factors.
Very nice build. I really like the curve on the arris of the legs. And definitely the 3/16" groove is perfect. It also hides any wood movement over time.
Thanks for the thoughtful comment and insights! Yeah, when each piece you build is unique, it's virtually impossible to correctly estimate the hours required. In the back of my head, I usually figure it will take me at least 30-40% longer than anticipated.
Beautiful desk and as always a great video. Thanks 👍
Thanks so much for watching! 🙌🏻
Vintage Toledo GoalDiggers T-shirt!! that's some sweet style!
1:45 How the heck is a nine-year-old going to be able to cough up 5914 dollars 😄
Love the design and the ash looks amazing!
Haha. I’m garnishing her allowance. And thanks!
I don’t have a business yet. But that is my goal and pricing is my biggest fear. lol! I am in the middle of a project that I thought would be 5-7 hours of work and I’m already to 15. lol! Great video!
Yeah, you gotta learn to factor in the "oh-sh**" hours. 😜
fine furniture , well made,,,, nice one Keith
Thanks Roger!
Pretty nice build.
I'd have change the place of the light for the drawer though.
I think it'd be better to place it under the main "plate", with a slight angle, so the light will come from the top of the drawers, instead of from the sides.
That would have been a tricky install and not sure how effective it would really be. But it would be worth the experiment.
The hardest working shop cats around!
Jerry is the unsung hero of the shop! 😂
Bro that's just fun. Shout out to bringing joy.
Thanks man! A very heartwarming build 🥰
I think your work is superb. I must live in the wrong area. I don’t know anyone that has this kind of money to buy a custom project like this. I do love it though.
Thanks man! Yeah, different areas of the country can command hire rates for custom work.
Nothing but respect for you and your work. And if you can get those kinds of prices, I’m ecstatic for you, truly.
My niece would be happy with a $10 desk from Goodwill. And so would I. LoL
You and your clients are just totally different people than me and my friends/family/people I sell things to. That may be a $6000 desk in your world, but it’s a $200 one in mine at absolute most, no matter how nice it is.
And that’s ok. We’re all on our own paths. :)
Fair enough.
Rocking the Toledo shirt!
Haha! And for no reason whatsoever 😂
Great video and great information. Like you I think the shelf should be slightly wider and I might have suggested a brass rail or half inch high back to both the desk and shelf. My daughter had a similar desk (no shelf) and was always climbing under it to pick up things that fell. Added a piece of half inch trim and solved the problem
Yeah, I proposed the back rail many times, but she didn't want one 🤷🏼♂️
Beautiful work, Uncle Keith! ;-)
Thanks man! I appreciate it 👊🏼
Hi Keith,
Nice to see a new video from you again.
It's a shame that we can't match the prices here in Germany. As a handicraft, you can at best generate €500 for a desk like this from us.
People simply don't see the material cost of solid wood and don't respect the handwork.
Many greetings from Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany.
Werner
You should target different income brackets
Thanks for the comment! Prices for handmade goods are different all over the world.
Wow!. That's a lot of hours and expenses. I kind of knew that, but this beats it quite a bit for this seemingly simple desk ("seemingly simple" is meant in the most positive sense).
Costs for all the tools, the heated and lit space you work in, are not even on the list!
Great work!
Thanks for the comment! And yes, all the tools, utilities, etc. are included in overhead which is factored into my hourly rate.
I feel responsible for at least 5 of those labor hours. It’s all the standing around and talking we do 😂
Totally worth it…cost of doing business 😂
Good morning 🌅, I’d like to comment and it’s disappeared. It’s probably gone into somebody else, great work,
Well worth the effort and time you put into it, The thing is as well you’ve got to cover the cost of your tools and machinery, et cetera,
I have made a lot of furniture over the years , but I used to put Ebony or different coloured wood into my furniture as a contrast,
I am a English dude , retired living in France, keep up the great work, look forward to your next project I presume the bookcase,
From France
Thanks so much! I appreciate the comment. Cheers!