As the owner of a growing carpentry company it seems like I am continually buying tools. Nearly every project provides the opportunity to add to my tool collection. Well, for the most part that suits me just fine since one of my favorite past-times is buying new tools.
However, new tools aren't always in the budget so over the past few years I have purchased several used items with good results. Of course, I would like to always buy new but when I can't, I have found that research and patience pays off.
My most recent used tool purchase (cordless framing nailer) was only about 1 year old and I was able to pick it up for about half the cost of new. I had been checking them out online, watching prices, etc for a couple months before I came across the one I bought.
I have a few key criteria when looking at pre-owned tools.
The first, as expected, would be price. I don't usually even give a used tool a second look if the price tag is more than half the cost of new.
The second criteria I look at is condition. Regardless of price, if a tool seems to be on its last legs, I don't think it's going to be a good buy. I also insist on being able to test the tool before I buy. At the very least I want to make sure it works and get a feel for the condition. I think you can feel the condition of a tool better than you can see it. Anybody can clean something up and make it look nice but, until you 'test drive' it you don't really know what your dealing with.
Next, I like to consider who owned/used the tool before and how they took care of it. There is no exact formula for this, whether it be a professional contractor or a weekend warrior, you never can predict how a tool was cared for, so I try to ask questions to get a feel for what kind of life the tool might have had.
One last requirement which, for me, is maybe the most important. I would never buy a used tool 'sight unseen'. I think you would be asking for trouble to buy a used tool online without being able to see it, feel it, and test it before making a purchase. If a used tool can meet these requirements; price, condition & test drive, care, and an 'in person' purchase, then I usually feel comfortable about my purchase.
All in all, I think buying used tools can sometimes be the best way to go when you're on a budget like most of us are these days. However, you do kind of miss out on the rush of taking it home from the store and tearing into the box when you get home.
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to the workshop.
Thanks for reading.
Rex
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Christmas Tradition
Well, I haven't had too much to blog about these past couple weeks but this was emailed to me and I thought it was interesting so I thought I'd post it. I'm not sure of the original source but it is thought provoking. I certainly plan to keep these ideas in mind this Christmas Season.
-Rex
I think this is a wonderful idea. As Americans, we need to support
our own economy, and not be held hostage by cheap, foreign-made
products that are crippling the jobs of workers in the United States.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition
As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into
high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply
produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of
American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will
give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no
longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that
is produced by American hands. Oh.... Yes there is!
It is time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to
fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift
certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?
Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about
some health improvement.
Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American
owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift
certificate or a book of gift certificates.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking
down the Benjamins on a Chinese-made flat-screen TV? Perhaps that
grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed
for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local
golf course.
There are a gazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift
certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what
about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember,
folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting
your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to
keep their doors open.
How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or
motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services
of a local cleaning lady for a day.
My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy
who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.
OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people
spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry,
and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and
leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play
or ballet at your hometown theatre.
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Honestly people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand
Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of
light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those
kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a
nice BIG tip.
You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so
that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about
caring about US (We the People), encouraging American small businesses
to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about
other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come
back to us in ways we could not imagine.
THIS is the new American Christmas tradition!!
Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion groups.
-- throw up a post on Craig's List in the Rants and Raves section in your city.
-- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and
TV news departments.
This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what
Christmas is about?
-Rex
I think this is a wonderful idea. As Americans, we need to support
our own economy, and not be held hostage by cheap, foreign-made
products that are crippling the jobs of workers in the United States.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition
As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into
high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply
produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of
American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will
give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no
longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that
is produced by American hands. Oh.... Yes there is!
It is time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to
fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift
certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?
Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about
some health improvement.
Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American
owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift
certificate or a book of gift certificates.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking
down the Benjamins on a Chinese-made flat-screen TV? Perhaps that
grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed
for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local
golf course.
There are a gazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift
certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what
about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember,
folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting
your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to
keep their doors open.
How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or
motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services
of a local cleaning lady for a day.
My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy
who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.
OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people
spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry,
and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and
leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play
or ballet at your hometown theatre.
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Honestly people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand
Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of
light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those
kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a
nice BIG tip.
You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so
that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about
caring about US (We the People), encouraging American small businesses
to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about
other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come
back to us in ways we could not imagine.
THIS is the new American Christmas tradition!!
Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion groups.
-- throw up a post on Craig's List in the Rants and Raves section in your city.
-- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and
TV news departments.
This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what
Christmas is about?
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Custom Built-In
This week I've been working on a large custom built-in unit. The term 'Built-In' doesn't really do it justice. More like a built-in bookcase/entertainment center/fireplace mantle/storage unit. This thing is a beast, 8'tall x 9' wide.
If you read my last post you'll know that building something this large poses a few challenges for me. I've had to do a little re-arranging in the shop to make space for it but I'm managing.
I felt it made the most sense to take some careful measurements and build this unit in my shop(where all my tools are) as opposed to loading up my entire shop in the cargo trailer and building it on site. That being said, it was rather nerve racking transporting it all to the location. So, while I still think it made better sense to build it in the shop, the issue of transporting will play a larger role in my decision making process in the future. Everything made it safely to it's final location so, it all worked out in the end.
The built-in is made up of 6 modular units; a base(platform), 2 large base cabinets, 2 bookcases and a mantle piece that spans between the two bookcases. Each component was built to custom specs determined by the height and length of the wall and the sizes of the existing TV and electric fireplace. But the real customization came at the installation. There are only so many details that can be pre-determined, some things need to be accounted for on-site. Aside from accommodating some of the miscellaneous details, I also had to relocate the clients 60" flat screen. 1". It's kind of crazy but it had to be done. So, with the TV relocated and the fireplace set into place it was time to
move forward securing the cabinets. Once all the cabinets were set, it was time to install the shelves in the bookcases, install the base moulding and then, the crown moulding. And that was pretty much it. Final paint touch up was to be done by the homeowner. So, with that I packed up my tools, cleaned up, took some photos and called it done.
Notable features include:
Doors for storage cabinet
Adjustable shelving
Crown moulding
Black Granite tile Hearth
Customized to fit TV & fireplace
If you read my last post you'll know that building something this large poses a few challenges for me. I've had to do a little re-arranging in the shop to make space for it but I'm managing.
I felt it made the most sense to take some careful measurements and build this unit in my shop(where all my tools are) as opposed to loading up my entire shop in the cargo trailer and building it on site. That being said, it was rather nerve racking transporting it all to the location. So, while I still think it made better sense to build it in the shop, the issue of transporting will play a larger role in my decision making process in the future. Everything made it safely to it's final location so, it all worked out in the end.
The built-in is made up of 6 modular units; a base(platform), 2 large base cabinets, 2 bookcases and a mantle piece that spans between the two bookcases. Each component was built to custom specs determined by the height and length of the wall and the sizes of the existing TV and electric fireplace. But the real customization came at the installation. There are only so many details that can be pre-determined, some things need to be accounted for on-site. Aside from accommodating some of the miscellaneous details, I also had to relocate the clients 60" flat screen. 1". It's kind of crazy but it had to be done. So, with the TV relocated and the fireplace set into place it was time to
move forward securing the cabinets. Once all the cabinets were set, it was time to install the shelves in the bookcases, install the base moulding and then, the crown moulding. And that was pretty much it. Final paint touch up was to be done by the homeowner. So, with that I packed up my tools, cleaned up, took some photos and called it done.
Notable features include:
Doors for storage cabinet
Adjustable shelving
Crown moulding
Black Granite tile Hearth
Customized to fit TV & fireplace
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Workshop Set-up
Over this past weekend I spent some time in the workshop cleaning and organizing. My shop was on the verge of being over-run by scraps and sawdust, which is just the way I like it but, sometimes enough is enough. Not only is a messy shop an unsafe workshop, it is also a less productive workshop. So, while I may feel more at home being surrounded by sawdust and woodscraps, I felt it was time to clean up.
For me, doing a little shop cleanup ends up being more of an exercise in re-arranging and organizing my work space. It seems to be this never-ending quest to 'get it just right'. I guess if you have a large enough workshop with designated areas set-up you may not be constantly trying to re-invent your space. However, I haven't quite gotten to that point. My workshop is in the garage of my home, which I also share with the laundry, workout area, bicycles, and storage. So, after all that, I have about a 10'x16' space to work in.
Most of my tools are on mobile bases, so they can be stored out of the way and rolled out when needed. This is pretty much a necessity in a smaller shop. Being able to roll tools that aren't being used out of the way is probably the only way I can make this small space work. Having many of my tools on mobile bases goes a long way towards getting the most out of my space but it seems like I am still always struggling to find a good layout.
I guess the biggest obstacle I have comes back to the limited space that I have. My workspace is just fine for working on small projects, cutting small materials, making repairs etc. It is when I go to build something large (like the large built-in I'm getting ready to begin) that I really start itching for more space. I'll have the shop set up and organized just the way I want it and once the large project begins to take up more and more space I start re-thinking my layout.
Maybe one of these days I'll come up with the perfect layout or maybe I'll come up with a larger dedicated workshop. Until then, however, I'll just jump on here and vent.
For me, doing a little shop cleanup ends up being more of an exercise in re-arranging and organizing my work space. It seems to be this never-ending quest to 'get it just right'. I guess if you have a large enough workshop with designated areas set-up you may not be constantly trying to re-invent your space. However, I haven't quite gotten to that point. My workshop is in the garage of my home, which I also share with the laundry, workout area, bicycles, and storage. So, after all that, I have about a 10'x16' space to work in.
Most of my tools are on mobile bases, so they can be stored out of the way and rolled out when needed. This is pretty much a necessity in a smaller shop. Being able to roll tools that aren't being used out of the way is probably the only way I can make this small space work. Having many of my tools on mobile bases goes a long way towards getting the most out of my space but it seems like I am still always struggling to find a good layout.
I guess the biggest obstacle I have comes back to the limited space that I have. My workspace is just fine for working on small projects, cutting small materials, making repairs etc. It is when I go to build something large (like the large built-in I'm getting ready to begin) that I really start itching for more space. I'll have the shop set up and organized just the way I want it and once the large project begins to take up more and more space I start re-thinking my layout.
Maybe one of these days I'll come up with the perfect layout or maybe I'll come up with a larger dedicated workshop. Until then, however, I'll just jump on here and vent.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Apartment Rehab
This Fall we've been working on an old apartment complex in Speedway, IN. This particular complex is under new ownership, and they have decided to do a relatively extensive overhaul of the place. As you can imagine, if you've ever lived in an older apartment, they are in desperate need of some TLC.
Our role in this project is doing the interior finish. We are installing new lighting, window coverings, bathroom accessories, bathroom vanity, closet doors, kitchen countertops, and some units get all new kitchen cabinets. Nothing fancy, mostly low budget inexpensive fixtures, but it's all new and a major improvement.
I haven't done too much work in multi-family residential construction. Most of my experience is single family semi-custom homes. It's a bit of an adjustment working in vacant apartments as opposed to someone's home.
So, while this work isn't too difficult or anything I haven't done before, I got to thinking the other day that it's good practice. We could all use some practice, whether an experienced carpenter or a beginner.
I had this thought the other day, when discussing the project with my crew, one of which has limited experience. It's a fast paced/production style atmosphere and the materials are inexpensive(which means I can let guys get their hands on things that I would normally insist on doing myself).
While this project may not be anything too exciting, nothing fancy, or maybe I won't be getting any cool photos, the one thing my crew and I can take from it is the practice and experience. Both of which are invaluable for any tradesman.
Our role in this project is doing the interior finish. We are installing new lighting, window coverings, bathroom accessories, bathroom vanity, closet doors, kitchen countertops, and some units get all new kitchen cabinets. Nothing fancy, mostly low budget inexpensive fixtures, but it's all new and a major improvement.
I haven't done too much work in multi-family residential construction. Most of my experience is single family semi-custom homes. It's a bit of an adjustment working in vacant apartments as opposed to someone's home.
So, while this work isn't too difficult or anything I haven't done before, I got to thinking the other day that it's good practice. We could all use some practice, whether an experienced carpenter or a beginner.
I had this thought the other day, when discussing the project with my crew, one of which has limited experience. It's a fast paced/production style atmosphere and the materials are inexpensive(which means I can let guys get their hands on things that I would normally insist on doing myself).
While this project may not be anything too exciting, nothing fancy, or maybe I won't be getting any cool photos, the one thing my crew and I can take from it is the practice and experience. Both of which are invaluable for any tradesman.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Difficult Decisions
Well, seems like I have quite a bit on my mind for this post but I'm not even really sure where to begin.
I guess I'll start by saying that I have recently (this week) made a big change in the path I am taking my carpentry business. For the past 5-1/2 years I have been doing work as an independent installation contractor, installing displays in retail. We did work for a wide variety of clients who I will leave nameless. Basically we would get contracted by 3 entities; retailers, brands, and fixture manufacturers. For the first three years I did this work it was relatively steady and profitable but for the last couple years the volume of work just hasn't been there. I think most if not all of this change is due to the economy. As 'third-party' installers our role in the retail world is one of the first things to go. I believe that many companies, in an effort to save money, choose to do the work themselves. Or, find some other, more affordable option(s).
As another twist, I became a husband in April of 2010 and a father this past May. Having a family has dramatically changed how I view a job with unpredictable hours, random travel, and an unstable income.
In 2009 when things really began to take a turn for the worst, I started my own business, 'Carpentry Plus'. In the beginning it was pretty slow, but I guess that's to be expected. However, since those first few months, work has steadily been increasing to the point where I have chosen to apply myself 100% to providing quality carpentry services throughout central Indiana.
It hasn't been an easy decision, as this is something I have thought long and hard about for several months now. As my business has been growing, it has been nice to have a safety net to fall back on, to fill in my down times. At this point though, there has been a shift in the balance of where my work is coming from. My business has nearly grown to the point where it is now providing me with full time work and an adequate income for my family.
Of course, there is much more that went into my decision making process but ultimately, the dramatic shift in the balance of the source of income has put me where I am today.
This has been a difficult decision for me to make as I have thought long and hard on it for months now. But, in the end, it was a no-brainer. I believe that by giving my business everything I have, it will continue to grow and be profitable.
Thanks for reading.
I guess I'll start by saying that I have recently (this week) made a big change in the path I am taking my carpentry business. For the past 5-1/2 years I have been doing work as an independent installation contractor, installing displays in retail. We did work for a wide variety of clients who I will leave nameless. Basically we would get contracted by 3 entities; retailers, brands, and fixture manufacturers. For the first three years I did this work it was relatively steady and profitable but for the last couple years the volume of work just hasn't been there. I think most if not all of this change is due to the economy. As 'third-party' installers our role in the retail world is one of the first things to go. I believe that many companies, in an effort to save money, choose to do the work themselves. Or, find some other, more affordable option(s).
As another twist, I became a husband in April of 2010 and a father this past May. Having a family has dramatically changed how I view a job with unpredictable hours, random travel, and an unstable income.
In 2009 when things really began to take a turn for the worst, I started my own business, 'Carpentry Plus'. In the beginning it was pretty slow, but I guess that's to be expected. However, since those first few months, work has steadily been increasing to the point where I have chosen to apply myself 100% to providing quality carpentry services throughout central Indiana.
It hasn't been an easy decision, as this is something I have thought long and hard about for several months now. As my business has been growing, it has been nice to have a safety net to fall back on, to fill in my down times. At this point though, there has been a shift in the balance of where my work is coming from. My business has nearly grown to the point where it is now providing me with full time work and an adequate income for my family.
Of course, there is much more that went into my decision making process but ultimately, the dramatic shift in the balance of the source of income has put me where I am today.
This has been a difficult decision for me to make as I have thought long and hard on it for months now. But, in the end, it was a no-brainer. I believe that by giving my business everything I have, it will continue to grow and be profitable.
Thanks for reading.
Friday, September 30, 2011
9/27/2011 Remodel
This past week we wrapped up another small remodel project. This project was mentioned in my 'Long Hours' post. This was a nice little job close to home and for the most part everything went smoothly.
I say 'for the most part' because we did have 2 small setbacks.
As mentioned in the previous post, the homeowners experienced a small delay in taking possession of the property so we lost one day from our original schedule(hence the Long Hours). All in all, this wasn't too much of a problem. We were still able to finish the job on time and within the original budget.
Our second setback was tearing up the old flooring. As with any remodel, sometimes you just never know what you might be getting into. The carpet came up without a problem, as expected. As for the linoleum in the entry and kitchen, well that was an entirely different story. 5 layers. 1/2" particle board, 2 layers of old linoleum, 1/4" underlayment, and another layer of linoleum. It was an absolute bear to remove. However, we did get it all up and all the floors were stripped down to the bare sub-floor.
With the floors stripped, we installed Durock cement backer in the kitchen and entry. Followed by the installation of the tile. Everything was pretty straight forward with the tile installation, just a 13"x13" tile,no angles or fancy patterns.
Throughout the living room, dining room, and hallway we installed 12mm engineered wood laminate flooring the homeowners purchased from Lumber Liquidators. It was again, a pretty straight-forward installation finished of with the installation of new shoe-molding.
Aside from the flooring we removed a wall separating the kitchen and dining room. The two rooms still have the same footprint but having the wall gone really opens things up visually.
One last thing we did was wire in for a ceiling fan in the living room and master bedroom.
Like I said, this was a nice little remodel. The home-owners are a younger couple who have purchased a nice little home that's just a little outdated and they have a few more projects they plan to tackle down the road. I have a good feeling we'll be getting a call when the time comes.
Well that's it for now, thanks for reading.
Remodel Photos
I say 'for the most part' because we did have 2 small setbacks.
As mentioned in the previous post, the homeowners experienced a small delay in taking possession of the property so we lost one day from our original schedule(hence the Long Hours). All in all, this wasn't too much of a problem. We were still able to finish the job on time and within the original budget.
Our second setback was tearing up the old flooring. As with any remodel, sometimes you just never know what you might be getting into. The carpet came up without a problem, as expected. As for the linoleum in the entry and kitchen, well that was an entirely different story. 5 layers. 1/2" particle board, 2 layers of old linoleum, 1/4" underlayment, and another layer of linoleum. It was an absolute bear to remove. However, we did get it all up and all the floors were stripped down to the bare sub-floor.
With the floors stripped, we installed Durock cement backer in the kitchen and entry. Followed by the installation of the tile. Everything was pretty straight forward with the tile installation, just a 13"x13" tile,no angles or fancy patterns.
Throughout the living room, dining room, and hallway we installed 12mm engineered wood laminate flooring the homeowners purchased from Lumber Liquidators. It was again, a pretty straight-forward installation finished of with the installation of new shoe-molding.
Aside from the flooring we removed a wall separating the kitchen and dining room. The two rooms still have the same footprint but having the wall gone really opens things up visually.
One last thing we did was wire in for a ceiling fan in the living room and master bedroom.
Like I said, this was a nice little remodel. The home-owners are a younger couple who have purchased a nice little home that's just a little outdated and they have a few more projects they plan to tackle down the road. I have a good feeling we'll be getting a call when the time comes.
Well that's it for now, thanks for reading.
Remodel Photos
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