The UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTH about building custom furniture.

Have you ever lied to a client? Let me rephrase…has a client ever asked for something and you said “sure, no problem”, BUT you had no idea how you were going to do it or how long it was going to take? As woodworkers, we can sometimes make things look effortless on social media and make it seem like no mistakes were made and everything went off without a glitch. However, everyone faces one challenge or another (probably many) on a build. On these desks, I learned a valuable lesson (again) that a lot of woodworkers never learn. And it's okay to ask for help when you can't decide on a certain detail, or if you don't know how to do something or you just need a fellow craftsman to offer a different opinion that you hadn't considered. These desks challenged me left and right, up and down, but in the end...

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[ykj]

It's really discouraging when people complain about the price and compare your work to Ikea furniture. It's like a punch in the face.

[spiritededucators]

Please do a shop tour. Your efficient, compact shop that puts out high quality work is something I’d love a closer look at. Dimensions, layout, workflow and you reasons for your choices would be super helpful.

[artimiprojektai]

This video could be a great example for all the clients who complain about high prices of handmade furniture. Soooo many steps and so much skill needed to do this, its incredible to watch how precisely everything is cut and assembled. That black leather cord brought this video to the pro pro level of woodworking. Seems like a small detail but makes it look so great! Amazing job!

[dougscott]

Nice work, Beautiful walnut, My favorite wood. 38 years experienced furniture builder
Grand Rapids, MI. Keep up the great work.

[darrellsharp]

This is the coolest build I've watched on YouTube. Excellent work.

[mikehales]

A very wise mentor of mine said to me “50 years from now what do you want your work to say about you?” I think yours will alway speak well of you. Really enjoy your videos, keep up the good work.

[kellyb]

This feels like a lesson I have to relearn once a month. Any time you take a step for granted that it will be quick, it ends up being a bigger time sink than you can imagine. Maybe one day that lesson will stick.

That being said, the desks are amazing and the attention to detail is always worth it in the end. Great video!

[davidcotney]

So glad Jerry didn't get glued up to something. He’s a cool cat. Enjoyed the video and those are beautiful desks. Its so great that on YouTube we have you on one end of the technology complicated hard to do spectrum and Steve Ramsey on the other end. You are both masters

[RandomGoon.]

Came back for the cats… although Keith is growing on me

I am now converting my 8x16’ shed into a woodworking shop.

The cats inspired me.

Thx Ceith & Kats 🤙

[nathanb]

Thanks for that nugget of advice at the end about learning/experimenting not on the client's dime. It's a tough truth about being in business for yourself but is crucial, in my opinion, to being able to hold your head high at the end of the day, every day. Great build Keith! I love the desks!

[JasonPeltier]

I feel your pain. I'm 80% done with a table that I should have charged twice as much. But I'm learning a lot, and I have a lot of new tools because of it. So basically, I'm really not making anything on this project, but it will definitely help out future projects.

And by the way, your work is amazing.

[Mstyleswoodwerks]

I really wish you knew how much you've actually helped me, though out my woodworking journey

[averagejoesworkshop]

I continue to learn from your videos, and you're absolutely right. It's not fair to charge the client for you to "go to school", but that stuff you experiment with is the difference between a good project and a great one! I find value beyond the financial when I learn from my builds. Keep it up!

[andrewjonas]

Keith, this was hands down the best video you’ve done to date. The educational aspect was phenomenal but the relatability and entertainment values were off the chart. Great video man.

[bowlchamps]

My most uncomfortable thing about custom furniture is the time you deal with the customer. Making plans, talking about their preferences, using a software to make a 3D model for visualization. That´s why I stopped making custom furniture in the mid1970s (when I would draw 3d models by hand). I started building furniture and then selling it in stores. Anything I wanted to build. Nowadays, I use agents, since most of my furniture goes from Germany to California.

Advantage is that you can build what you wanna build, easier stuff or more challenging, you can choose your own wood, details etc.. And I spend a lot more time in the workshop and not in the office. And you don´t have to deal with nagging customers or customers that change their mind mid-build and want some other changes.

And money wise, you earn up to 50% more on the piece cause you not only have that one customer but you have dozens, hundreds who push the price upwards.

[billm]

You did an awesome job on that one Keith! I like how you did those legs and that top is unreal! Oh… glad the kitties were there to help!😸Thank you for sharing your work and knowledge!

[scottbennington]

As a 2nd gen mover (and wood working hobbyist) I appreciate your attention to detail and the art of your craft.
Hopefully the 3 men and 2 trucks "cheapest/fastest in town" moving rate, will understand what they are handling. #priceless

[rcrack]

Amazing furniture! You have some very high-tech ($$$) tools. That shaper origin is really cool.

[npreschel]

Great design, beautiful grain, ingenious. What a collection of excellent pearls. Thanks for sharing this wealth of knowledge and experience. Would love to see the whole process.

[CordellWoodworks]

I'm a simple man, I see a Keith Johnson video and drop everything I'm doing to watch. The kid's lunch can wait.