Top 5 Mistakes Woodworkers Make by 731 Woodworks!
Hey Everyone! Hope you’re having an awesome day. I came across this video by 731 Woodworks that talks about the five mistakes that beginner woodworkers make. I think there is a lot of really great information here, and I’m going to go over those five things below!
#1 Overbuying Tools
In this video, Matt talks about how many new woodworkers believe that they need have every fancy tool on the market right away when starting out. He explains that you don’t need to get every advanced tool right away though, because you won’t be starting out doing advanced woodworking projects. Getting anything beyond the basics will hurt you in the short term because any profits you’re earning are going into tools that just aren’t necessary yet.
#2 Letting Self Doubt Take Over
As Matt says in his video, self-doubt kills your dream. He recommends being realistic with your projects, don’t immediately go out and try to create the most advanced table you’ve ever seen, but don’t doubt yourself when you start building things. It’s important to have belief in yourself because if something doesn’t turn out right, it’s wood, you can burn it and start again tomorrow!
#3 Don’t Point Out Your Mistakes, Learn From Them
Every woodworker on the planet can look at every project they’ve ever made and see mistakes or flaws. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been building for a week or for years, these tiny errors happen. If it’s a glaring error that needs a fix, that’s one thing, but ultimately your customer does not need to have every minor mistake or error pointed out to them because they don’t recognize or care about it. Matt explains that you shouldn’t be dishonest, but the tiny mistakes that you see may not be there for another person, so you shouldn’t go worrying them about things that don’t matter.
#4 Under or Overpricing
One of the most common mistakes that woodworkers and other business owners make is underpricing or overpricing their projects. If your project materials cost $100, don’t sell your work for $125 because if everyone else in your area is selling it for $225 you’re not doing anyone any favors. You may make a few sales, but it’s not sustainable and you won’t make any money. Matt advises to not undercut, but that doesn’t mean you can’t shave off $20 here or there. Overpricing is just as bad, so remember the cost of the materials, the skill level required to create the product, and find a happy medium in your pricing.
#5 Trying to Go It Alone
Matt explains that he’s been so fortunate to have his wife’s support for all the years he’s been working on 731 Woodworks. She has sanded, painted, and helped build the business with him. Even if you don’t have that kind of support initially, you can find others through the woodworking communities on Instagram and other platforms. Building your business with someone else helps ensure that someone’s looking out for you and that you’re looking out for someone else. The woodworking community is one that will help make your business stronger if you let it, so don’t be afraid to get out there and speak with people and get to know others who are doing what you are doing.
Check out this video for a more in-depth look at the 5 mistakes beginner woodworkers make and thank you for reading!