The BIGGEST Mistakes that KILL a Woodworking Business (and how to avoid them)

[@731Woodworks]

FREE Pricing Guide for Woodworking Projects: www.skool.com/731woodworks My Woodworking Business Coaching Program - Sawdust Startups www.skool.com/sawduststartups Click READ MORE for more useful links Video To Watch Next - Starting a Woodworking Business from Nothing - kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5jRhJmLpKqmf9k My Top Recommended Business/Motivation Books: I use Audible to listen to books while I work. Get a 3 month trial for only $0.99 here: amzn.to/4dQqcWE Dream Big by Bob Goff - amzn.to/4f1hfuA Marketing Made Simple by Donald Miller - amzn.to/4f654wH Business Made Simple by Donald Miller - amzn.to/3U8tqhi Steal Like an Artist - Austin Delon by amzn.to/3YoInyq Atomic Habits by James Clear - amzn.to/3YpwqZ4 Start with Why by Simon Sinek - amzn.to/3A32WXS Choose Your Enemies Wisely by Patrick Bet-David - amzn.to/3YtXHZx Burn the Boats by Matt Higgins - amzn.to/3Uaryoe Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara - amzn.to/3YnMWJg So Good They Can't Ignore You by Cal Newport - amzn.to/48ceJ2o Your Next Five Moves by Patrick Bet-David - amzn.to/488PNZK The Magic of Thinking Bit by David J. Schwartz - amzn.to/4dXakC4 Todd's Lawn Art facebook.com/todd.clement.79 Randy's Woodworking Products facebook.com/rnr.woodworking.and.custom.engraving Daily Tool Deals on my website: www.731woodworks.com/tool-deals Subscribe to our email Newsletter to get new content alerts, sales, and more! mailchi.mp/7e44c16eefdc/731-woodworks-email-newsletter Easy to Follow Build Plans - www.731woodworks.com/store Outlaw's Board Butter - So Good it Should be Outlawed: www.731woodworks.com/store/boardbutter

[@RichardOBrien-r1y]

I need to get back on this. Was on laptop other night till after 1 am

[@anthonyraiello1053]

Started my woodworking hobby about a year ago,filled my home, familys homes with furniture, cutting boards etc. They always told me you need to sell these things and like many in my head was youre not good enough,wish I had as much faith in myself as I do the Lord.But the time has come to”jump off the cliff” and finally listen to what others have said and listening to Matt’s words. Doing my 1st craft show in a week and another 2 weeks later. Thank you Matt for your inspiration

[@731Woodworks]

Awesome!! You got this!! Please let me know how those go for you.

[@GettingNegative]

Good luck!

[@anthonyraiello1053]

Thank you and I will

[@scottbyrd2157]

Hey! I was in your position also! You can do this and I don’t even know you. If you did everything and your family likes it you can do this! No matter how small of a step you take just do it! I’m sure you will succeed!! Good luck!!

[@colbydee6828]

I owned a furniture business for 18 years and built furniture as my only source of income for over 20. I operated 2 retail stores that were about 7000 square feet each and a 5000 square foot shop. As a person that has actually run a “woodworking business” not a KZbin tool review business for a long time with a fair amount of success I urge you to keep this a hobby. A price tag is a fun removal device. Everything you enjoy about building whatever you’re building (please not anything with epoxy) will evaporate within 18 months. The guy making this video seems like a good guy and I’m not trying to be mean but he doesn’t run a woodworking business. He makes trinkets to hold your car keys and makes KZbin videos. Get really good at building things you can be proud of, not junk that collects dust next to an old lady’s ceramic chicken collection. You can love this trade (art form if you’re good enough) for a lifetime and never make a penny. I’ve never met anyone, including me, that did this at a high level for money that doesn’t regret the move from hobby to business.

[@RandyandPetraJ]

Last 2 minutes is priceless. You are an inspiration, bless you for your courage and generosity. Yes, you're making money...duh, everyone has to in order to survive, but your sincerity shines through. Thank you.

[@robdavis8307]

Thank you for being YOU. Thank you for the inspiration. I'm finishing out the inside of a 12x20 shed and am turning that into a wood shop. I have the tools, a bit of material, and some skills. What I don't have is the physical ability that I had just a few years ago. The pain is extremely difficult to get around, but with your words of motivation, it will help me take the first step to building my first "for sale " project. I owe everything to my wonderful, supportive wife who has provided me with everything I need to get started. Thanks again for the great message.

[@FixItFrench]

Man, oh man! This is some of the best advice I e heard on KZbin! I’ve been doing woodworking for 4 years now, and you just taught me so much in this video. This is also very encouraging knowing that you and others have some of the same thoughts that I did. Love this type of content

[@bobbywweaver]

I appreciate the care you express for new and aspiring woodworkers Matt. I've been building stuff for my own house for a while and right after watching your video I decided to make a listing, just to see how it goes. Fingers crossed.

[@kennyhill5261]

did you make something?!

[@bobbywweaver]

@@kennyhill5261 Indeed I did; the right of passage for any woodworker, a cutting board.

[@RenegadesGarage]

731 Woodworks... Man this seemed like you were talking directly to me. I'm somewhat new to woodworking and the "just start" thing hit hard. And that goes for everything not just woodworking. Someone once told me back in April of 2020 when I was thinking about becoming a content creator, "you gotta just hit record" and this video hit me just as hard to get out there make something or do something. Thanks for sharing this video brother.

[@scottbyrd2157]

Just leap into it!! Good luck!

[@SuburbanWitcher]

I want to thank you so much for putting this video out. Just a week ago I started making a little garage workbench just because I needed one. Didn't have a drill so I did it old school with a hammer and nails. It gave me so much confidence when I finished it and watching this video has given me more confidence to make some basic wood furniture just to make money on the side and make things for my friends and family.

[@davidhundorfean7470]

Matt, I just want to say thank you for the words of encouragement. It's really refreshing. I've been a woodworker most of my life. And underselling just to get sales is frustrating.

[@Stewarts_Woodworks]

This information is like solid gold in value. Thanks Matt for sharing so folks can have guidance and encouragement to succeed!

[@731Woodworks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@philippeconway8636]

I'm just starting my woodworking journey, with hopes to start a side business. This was absolutely inspiration. Thank you for posting this.

[@Xktree72]

I'm not an OCD level perfectionist, but i am critical of my work. I used to be worse until I went to the California State Fair and visited the woodworking exhibit. I saw the "Best In Show" piece, which was a jewelry cabinet, and I noticed several mistakes. Since then, I'm not as bothered by imperfections in my own projects as I used to be. It makes the whole experience much more enjoyable.

[@ryanluciano7836]

Man, most of these are true to me especially the time management. I have kids, a full time job, a father and a husband at the same time. I feel frustrated sometimes when I don't see progress in my shop..

[@WMHallJr]

I can’t tell you how hard the first point hit me because that’s what I’ve been struggling with doing. I’ve tried to accept my feelings about it and have over the last 6-8 months have bought stuff like clamps, glue, bits & drills, and a Dewalt 10in. table saw (which I’ve always wanted since learning more about woodworking since I was younger) while also buying older tools cheaply like a drill press, 8in. planer and a small band saw so that this winter when my seasonal job slows down I can make myself jump into it. It’s been my dream for the longest time to work towards being able to build and sell products I could be proud of. Your channel along with many others have just raised my motivation and busted my confidence in myself to do it.

[@kevindavis8607]

Matt you’re a good man. I connected with you the first time I watched your videos. I’m super happy for yours and Amy’s success. As a former LEO myself I can imagine your “why” to find something else. Congratulations on the success and may god continue to bless all that you do.

[@petestoneman2869]

Thank you for this video! I've done woodworking in the past just for fun and to build unique gifts for family members. I currently run my own small business custom painting/building fishing lures. The majority of what you talked about in this video can also be directly applied to my business and has helped me gain a ton of insight on how to grow. It's even given me a few ideas to get back into woodworking and build items that will compliment my lure business (rod racks, vintage lure displays, etc.) Thank you for what you do!

[@robertgabel3451]

I love how this is an honest overview of what it takes to succeed. Not a "do this simple task and sit back and watch the money roll in" get rich quick video. It takes blood (well hopefully not), sweat, and yes, some tears to build a successful business.

[@wilford789]

I would say blood 😂 lots of tools and splinters

[@jimdoane1362]

I love the way you present things and encourage people to start, that’s the big step

[@matthewransom6469]

Matt that was an awesome video. That last few minutes of the video were the best because it was so encouraging. If felt heart felt. I just lost my shop due to Helene and this video was a real motivation to try to start up again. Thanks Matt.

[@eljefevf41]

You’re starting to motivate me brother. I’m working on some projects now and have a few more ideas. My wife loves doing woodworking crafts and I’m getting my two daughters (19+21)involved in the process. I appreciate what you are doing. I have the tool’s and skill but not much vision.

[@jackaltx7928]

My wife wanted a box for her plants. 5 years later I’m building tables, book shelves, and so on. I have learned from this channel and so many other great wood worker channels over these years. Thank you for all of the good advise.

[@nightfalltall7925]

I've been collecting tools for the longest in my life. I made a pool table and I made almost everything perfect but the holes were a bit small, and now I'm making a bar before starting my business now that I'm out of school. Thank you for all your words and I never could have gotten here without you I've been learning from you as long as I started this jorney, and I'll be good enough one day, but I'm gonna have to start soon. Throw me in the fire and I'll swim so thanks for the advice to have gotten at least here

[@keithhart266]

I made my first project (Kitchen table we still use today after 7 years) with just a skill saw, hammer and nails and a drill. Not even a square at the time. I just thought it would be easy. I was wrong. However, I got three requests for tables within a week of me finishing that one. I still love it and I am still making things.

[@The-Maqer]

You were talking to me for sure, I been wood working for about 7 years building furniture in our home building skills and techniques. I have low end equipment but I did just upgrade my table saw that I had for over 20 years . I’m getting there but you gave me a lot of encouragement by spring or summer I’m gonna pull the trigger . But it’s fun spending time in the shop upgrading and watching you guys videos. Keep it up

[@creatd]

Love your passion to help others, Matt. Never lose that.

[@shawnriley6676]

Thank you.. just watched you video.. I have a woodworking business.. was doing good. And just gave up 2 yrs ago. Yes I have a full time job.. you hit soooo many points about me.. hurt a little . So is time to clean the dust off and enjoy it again

[@ericluba6287]

I just. Joined your school. I SO look forward to this journey. & 100% everything you said in this video is everything I do. Overtake overthink everything

[@jos25582]

Very informative. Packed with quality advice that definitely gets the hamster wheel turning. I am studying in the medical field, have a child with my current partner, and also work part time. Sharing your story is inspiring. I started wood working in our garage just over a year now. I had to buy a couple tools but my wife and I are impressed how much money I made and as you say, with time we are only getting better.

[@solavisa]

Good video! I do photography/crafts/woodworking mostly for my own enjoyment, but occasionally I do a local craft market. This is a good reminder for me!

[@GarySevior]

Hi Matt, most of everything you said was my profile. I have over the years start and stop my woodworking exactly what you talked about. Thank you for the shining light,

[@williamsmith9026]

I started woodworking to make my own beeboxes. Then I started making things I thought I would try to sell. Then woodworking/finish carpentry/wood repairs became part of my day job. Now I have some nice items that have collected dust and no desire to use the computer to sell them. Its the selling part that sucks balls and I want no part of.

[@diverblc]

Matt, you are surely an inspiration to me. I have struggled with self-esteem issues for many years. You have given me confidence to complete projects, but I never felt possible.

[@731Woodworks]

That's awesome to hear! Keep it up!

[@beardeddragon7612]

Same here. Thank you Matt. I hope to meet you in person someday and be able to thank you in person

[@davehardin5446]

There is SO MUCH truth and inspiration from this vid it’s almost unreal! I’m sure (like so many others) it was though he knew me personally and was speaking directly to me! I absolutely love watching woodworking vids but this one hands down takes the cake and he didn’t cut a piece of wood while shooting! ❤

[@Liljoejoe54]

Very informative! I have been thinking about starting my own woodworking business but have been extremely hesitant. This video helped me make my decision, I’m going to start. It might be small and i have a lot to learn, but i can’t do it unless i start. Thank you for this.

[@PrJoshuaKnutson]

I love the encouragement here. Every failure we experience in life is an opportunity to learn and grow.

[@joshuas3424]

I engrave on wood, when I started out doing it I used cheap wood that I can buy from big box and hobbiest stores. Stuff sold, enough to grow and after watching a ton of videos, your videos included, I started to buy tools and then started to use other types of wood. Now I use fully reclaimed wood, recycled wood or wood I mill myself from fallen trees as my project wood to engrave on. I also made cutting boards, engraved on them and sold them all. I’m still learning, still growing but enjoying every minute of it.. including the failures too.

[@dottyjyoung]

Dude, I see newbie woodworkers online ALL THE TIME fretting, thinking they'll need to spend thousands of dollars on the tools you endorse. I'm glad you're saying this, because starting out with that kind of debt is a stranglehold for new woodworkers.

[@AgapeLifePodcast-gz9yf]

You've grown my love for woodworking. I love to just go out and work with some wood, right now I've made some cutting boards for family and friends and am working on my own line of kitchen knives. There's just something about creating something out of wood, a lot of times it's my quiet, not so quiet, time to talk to God and just work things through while creating something.

[@JustLikeDadbydesign_kc]

LOVE THIS!!! Trying to grow my business while having a family, 3 kids, activities, a full time job, etc. My woodworking calls to me while I work (lucky to work from home) and hoping it will start paying off. I DO get up early and stay up later than I should BUT I have had people ask me to do things and recommend me! Excited to see what happens. I have so many ideas but that squirrel is always taking over lol! Thank you for this video! Im scared but ready to step out of the boat!

[@woodnotestudio]

What a great video. Thank you. Especially how you end it. It shows you truly want to help people. ❤

[@randykniebes5364]

Thank you very much for yout encouragement and your tool reviews. I have bought the Hercules dust collector and man did it make a difference in so much less dust coming from my random orbital sanders. I just take off the bags and then I am able to go through the different grits by just plugging in the hose into the sander.

[@idxdesign]

The pricing guide is solid. I wish more people who quit guessing and actually do the numbers to understand the basics of wood project costs.

[@VegieWeg]

Thanks for this video Matt. I really needed to hear this today!

[@jordanbarrera5605]

Yeah that's stop me in my tracks all the time me thinking I'm not good enough when cuts don't come out square. But I keep trying. Thanks for the inspiration

[@milkaviews]

REGULAR FOLLOWER FROM ETHIOPIA 🇪🇹🇪🇹🇪🇹🇪🇹🇪🇹 BIG UPS!👏

[@Jaso0n1986]

This is great. I have a small Furniture Repair and Refinishing business. And it was starting to grow really well towards the end of 2023 and early 2024. And then midway through January i had a life changing accident that's has changed everything. Became partially paralyzed. I'm able to walk around now but having to do so with a cane and be very careful about how i get around being balance is horrible. I digress, I had to cut my clientele by 3/4 because I can't get the repairs and finishes out in time as before. Sucks because this is something i was good at and wanted. Its just been hard seeing the possibilities right now in this situation. Great Video and advice

[@sydrem2011]

This video is literally perfect timing for me because I'm trying to get started. Thank you Matt!

[@scottbyrd2157]

You got this! Have faith!

[@Fishon85]

Thank you Mat I appreciate the advice and encouragement. Slow to speak and quick to listen.

[@countrywoodproducts]

Haha. Point number one was my biggest issue for months. I started a full time sawmill and wood shop business in March. Only recently bold enough to be making and selling things. Was selling live edge slabs to keep the shop going before. Pricing is a big point for me. Its hard to find the right price for my products. Marketplace is my main source of customers. Some people price so low, its almost at cost. I started selling live edge slabs way too low. Raised my prices and am still selling well but making more per sale. Nice. Got that point from you in a previous video. Thanks. Most of your points fit me. I get up at 3 or 4 am in order to get enough done with my day. I am over critical of my own work so often I do not sell a piece until I feel it is just perfect. I often over think things too. Oh, and too many projects. Yes thats me. lol. I was a full time KZbinr making homesteading videos since 2013 but for some reason my income tanked from thousands a month to 200 a month in very short time. Nothing I do can makes a difference. Oddly when I make a video, my income tanks further. I have over 3,500 videos on my main channel and you would think one new video should not hurt my channel, even a bad one. Anyway, its over for me. So I had to jump into something urgently. So I got a sawmill and bought a lot of tools and logs on credit in March. Here I am today building up a business slowly as my main income. Your videos are helping me get through the starting pains and weak points. Winter coming. No heat yet. Huge uninsulated warehouse I am renting. Scary. How to keep going through the cold months? Not sure yet. But if I make it through, I believe next year will be good.

[@living2burn1]

Perfect video to come across at the right time. I just recently decided to start doing woodwork and all these points are tremendously helpful

[@lightningstrikelures2393]

Really nice meeting you in Walpole, MA this past Friday. You were/are much like I expected; soft spoken, kind and wanting to meet all who attended. Stay in God's hands.

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you for taking the time to come out and spend some time with us. We really enjoyed it!

[@timothybates2676]

I like your videos. I love your display of faith. Thank you Brother.

[@MoyockScorpion]

The shirt says it all. "Faith over Fear" when talking wood working. I know the actual meaning of the shirt as well but certainly helps with what you said. You have to take a step forward in order to walk and begin. Great video.

[@adamlawrence3427]

Man, this video was super motivating. Thank you brother. God bless.

[@Gameeer1300]

I have been wanting to start my own business with woodworking, and all of this is so true, the fear of failure, and I don't feel I am good enough woodworker is so hard to surpass

[@Kr0n1kTh3Kl0wn]

Don't be afraid to make your projects man. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Don't judge your own work just do your best, put your heart into it and let the world decide. Some of the ugliest things I've ever made, things that I consider mistakes or that I would never purposely make again, were the first things that people gobbled up. And some of the pieces that I feel are my Masterwork level that I poured my heart and soul into, are still sitting on the shelf collecting dust You just never know. Good luck! May your face grain always be long!😂

[@Gameeer1300]

@@Kr0n1kTh3Kl0wn thank you very much 😁

[@MattBowlerHat]

Your videos have always interested and even inspired me. This one arrived at the exact right moment for me. Thanks.

[@PhidiasLeonida]

I love your enthusiasm, your kindness and your generosity. Thank you thank you.

[@TheIdeasGuy]

15:46 dang it dude, why you gotta attack me like that! It’s 11:49pm and I’m watching your video with a coffee in my hand … and I’m supposed to be on site to start replacing a house roof at 7:00am tomorrow lol

[@jessstudt3798]

Thanks Matt, great encouragement and great advice, much appreciate your light!

[@ericmanseau2382]

Been out of work with a bad hernia for awhile and this is what I want to do for a living. Doing my research now but I know it's possible. I will do this.

[@paragod300]

Thank you so much! Your first 2 points are exactly what Im fighting - "im not ready" and "im not good enough yet". Thank you so much for understanding the fears some of us have. This video gave me the push to get started. You, John Malecki, and Bourbon Moth have all been a great source of inspiration and learning for me! Thank you and the other 2 guys for all you do to inspire us!

[@scottbyrd2157]

Don’t ever doubt yourself!

[@rollovaughan]

I’ve been making things all my life. Nearly 50 and still subcontracting for others. Still thinking I’m not ready to do it for myself.

[@dewayner1454]

Let me just start by saying great video. I have been trying to work with my side work of building guitars. Trying to get it up and going. Even donating 1 a year to be auctioned off for the cancer relay for life. I do enjoy doing this but lately just been feeling overwhelmed and about to give up. That is until I watched this. Reminding me of the story of Peter and your shirt faith over fear gave me a much needed boost. Thank you so much again for the reminder.

[@billkrueger9305]

Hey Matt! thanks for the inspiration! I have watched your tool videos for quite a while and have taken a lot of your suggestions to heart. This video, though, has been the best! I am not a wood worker. I am a stained glass artist, and about 6 months ago started a business. Much of your advice encourages me to expand how I present my art so that I can get it on the market. Many thanks! "Just put yourself out there!" Well said...many blessings and prayers...stay well! bill

[@rickdiazactually]

Thanks for this video, Matt! I've been on the fence for a year. I have more tools than needed, but I've been waiting for that right point when I mastered everything. I just invested in a business, like 5 minutes ago!

[@thewestendwoodworker]

Thanks Matt. So much spot on information for us looking to be woodworkers. God bless you man.

[@wesleyham315]

I've been creating a small workshop for myself (instead of the garage)...I built it small thinking chopping boards, knife handles and upto coffee tables. The day after I got power to the structure I had a customer reach out to me and asked me to design and build 4 tables for his new house... nearly $10k for my first sale... it's a terrifyingly large project, but I see it as being paid to create my own 'vanity' dream tables

[@bobbittner7539]

Thanks for your great content and your faith witness....

[@taitlinstudio]

This is fantastic advice that I implemented before I watched this video. I think the biggest advice here is starting before you think you are ready. Great video 🎉

[@thssportingcenter1]

I love to build for people I care about and I have had several offers to build things for others who have seen my work. The take away is start to build something useful and then work on beautiful.

[@MrAnimal1971]

"FAITH OVER FEAR" this is so powerful. I'm putting this in my shop.

[@0CalAgricola]

Dude, you are such a mensch! Thank you for such a great video, you are a real asset to the community!

[@mcmathwoodworks]

Great advice brother! I’ve been crazy busy for years, so I’ve said I would start a business when things slowed down. With 4 kids 8 & under, I don’t see things slowing down any time soon lol! Free time doesn’t just free itself, so I need to set aside time like you said.

[@FarOutKidd]

Your coolest message yet!

[@jongibbins345]

It’s always a blessing to hear you share from Gods word. I needed to hear this. Thank you.

[@barryhalstead9299]

Just wanted to say thanks Matt Outlaw. Keep the Faith. Be safe and God bless

[@barriowoodworks]

A different woodworking lane besides making products is to fill a need. Property management companies, for example are always looking for skilled work to repair or replace drawers slides or making a new drawer box, adjust cabinet doors…. You can make money putting your woodworking skills to use.

[@LyleAshbaugh]

Your best “product review” ever!

[@B-8008-1]

Great points! For any business really.

[@grayingwolf.woodworks]

Thank you for the extra push. I needed this encouragement.

[@kevinwomack2617]

Great advice the videos have been a great watch

[@WesleyDelong-j4z]

Thanks for your videos and your Messages on your t-shirts

[@ChristiaanvanderSteijlen]

I do woodworking more then 10 year as a side job i started with hand circlesaw and a jig saw , and a makita srewdriver .and a sander nothing more . my first item as a wooden crate made from pallet. i now i make what the the client ask to make and stil 90% of my work i make with pallet, i upgrade my tools i have now a few years a makita sawtabel and that was the best investemd i ever made regarding tools .

[@aayala51]

Great advice mate, thank you!

[@sswwooppee]

#1 could be applied to most things worth doing. Putting your fear of failure aside, pinning your ears back and ploughing forward takes courage.

[@timjohnson1578]

Such great words and advice!!!!

[@downhomeonthefarm6464]

One of the biggest headaches in woodworking, is availability of suitable quality wood. I started building porch swings and rocking chairs 9 years ago with only basic hand tools in a small storage shed. Now i have a much larger shop with good equipment. If you are building the same pieces constantly, be sure to make good patterns. This will speed up the process greatly.

[@badgerdog9898]

Dude, thank you for making this video. When I first started seeing you on KZbin, I didn't like your content. Now, I've come to respect you greatly. I love the no bs approach to your philosophy. I plan to sell things on FB Marketplace and I'll be happy to start with extra spending money and see where it leads. I currently work 80-90 hours a week in the oilfield and having the energy to build is tough when all I want to do is sleep. Thank you for posting this! Happy New Year.

[@731Woodworks]

I’m glad you are enjoying the channel!

[@badgerdog9898]

@731Woodworks I'm new new to wood working and I'm just getting the hang of making keepsake boxes. I made several out of pine to give to family members as gifts. I'm a little apprehensive of using expensive wood because I don't want to waste money on hard woods until I feel like I have the process down. In your estimation is it bad to try to sell keepsake boxes, noodle boards ect out of pine to sell?

[@tonyrichmond9428]

​@@badgerdog9898give away everything you make until you feel good about it. Sometimes for me that's 1 or even 0, sometimes it's a solid dozen or more. Pine is fine, I say, just don't try to finish it like it's padauk. Lean into the rustic nature. I'd also say whenever you think you're about a month away from being good enough to buy "expensive" hardwood, just go ahead and buy it right then. You'll thank me later. By the BF, it's as little as 1.5-2x construction lumber for things like S2S alder, cherry, and ash here, might be different species by you. It cuts straighter, moves less, fits together better, and finishes nicer. I thought I was trash until I just bought nicer wood. Now I'm kinda proud of myself. You'll thank me later.

[@RedProg]

Great advice. Ran a small business for decades.

[@dgbcustomwoodwork]

That's good stuff Matt. Thank you.

[@Plecken]

Really good Matt and Mrs

[@Armandsama01]

Thank you very much for all your advice, here is a fan from Puerto Rico, 🇵🇷🤙🏼

[@chrisburks8883]

Hi I'm a fellow Arkansas native and love to do woodworking. I feel confident in my abilities but not so much on being able to sell them. Most of the projects I build I just do for myself and family. I really want to take that step into working for myself but have that fear of failure. I wish there was a way I could show some of what I do and get your opinion of my work.

[@synngames5446]

I never thought about what I do should be a business, I only am doing this as a hobby for my late fathers passing and legacy as he always use to do wood work. I spent around $700 total in various tools, benches, air filter etc and am quite comfortable making little things for friends and family, I suppose alot do this for the business part of course, I do it because its fun, relaxing and almost like therapy. Sure I wish I had some other cool tools like a planer or a chop/miter saw and stuff but, what I have works for what I do. Perfect example the other day I found my fathers old wood claw hammer he always use to have with him, it was rusty, the red paint was peeling off the handle, the bottom was blunted and beat up. So I took the time to strip the old pain off, sand it down, clean up the metal and head to make it look new like it was when I was a kid then stained it up. Once Finished I put it next to his Urn so he can swing hammers in his after days! I feel with a business I wouldn't have time to do those "little things" people might find pointless and stupid.

[@junea3259]

Wow THis was Lie changing.. thank you soooo much for sharing !

[@davidguinta4550]

Matt, all I can say is you are the best!

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you!

[@muddslide8829]

Thanks Matt for doing this, paying it forward. Your Awsome , love your chanel.

[@stankrajewski8255]

I live in a little town in Oregon that bears a strong resemblance to Mayberry--without the draws. The one thing that I know that I am doing right is collaborating with other businesses. Integrity and a positive attitude is the lubricant that smooths out business relationships. Look around at all of the fake--the glitter--the glam. We are all tired of our plastic world. We want our neighbors back.

[@chuckgrumble5440]

I worry about starting to sell things as my hobby will not be a hobby anymore, but I might sell one off things once and a while. Woodworking helps me and if I had to make something over a hundred times I would loathe my time in the shop. Great tips though Matt, God bless.

[@drewmurray6545]

Thanks for the encouragement : )

[@petercorrigan343]

great ideas for people who are looking for a road map in the woodworking business Peter from NewYork