Keith Johnson: Making a Living with Custom Furniture and Content Creation

Keith Johnson is a full-time woodworker and content creator based out of New Jersey. After years of working in corporate, Keith was laid off and had a big decision to make. The answer: woodworking. He and his shop cats now successfully run his custom furniture business with varying streams of revenue, all the while building pieces and creating videos simultaneously. Keith Johnson, also known as KJ Sawdust, discusses what it takes to be a full-time woodworker in this documentary.
"Why buy custom made furniture? If you are looking to incorporate a built-in bookcase that matches the look of your 100-year old house, you won’t find that on the shelf at IKEA. If you need a unique table to fit perfectly in that oddly spaced nook, you won’t most likely find that at a chain furniture store. Most store bought items are mass produced to basic sizes and with limited options, and they don't necessarily have the individual consumer in mind. Now, if your budget is for an IKEA-type piece of furniture, I can’t compete with that. Large furniture companies buy materials by the truckload at deep discounts and use computer controlled machinery to cut and assemble their products to increase output, decrease prices and increase margins. I design and build one project at a time with materials that are hand picked to meet client specifications. High quality materials are generally not what make custom furniture expensive - it is the labor.
Each design begins with a 3-dimensional digital rendering to help visualize the look of the final piece. Time frame for final delivery and/or installation is based on current work in production, plus the time to build your piece of custom furniture" (excerpt from keithjohnsoncww.com).
Video by Justin Mabie
Instagram: / _callmemabie_
Website: callmemabie.com/
Shirts: www.callmemabie.com/shop/
Keith Johnson
KZbin: @keithjohnsoncustomwoodworking
Instagram: / kjsawdust
Website: www.keithjohnsoncww.com/
Call Me Mabie merch, and more to help support projects like this one: www.callmemabie.com/shop/

[@douglasbrown3493]

Keith has shop cats. That makes him 90% cooler than every other woodworker on YT!

[@andrewpinson1268]

You got me with the cats. I own three - one outside and two inside. At 72, I am getting close to having two way conversations with them. I tell them all the time, that the one that learns how to sand I will keep around.

[@douglasbrown3493]

+1

[@jimhanrahan6406]

KJ is one of my favorite creators. His push for perfection is contagious.

[@mrneilram]

Agreed 😊

[@jo_himself]

🤝

[@awl_in_woodworks]

Keith deserves all of the rewards his success is bringing. He puts out high quality content an d amazing builds while keeping us all entertained. Onward Keith! We will be watching.

[@OldePhart]

Keith is one of my favorites. His humor is well placed and what he can do in that small shop is so inspirational. And of course the cats play a role in his success as I'm sure they would tell you.

[@williammoore4101]

I literally cancelled a meeting seeing this is up. I've been waiting for you to do a Keith Johnson piece. I respect the crap out of Keith and his work.

[@CallMeMabie]

This is the best comment yet.

[@BruceGibson-ku1pz]

After nearly 60 years of working my wife and I decided to retire and get into woodworking to stay busy. Thanks to you I've gotten not only a better understanding of the craft but also the confidence to try new projects. At 1st I had somewhat of an idea of the cost of the hobby, some wears north of $20,000 in my case. We, mostly me, get a since of gravitation of finishing a project. I've mostly built patio furnishing (chairs, tables, etc.) I'm now taking on some indoor projects. I'd like to thank you for your low keyed instruction with a small amount of humor thrown in. I watch a dozen or so different "tubers" but I always look forward to your videos. This one was an excellent idea on your part. I enjoyed it and walked away with the feeling of "time well spent".

[@5280Woodworking]

IMHO Kieth is one of the most skilled woodworkers on KZbin. He is first and foremost a skilled craftsman and content creator second. Plenty of posers out there pushing product, but with Keith’s vids you laugh, you learn and sometimes you even cry when he uses up all the 8/4 walnut in America.

[@lou9108]

KJ, is one of my favorites on you tube, you constantly produce outstanding video content and maintain humility, and comedy. Been woodworking 30 plus years and always seem to learn one or two tricks from you.

[@thewestendwoodworker]

Another great video giving us an glimpse inside another great man and woodworker. Thank you for doing this work for all of us.

[@sunalwaysshinesonTVs]

You can see the KJ's happiness being in the shop when watching his videos.

[@AndrewSzeto]

oooh hyped to get into shop sounds too! first time i've heard of it.

[@jeremyspecce]

That’s so wild! It’s funny when people say something like that, a lot of well known content creators have extremely popular podcasts but never really mention them. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard someone say they’ve never heard of Making It or Wood Talk!

[@thesplinteredfinger]

Great job again Justin! I never get tired of watching your videos! Keith, love your work! I’ve seen you around Maker Camp but have not had the pleasure of meeting you yet.

[@mikehogan1827]

What a pleasure hearing your story! Thank you for sharing.

[@t.davidthomas4430]

Hands down one of my favorite folks to follow on KZbin. I enjoy his style of presenting and how he shares all he encounters which help with solving problems I encounter when building and installing. There's always something useful gained from watching his videos. Nothing but respect and admiration for him and I'm glad you posted this as I learned about his journey. Thank you!

[@edswanson3941]

Another great documentary on another great maker!! Thank you both!

[@WillLeingang]

Great job. It's so cool to see all of the woodworkers who influence one of my favorite woodworkers. He seems like the real deal.

[@AndrewSzeto]

AYOOO LOVE THIS! WAY TO GO JUSTIN, WAY TO GO KEITH! LOVE YOU BOTH!

[@CallMeMabie]

Thanks, Andrew!! You’re one rad dude. I appreciate you watching

[@jamesdennett196]

Just come across these documentaries as I sub to a few of the people you've covered, and every one of them is fantastic. Big respect.

[@JustFun-vc2ri]

Very well put together video, sir. I was super excited to see this pop up in my feed. Keith and his video have inspired me to be a far better woodworker than I ever expected to be when I started toying around with this hobby.

[@Redstick007]

Keith you inspire me every time I watch you. I have been a family nurse practitioner for 25 years and I to began woodworking in 8 th grade shop class. I have been studying and filming and am ready to pull the trigger on a channel. Nervous but a good nervous. Thanks brother

[@user-fv8vm9hk7w]

Thank you ! You inspire me! Love your cats Jerry and Lola ! I have to myself😻kiwi and Mango( brother and sister) ☺️ I have always loved woodworking, but never done to much out of it. I reasently invested in some equipment😁 happy me! This winter i also finished my Interior Design education. I hope that one day I can be half as skilled as you! Wish you the best! Marit 🇳🇴

[@henrysara7716]

He is one of best new wave of wood craftsmen.

[@anthonymarker4984]

Keith... I loved his very personal piece. Your voice is inspiring, and your skill is... well, a lot higher than mine, and I've been woodworking for 15 years. I wish you the best of luck. Take care, and stay safe... and do what your cats tell you to do. :)

[@timwebb2129]

Great insights into a great, humble and inspirational maker, his diverse revenue streams and his shop cats. Well done Mabie!

[@CallMeMabie]

Thank you for the compliment and of course, thanks for watching!

[@dirtychevyful]

Keith and burbon moth are my favorite KZbinrs by far, I never miss a video. I do wish Keith would post a little more often but when he does you can count on being prime time stuff!

[@boomvader]

Great piece! Love everything about Keith, especially his attention to detail. Pretty cool that he took a class with another of my favorite content creators, Eric Curtis, and also a couple with Mike Pekovich, too! I would be among the first to sign up for one of Keith’s classes, if that does come to fruition. Cheers, KJ Sawdust! You deserve every accolade coming your way!

[@karenburns507]

I absolutely love the watching KJ work. His furniture, including bathroom vanities, are beautiful and made with such precision. Thanks, Mr. Mabie for the mini-documentary.

[@CallMeMabie]

Thank you very much for watching! I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@DudeSawdust]

Such a great inside look to one of the woodworking communities' finest. Excellent piece!

[@CallMeMabie]

He’s awesome. I appreciate you watching once again!

[@steveferguson1232]

Excellent as always Justin. Keith is one of my favorite channels to watch

[@CallMeMabie]

I appreciate you checking it out! Thanks!

[@stevestewart5496]

I have watched most of your videos and have learned a great deal. Thanks, I think you will continue to prosper. What I need is a way to get my woodworking questions answered in real time. Probably not going happen, one can only wish. As a retired teacher, I can assure you your style, the way you present the material is pretty comprehensive. Keep it coming.

[@davidmeyer9204]

Thank you so much Justin. I love your style. I also love the people that are the subject of your videos. Keith is in a league of his own. Thanks Again

[@CallMeMabie]

Thanks for watching, sir! I appreciate the kind words

[@kiblerjim]

Really love this video! Thank you for sharing with us.

[@martingagne3136]

one of my favorite content creator ..... love is sense of humour and is skills

[@CallMeMabie]

He’s a great dude. Thanks for watching!

[@bigdogmn73]

KJ is great and is amazing to chat with when you have questions about his work.

[@johnjensen5540]

Brilliant. Loved it!

[@elmaestro35]

Like always, great interview and video. KJ is an amazing woodworker, and content creator very inspirational for someone like me who is starting out on YT content and woodworking. Thank you for sharing.

[@CallMeMabie]

Thanks so much for watching! I’m glad you enjoyed it

[@ForgedinWalnut]

You're the man KJ. I can relate to almost everything you said. Keep it up

[@doyalkrishna5656]

Awesome video. Nice to finally hear/see Keith’s story. Pretty cool evolution. Love your videography Mabie. Eager to see your next project/video

[@CallMeMabie]

Thank you for the compliment and there’s many more to come!

[@nathanielsnyder1511]

I don't know KJ personally only through social platforms. He seems so cool and down to earth. I love his aesthetic and eye for design. A lot of walnut and white oak with clean lines with an array of different joinery. From biscuits and dominoes to traditional M&T and dovetails.

[@rafaelmolinacr]

Excellent content. Keith is an inspiration. Keep it up.

[@deanboyd]

As always you nailed it dude!!!

[@gsawoodworking969]

Great video. Thanks for sharing

[@VoeltnerWoodworking]

Another great video. Keith is a fantastic guy.

[@davebauerart]

Great to learn more about Keith and his approach to woodworking!

[@CallMeMabie]

Thank you for watching, big Dave!

[@timrowe5448]

Thanks for all the great content, its very informative and inspirational! Nice to see someone else with a feline quality control staff.

[@robertberger8642]

Another great documentary!

[@Casper-EC]

Very nice said.Love this video

[@GPG7754]

Love this dude

[@layneinchains4047]

If I’ve said it once I’ll said it a hundred more time… Keith is a true craftsman… he’s amazing at what he does, he’s got a great sense of humor he’s not out here shilling tools and affiliates like most of these so called “ woodworkers” on KZbin ( one guy in particular who’s basically a constant infomercial with no actual skill who’s got some weird cult following but I digress lol sorry about that!) all kidding aside though Keith deserves everything he’s worked for, views, subscribers, sponsors, tools, you name it. Keep up the great work Keith from your neighbor across the bridge… the TZ not the Mario Cuomo lol! And another amazing documentary love your work as well! 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@stlwoodworking]

As always. Great video. KJ is great

[@dan.w.hoover2556]

Great video!

[@TimPiggott]

Great job, Justin! Thoughtful and inspiring ❤❤

[@CallMeMabie]

Thank you so much!

[@jeremyspecce]

I love Keith, he loves cats and Seinfeld and he seems to be one of the most honest, real person, not putting on a persona for the camera, makers. He has such a great eye for design and a relentless pursuit for perfection. You did a great job of capturing him, Justin❤

[@CallMeMabie]

That’s a big compliment, Jeremy! Thank you!

[@marklindemuth2958]

Best part is 6:23.... I remember that moment when it first came out. She reminds me of my wife!

[@gnlman]

Great video Keith. You successful content creators work your butts off. So true that you have to have several revenue streams. Free tools are not free. Thank you for this. The reality is that it takes a lot of work and if you are not passionate about it then it would be short lived and not fun.

[@thomastieffenbacherdocsava1549]

Had a Silver Russian cat like jerry. Very smart cats! Became a fan with the end of video.

[@ToolsandTime]

That is a beautiful set of planes: 0:30

[@dpmeyer4867]

good interview

[@RobSHoglund]

Great video! Keith, your Erik Curtis impression is spot on!

[@CallMeMabie]

Yeah he nailed it. Sounds like Erik.

[@wharfrat360]

Oh man, do I have a request for you! Would love to see you work with Andy Rawls and David Picciuto. Absolutely love this channel! Keeps the inspiration flowing getting to see all these beautiful creators.

[@anaphylaxis2548]

Your work is beautiful! I'm a cat lover too.

[@JohanPryra]

Really enjoyed the video Justin.

[@CallMeMabie]

Thanks, Johan! I appreciate your support, my friend

[@brianmilidrag2240]

Hey Keith….I think I saw a couple of cabinets you did, perhaps the ones that fell off the wall that had push/pull mechanisms to get the drawer open? No drawer pulls? Which build was that please and how did you achieve that?

[@RedEmber77]

Is there a video on that Stadia Whiskey cabinet? That piece looks amazing!

[@nobadtides]

🔹🤩🔹 very cool!

[@MidnightToker-ub4ni]

makes some really good stuff kj . his channels a credit to himself .👍 ps cheers for the insight.

[@jo_himself]

Danke!

[@CallMeMabie]

You are so generous! Your support is huge and I appreciate it immensely.

[@jo_himself]

@@CallMeMabie I love your work and a little bit of appreciation is the least I can do!

[@CallMeMabie]

@@jo_himself well that's very, very kind of you

[@Caasi67]

Keith is great. Do Copper Pig next, Paul is incredible talent.

[@CallMeMabie]

Paul is on the list for 2024!

[@Caasi67]

❤

[@JeffFontecchio]

Finally #shopcatnation getting the recognition they deserve, and their owner is pretty cool guy too.😂

[@JeffFontecchio]

Great job Justin, these videos are great.

[@CallMeMabie]

Thank you very much! And shoutout to #shopcatnation

[@woodworksbygrampies1284]

👍

[@GibClark]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@gregmize01]

😻JERRY😻AND😻LOLA😻

[@tickfarmwoodworks]

Let's hear it for Morsels!

[@CallMeMabie]

That’s right!

[@dianachern4234]

Correct headline should be: making a living from KZbin and other content

[@troyqueen9503]

Pencil lead is not free.

[@timswoodshop3655]

A trip to the mail box. Never mind. I'm out

[@toppace]

70 % content. So sad ;( I wanted to do woodworking, not that kind of prostitution.

[@dannielfriedrichsen7226]

Keith Johnson is a favorite maker, along with many others. I really enjoy your interview videos...learning about the makers, how they got to where they are, and how the think.

[@CallMeMabie]

That’s awesome to hear. Thank you for checking it out!