How many of you are hobbyists and how many are paid for your skills

[Thompmd]

Just curious, I’m a pure hobbyist.

Side note: we are on vacation in Vail Co and stopped in CSWood in Denver. Wow, beautiful stuff!
Actually the first wood store I’ve been in.

 

[FestitaMakool]

Pure hobbyist.
Only “paid” in real estate value increase. But most importantly; I’m having fun while doing it, I increase my skills and knowledge, not to forget the satisfaction of creating interiors and solutions that fits me, for the price of materials and my time.

 

[Roseland]

Hobbyist.

I think I remember a similar survey a few years back, and hobbyists were the largest group.

Andrew

 

[six-point socket II]

Hobbyist, getting paid in kisses & hugs.

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[peter halle]

Professional working my way towards being a hobbyist.

Peter

 

[hdv]

Hobbyist. For me it is a great stress relief, which is much needed (entrepreneur with several companies that demand too much of my time and attention). There's probably some indirect payment in the form of a reduced medical bill. And, like FestitaMakool, I enjoy improving my home and the things in it. Not sure if that results in a value increase, but it does increase my quality of life.

 

[Ron B]

Hobbyist.
I just discovered Festool about two years ago working in a Habitat house.  I used a fellow volunteer's track saw and was hooked.  He showed me how to use it, just laying the track on the wood we were cutting.  I was looking for clamps to keep the track from moving.  I was very impressed.  My opinion before was that most tools were poorly engineered-so many safety features that you have to fight them to even use them.  Festool just feel like they flow with the work, and I appreciate the extra engineering.

I started out on Craftsman in 1970's, then moved to Porter Cable (I truly appreciated their left-hand skilsaw) when they were still good, but saw they were going the same direction as Craftsman.  Now I can barely find Porter Cable  I like buying tools that work with me instead of fighting me all the time. 

 

[Birdhunter]

Mostly hobby, but occasional commission work. Got started doing built in bookcases for my then new wife 35 years ago. Justified a Craftsman radial arm saw. Next project was a rocking horse for my 4 year old niece. She’s still got it and she is 38.

I now have an extensive shop with a lot of Festool stuff. Lots of the nice older tools have gone to young friends starting out in the craft.

Woodworking has been a great option during this shutdown period. I’ve been turning exotic wood bracelets for family and friends. Makes them happy and me bust.

 

[RJNeal]

Professional contractor and woodworker, part time hobbyist
Rick

 

[rmhinden]

I get paid for my skills in my day job, but I am a hobbyist/DIY woodworker.  I guess the term these days is Maker.

Bob

 

[ChuckS]

Hobbyist with regular income from the hobby that allows me to buy any toys I like (but I don't because I have a small shop, and I also don't like to see tools left hardly used while collecting dust).

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

Professional, background in general remodeling, transitioning to more shop-based work as I get older....

 

[JimD]

Woodworking is a hobby for me but I occasionally get asked to do it for others for money.  So far I have declined.  I build my furniture and furniture for my kids and grandkids.  So far it has kept me busy enough. 

 

[Jim_in_PA]

I was primarily a hobbyist woodworker prior to retiring from full time work at the end of October 2017. While I did take a few commissions prior to that, it was pretty much "all for me". After retiring, I bought a CNC machine to add to my arsenal of Euro style machinery and other tools, including a bunch of Festool, and made it a formal corporate business. It was the best way to deal with taxes as well as allow for "separation of church and state" relative to liability. I still do a lot of things for myself including making electric guitars "for fun", but I've also enjoyed doing work for others. I should be clear that most of what I do for money is subcontract work with some exceptions. I much prefer things that way because other makers respect my hourly rates and it's a lot harder to come by end-customers who want the moon and are actually willing to pay for it. BTW, it's rare for me to do work outside of my shop other than on my own home. Again, with minor exceptions to install something that's built-in, etc.

 

[jcrowe1950]

For me, an interesting question. In terms of what I build typically I am purely a hobbyist, but I also work in a job selling Festool (and other tools). But more importantly I enjoy helping customers to realize the potential of those tools. If I had to live as a woodworker, I'd starve. In my job, as a part time mostly retired, old fart I am exposed to all sorts of customer experiences, exotic woods and exotic projects for which people use those exotic woods.

 

[kevinculle]

Strictly hobbyist and retired engineer, I work only to satisfy me, my wife and the relatives I often do projects for.

 

[Dwayne]

Hobbyist wood worker and  DIY carpenter building sweat equity in home and cottage.

 

[morts10n]

Professional....cabinet installer and custom woodworker...heavily invested in Festool for the last 11 years

 

[Birdhunter]

As I said above, I am a hobby woodworker who accepts occasional commissions.

I don’t like doing commissions as it usually adds schedule pressure. The other downside is clients who don’t pay.

Most awkward was a couple, friends of my wife, extremely rich, who wanted me to make  something rather unusual for them. They picked the wood, ebony and paduk. Almost $1200. It turned out beautifully. I delivered it early and they were elated with it. After several months and several requests, they paid. They were taken off the “list”.

Other clients have been most gracious and paid on delivery.

 

[CeeJay]

Hobbyist for now and the last 5 years or so. Building up my skills and the workshop so when I retire from the day job in a few years I can go semi-pro with the furniture making so I don’t go bananas or drive my wife crazy.

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