Messages

 I'm sure this has been addressed before but I've been all over this website trying to figure out what dictates a users position status. I'm considered a "newbie" even though I've been in the business over 20 years.

I guess it must have something to do with how many postings you create. This seems a little odd because when a true newbie, some one who's picking up a tack hammer for the very first time, is asking for advice they might see newbie and think, will this guy doesn't have much experience.

If it is the number of postings it seems some "newbies" are going to post a bunch of worthless messages (like this one) :P just to get their position changed.

Don't get me wrong. I think its a great web site. Just wondering how long will I be a newbie.

My wife wants to know is a newbie like a wedgie?

Thanks for the good advice. I'm looking for work in the southeast coastal area. I've had some luck in the Jacksonville St. Augustine area going to upholstery businesses and handing out my resume. This gives me a chance to check them out also.

Applying for jobs on the internet doesn't get much response. I think people want to meet you face to face. We do a lot of business with a All American Foam and they gave me some good leads.

I've applied to several aviation companies that were advertising upholsters needed. I have a little experience with cars, boats, and campers but mostly furniture. Is it a big stretch from furniture to airplanes?

Vinegar should do the trick

I'm here in north central Florida. Seems like we get the extremes. 90+ in the summers and many below freezing nights in the winter. It goes right from one to the other. No spring. No fall. 

Not to be nosy but let me get this straight. You have a Pullman bed. Like the beds on a Pullman car on a train? I've reupholstered a lot of interesting pieces but never a pullman bed. Its hard to tell exactly what you have by your pictures. I'm sure we can help you restore it with a little more info. If the springs are still in good shape reuse them. If the edge wire needs to be reattached to the springs this can be done with ether a crimping tool or lash them on with nylon twine. You don't need to compress this type of unit. When you cover them they will compress a little naturally.
Let me know if I can help more.

Works been on and off all summer. Right before the elections the phone started ringing off the hook. Now were booked through Christmas. Guess I better get back to work.

The funny thing is my wife played the tickle your ass joke on me 30 years ago when we were dating and we've been laughing about it ever since. So I told her to read the responses to my feather joke and I watched her face as she was scrolling down the page. When she read Darren Henrys reply she laughed so hard tears started rolling down her cheek. Good one guys.   

Hay Mojo I bought a el-cheepo build it your self shed. 8' X 10'. I store the foam on one side and poly wrap on the other. The only pain is when you have a five foot pile of foam and the piece you want is on the bottom. My suppler just started shrinking the polly wrap and it is a pain. It helps to unwrap it as soon as I get it and let it relax a little. Think I'll give them a call and see If I can get them to stop doing that.
Hope this helps.

Looks like you have a drop in unit. If all the wires are still in good shape you don't need to tie anything except the front and back like you said. When I cover the springs, usually with burlap, I like to tie some edge roll to the wire edge to soften it and make a nice rounded edge when you add the padding (If that's the look your going for). As far as foam I'd go to a high quality upholstery shop. You may spend a little more but the product will be better and they can steer you in the right direction as far as firmness. I like a little more firm on the seat and a little less on the back. Hope this helps and good luck.

Lookin good Sawdustar and the chairs not bad ether.

I played a little joke a while back on a high school kid I hired to pull staples. I was out behind my shop stuffing feathers in cushions. As usual feathers were flying everywhere and making quite a mess. When I was done I grabbed three or four in my fist and walked back inside the shop. I faked a slight cough that grew worse and claimed that I must have swallowed some feathers. Each time I coughed I'd bring my fist up to my mouth. The coughing got worse and the kid asked if there was something he could do. I brought my fist up to my mouth, let out one big cough and loosened the grip on the feathers. His eyes got big as saucers when he saw those feathers fly out and he exclaimed "Oh My".  It took him a few seconds to realize what happened and we all had a good laugh. Some times you just have to lighten up a little.

I bought a J 3 20 years ago when I was first starting out. Didn't have much money then but turned into a great investment. It really gives a job that little extra tweak. Especially helps the skirts and cushions look real good.   
You need to test your fabric before you use it as some fabrics will stretch (sunbrella is bad for this) and some will run.
MinUph Before you throw that old steamer out check the fuseable link. I've replaced mine several times. On my steamer its a brown wire with a black piece of plastic in the middle. Try bypassing it. Another time the heater element went bad. This is not a hard fix.

I am not opposed to moving.  Do you know someone in the silicon valley that is looking for a designer quality experienced upholsterer? Yes, I would want to be sure prospective employer was known for high quality and was well established before I commit myself.

Thank you for the response.
I was employed by Century Furniture. I am experienced in all aspects of the furniture trade.  Decorators have given me antiques that came in a box at an auction and I've reconstructed from the frame up. I can cut, sew, pattern make, retie, joinery--I can do it all.   I've worked (and still do) for myself independently  for over 20 years.  I would not consider a job high quality if you ignored the inner workings! I would never put fabric on  a chair that still  needs interior work (springs, joinery, padding, etc.) You can email me and I will send you my detailed resume and some pictures of my work. I am a professional upholsterer.

I have read many posts lamenting the difficulty of getting good help, that they hire them, train them, and they are out the door starting their own business.  Is business that slow that no one needs an upholsterer right now?  I am curious as to why I did not get one response.  Someone please reply.
Did I post on the wrong forum?