Mojo's great question inspired this one. What 3 things would you like to add to your business in the coming year?
I will continue to add:
1.) Small tools, things like punches and grommet setting dies, a common sense punch, etc.. These are things I don't have because my focus was basically tailoring and alterations for many years.
2.) A laptop computer (I need a a new 'puter) and Quickbooks. This will also permit a website for my work. You guys have recommended them over and over and I see plainly that without a 'puter I will remain in the stone age, wasting tons of time. Duplication of effort is not very lucrative.
3.) A cell phone; probably a Trac Fone so I don't get bogged down in all that "contract" malarky.
Great post Bobbin. I never thought of the " wants " side of things.
1.) I want to do some more strategic marketing and target certain markets and demographics. I am going to have to come up with a plan to stimulate sales during off months so I can get out of this cycle of feast or fathom.
2.) I need to pick up a few extra hand tools for the shop. I am sick and tired of running between my woodshop and my upholstery shop looking for my T-square, straight edge and other small tools that are common between the two.
3.) I want to finish off and put the final touches on the shop and finish decorating it. ( Yes I am decorating by building shelves for my collection of antique things ).
4.) I want to learn more pattern and sewing skills for 2011.
Chris
Chris after seeing your boat I'd have ro say to a say you could look into boat upholstry there is always boats intown. Maybe more in the winter but there stll around all summer.
1. A web site
2. A shop redesign. I currently work out of my basement and have limited space. I plan on adding more cabinets and counter top space. My cutting table is also my work counter so I spend a lot of time cleaning and rearranging in the middle of projects.
3. Tools, tools, tools.
Clay
1# Someone to get me organised ::)
2# Possibly a website.
3# Change of location.
Suzi
i'm always looking for the next piece of kit to add to the shop :-)
I did just get an EZ cutter for LTD's man that was expensive ..
1. a portable sewing machine to keep in the van
2. a pneumatic grommet press
3. a bigger workshop :-)
Rich
1. Bigger shop
2. Bigger work tables
3. Trailer for working at some marinas.
Hey...Christmas is coming. You never know.
I'm pretty well set on all the upholstery tools and gadgets. Now, I think I need to acquire some nicer woodworking tools. I moved into a huge building back in '98, so I have the room for stuff like a nice table saw, drill press, etc.
Then, some nice framing guns for building small stuff like ottomans and benches.
I have the cheapo Harbor Freight versions of all that stuff now. Ready to upgrade.
And thirdly, either I'm getting blind in my old age, or I need better lighting.
A good used Hartco (spelling ?) clip tool to attach paper wrapped stake wire to zig-zag springs, or a sub. that works well at a reasonable price.
A new work table with expandable wings
a second sewing machine
Big John
I'm looking at a building I'd lime to put up and have more room and not pay rent.
retirement with full medical and well funded pension..
oh wait.. thats only for politicians who serve 4 years.. >:(
Wow, Cheryl, I hear you on that one. I think my blood pressure increases at the very thought of the price of even a high deductible insurance plan. To be honest, I'm not sure what I'll do when my husband qualifies for medi-care and we have buy a policy to cover me. I don't see how we'll be able to afford even a really "catastrophic" one.
And I know I'm not alone on that one!
Quote from: BigJohn on December 10, 2010, 01:20:24 pm
A good used Hartco (spelling ?) clip tool to attach paper wrapped stake wire to zig-zag springs, or a sub. that works well at a reasonable price.
I just won this item on E-bay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rt=nc&nma=true&item=230559547570&si=1nDXm5eiKoe8GvUrV60nyQiU3us%253D&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT
I already have the clips.
Now, I need a good source for the paper wrapped stake wire. I have it in 16 ga., but that's too flimsy. I think I need 8-10 ga. Anybody got any ideas?
What will you use that tool for, Sofa.? I have never worked in the upholstery field and it's not familiar to me. I do believe contratulations are in order, though!
You can tie the zig-zag springs in a restaurant booth seat together by clipping stake wire (tempered steel wire with paper wrapping it to prevent squeaking) to them, and I use 16 gauge.
Big John
Quote from: BigJohn on December 11, 2010, 06:27:45 pm
You can tie the zig-zag springs in a restaurant booth seat together by clipping stake wire (tempered steel wire with paper wrapping it to prevent squeaking) to them, and I use 16 gauge.
Bobbin: Yeah, what Big John said. I couldn't find a good pic to link. But it's the wire that connects the no-sag springs to each other to keep them stable.
Big John: All the factory (furniture) jobs have stake wire heavier than 16 ga. That's what I'm looking for. I need it mainly for recliners. 16 ga. just won't cut it on recliners. Too flimsy.
I have the vinyl coated wire also, but it's tough to get a tight crimp with it.
I bought one of those Hartco guns from a company going out of business when I lived in Hickory NC. I bought a box of the paper wrapped wire from Hickory Springs. It's a pretty big box. It lasted me about 10 years. They have a warehouse and office in Ocala Fl.
Thanks for the explanation of the tool.
A friend of mine loaned me his pneumatic Fasco stapler so I could try it out. I have been using an electric one for several years now. I now know what #4 on my list is going to be! Wow, that stapler is light as a feather and it drives the staples effortlessly. I'll be looking for the long nose model.
Quote1. a portable sewing machine to keep in the van
I still kick my backside that I let this fall through as I was moving out of the big shop; I had a treadle base from an old singer (domestic,but very stout) that I wanted to retro fit to accept my 111W155. Never got it finished,but as I see it:
>no power required
>any size that fits your van etc...
>same proven quality machine you know and love, less the heavy over sized table/motor.
I'll let Chris give you a " run down" of portable machines. 8) That'll be fun.
After doing a search that Hickory Springs outfit that Kodydog mentioned has 11-16ga paper wrapped wire listed as OEM products, Kody dog do they sell to us?
As far as I know they'll sell to anyone who has a business license. They sold to me.
I bought some foam from them about 5 years ago.
If you want a smaller amount, another good source for edge wire is C&S Fabric in Savannah, Ga. The only problem is they sell it in 10' lengths and have to bend it to shop it. I'm not sure if they have paper wrapped. Phone # is 912-236-0800. Good luck.