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I never saw any that wasn't made of walnut wood.

Question is:  were all made of some kind of walnut?

They were/are built strong.  I have 4 chairs now with the matching table and bottom seat is upholstered.

We bought the set new a good number of years ago.

What materials are popular for the bottom seat boards?  I might just redo them.

Very good furniture. 

Value?  No idea.  Never thought of selling.

Doyle

I just had a week of several pieces of furniture come in with bent up recliner systems.  The iron
just won't move - open or close .  I look at it and look at them (very big suggest the least) and go
ahead and fix the stuff without advising that you don't get in or out of these seats when
open. 

Even some powered units are getting bent - I guess it is commercial time and they get
into a hurry to get that "drink" for the rest of the show.

Where we headed in this business?

Doylel

Much of the newer furniture today - done in a type of vinyl or leather or even cloth is seamed with
thread (all types of seaming - but various top stitching) that is near a small cord size.

But, as you doing such already know it fails, early in life - like still new! 
And they want it fixed.  Well, the curve needle is very limited, plus taking the upholstery off the piece
to sew can quickly become impractical for thread and machinery (and shop cost) compared to factory
equipment.  Even with the same equipment and thread as factory - cost quickly becomes a factor.

I have often sent the customer back to their point of purchase and order a replacement piece, system,
that will only fix the problem right - and hope it is available.

People ask how long it took me to learn how to do this stuff -- my reaction is "I will let you know", without thinking (sometimes it takes a second or two to understand).

The market today ---- to a significant degree doesn't include old school stuff - a lot of the market
doesn't have the old school stuff nor even seem to like those styles.  Too bad in a certain respect isn't it?  Where will the market gravitate to in another 5 to 10 years or?

Hang in there business friends.!

Doyle

Customer brought me a relatively new trundle bed - for somewhat major wood repair - trundle was
the name applied by him. 

On initial inspection it was fully upholstered and would appear as a (maybe) love seat because it
was very formal and upholstered in a tufted diamond back pattern around the three inside parts (inside back & two arms).  The bottom area was made with a large cushion giving it a more traditional look.  He
explained it was actually a somewhat formal sitting area by day and by night more as a two level
bed, in that the lower level - almost sitting on floor was the lower level bed.  This level could be
rolled out (had very small wheels).  It was perfect for extra bedding in a smaller house/room.

Anyway, somehow it had frame breakage - the upholstered arms, and deck of the main level (12
slats were cut - with new/stronger lumber.  Joinery on the corners was angled with dowels. 
All this accomplishment required removing the fancy diamond tufting in arms and inside back.

This wasn't an antique, but referenced "trundle furniture" reproduction.  He said it was still made new-
on the expensive side.  Understandable as it serves as two available beds (night time) and
as a very formal love seat (daytime).  Not so easily seen, was 12 slats supporting the top level cushion or bed as described.

This was my first encounter with such furniture term (I think). 
Would like to hear if any have background information on such?  Country developed and used widely?


Different?  Got it repaired and went back to work on my boat covers.

Doyle

Recently, there has been a run on repairing brand new furniture due to plywood failures.  Of course,
it is made in China but this stuff is looking to be of less quality.  China also is noted not to use any glue
in there construction and the plywood used - well obviously doesn't exemplify good wood glue if
any at all?

Where the legs are attached (around corners), I have had to remove the upholstery in the area and
saw a higher quality wood to be integrated into the area.  This could also be related to people
getting bigger - made worse anyway.

There is some irony here........the people aren't complaining about a China product - they want it fixed!

One would think it would start a new wave of thinking about building domestic furniture like
was done several years ago?

The good news is - added business for the furniture repair shops!

Doyle

While on new markets related to pet use, is there such under the theme of pet clothing?

Something like caps/hats and boots/booties?

Do people (pet owners) ever dress their pets a bit?

For the tough dogs - a set of spurs and chaps could be made with western style stuff (hats/caps/simulated saddles and lasso ropes. 

Never know what an upholsters/clothing market could derive?

I already think pets are wearing glasses around, especially in cars.

Something like this grow into a large market of items for pets.

??

Doyle

The discussion(s) related to pet ownership - doesn't it suggest there could be added business making
pet protection slip covers for furniture? 

If this is already happening, what would be a suggested type or fabric for this protection?  This sounds
like it could make a good increase in the related business.

A fabric that would look striking and machine washable is the idea? Something fairly economical- affordable?

Well, durable also! 

Asking for too much -- or is the market too small? 

Gene could cover his stools in matching fabric!

Never know!

Doyle

Home Business (Legal?)

Probably a keyboard business that doesn't draw clients to the location would not be offensive to local
control and home insurance coverage companies.

Some time ago, this issue came up for a home upholstery business - one that had all the equipment,
(machines/wood cutting/foam shaping/compressed air gluing support and anything that leans to industrial
and is air offensive). 

The person was warned (by insurance) that the home ownership policy could (likely would) impact
his coverage.  A business like such would draw outside traffic to the driveway just like a licensed business does. 

In the end result, after talking to a lawyer about the consequences, the operator found a smaller commercial with space that could be rented reasonably.  I was younger then and he called me there
to do the furniture and other work that he wasn't quite up to - experience wise.  I had a business but
helped him over the hurdle and was paid well to work overtime on his stuff.  I didn't want the task
of picking up/returning objects in work - not a problem because his equipment met the shop needs and
being young - the extra time and good pay was actually fun - I worked it in and the money wasn't bad.  That shop pulled most of staples - so we moved things through.

The way lawyers and companies and actually customers are today - have yourself checked out and
maybe change the complexion of the "home work" to a low profile hobby.  The instructions from my
lawyer is "sure it is worth the risk?"  Storing chemicals was very objectionable and is another thing the
lawyer pointed out. 

Doing the work in a separate small building a distance from the residence would be a good move where
most customer contacts are off-site.

Today I am within zone - with a license and even with that, the local city control have their radar out all the time - all it takes for them to come checking is - one call.  They have people hired to do that and don't won't to let things look like they no one is doing their job (people will complain).

Small hobbies - chemical free - run quietly one might consider?

Best to understand the risk!

Doyle

Been doing newer furniture upholstery - lately, along with everything else on the platter.  Few comments:
Factory technology is impressive;  noticed how exact patterns are cut - it is obvious how the computer
driven cutting technology is basically "spot" on!  Most of the fabric patterns I have done are back
to the solids - as if tapestries and traditional patterns are behind times.  Instead the taste now is
in solids and brighter colors. 

The fabrics are basically synthetics and called by names that seem only currently named;  caution,
they can be bad on the fraying side.  To add; zippers are primarily on the plastic side.  Haven't seen
near as many metal zippers in the newer stuff I have had in recovery - or same for newer cushions.

Sewing technology, I admit is impressive, their machines seem to be more computer driven (something
possible with the digital technology of today.  In a word, less operator skill is required today with the
advanced technologies in place.

Oh, my goodness the cushion fillers used today (recently that is) are .........well, just more synthetic
plastics, especially in the bottoms.  Don't know where they come from just plastic scraps, I guess.

Regarding the bottom line, no wonder how the newer prices are kept down, little traditional anymore.

Consumers had adjusted their mindset to this new stuff and their prices - they want it cheaper is the
noted thing!!  My goodness it is already cheap - seeing sofas now getting cheaper.

The reupholstery business has and will continue to face these kind of changes and more -it appears.

Mean while, hang in there guys!

Doyle 

I do a diversified type of business and one common issue for upholstery failure is
people are getting bigger (very heavy).  The newer furniture just isn't built to support very large
people, that is;
  a.  Cushions will flatten in a short while
  b.  Frames in particular often come up broken.
  c.  In the case of recliner they often are broken down (bent) where  footrest
       are attached.  Bent so badly the mechanism will lock.
  d.  Needless to say the webbing/springs, etc. are often torn out/broken/frayed.

All, in most cases, is due to large people.  This has to play out in their life span (I expect shorter).

The issue not only applies to upholstered furniture - other chairs are taking the abuse also.

Auto seats are coming in for not only upholstery repairs also, which can get involved with
the safety equipment (air bags, anything they use).  Not a simple issue sometimes especially when
the seat includes an air bag plus worn upholstery. 

This business is changing!

Doyle

Lately, it seems to be growing;  been confronted with an increase in furniture lately.  This doesn't
mean damage only - customers are wanting to get rid of the smell. 

Did three major jobs the last few days on furniture and two on auto interior work.
Hope the OEM materials continue to be available.  Ran into a constraint on a
vehicle, getting OEM, on a near new Vette - couldn't believe it!  Finally got the necessary
stuff from down South. 

Wasn't cheap but no one expected it to be.

Makes one wonder if these type of consumer problems will lesson?

Doyle

Recently, a few customers have come by to get an estimate on things like small chairs or dining
room chair cushions and lamented that they bought the video but could not get their
instructions to be effective. Their general comment or statement is "can't get the corners to work". 

So, obviously they wanted an estimate on having it done at the business. 

Most say they spent two or three hours on this and after trying to do it accordingly,
they have to give up.

Well, in the play of all this, not many have the job done - even after giving a decent estimate and
outlining how a professional will do it.  The video didn't even stress pulling staples.

In the play-off of all this they just take their item and go home - saying didn't think it would
cost that much.  Describing what a professional does "how to" doesn't work.  I guess they
are basically tuned to not value furniture that much?

I never hear a complaint that I "paid for the video" - in disgust.

These customers are in the younger age close to 30 - 40.

Now, the older customers that pay admit they have done the type of work before but it is
just too much for them to do it them selves - very willing to pay a professional.

Go figure?

What do videos cost?  Don't they describe it takes some tools to do the work?  Can't
do everything with a box of tacks and hammer or a cheap mechanical stapler.

So in the stream of things, a lot will just throw it back in the car and go.  Business people can
be reasonable but there is over head (utilities, taxes) that has to be paid and can't just
do it for coffee money.  Years ago maybe business cost was a lot lower for shops like ours.

Maybe we should start making videos?

Doyle

Got a wing back rocker with portable cushions (back for example is large center & small wing back
cushions on each side of the center cushion.  Cushion has loops along top that hook on the post.

Fairly common type chair but noticed the back rest cushion was formed by slipping the 2 1/2 plus
thick foam in the cover and then sewing the two vertical seams to form the large center and two wing
cushion look.

The foam is not all that soft and I am wondering what machine would sew that thickness?  None
of my walking feet machines will.

First, I thought about just rejecting the job, then decided to run the foam through the saw to get the
seams forming the wing back parts (2 seams like I mentioned) are formed, required to only go through
the fabric.  This way, the three foam pockets are formed so the foam pieces (3) can be slipped in from
the bottom.

Sure couldn't believe an upholsterer would have such a machine.

Found a tag that stated "made by" or "sold by" :  Towne Square Furn in Hillsboro, Texas 76645.

The "sold by" is likely what applies.  However, it didn't look real cheap to be from Asia??

One thing for sure, I can't sew through that thick foam plus the fabric!!

Never know,

Doyle

Do you business people get a lot of price checkers on the phone?

It is one of the bigger interruptions of the day anymore.  They waste a lot of our time with little
intention of going forward.

Often, I try to be polite but at times do have to remind them that - giving prices is not easy on
a lot of things one cannot see and inspect.  As a reminder, I say my policy usually "have to see the
item".

They act like this work we do is a Walmart item!  Far from it!

The calls I reference are for all types of upholstery - not just furniture.

Doyle

Over time, it seems my technique of making the double cord has had to change - from one pass
of seaming to two.  This has been done, my thinking - due to change in fabrics are not woven the
same of older quality materials. 

How do you do it now?  one seam or?

I suspect we all are using the same type of cording feet?

Kody Dog - how are you and the wife doing this work?  I noticed in one of your photos on file - nice work.

Let's hear your procedure/technique.

???
Doyle

Today, seems we are encountered with some fabric contents that are not as familiar;  that is, the new
terms are relating to synthetic content but not being familiar and no reading on this, all that is deciphered
is they are "synthetic". 

So were terms like Polyester and nylon in the past, but to evaluate - we just learned.

What are new quality contents?  Which to maybe avoid?  I realize there is more than content but how do you learn to stay "away" or avoid?

Are most evaluating from feel?

Any thing meaningful to pass on?

Thanks for any help.

Doyle

In working with the latest furniture (China if you will), it is noticed that the filler
is (not foam) but something like a strand of course synthetic material.  It isn't a dacron.

Is there a correct term for this material?

Complaints often arise due to flattening.

This is just a curiosity from dealing with these cushions.

They need more filler!

Doyle

In this metro area has had a decrease in outlets selling at very low prices.  Just the last few weeks
there has been three more start - ups who are selling over stock?  There are a lot selling sofa/love
combo at under $500.  This latest outlet will even deliver at no cost at that price. 

I surmise that the over stock furniture is arriving from China?  The furniture looks like their
work.

Changes continue!

Doyle

Good Mojo question: 

How many awning patterns do you have for your market?  There is suspect that perhaps not many
relative to the number of awnings you make. 

From discussions over time, it leads one to think that most of your cutting/sewing deals with
straight seams.  Therefore, one awning could serve for many coach products?

It would be interesting to have an understanding of how much of your patterning/cutting/ and even
sewing is driven by computer.

In reading, you have come a long way!  Congratulations!!

To add, do you use any triple needle machines?  In my scope of cover work, if I recall correctly, I have
encountered triple needle seams.

In all this activity you are involved in - about how much working space do you have or use?  Automation, surely drives bigger space requirements.

Much more than golf cart upholstery/cover requirements!

I find your posts interesting.

Doyle

When seats are done, surely you will make a canopy!  If there is no frame now, that is something
else you can build or search for.  You have a lot of experience sewing canopy material!

Some of those carts get pretty detailed/fancy! 

You are in for a good ride, keep peddling!

Doyle