3 Panel Room Divider Screen

[sunapeeupholstery]

I've just been asked for a quote on a 3 paneled room divider screen that is currently just a frame.

I've never done something like this before and would appreciate any construction or pricing tips.

It seems very straight forward though: staple two equal sized pieces of fabric to each panel (possibly with thin padding in between) and hot glue gimp over the staples.  Any additions?

Pricing I would say $100.  Less or more?

[bobbin]

Sounds like you've got a decent plan, Sunapee.  Just keep track of your time carefully to find out if your pricing is in the ballpark.  You will never lose money if you work "stock and time"; but unless you track your time honestly it's easy to undersell yourself. 

(you from NH?)

[Mike]

I was wondering the same Bobbin. Sounds like lake sunapee

[sunapeeupholstery]

The upholstery side seems easier then the business side sometimes.  Let me see if I understand you; I give the estimate, keep track of my time on the project then deliver the completed project with the invoice (which could have a higher or lower labor cost, depending on my time?). 

I know that makes the most sense business-wise but as a beginner I'm having trouble telling the customer that.

And yes I'm right near Lake Sunapee in New Hampshire.

[bobbin]

Yup.  When I'm faced with something new or something I've never tried before I give an estimate that spans the high and the low end.  I am pretty good at coming up with a plan on how to proceed, and I have a pretty good handle on how long something is going to take, but I like to build in a little cushion so I don't wind up working for peanuts. 

Get any snow today? none here, just rain in the banana belt of Maine. 

[Mike]

Me I have to vi e a firm price on a project they want to k ow what it's goj g to cost them. I just got a net to make today 1" webbing to protect a rowboat driver if the towrope breaks.

Welcome sunappe I used to have a shop on Alton bay in new Hampshire.

[sunapeeupholstery]

To Mike; 1" webbing for safety sounds like a fun project.  Did you mostly do boat upholstery in Alton?  I've only just started antique furniture upholstery on my own.  Boat upholstery seems like a whole different animal.

To Bobbin; we had about 4" of snow on the warm ground, which quickly melted to 1".  So, nothing compared to that freak Halloween snowstorm.

[Mike]

In Alton right were the bridge is on rt 11 over the merrymeeting river feeding the lake I had Alton bay bait and tackle along with bayview canvas we did canvas  and upholstery  work 7 days a week till I e then no canvas
ps. Spring of 04 I was gone.

[kodydog]

On my computer your photo came out weird. Looks like a black square with a round circle in it and a white horizontal line through the circle. But when I right clicked on it and hit "view" the photo came up.

The panels are tall and the wood used is thin. When you pull the fabric tight side to side the panels are going to warp inward. Is there any way you can add a horizontal stretcher half way up.

When billing on a job I'm not familiar with I do something smiler to Bobbin. I quote high and tell the customer I'll keep track of the time and try to do better. Imagine there surprise and gained faith when I come in with a lower invoice.

PS. Just went back and the photo is working fine.

[sofadoc]

PS. Just went back and the photo is working fine.

Not for me. Not even right clicking. I don't get a "view" option when I right click it. I guess it's time to trade in the ole "Commodore 64" :D

[kodydog]

My parents owned a Commodore 64. My dad thought it would be the last computer he would ever own. When it became obsolete he got so disgusted he never learned another system. My mom tried to show him how to surf the internet one day. After 5 minutes he threw up his hands and walked out of the room.

[Mike]

 just took my desk top in for repairs the guy told ne it was one of the first with xp but he could t even boost it to 1 gig? It's all frooze up it used to take 20 to boot up
now it just sits there