Just an Idea

jworrellbass · #1 11-12-2009, 10:30 AM

I've been tring to figure out ways to make some money, since this economy is so slow. I've gotten a few calls from people who have asked if I'm taking on helpers (I'm not). It seems there are people out their that want to build their own guitars and basses but don't have the tools to do so. I have the time and tools to help. What I've thought about is letting people come over to my shop and I would charge $30 per hour or more. They would need to supply their wood, hardware, pickups, ect. I would run the power tools (I don't need a law suit) and help them select the wood and other things. Since my shop is my garage I would need to meet them at a local coffee shop and get better aquinted before bringing them to my house.

Has anyone tried something like this? If so did it work? Any input would be fine.

One thing I left out was I have been helping a nice guy build his bass, he hasn't got very far (not my fault, his time is limited). I havn't been charging him, just helping.

I'm sure I would need to draw up some sort of paper work and have them sign it, for legal reasons.

stflbn · #2 11-12-2009, 10:36 AM

I'd be VERY concerned about insurance coverage. Someone cuts their hand off due to their stupidity and suddenly it's your fault because you allowed them to work in your garage.

Seriously.

jworrellbass · #3 11-12-2009, 10:41 AM

Like I said before "I'll run the power tools" and I'll need to have them sign a waiver.

pilotjones · #4 11-12-2009, 11:38 AM

I'd have a professional draft orat least review that waiver, especially since you're charging money. Also, depending on your zoning laws, don't let your neighbors find out.

stevetx19 · #5 11-12-2009, 12:58 PM

If you are running the power tools, are you only helping them get through tough stages? Are they meant to do the rest at home, or are you charging them if they just want to come use your space to sand or carve?

Great idea, i'd love it if i had some sort of access to professional shops. I can work for free at my university's shop...where students break everything and the tools are dull...

Meatrus · #6 11-12-2009, 01:15 PM

I would say thats a great idea, and I wish I had someone in my area doing similar. I'm sure it will encourage more people to build their own instrument. If I had someone like that near me I may have finally started my first build, which i have been planning for a couple of long months.

Could be a little awkard at the coffe shop if you meet someone who you dont want to be near though

!

Best of luck

jworrellbass · #7 11-12-2009, 01:18 PM

I've noticed that there are people who want to build their own instruments but they don't have the tools, space or for that matter where to start, look how many guy's (including myself) that are asking questions here on T.B. If I can provide information, tools, personal help and space to work and build an instrument why not. If someone wants to carve their neck they can do it at their house or mine, if they do it at mine I'll be right there to show them how. As far as the power tools go their is a bunch more to building than just the tools. And what I'm talking about is bandsaw, jointer, routers and things like that. I'm not talking about a class, just one on one. I think it's worth a try.

T-Bird · #8 11-12-2009, 01:55 PM

Hi.

Do what You will, but letting anyone into my shop(s) without knowing them for years and/or being granted a similar access to theirs, is absolutely out of the question.

If You decide to go for it, good luck. I have a feeling that You're going to need it.

Regards
Sam

jworrellbass · #9 11-12-2009, 01:56 PM

Thanks for your support.

mpm32 · #10 11-12-2009, 02:11 PM

Do this;

Guitar Camp

62bass · #11 11-12-2009, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jworrellbass

I've noticed that there are people who want to build their own instruments but they don't have the tools, space or for that matter where to start, look how many guy's (including myself) that are asking questions here on T.B. If I can provide information, tools, personal help and space to work and build an instrument why not. If someone wants to carve their neck they can do it at their house or mine, if they do it at mine I'll be right there to show them how. As far as the power tools go their is a bunch more to building than just the tools. And what I'm talking about is bandsaw, jointer, routers and things like that. I'm not talking about a class, just one on one. I think it's worth a try.

Certainly be cognizant of the legal issues. But don't let anyone stop you from what I think is a good idea. There are a lot of woodworkers out there who supplement their incomes by operating a woodworking school. Often these schools consist of only one student at a time. But the guy is bringing in some extra income and the student is learning to do something the right way and getting experience. Go for it.

MooseLumps · #12 11-12-2009, 02:42 PM

I'd just about move to CO for the opportunity.

I'm "||" This close to doing it.

That's pretty darn close.... Man, look how close those to bad boys are. That's close.

jworrellbass · #13 11-12-2009, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 62bass

Certainly be cognizant of the legal issues. But don't let anyone stop you from what I think is a good idea. There are a lot of woodworkers out there who supplement their incomes by operating a woodworking school. Often these schools consist of only one student at a time. But the guy is bringing in some extra income and the student is learning to do something the right way and getting experience. Go for it.

I talked to a lawyer that I built a deck for, he's a trial lawyer, not a contract lawyer. He said I should talk to a contract lawyer. But basicly it's an exchange for services. It shouldn't be to much different from signing a release of liability wavier. Kind of like when you go skiing.

jworrellbass · #14 11-12-2009, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MooseLumps

I'd just about move to CO for the opportunity.

I'm "||" This close to doing it.

That's pretty darn close.... Man, look how close those to bad boys are. That's close.

Yea, Idaho is pretty close. I'd hate to see you come down here and meet me at a local coffee shop and then I decide I don't like you. I'm just kidding. I like your avatar.

MooseLumps · #15 11-12-2009, 03:33 PM

Most of the builders here do... I frequently get complements.

Simo98 · #16 11-12-2009, 05:34 PM

I'd certainly pay for access to a planer/thicknesser, spindle moulder and a bandsaw.

I used to have access to a nice size woodshop (100x100m) as my old man ran a furniture manufacturing business. I never used to think much of it.. but i miss it now

stevetx19 · #17 11-12-2009, 11:24 PM

while they're not a bass shop, i frequently visit a large mill outside of town that has giant planers and jointers. They even have this sander that is taller than me, you stick the wood in like a planer and it has a digital control for the thickness you want-basically a sand planer. It's sick...

they don't help me with build advice or training, but the access to that sort of machinery is really helpful. Much better than the school shop mentioned earlier...

jworrellbass · #18 11-13-2009, 09:49 AM

They let you use the tools? That seems like a big liabilty issue. But it's still pretty cool that they do.

stevetx19 · #19 11-13-2009, 10:01 AM

sorry, didn't mean to make it sound like that. I tell them what i'd like, and they let me watch. Sometimes i get to stand on the other side and 'catch'

jworrellbass · #20 11-13-2009, 10:05 AM

That makes sence, I have a few friends that come over to my place for the use of my tools, I run the power tools, they watch and catch.