Halfway through my first year of business, I reflect both on the recent business growth (and challenges), and the more distant past that got me to this point. I gained my patience, perhaps even joy for, retail from many years helping (and learning from) my mother in her business in Rochester, New York, and looking back on that brings up a few embarrassing - but thankfully low resolution - photos.
Keeping the Lights On
Technology & Steampunk, Sustainability, Products & Shows, Workshop & Safety4 CommentsMuch of what I sell requires “wall power” both to validate for the customer that it works, and to attract folks to the booth in the first place. Yet selling at booths, on the street or in a festival, I am rarely provided with power, and generators are almost never allowed. This article describes the battery / inverter / solar solution I’ve put together to close this gap.
Shop Tour: Part II
Workshop & Safety2 CommentsBuilding on the previous Shop Tour post, this article fleshes out the smaller - but no less critical - elements in a workshop: a few key handheld power tools; good personal protection including dust collection and air filtration, push sticks and feather boards; storage solutions and good shop lighting; measurement devices; and jigs, both homemade and commercial.
Shop Tour: Part I
Workshop & Safety2 CommentsWhile the tools you need and the level of your investment in each tool depends on what you’re making for whom (and your space and budget), there’s a handful of freestanding power tools that I could not get far without: the tablesaw and bandsaw; the planer; the drill press; and the belt / disc sander. Three more tools - less frequently used, but critical when they’re needed - round out my shop: the oscillating spindle sander; the jointer; and the three-spindle router table. This article outlines why I have what I have,
the basics include a table saw, bandsaw,
Edison Bulbs: When the Lights Go Out!
Products & Shows2 CommentsShameless (Cross) Promotion: Stained Glass & General Contractors
Personal Journey3 CommentsI like to think that I make nice stuff, but I obviously don't do it in isolation. I want to take a few moments to acknowledge two small companies with whom I've done a fair amount of work: a vendor who does beautiful cut glass and finished pieces, and an honest and helpful general contractor who does amazing remodels.