The funny thing about going into the business of woodworking is that it seems like the further you go, the less woodworking you get to do.

Most of us started out because we liked making things out of wood. Seemed like a logical move to begin making a living by doing so. And at first, that's exactly what happens. But then you start to grow your business and before you know it, you are spending more time watching others make things while you make phone calls and create designs.

As things have gotten tighter and tighter economically, many shops have reduced their workforces. Some have reduced them to the point where the guy that owns the shop is doing more of the work. That's a mixed blessing because it means less work and fewer jobs for other people. But it also means that you get to do some actual woodwork for a change.

A couple of guys I know are in exactly this position and are finding that, even though they might not be completely happy about the state of their businesses, they are getting more hands on time in their shops which is really why they went into the business in the first place.

D.D.