The dilemma

Most of us have chosen woodworking as a profession for the same reason: we like working with wood.

Most of us have chosen woodworking as a profession for the same reason: we like working with wood.

But many have taken the approach of trying to turn a hobby into a business, not realizing that a major portion of their time will be spent on marketing, sales, purchasing and accounting.

The only way I’ve found to run a woodworking business and still be able to actually work with wood is to have a one-man shop.

That’s something to consider if you’re just getting started.

David DeCristoforo possesses an extensive resume as designer/maker of fine furniture, high-end cabinetry and architectural woodwork. His experience in professional woodworking spans a period of 35 years. For the past 20 years David DeCristoforo Design has been located in Woodland, California. During this time David's shop has ranged in scope from a "full on" cabinet production shop with as many as 15 employees to a small fine furniture and custom millwork shop, working with his son, David RBJ, a highly skilled maker in his own right.