05-02-2015, 12:33 AM
I find that the stripping can be one of the most time consuming parts, that is until you work out an efficient technique which even a lot of so called "professionals" can't seem to manage, not to mention they often don't strip things properly. One thing I learned to do a long time ago is to make any repairs before you strip the old finish off like gluing down loose veneer, or patching the veneer, taking apart and regluing joints, that way you don't have to go back and clean off the glue residue off of bare wood. I think that probably one of the best things you can do as well is work on a sort of production line basis, line up several cabinets to repair and strip at one time, and likewise with the other steps.
In the end I think that what you can charge will be determined by how much people are willing to pay, so to make money at it you have to work on the efficiency end to minimize how many hours you put into each. Radio cabinets were made and finished on a production basis, to a certain extent the repair and refinish goes the same way, but slightly in reverse before going forward. One thing you will also need to learn to do, and I know this from servicing radio chassis, is how to say "NO", there are some that just can't be or should not be taken on within reason. If you can tint your own lacquer, with dyes, that would save quite a bit on materials, spray cans are good for a handful of projects but add up quick if you are doing a lot. Lacquer, sanding sealer, solvents, stripper, sand paper and steel wool can be bought in bulk.
Regards
Arran
In the end I think that what you can charge will be determined by how much people are willing to pay, so to make money at it you have to work on the efficiency end to minimize how many hours you put into each. Radio cabinets were made and finished on a production basis, to a certain extent the repair and refinish goes the same way, but slightly in reverse before going forward. One thing you will also need to learn to do, and I know this from servicing radio chassis, is how to say "NO", there are some that just can't be or should not be taken on within reason. If you can tint your own lacquer, with dyes, that would save quite a bit on materials, spray cans are good for a handful of projects but add up quick if you are doing a lot. Lacquer, sanding sealer, solvents, stripper, sand paper and steel wool can be bought in bulk.
Regards
Arran