what to charge?

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JRay8

JRay8

Member
Joined
Jul 4, 2011
Messages
280
Location
Arnold, MD
I am turning 3 spindles that go between the legs of a chair to replace the broken ones. i am not really sure what to charge. they are simple birch spindles that i have about $8 invested in. what do you all think?
 
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For something like that I would charge material fee + time, including time to get the material (if you sourced it). I'd use $20+ per hour depending on how much you think you are worth, minimum 1 hour.

AK
 
Thats a really tough call... How complicated are they (pattern wise), how long is it going to take you... Like most other "pure" woodworking (pure where you don't need to spend money on hardware) the value of your time and skill is very hard to put a pricetag on.
 
alphageek said:
Thats a really tough call... How complicated are they (pattern wise), how long is it going to take you... Like most other "pure" woodworking (pure where you don't need to spend money on hardware) the value of your time and skill is very hard to put a pricetag on.
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+1 on the "shape". Are they just straight like dowels or have beads and coves?
 
i guess i have about 3 total hours involved. other than pens this is the only thing i have ever turned.
312076_324535944227336_100000127986542_1574585_1604458083_n.jpg
 
So... Take the $20 rate..x3 = $60 + $10 materials... Less if its a favor or if you did it for the challenge of a "learning item" or for someone special. Personally to me its that or new chairs - they are still getting a bargain!
 
JRay8 said:
Thanks guys!!
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Are you going to finish them to match?

The turning looks good and is relatively simple, I agree with what has been said ($60ish). BUT, if you are trying to match that aged color and grain--you suddenly have LOTS more time ahead!!!
 
Did you offer a ballpark figure in the beginning or did the customer 'suggest' any price range? My experience with locals that want repair work is that they do not see the item as particularly valuable in the first place. They expect Walmart-like pricing.
 
The other thing you have to consider is how long it would take a professional to do it.

Why does this matter. Well if a shop could do it in an hour and they charge $50 an hour + material then you taking 3 hours at $20 an hour would cost more.

Now I have no idea how long it would take a shop but consider what you count as billable time.

AK
 
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