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Woodworking can be a fulfilling hobby, but it can also be a lucrative source of income. One popular way to make money in the woodworking industry is by creating and selling small, easy-to-make items online. In this article, we will follow along as an amateur woodworker creates and sells coasters made from scrap wood.
The process of making these coasters is simple and requires only basic woodworking tools. The woodworker cuts scrap wood into 3/4 inch or 1/2 inch thickness pieces, sands and finishes them, and sells them online for a profit. By detailing the steps involved in this process, readers can learn how to create their own coasters or apply the same principles to other small woodworking projects.
Key Takeaways
- Scrap wood can be repurposed to create profitable woodworking projects.
- Basic woodworking tools are sufficient for creating small items like coasters.
- Selling locally can be a convenient and effective way to sell handmade items.
Project Selection
Choosing Coasters
Beanstalk Builds stumbled upon a project idea for making money online through woodworking – building coasters. The project is relatively easy to make and requires only a 4×4 piece of scrap wood, a saw, sandpaper, and polyurethane finish.
To make the coasters, he cut the scrap wood into 3/4 inch or 1/2 inch thickness pieces using a stop block to ensure consistent width. After cutting the wood, he sanded and finished the coasters with polyurethane.
He listed the coasters for sale online for $15 for a set of two, and was able to sell five sets locally within a week, earning $150 CAD. He found the project enjoyable and profitable, and plans to make more woodworking videos in the future.
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Material Preparation
Selecting Scrap Wood
To make coasters, the first step is to select a piece of scrap wood. The wood can be any type as long as it is in good condition. Beanstalk Builds in the video used a 4×4 piece of scrap wood with a bit of damage, which was not a problem for the project.
Cutting Coasters
After selecting the scrap wood, the next step is to cut it into 3/4 inch thickness pieces, or any other desired thickness. Beanstalk Builds used a stop block to get the width of the coaster, which was set to half an inch. The scrap wood was then cut up into as many pieces as possible, and grouped together. He used a miter saw to make the cuts, but a regular hand saw can also be used. Once the coasters are cut, they can be sanded and finished with polyurethane or mineral oil. He used polyurethane for the finish and applied two coats. After the finish has dried, the coasters can be wrapped with string for a nice presentation and sold locally.
Overall, making coasters from scrap wood is an easy and affordable way to make some extra money online. He in the video was able to sell five sets of coasters for $150 CAD within a week of listing them locally. It is a great project for anyone who enjoys woodworking and wants to make some extra income.
Sanding and Finishing
Sanding Process
In this woodworking project, the first step after cutting the coasters into 3/4 inch thickness pieces is sanding. He uses a sander to smooth out the rough edges of the coasters. A stop block is used to ensure that the coasters are sanded to the desired width. He recommends using a foam brush to apply the polyurethane finish, which will be discussed later in this section.
Staining
After sanding, he applies a stain to the surface of the coasters. They recommend using a piece of spruce to apply the stain, as they do not have a proper table for this step. He emphasizes the importance of stirring the can of polyurethane before use, but advises against shaking it. They use a foam brush to apply the stain, but note that some woodworkers prefer to use mineral oil instead of polyurethane for the finish.
Applying Polyurethane
The final step in this project is applying a polyurethane finish to the coasters. He uses a Minwax satin finish polyurethane and applies it with a foam brush. They recommend spacing out the coasters to allow for even application of the finish. He notes that they let the first coat dry for six hours before sanding with 220 grit sandpaper and applying a second coat. After the second coat dries, the coasters are ready to be sold.
Overall, this woodworking project is a simple and easy way to make some extra money online. By following these steps for sanding and finishing, the coasters can be transformed into a professional-looking product that can be sold locally or online.
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Marketing and Selling
Pricing Strategy
The creator of the coaster project listed the product locally for $15 for a set of two coasters. This pricing strategy was chosen to be conservative, as the creator had doubts about the claim that they could sell for more. However, after listing them for sale for a week, the creator was able to sell five sets and make $150 Canadian dollars.
Local Selling Advantages
The creator of the coaster project preferred to sell the product locally rather than online. This allowed for ease of delivery, as customers could pick up the product from the creator’s home or the creator could drop off the product while running errands. Additionally, selling locally eliminated the need for shipping and handling costs. The creator also noted that the coasters make great gifts, which could lead to repeat customers.
Packaging
Preparing for Sale
In this woodworking project, the goal is to create coasters from a 4×4 piece of scrap wood. The process involves cutting the wood into 3/4 inch or 1/2 inch thickness pieces, sanding them down, and applying a finish. The finished coasters are then sold locally for a profit.
To prepare for sale, the coasters are grouped together and wrapped with string for a nice presentation. They are listed online for $15 for a set of two and are sold locally to avoid shipping costs. The project has been successful, with $150 worth of coasters sold in just one week.
Overall, this project is a great way to make money online through woodworking. It is an easy and affordable project that can be completed with basic tools. Plus, the finished coasters make great gifts for friends and family.
Sales Results
Revenue Generated
Beanstalk Builds stumbled upon a woodworking project that involved making coasters from scrap wood. After finishing the project, they decided to sell the coasters online locally. They listed the coasters for $15 for a set of two and managed to sell five sets in a week, generating $150 in revenue. He found the project to be enjoyable and profitable and plans to continue making and selling similar projects. They also mentioned that some customers bought multiple sets to give as gifts. The coasters were sold locally, making it easier for customers to pick them up or drop them off while running errands. Overall, the project proved to be a successful venture for him, who plans to make more similar projects in the future.
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Conclusion
Future Project Ideas
After successfully making and selling coasters from scrap wood, there are several other woodworking project ideas that one can try to make money online. Here are a few suggestions:
- Cutting boards: Similar to coasters, cutting boards can be made from scrap wood and can be sold at a higher price point. They are also practical and can be marketed as a kitchen essential.
- Planters: With the increasing popularity of indoor plants, handmade wooden planters can be a profitable venture. They can be made in various sizes and designs to cater to different customers.
- Picture frames: Picture frames are a timeless home decor item that can be made from scrap wood. They can be marketed as a unique and personalized gift idea.
- Shelving units: Simple shelving units made from scrap wood can be a practical addition to any home. They can be marketed as a DIY project that customers can easily assemble themselves.
Overall, with a little creativity and resourcefulness, there are endless opportunities for making money online through woodworking projects. By starting with simple projects like coasters and gradually expanding to more complex items, one can turn their love for woodworking into a profitable business.
