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General Category => General Scroll Saw Talk => Topic started by: newfie on January 12, 2013, 02:21:19 pm
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i know a lot of you use stopwatches while cutting projects so you know how long it takes to cut it.any recommendations on what to get and where to buy one at?
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I read somewhere, maybe here that someone hooke a regugular old clock, not digital, in line with there foot pedal and set the clock to 12:00. Ever time the saw was running, the clock was too.
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i used to do that too and worked well for me to how long it took. I don't sell much or do more than 1-2 show a year. I now have a Dwalt and a Ex 21 and have the clock but in taking plugs apart etc I can't remember how I did it and haven't set down to let my brain work. End point that worked better for me than a stop watch which I found awkward to turn on and shut off
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Try one of those very short heavy duty three way plugs. The kind that one end plugs into the foot switch and the other edn has 3 outlets. Put the clock and the saw plugs in and they both work with the foot pedal
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I have been looking for several years now for the old, 70"s 80'S, type of digital clock, the type that had numbers that would rotate and flip over. Cannot seem to find one anywhere. Everyone had they and threw them out.
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I use my iPod. Just start the clock when I get ready to cut and stop it when I'm done.
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Wouldn't the I-socket work with your saw and an electric clock. I think it would take the guess work out of trying to wire a clock to a foot switch.............just a thought ::) ::) ::) ::) ::)
i-socket 110m Tool and Vacuum Switch
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=17351&site=ROCKLER (http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=17351&site=ROCKLER)
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I read somewhere, maybe here that someone hooke a regugular old clock, not digital, in line with there foot pedal and set the clock to 12:00. Ever time the saw was running, the clock was too.
I find this idea flawed. While it might make sense to know how long it takes to complete a project, it doesn't make sense to time only when the saw is running. After all, Isn't blade changing and moving the blade from one hole to another part of the cutting process? How about preparing the wood and applying the tape and pattern, and don't forget drilling the holes. I think it would be better to set a stopwatch when you start preparing the wood, not just when you are cutting. Just my opinion!
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I read somewhere, maybe here that someone hooke a regugular old clock, not digital, in line with there foot pedal and set the clock to 12:00. Ever time the saw was running, the clock was too.
I find this idea flawed. While it might make sense to know how long it takes to complete a project, it doesn't make sense to time only when the saw is running. After all, Isn't blade changing and moving the blade from one hole to another part of the cutting process? How about preparing the wood and applying the tape and pattern, and don't forget drilling the holes. I think it would be better to set a stopwatch when you start preparing the wood, not just when you are cutting. Just my opinion!
i was thinking the same thing Dan my latest project i have about 3 and half hours into it and my stopwatch i was using died thats why i asked the question in the first place. to find out if there was good reliable stopwatch out there that won't break the bank.
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I agree with you Dan. It is all part of the proccess.
gene
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Who really cares?
Lets assume that you want to make $15.00 an hour. The project from start to finish takes exactly two hours and you add the cost of the wood used and finish at $3.00. It took 3 blades and you broke a drill bit while drilling holes, so there is another $2.00. I won't even estimate the price of the machines used or the electricity for the saw, light, heat/AC etc.. Then there is glue, tape, cost of pattern and so forth.
So, my question is, has anyone ever actually priced an item that has about two hours worth of work in it for $35.00? even if you stack cut two of them, are they worth $15.50 to your customers?
Obviously, I am a hobby wood worker and am not trying to make a living making things from wood. I do sell items from time to time and feel lucky to get the cost of materials and maybe $50.00 for things like, end tables , patio benches, bed headboards and the like that take me a week or two to build. Granted, I am slow and retired (so time doesn't mean much to me) but, I have a hard time selling a blanket chest that I spent 20 hours on for $200.00 when the wood cost me $150.00.
The "Art" that we do means something to you and me and we take great pride in doing a good job and making something that the average person won't or can't do but, will that same person let go of the amount of money that it is really worth when they can go to the Mall and get something "CUTE" for a gift and spend only $10.00?
Rog
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My mobile phone (which I always have with me in the workshop) has a stopwatch feature in it so I just use that if I want to know how long a project takes. I now know that one of Steve Goods noses takes me 15mins from starting to glue up ready for Danish oil :D :D
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Some people cannot get use to not punching a time clock. I start and stop when I want. ;D not that I need to get something done so I can get it sold. I Retired not to be refitted for another job. I make things for fun and if i make a dollar that is ok also. ;D ;D
customer:Do you want to sell that?
Me: Ok!
customer: Want do you want for it?
Me:What would you pay for it?
customer:$20?
Me: ::) "I think to my self. let see $1 for wood, 2 cents for glue, a sheet of sandpaper, 50 cents of stain and finish...hhhmm about $2 in the project ........ Ok! I'll take $10 if that makes you happy
customer: Are you sure that is every bit of $20
Me:$10 is fine
customer: Here take the $20 that is worth it to me! :)
They are happy and I am happy ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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I we tried that in the UK, when we said ?10 they would probably reply I'll give you ?5 for it. lol
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the main reason for the stopwatch is just for my purpose to know how long it takes to cut. not for selling purpose.
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Several years ago I wanted to build furniture to sell. I bought a book on how to price your woodworking. It's a great book and everything. It even tould you to figure your time going to the lumber yard; Loading/unloading the pickup; taking the material off the shelf; layout; etc etc... Then I found the scroll saw and decided I am retired and didn't really want to make furniture. I keep thinking I will do a show, but when my wife or kids see what I make it is gone. Doesn't buy any beer, but sure make me feel good...
:) :) :)
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the main reason for the stopwatch is just for my purpose to know how long it takes to cut. not for selling purpose.
I don't have a recommendation Todd, I do it the old fashioned way. I have a shop clock on the wall behind my scroll saw. I just look at the clock when I start, then look at the clock when I'm done!
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its ok the next time i'm in the city i'll drop by wally-world and pick up another stopwatch.and hope the frost don't kill it like my last one
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I have been looking for several years now for the old, 70"s 80'S, type of digital clock, the type that had numbers that would rotate and flip over. Cannot seem to find one anywhere. Everyone had they and threw them out.
Try e-bay and type in Auto Flip Number Desk Clock ,they have several.The newer ones are about $20.00 and the older ones can run as high as $150.00.
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Like some of the others, I just use the timer on my iphone. Simple and easy to use.
Mike
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The cooking section of WallyWorld, also big grocery stores have digital timers that are battery operated and have a clock and timer in it. Just a few bucks and the battery last for a couple of years. I have a couple around the house and RV.
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I only use a timer [wall clock] when I am doing commission work and this includes gluing the patterns on other stuff I make and sell I charge what I think I can get at the local fairs and market days, I work on a wholesale basis
Jimbo