Job worksheets

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Permalink Reply by gunnar vainikka on May 4, 2010 at 11:49am

Hey Larry ..
I have worked in several shops over the course of 20+ years and been exposed to several different ways of doing things .. some good, some not so good. I have found that creating a "JOB PACKET" that has all the pertinent info to that job is most important! In cabinetry they say: " the devils in the details " meaning if a job is sold, whoever is "creating" the case work, must have a clear understanding as to what it is they are making and how it fits into the space .. the more info, the better! I have seen some very stupid mistakes made, due to mis-information, anything from the wrong wood, (red oak instead of cherry) to the doors being the wrong style (shaker or, raised panel, instead of slab etc.) If a craftsman is expected to be able to envision how what it is he/she is building and how it fits into the required space .. proper information must be available. Within time management, there are so many variables in the shop environment, when you consider everything you must prepare for and things you may not plan for .. a shaper bit is dull or broken, dull saw blades, out of lacquer etc.
I believe we as a community of Cabinetmakers, are a special breed of Envisionairys, Designers, Artisans and highly skilled Craftsman, not everyone can turn sheet goods, into usable case work that is esthetically pleasing to the client.
When we talk to prospective clients and they question the cost of cabinets some are just bewilderd at the cost we have to charge for our skill .. those that dont want to pay that price, are off to thier local home improvement store to talk to them.
I say .. "they'll be back" to the custom shop, several pounds lighter! from the money they spent foolishly there to discover they should have just had it made "custom" to begin with.

Permalink Reply by Steven McNeilly on June 1, 2010 at 10:01am

Hello Larry,

Another option is implement an electronic system to access information throughout your shop. This way you don't have the time involved in creating and organizing paperwork and, if linked directly to your order entry system you do not have the potential human error in translating the orders into route sheets and such. I can provide you with some more information and sources for this if you are interested.

Steven