Steve Smigaj's Page

"I find that also to be true. It took awhile for my neighbors to feel comfortable to approach me with any " favor"projects but now we're closer neighbors and that's good business! Keeping the exterior clean and orderly like Ryan…"

"With today's economy, My decision to stay a small shop is turning out to be an advantage. Instead of laying off my employees and filing for bankruptsy, I'll tighten my belt and concentrate on the small projects, and do more fishing…"

"I would either buy a New one from Grizzley Industrial or keep an eye on IRS auctions for a used one. Just remember at the auction rigging, tax, shipping and buyer's premium all add to the cost. Still there are some good finds. Good Luck"

"I hear your pain about Gov. control, zoning,licenses,etc. I moved back to Montana leaving behind my shop and a small cabinet business in Seattle i had for 7 years. The people, taxes and politics became too much however, business was good. I now have…"

"Great job on the fireplace surround .I really like the tapered columns and wiped stain. Did you do the surrounding built-ins?"

"Joshua Yea and not to mention the material. I have 1 sheet left and if I cut it wrong or do not match the grain correctly, the $120 for the sheet is nothing compared to the time lost waiting for another sheet. A little blue tape and labeling is also…"

"Scott That's a great way to organize and put together your parts esp. if you can do all the cutting in one shot. The numbering parts is very useful when you can't complete the cutting in one shot. I use both ways and find them both…"

"Peter When you say you "nest my whole project and cut all the pieces in an organized fashion" does that mean you use a CNC machine in that 400sq' or just use the cut list? I also use eCabinet, a great program that gets easier the more…"

"We can all apprieciate a piece like this. Great job"

"Very nice piece"

"I once owned the 24" drum sander. Out of all the Grizzly tools I own, That has been my only disappointment. Three reasons, first the handle broke right off the start. Second, I found the paper difficult to put\keep on. there is a metal clip…"

"For me, there are a few keys that make long distance jobs work. First accurate measurements\job assessment\plan reading.Second, knowing your client and what they want. The computer and e-mail makes this easier. Third , reliable suppliers including…"

"There seems to be a lot of shops in my area as it relates to the size (100k in the county). many of them 1-3 man shops .If I can't do a project or need help there is a good shop in town with all the latest and greatest. My work was always 3-4…"

"Paul Interesting that you talk about people who have experienced the larger shops and moved to a smaller or 1-man shops. I always figured most 1-man shops started out small and grew not the other way around. As far as legality, I'm sure just as…"

"Scott, You're right it can be challenging. Learning to discipline yourself can be one of the biggest. For me, I kick it hard when I need to but with work being so lean I find myself slacking in the shop. Though I would not want to work for…"