Are you a pro or hobbyist?

[David Nelson1]

I had to answer as other. Since my shop is not complete and none of my project are complete or done to my satisfaction, I'll have to label myself as a hack.

[Gene Waara]

I consider myself a hobbyist but voted quiet seller as I have made and sold items to friends after they have seen similar items I have made for family. When I sell an item I only recover my costs and a few bucks to put toward a tool I have my eye on. I'm only a few years from retirement and plan to do more commission work in the future to keep busy. I'll only take projects that I enjoy and if I find it takes the fun out of it for me I'll quickly move back to being a hobbyist.

[Brian Effinger]

Had to think about it. Hobbyist or quiet seller. Hmm. Well, I've sold more than a couple turnings so I guess that makes me a quiet seller.

[Tom Walz]

I've made a little money woodworking but could never make a living at it. As with many here, I find it incredibly satisfying. There's just something inherently wonderful about wood.

My day job is material scientist / tool manufacturer. I try to contribute some technical background where I can. Mostly I really like the people here and find it tremendously educational.

[Tom Ewell]

Pro on-site and in the shop for close to 40.
From "the sill plates up" to remodels and commisioned woodwork and finish.

On-site tools need to be "pro grade".

Shop tools are diverse, good quality, cost effective, fairly accurate and can be upgraded with after market/homebrew setups. Not a full blown production shop by any means but capable.

Hobbyist only, it seems, to the family and friends.

[Caleb Larru]

What are you?

My definitions:

Pro: if I am not making sawdust I don't eat

Semi-pro: I actively market and sell items but still eat, maybe not as well, if i don't sell since I have another job

Quiet seller: I don't market but I do sell occasionally to friends etc

Hobbist: I may have sold an item or two but generally it is for the fun of it

None of the above, explain: for example I am a metalworker that got lost on the internet and hang out here because i like reading Sawstop threads

I refuse to answer as my home owner insurance agent my stumble onto this thread.............

[Mark Patoka]

I categorized myself as a Quiet Seller. I started selling some items to help pay for my tools and sold enough that I made it a legitimate small business but my day job puts food on the table. The business side is just enough to interfere with being a true hobbyist but gives me an excuse to spend hours out in the shop.

[James Baker SD]

Long time hobbyist (from early college days) till layoff. Tried valiantly to be a pro for a little over two years, but was burning through my savings too fast. Got a lucky break to get back into my field and had to say farewell to pro wood working. Got a really nice "hobbyiest" shop now as a result.

James

[Jim Rimmer]

Definitely a hobbyist. I see too many flaws in my finished work to feel good about charging for it. And with the speed at which I work I would be making about 25 cents an hour.

[Ray Newman]

I checked "hobbyist" as there was no category for "maker of expensive mistakes and copious amounts of sawdust"....

[Bob Riefer]

I checked hobbyist despite that I've only done construction work so far (building our kitchen, porch, barn, woodshop, bathroom etc....). But as soon as my kitchen is finished in a couple weeks, I'm finally going to start my first project!

[Kevin Gregoire]

is hobbyist a nice term for noob?
i have been building my shop for almost two years but havent made much except for some jigs, simple stuff like cribbage boards, cutting boards,
scrolled ornaments and crosses, and a bunch of bird houses that i have actually been able to sell.
im getting a router table assembled and i should be able to get to building more stuff.

[Van Huskey]

I guess I am a hobbiest. I used to work in a cabinet shop when I was in high school and college. I guess that makes me retired. I occasionally take odd jobs. Althought current status might fit into the Other: tool collector.

I didn't think of that and quite frankly that's where I fit currently until I get my new shop built, the room I had to work is packed solid with machines awaiting a new home.

[Chris Padilla]

I checked "hobbyist" as there was no category for "maker of expensive mistakes and copious amounts of sawdust"....

I dunno, Ray, but that is the very definition of hobbyist in my book...and in my garage-mah-hal....

[Frank Drew]

I made custom furniture professionally in my own shop for a little over 25 years. Before opening up on my own I worked at an architectural millwork, as a carpenter, and in a shop specializing in high quality 18th century reproductions.

But then I gave all that up to work as a Paramedic in an ER, wiping butts and runny noses, etc., living the dream .