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My shop just hit 500 custom cabinet doors made this year
I was doing my books last night and the number really jumped out at me. It feels like a big deal because we're a two person shop, and it's only July. On one hand, it's great proof of steady work and a solid process. On the other, I'm worried we're just cranking them out and the quality might start to slip if we don't slow down. How do you other small shops balance hitting a good pace with keeping the focus on each piece?
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stellaperry2mo ago
Totally agree with checking scrap. Also start timing your key steps for a week. If a door that took 45 minutes to sand last year now takes 30, ask yourself if you're cutting corners or just more skilled. Maybe your finish inspection is getting rushed because you're thinking about the next batch. Set a hard rule to stop and walk away from each piece for five minutes before the final check.
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mark4367d ago
That thing about the five minute walk away rule. I get the idea but it doesn't work for me. When I stop in the middle of a batch my momentum dies. Hard to get back in the zone.
Better approach for me is to inspect each piece right after the last coat. Set it aside with good light. Look at it fresh but don't wait too long.
The real trick is training your eyes to catch stuff while you're still in the rhythm. Not after you've walked off and come back.
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jades462mo ago
Timing everything sounds like a great way to kill the flow. Getting faster usually means you've learned better methods, not that you're messing up. Obsessing over the clock just adds stress where it isn't needed.
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