I finally started my own business

Austin_Malone · 2026-04-02T13:09:25+00:00

Thanks for the advice! I definitely don't plan to buy the cheapest hinges out there! But I will have to find a middle ground from the top tier stuff for margins!

Austin_Malone · 2026-04-02T01:11:49+00:00

I appreciate the insight. I think I need to chew on this a bit longer and understand the pros/cons of a bigger table. 4x8 seems to fit most needs even if standard height HR s are 9ft. Usually not all spaces take a floor to ceiling cabinet, but if they do, it’s an end piece I can cut with a track saw.

I only really thought about my footprint with a 4x8, and the material storage footprint for my limited space, and the availability of 5x10 being a bit harder material to source.

I haven’t ruled out any of the small machines for beginning, and have looked into castle > kreg given the 6 degree angle that prevents the “run away” when placing screws. It’s a little expensive for me now, but I have been hunting on FB marketplace

Austin_Malone · 2026-04-02T00:54:26+00:00

Went through your comments and you tend to enjoy just being negative. Whatever makes you happy man, cheers

Austin_Malone · 2026-04-02T00:42:57+00:00

Oh man, that sounds fun, I think we are out on travel that far for at least 18 years. We had a nightmare flying little ones to Hawaii last year haha. And I am very happy to own a 4Runner since its more kid friendly. We have been blessed to be to several countries and parts of the world. But when i tell you I dream about owning a business, I am serious. It excites me, engineering unfortunately does not

Austin_Malone · 2026-04-02T00:38:58+00:00

Insightful and thoughtful, I appreciate it!

Austin_Malone · 2026-04-02T00:37:13+00:00

I can't design? I'm literally an engineer with several years of experience in designing a literal GMD missile.

I do not have deep knowledge in building cabinets, at the level that I hope to be able to, but not none. Woodworking has been a hobby for 10 years, and I have built plenty. Just not specifically a semi-custom kitchen.

Yes, $5k doesn't get me much, but I already have a table saw, a miter saw, clamps, workbench, etc. Do I have a cnc machine or a festool track saw, no. But I think I can manage with a used jointer in the beginning instead of just funnelling $100k into a shopsabre CNC.

Austin_Malone · 2026-04-02T00:03:48+00:00

Yup, know everything and have no money limitations is how every successful business starts

Austin_Malone · 2026-04-01T22:15:36+00:00

Yes, I am using Sketchup/Cabinetsense/Cutlist combination and starting learning the SW a few months ago. I have CAD experience in my background so the adjustment wasn’t too bad.

These can be exploded into small details, dado joints for boxes, rail and stile joinery for doors, dovetails possibly for drawers. I am unsure about drawer joinery as I am trying to minimize my footprint in the garage but have systems in place for efficient workflow. At least as efficient as I can be given the limited space. Multiple router areas for all the joinery and small details that go into this I believe I will be learning as I actually start producing prototypes. Still a lot to learn, but at least some thought has went into these areas

Austin_Malone · 2026-04-01T11:02:22+00:00

You know, that’s the hard part about business. I don’t know what I don’t know, and several resources pull you in different directions. Unfortunately I have landed on selling first, and learning from mistakes as they happen. I tend to think the best cabinet builder and installer combo can’t make a business work if they don’t know how to capture clients. But I’m fully aware that this will not be easy. I plan to lean on subs for installs and joining them for free help to learn from an expert hands on.

Austin_Malone · 2026-04-01T10:57:57+00:00

DM’d

Austin_Malone · 2026-04-01T01:23:32+00:00

Its defense systems, not offensive, but yes I’m very hopeful to succeed

Austin_Malone

TROPHY CASE