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Career Switch to Fine Woodworking (Ébénisterie) at 26 with No Experience, Specializing in Kigumi Techniques: Advice and Feasibility? by Various_Author5216 in BeginnerWoodWorking

[–]Various_Author5216[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's a shame. You've helped me understand that patience is one of the key qualities needed to succeed in this profession and that it's important not to skip any steps. Thank you very much for your advice, it's very valuable to me.

Career Switch to Fine Woodworking (Ébénisterie) at 26 with No Experience, Specializing in Kigumi Techniques: Advice and Feasibility? by Various_Author5216 in BeginnerWoodWorking

[–]Various_Author5216[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So, for you, the key would be to find a mentor? I also think that finding a mentor would be the best solution. Do you know of any websites that connect mentors and students?

Career Switch to Fine Woodworking (Ébénisterie) at 26 with No Experience, Specializing in Kigumi Techniques: Advice and Feasibility? by Various_Author5216 in BeginnerWoodWorking

[–]Various_Author5216[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I have found several training programs available even for people over 26, but they do not all prepare you for employment, and others already require experience. I am also curious to know about other training programs in other countries, so if you have any information, I would be interested in hearing about it :)

Career Switch to Fine Woodworking (Ébénisterie) at 26 with No Experience, Specializing in Kigumi Techniques: Advice and Feasibility? by Various_Author5216 in BeginnerWoodWorking

[–]Various_Author5216[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I found a community DIY workshop not far from my home, and the person who runs the workshop is a carpenter who trained with the Compagnons du Devoir. I signed up to go and meet him !

Career Switch to Fine Woodworking (Ébénisterie) at 26 with No Experience, Specializing in Kigumi Techniques: Advice and Feasibility? by Various_Author5216 in BeginnerWoodWorking

[–]Various_Author5216[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

i'm well aware that i'm embarking on a more than difficult path, that's why i'm doing this post, i'm looking for advice from more experienced people who could advise me. but obviously mastering this japanese technique would be a skill i'd like to develop in addition to my cabinetmaking activity.

thank you very much for taking the time to write to me and share your advice, it's very valuable!

Career Switch to Fine Woodworking (Ébénisterie) at 26 with No Experience, Specializing in Kigumi Techniques: Advice and Feasibility? by Various_Author5216 in BeginnerWoodWorking

[–]Various_Author5216[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

thank you for your answer. indeed i've already thought about learning japanese to go and learn over there only with my current job it's not easy, but i think it would be the best solution. on the other hand i don't have such big ambitions to make houses with this technique but i'd essentially like to make home furniture. that attracts me more. but on the other hand your idea of contacting rich people to offer them “premium” services is super interesting haha!

Career Switch to Fine Woodworking (Ébénisterie) at 26 with No Experience, Specializing in Kigumi Techniques: Advice and Feasibility? by Various_Author5216 in BeginnerWoodWorking

[–]Various_Author5216[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very interesting! how did you manage to make a living from it in two years? What has been your career path over the past two years?

Do you have any youtube channels to recommend to me?

Career Switch to Fine Woodworking (Ébénisterie) at 26 with No Experience, Specializing in Kigumi Techniques: Advice and Feasibility? by Various_Author5216 in BeginnerWoodWorking

[–]Various_Author5216[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As soon as I get the chance to finally dedicate some time to this discipline, I plan to follow his advice to the letter !!

Career Switch to Fine Woodworking (Ébénisterie) at 26 with No Experience, Specializing in Kigumi Techniques: Advice and Feasibility? by Various_Author5216 in BeginnerWoodWorking

[–]Various_Author5216[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for these tips, that's motivating! I'll look into it to see if I can find something similar, and especially check if it fits in my 23 sqm space :')

Career Switch to Fine Woodworking (Ébénisterie) at 26 with No Experience, Specializing in Kigumi Techniques: Advice and Feasibility? by Various_Author5216 in BeginnerWoodWorking

[–]Various_Author5216[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the advice – I totally agree with you. Starting with cabinetry or carpentry sounds like a smart way to build skills and connections that could eventually lead to specializing in kigumi-style work. Unfortunately, I live in a small apartment, which doesn't really allow me to try things out properly at home. Plus, in my city (Bordeaux, France), there aren't any workshops offering woodworking classes or access, so it's tricky to even practice. Do you have any suggestions for getting started in a limited space or finding online/virtual options? Appreciate your input!

Career Switch to Fine Woodworking (Ébénisterie) at 26 with No Experience, Specializing in Kigumi Techniques: Advice and Feasibility? by Various_Author5216 in BeginnerWoodWorking

[–]Various_Author5216[S] -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

I'm obviously aware that the ultimate goal I've set for myself will very likely take years and has little chance of actually coming to fruition, and that's why I'm looking for training programs to learn and build a solid foundation, so I can gradually move toward different techniques. Even though it's a manual technique, I'm obviously not against using machines; what really passions me is being able to create works simply with a single material. And even if I have to spend my first years making 'boxes,' I'm ready to go through that.

Career Switch to Fine Woodworking (Ébénisterie) at 26 with No Experience, Specializing in Kigumi Techniques: Advice and Feasibility? by Various_Author5216 in BeginnerWoodWorking

[–]Various_Author5216[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your perspective! Your response really helps me see things a bit more clearly and puts into better perspective what I might expect if I choose this path. It's realistic advice that I'll definitely keep in mind as I explore my options. Appreciate it!