How long does it take?

I'm not a turner, but isn't the price you set roughly equivalent to your effort in making the product? So if the bowl is $200, and you think you're worth $40/hour... I would say "It took me 5 hours to make, but 20 years to learn how to make it".

Good question, Darrell. I have very few customers so I'm not among the enlightened, atho my giftees almost always ask that question. I take it as a compliment implying that such a nice object must have taken me much time to make. Actually they are surprised at the little time it took to turn and finish. (ok y'all, no snide remarks that it shows)

Most customers could make the same arguments re their endeavors that we turners use re our learning period and cost of tools, supplies etc. One or two of us may have asked questions about other's vocations/hobbies that they considered dumb or to be laughed at.

I believe people want to know about the time taken to turn and finish an object. They don't feel obligated to pay for our education and learning period, nor do we for theirs. Their assessment of our skill and artistry and of the piece itself, probably has more to do with their education and enlightenment than ours.

Turn to Safety, Arch Fortiter

I wish that was the case... I'd get a plasma tv for about $15... takes just a few minutes to make, right?

I think that most people that ask how long it takes to turn a bowl are more interested in the process or imagining them selves doing it than in using the time it took to establish a price... Hell, ALL my prices are negotiable... you pay my asking price or more, and you own the piece... *g*

mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

Darrell, I start my answer by noting that the bowl still had bark on it when I met it. That I cut the log into bowl blanks in the woods and lugged them out to my truck where I began the drying process by coating the ends with a special wax emulsion. I then explain that there is a series of mounting, turning, drying, turning and finishing that can span several months to a year. All told, there is about a full days work involved in each bowl.

But aint it a beaut?

Bill