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A run of the mill blanket chest raised panels and stub tenon construction. Here's and example of being in the woodworking business. I suggested a number of the details should be different like better hinges, much nicer lid supports and a nice lock all vetoed buy the customer. So it makes a rather uninteresting chest but they thought it was wonderful. If I was making it for myself I could have made it the way I wanted with the details I wanted. Part of the cost of being in business instead of doing woodworking as a hobby

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Still turned out very nice!
 

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Jim,
you know better than anyone that the customer never picks out the wrong hinges, finish, species, or dimensions! Bottom line you completed your task and did a good job. Nice work my friend!
 

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nice work all around, very crisp
 

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Very nice chest.
I understand the customer getting what they want. If I have to stain another piece of oak black, I think I just may cry.
 

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they are never wrong ,
but most are never right either

i say to them when we get to know each other better ,

" you are the boss ,you may never be right , but you are always the boss " !

or if asked how long it will take ,

" when you are as broke as i am , we are done " !

i don't like it much either , jim ,
but you have done a fine job on it .
 

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Jim, All in all, it's still a nice chest. And, as long as the customer liked it and paid for it, it helps keep the doors open and the lights on. Maybe the next customer will appreciate your suggestions.
 

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Very nice work. I agree with you but the customer comes first. Your work is masterpiece.
 

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Jim A satisfied customer is a successful completed job.

The next one might have some more of the detail that you'd like to include.

You try to force your issues and they might walk. A lose / lose situation.

You now have a win/win situation.
 

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Jim they couldn't ask for a better job! you did what was asked of you and you gave them superb craftsmanship.
Making a customer happy with their purchase is what counts !
 

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jim your a pro and of coarse know the best things to include on a project like this..you offered that to them and they said no…you did your part by advising them..and then did a wonderful job for them…..chin high and be proud of your work…oh and can ya pull you skirt up a little…lol
 

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I think it looks really good Jim and you give the customer what they want, nice job
 

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Fantastic build Jim! You can allways advise, but that don't meen they will listen. If they are happy then you did your job by building a wonderfull piece to their specs.

Keep up the great work.

Scrappy
 

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Looks pretty good from here Jim even if yoiu didn't get to do it the way you would have liked to improve it.
 

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Jim, you have a lot of experience & that shows! The box looks great & will wast for generations too. I think I have used those soft close supports before & were a bit of a fuss to mount just right. The type from Rockler had to be matched with the weight of the lid as to not slam shut or not want to close at all. Could you see closing the lid and having it want to rise on it's own, Ha.
 

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Thanks everyone for you kind words
I'm not complaining about having work. I've had contacts about people wanting to get in the business, an I wanted to point out that doing woodworking for a living is a lot different than doing wood working as a business.
 

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Jim, I really like the raised edge around it..perfect for cushion seating. I think it's a really nice blanket chest. Maybe they wanted hand made by an artist, but within their budget. Whatever. It looks very nice. As long as the customer is happy!
 

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Jim, you are absolutely right. I have been thinking lately how glad I am I'm not in the wood business. It is too much fun to screw it up by having to do it on a schedule and be productive enough to make a $$$.
 

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I probably won't make a fortune in business.. I make things the way I think they should be done… I don't accept commissions if they want it done their way..I can now say no if I don't want to do a job… before it was yes sir no sir anything you want sir… now I say too busy if I don't want to take it on….. Have not had a problem so far… early days though… most people I know realize that I will make it the best I can and that I usually go a little bit further than is generally required…
If they really want it their way I tell them that they can make it themselves… here in my workshop…not too many takers so far LOL ,,, most comments are along the lines of '' I did not really know what I wanted till you made it..'' so I do what I can…
All that said… you have done a very competent job… within the brief….and they are happy.
 

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Looks good Jim. If the customers happy I am happy. Good build as always!

God Bless
tom
 

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Very nice chest! I don't think I have ever completed a project without thinking of some improvements for next time. In your case with this chest, I wonder if the customer will feel regrets after they live with this chest for awhile. They might come back to request you to add some of your original suggested features!
 
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