Hallway Bench

Nice looking bench Austin. No idea what to charge for it. Do you make a living doing woodwork? if so, you should charge your normal hourly rate and back out the cost of materials – depending on how close you are to your friend. If you don’t make a living doing woodwork – figure out how long it took you to make it and factor in your finish materials. Then either come up with an hourly rate or pick out a tool that you want and go with that price.

-- Bill - "Suit yourself and let the rest be pleased." http://www.cajunpen.com/

Austin, If you are not making a living at woodworking? Pick out the exact tool and see if your friend will buy it for you in exchange. He will either show up with the tool or not, depending on how much he wants it. Then, no one’s feelings are hurt. If he does not bring the tool at least you will still have a very nice bench. The plus side also, you’ll still have the friend.
God bless

-- Gene, a Christian in Virginia

Both of those are very good ideas except, it really depends to me just how good of a friend we’re discussing. For my very close friends I usually charge a case of beer, or a nice bottle of wine, or maybe a bottle of bourbon. Then I share it with them!

-- Bob Vila would be so proud of you!

Its a great bench, I like big holes for shoes, and boots.

-- Andy Stark

Great looking bench—My own feeling is that there’s no way I could make a living doing wood work, so I either give my work away or ask to be reimbursed for materials. The fun is in the building. That said, I’d think this project is somewhere between a high end router and a domino joiner… Remember that money is worthless (worth less and less everyday!)—at least the tool should hold it’s value. Good luck!

-- SteveL