Well on this thread with the last few posts there's too much to respond too. Heh! I will say one of the things i've been considering offering now that i have a machine that will cut full sheet. Standardized and custom case kits. Mainly for the DIY guy that just can't afford or doesn't have the space for all the larger tools he thinks he needs to cut the case goods. That way he can use his little chop saw and folding table saw to make the doors, drawers and face frames. Honestly, I got paid minimum wage to work for this one cabinet shop as an "apprentice" for a while years ago. In this shop the "panel saw" was a good circular saw and a straight edge with a couple clamps. It was actually my first experience with building anything out of sheet. Before that it was all mill work with solid hardwood and rustic out of cedar and pine. I learned a lot of interesting skills from the old guys. The one old delta table saw was reserved for dadoes and I wasn't allowed to touch it.
As far as the big box stores, i've worked for both at one time or another. I know all about the headaches they run into. Another question i get now and then is if i can match their work. Followed by the story that they're a couple cabinets short. As far as furniture, yes i can be compete with their regular prices but not their "sale prices". We have Hardens Furniture up here that has over the top prices for what you get. I also have an unfinished corner curio cabinet in the shop from them someone wanted fixed. They got it at the "Seconds" store where they sell their broken unfinished furniture. I kind of opened their eyes about the quality when one of the parts broken was the main shelf. It was 5/8" thick with 3/8" glued dowel pins on three corners. No dadoes, just free to crack and break with too much load. The local refinisher wont even touch anything made from them after 1950.
Regards
Randy
I don't always indulge in evil scientific research...but when i do. I make the parts on a ShopBot.