Today we’d like to introduce you to Roger Bayne.
Hi Roger, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Some time ago, someone asked me how I developed the skills necessary to be a woodworker. To this day, my honest answer is “by the grace of God.” I am grateful for this gift because, on my own, I often doubt my patience when it comes to building.
Building Out of Necessity:
When we started our family, I was working in a warehouse and earning a modest income. I needed to learn how to build toys, cabinets, and other things for my children and my wife. I taught myself to build using old pallet wood from the warehouse and any materials I could salvage from the trash. Ultimately, I became a woodworker out of necessity!
My First Workshop:
After 15 years of marriage, I transitioned from working in a warehouse to a computer room. While the IT industry provided a better income for our family, I never lost my desire to work with wood. However, my only workspace was a damp, dark basement that tended to flood whenever it rained too hard. I had an old Craftsman table saw, a grinder repurposed as a disc sander, a used bandsaw, and a collection of hand tools. Eventually, I was able to upgrade to a new table saw, which made woodworking a bit easier.
From New York to Tennessee:
In 2009, we moved from Upstate New York to Middle Tennessee for my job. After a year of seeing my tools packed away in the garage of a rented condo, we finally found a house with a 20′ x 25′ outbuilding that would make an excellent woodworking shop. This new shop has allowed me to expand my skills with new tools and take on more challenging projects.
The Business
Bayne Custom Woodworking represents my transition from the world of computers to the craft of building custom keepsakes. Rather than retiring, I chose to swap my office desk for a workbench where I could create and work with wood. In November 2019, my wife looked at me and said, “I think it’s time we change roles in the family.” She had established her graphic design business about 30 years ago and has since become a successful book designer and self-publishing expert. Following her encouragement, I submitted my notice at work, and my last day in the office was March 12, 2021.
My goal is to help clients save and create memories through my craftsmanship. For instance, a mother-daughter team approached me with a dream table they envisioned. They shared a picture and asked me to bring it to life. The design featured rounded ends and upside-down archway legs. I collaborated with my artist wife, who helped me create the shape using cardboard, and together, we successfully crafted the table.
In another project, a client was remodeling a 1940s home and wanted me to construct a console table using old studs from the house. I was happy to take on that challenge and created a piece that not only serves a functional purpose but also preserves a piece of history.
The Future
We’re excited about the amazing possibilities the future holds! Join us on Instagram to stay updated on our latest projects as we bring them to life. We’d also love for you to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where you can enjoy a mix of in-depth instructional videos and fun one-minute clips. Plus, don’t miss our Facebook page, which is updated by my spouse—she shares unique insights and behind-the-scenes glimpses of our work. We can’t wait to share this journey with you! We’re excited about what the future holds!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Running a small business requires juggling multiple roles and continuously improving your skills. In woodworking, choosing the right technique is important, but regular updates and learning new methods are essential for building better projects.
As a small business owner, I find pricing challenging—it’s hard to balance fair rates for clients with making a profit.
I have gained experience negotiating with vendors and suppliers to secure the best prices for both my shop and clients.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Bayne Custom Woodworking?
My company reflects my identity—I create custom furniture tailored for homes and offices. Clients bring me unique concepts, sometimes asking to blend features from several pieces into one design. I also restore old furniture, transforming worn items into something new, like when I recently converted a client’s childhood piano into a dining table bench. After a tornado in Tennessee, a client brought me the remains of a destroyed family heirloom bed. I repurposed its parts into useful items like boxes and quilt racks for their home.
What makes you happy?
Completing a project and seeing clients’ reactions when it’s delivered is rewarding. Helping customers define and realize their vision by creating the right product is key. Our pieces are designed to endure for a lifetime, and we take great care to ensure each one complements our clients’ homes and lifestyles.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://baynecustomwoodworking.com/
- Instagram: @baynecustomwoodworking
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/baynecustomwoodworking
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rbayne/
- Twitter: @baynecustomwood
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BayneCustomWoodworking
- Other: https://pinterst.com/baynecustomwoodworking
