I've Enjoyed the comments on the rollers, learned some nice things. We rode the rollers a lot, both for winter training and competition in Chicago during the '40's and '50's. Wood rollers were always the nicest. If someone wants to make them, have fun. Do it as a hobby and as a portion of KoF tradition. Don't expect to make a big profit and you won't be disappointed. The market will be small and if you consider the sales vulume vs. ALL the legitmate business costs, than you can project some numbers.
It's the same with KoF frame production. With all shop costs and regulations, To be reasonably viable one would have to be set up to make 3 to 5 frames a day or the return on craftsmanship is meager indeed. All the builders mentioned are artists, and in a market that doesn't pay for this type of art, the return other than doing it their way is indeed small in today's economy. I've often held that unless someone's spouse had a good job, or a builder's shop could absorb the ancilliary cost, or the builder had an inheritance or pension, it would be hard to make a nice living as the skill deserves in today's world.
So, please support these folks where and whenever possible so they don't give up. If you treasure your hobby and passion, treasure those that keep the flame, too. Ted Ernst Palos Verdes Estates, CA
> List,
>
> I have a friend who is thinking about making some wood rollers to sell.
> Now
> I know that New England Yankee used to build them in the 60's but I
> haven't
> seen any since. Does anybody have an opinion on these and if the response
> is
> favorable, should they be fairly easy to sell?
>
> Cheers,
>
> Peter Koskinen
> Chapel Hill,NC
> http://www.incredimail.com/
> CLICK HERE!