Antique China Shop

Ling answers:

Not unless your eating paint chips from the furniture, and hopefully your not gonna do any Sanding? Then you may have a major problem the dust will certainely do you in with lead poisoning, A respirator is highly recommended,, But just by being around the furniture will do no harm at all, enjoy it

Ling answers:

My theory is if it's been around for the last 50 years or longer, it will still be here if you take care of it. The ultimate recycling. Be careful with refinishing some antiques, they are better if left alone. If you want to look at new check out this site. Good luck!

Ling answers:

Not really. You would learn tools for woodworking but not specific tools for furniture and cabinets. Furniture building is more in line with cabinet-makers. While some carpenters can build furniture, the Union does not. You would learn so much more at a furniture or cabinet shop. I am half self-taught and half learned by a friend. I also was in the Union at age 18. It gave general knowledge, but we built forms, scaffolds, etc... If that is where you want to start to gain employment and general knowledge, then go for it. Hope this helps a little.

Ling answers:

...that's difficult if you have an antique dealer do this because they typically appraise low in case you wish to "sell"...it gives them a better deal and you get rooked...the best bet would be to research online or visit the Antiques Roadshow website for further suggestions
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/roadshow/

Ling answers:

It's technically illegal, and if you get caught, it could jeopardize your unemployment. What you could do is to claim the income when you file your weekly claim. It will reduce your benefit for that week, but won't get you in trouble. Otherwise, you can not report it and hope you don't get caught. Good luck.

EDIT: IF you are not collecting unemployment, then you can do whatever you want to earn money. If the customer pays you by check, you are best off claiming it on your taxes at the end of the year. Offer a discount for cash of 10% or so, then you don't need to claim it. Good luck.