We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Roger Bayne. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Roger below.

Roger, appreciate you joining us today. Can you share a customer success story with us?

New Entryway Coat Rack and Bench Crafted from Reclaimed Tennessee Corn Crib Timber

Recently, a family asked me to create a unique entryway coat rack and bench using materials rich in their history. They provided an old door from their grandfather’s house and timber from a corn crib in Tennessee, which had also served as a cherished playhouse for their great-grandchildren.

The family wanted to preserve the door and wood’s integrity, valuing their natural imperfections. I embraced these characteristics to highlight the wood’s history while crafting a functional furniture piece.

I designed the coat rack and bench to seamlessly integrate the door and timber, ensuring each element told the family’s story. The finished piece serves both a practical purpose and as a beautiful reminder of their roots, bringing warmth and character to their home.

Roger, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

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.
I am married to my best friend, and we have shared our lives together since 1981. While it may be a cliche that many people use, I embrace it because it’s true. Without God and my wife, I would not be who I am or where I am today. We have two wonderful children who have joined us on this adventure and have blessed us with loving spouses and six beautiful grandchildren.
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.
What We’re Building
My family provides me with new opportunities to advance my woodworking skills regularly, and I use them as guinea pigs as I continue to learn new skills.
These days I appreciate the clients who have trusted me to build for them. Each project is unique but I have some favorites. Check out our website to see the Farm Table with a race track, A 60″ round black walnut table, and a bunk bed for my granddaughters.
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!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I am a typical IT guy and an introvert. I’m not very social, and I don’t excel at small talk or self-promotion. However, social media is essential in driving the maker and woodworking industry. My introduction to this world began on Instagram, where I learned to develop my online presence and start making connections. Although many makers have more followers, I take pride in the number of followers I have and am thankful to new followers each day.
The next step for me was moving to YouTube, where I needed to learn how to speak clearly and logically to help others understand my processes. I’ve focused on what might interest not only people in my market but also DIY enthusiasts. I’ve discovered that being myself is what works best. My goal for YouTube is to monetize the channel, which I successfully achieved a while ago. With 2,710 followers and videos that have garnered thousands of views, I’m making steady progress.
Social media requires time and dedication. It’s important to be consistent and post regularly. While advice from others can be helpful, it’s also essential to develop a thick skin and ignore negative comments—just laugh them off and move on!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Be honest with others. Not every job aligns with my skills. While I continue to learn and master my craft, I don’t need to accept every opportunity. Many of us struggle with the fear of saying no. It’s important to embrace challenges, but it’s equally important to recognize when to decline.
Pay attention to the little things. Details are crucial not only for client satisfaction but also for your reputation. Remember, the best advertising is a satisfied client. I always try to keep in mind that I am my only competition. Learning from others is great, but develop your style and stay true to it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://baynecustomwoodworking.com/
• Instagram: @baynecustomwoodworking
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/baynecustomwoodworking
• Linkedin: BAYNE CUSTOM WOODWORKING LLC
• Twitter: @baynecustomwood
• Youtube: @BayneCustomWoodworking
• Other: https://pinterst.com/baynecustomwoodworking

Image Credits

These are pictures taken by myself or my wife. We own all the photos. The children are all my grandchildren