Not necesarially, I do it for a living, and still as a hobby.

 

I would suggest that you find a custom builder in your area that builds the kind of project that you would like to see yourself working on and be honest with him. Tell him when you can work and that you are looking for experience in the trades. A good finish guy is worth gold just about anywhere but as you may have already guessed, it does take time to get to that level. I see more guys with a truck load of tools thinking that that is all they need to go to work and that may be in some cases. There is a common misconception that stain-grade work is more demanding than paint-grade but the fact is that any high-end work has to be tight and it doesn't matter if it gets paint or stain. If you want to get good at something, such as crown, then hang miles of it. It will show you what works and what does not. But you will save a lot of lumber by having someone show you the tricks. Craftsmanship is more an attitude than anything else. I've been a licensed general contractor for 22 years and have specialized in interior finish the last 15 in very high-end residential projects in the bay area and I still learn new things all the time. I have been lucky to have been involved in some really intricate and detailed projects some which have been in Architectural Digest, and there is always room for a new guy to help and learn. A skilled trade is always in demand and the money is good at the upper levels. Start slow with an open mind, be willing to listen and don't be afraid to make a mistake either.
I don't know about Texas but in CA anything over $500 requires a contractors license. Along with that is a minimum of $1 mil in liability insurance. The mistake many make is to think that it is a trade only. It is business like any other business and we have to deal with the contracts, paperwork, mechanics liens, change orders, as well as a lot of hand-holding with architects, designers, homeowners and even other contractors. And then there is that tricky business of getting paid.
As a second occupation I think you would do well to give some time to learning more about how things work. I know quite a few firefighters that are also contractors that are able to do both well, but they are busy guys. Good luck.


By the way, crown moulding is cut upside down and backwards!

 

I've been a commercial carpenter for 11 yrs- done every thing from concrete to crown. if you really like to be precise and sweat the details, then what i would suggest is trying solid surface counter tops[ corrian, avonite ect.]. you can really enjoy and take lots of pride in the precision of this stuff [not to mention the TALL cash you can make if you're good].so if the thought of building a top with a polish so bright [or you may prefer the dull look ]you can see up nose sounds good I'd give it a try.
not to really confuse you, but if you buy a compound miter saw, you can cut the crown 'normally'

 

i live just north of lake weatherford and i work in arlington so i don't get into weatherford that often. usally i head north or east. but if you are out by 730 and 1886, look me up.

 

o yea, texas has no requirement for a license, or insurance.