I have read a great number of postings on LJ by folks seeking plans to build this or that, but having no luck finding such. We have in our mind's eye an image of what we want, but cannot seem to find it on paper, anywhere. Of course not! The project doesn't exist. Even if we stumble upon a drawing that is similar; it will never be what we have in mind. Worst yet, the "plan" calls for equipment or tools we do not have, or perhaps skills not yet acquired.
A plan, in and of itself, is really nothing more than directions for how a thing is to be built, or a detailed record of how the thing was built. In regards to woodworking, a plan leads to the creation of a cut-list. Ultimately, the cut-list is what we seek. The cut-list answers two important questions. How much lumber do I need to acquire, or perhaps, do I have enough lumber on hand?
As a draftsman in the architectural casework and mill work industries for many years, I produced thousands upon thousands of shop drawings. From simple wall panel systems to the windows in the U.S. Capitol Building, from janitorial closet shelving to executive office furniture. With each and every one of these drawings came a cut-list. Although the drawings remained the same the cut-lists varied from shop to shop. As each shop employed different joinery techniques, they required their own unique cut-list.
For example: what is the length of part B?
We cannot answer the question until we know what the joint between part A and part B will be. For instance, if we use dowels we need a piece 12" long, but if we make a through tenon we'll need a piece 15" long. Furthermore, if we make simple mortise and tenon joint, the length of the piece could be anywhere between 12" and 15", depending on the depth of the mortises. Not only do we need to know what joinery, we also need to know what tools are being employed. Are we cutting the parts with hand tools or precisely calibrated machines? Do we leave some waste on the ends to allow for squaring, and if so how much, or are we going to cut square to start with?
So, picture your project in your mind's eye. Think about the machines and/or tools at your disposal. Imagine all the parts and their placement within the project. Visualize the joinery between the parts. Then, based on the height, width, and depth of the project, determine the dimensions of the individual parts and create a cut-list.
Do you still think you need a plan?
All comments and/or questions welcomed.
EDIT: Please see the Newbie Challenge post #38 in the comments below, I hope those of you new to woodworking will give this a try.
A plan, in and of itself, is really nothing more than directions for how a thing is to be built, or a detailed record of how the thing was built. In regards to woodworking, a plan leads to the creation of a cut-list. Ultimately, the cut-list is what we seek. The cut-list answers two important questions. How much lumber do I need to acquire, or perhaps, do I have enough lumber on hand?
As a draftsman in the architectural casework and mill work industries for many years, I produced thousands upon thousands of shop drawings. From simple wall panel systems to the windows in the U.S. Capitol Building, from janitorial closet shelving to executive office furniture. With each and every one of these drawings came a cut-list. Although the drawings remained the same the cut-lists varied from shop to shop. As each shop employed different joinery techniques, they required their own unique cut-list.
For example: what is the length of part B?
We cannot answer the question until we know what the joint between part A and part B will be. For instance, if we use dowels we need a piece 12" long, but if we make a through tenon we'll need a piece 15" long. Furthermore, if we make simple mortise and tenon joint, the length of the piece could be anywhere between 12" and 15", depending on the depth of the mortises. Not only do we need to know what joinery, we also need to know what tools are being employed. Are we cutting the parts with hand tools or precisely calibrated machines? Do we leave some waste on the ends to allow for squaring, and if so how much, or are we going to cut square to start with?
So, picture your project in your mind's eye. Think about the machines and/or tools at your disposal. Imagine all the parts and their placement within the project. Visualize the joinery between the parts. Then, based on the height, width, and depth of the project, determine the dimensions of the individual parts and create a cut-list.
Do you still think you need a plan?
All comments and/or questions welcomed.
EDIT: Please see the Newbie Challenge post #38 in the comments below, I hope those of you new to woodworking will give this a try.