Using Woodworking Plans

Using Woodworking Plans or Going it Alone

So you have decided to make that cool project that you have been wanting to create
for some time. Now the big question you have to ask yourself is do you try to wing it or
do you use a plan? I have done both and let me tell you, I have to say that both are
fun. But if you want to reduce some aggravation and guess work, I recommend using
a plan.

Practicals

Here are some things that a plan gives you.
All measurements are made for you
Joinery techniques are figured out
Cut lists are provided
Step by step instructions are given
Lots of pictures to help you figure out if what you’re doing is correct
You can stop at any particular step without forgetting what to do next.

Advantages

Most woodworker's tweak here and there, it comes with the territory. Even if you use a
plan, you can still do that. Leaving the brain work behind for the basic design is
liberating to me. You can always add different edge profiles or dress up your project
with trim. You can evaluate how you want to do this by reading through the plan
before you even start the project. When you work from your head, you often wish you
could go back and change a small detail for an idea that you had later in the project

Technology

The internet has made it easier than ever to have a host of plans at your fingertips.
Many if not all of them are downloadable, which means when you find one you like;
you can have it right now. This gives you back some time instead of going to a retail
location and window shopping. (and probably saves you some cash too). A lot of
plans today come in PDF format which is also good. These PDF files can be
downloaded anywhere and all you need is an adobe reader to use them. Most
computers today come with the reader preinstalled.
Color photos are also included on most plans. One of the best new views on plans
today is the exploded 3D view. These views take the photo and show it in full view and
what it looks like going together. Often they are turned in 3D so that you can see all
the aspects of how it is joined. Most time you can assemble the project by referencing
these photos only without the written text.

Parts

Most plans will tell you what you need to buy besides the lumber. Good ones will even
give you the sources to acquire them as well. Nothing is more frustrating than
knowing that you need a specific size knob and you have no idea where to get it. I
really like the plans that give me an idea of how much the project is going to cost me.
A lot of time I build the project myself for two reasons. One is that I built it, and two is
that it was more cost effective for me to build it then buy it.

Recommendations

I recommend you look for plans that have all these aspects that we have discussed.
Individuals today are coming out with their own designs that put some of the “pros” to
shame. Make sure you find our everything that is available and then choose the right
plan for you.

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permission.

2007 Copyright protected by Router Table Depot. This article may not be reprinted
without specific permission.

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