A large part of what I do each day is to look for woodworking
plans, online, in magazines and from the may books in my
woodworking library. I find many of the old books and magazines
most interesting as the level of woodcraft used in executing the
plans is much higher. Plans from my grandfathers era, a time when
woodworking was mostly hands on. Still finding the right plan for
you is important and Peter Wilson has the following to say....
Woodworking plans are an essential component of any project. Wood
working patterns and scroll saw patterns are needed to plan a
project and create accents in your piece. Good plans give step by
step instructions, diagrams and illustrations to guide you through
from start to finish. You can buy plans, find them for free on the
internet or make your own plan.
Finding Woodworking Plans
Free woodworking patterns can be found on the internet. Many are
free, but others need to be purchased. You can search for general
plans or for specific projects. Patterns are available for
everything from a simple box or bird feeder to elaborate furniture
projects. Several websites offer plans for making children?s toys
and decorative items. Enter the project you are looking for in your
favourite search engine or just enter free woodworking plans.
There are books available that are devoted to wood working
patterns. You can find these at book stores, on the internet or in
your local library. Often, woodworking magazines will contain plans
for a wide variety of projects. Purchase a few of these at your
local news stand. After you have found one you like best, you may
decide to subscribe and receive new plans month after month.
If you are new to woodworking, it?s best to start of with a simple
pattern. This will help you learn to read and follow the plans. As
your skills increase, you can move on to more difficult projects.
Start off with a simple toy or bird feeder before attempting to
make a dining room set. Look for detailed and thorough plans to
help you create your project.
Good plans include detailed instructions. The instructions should
take you step by step through the entire project. Look for plans
that have detailed diagrams as well as illustrations of the project
at each stage. Print out your plans and keep them in a binder. This
will help keep you organized and prevent pages from getting lost or
damaged.
You can follow the plan step by step or you may decide to make a
few changes to the plan. Changing a few details is a great way to
make a generic plan more personal and original. For example, you
can change certain designs or accent pieces and give the project a
whole new look. Another option is to paint the finished product,
rather than staining.
Creating Woodworking Plans
Once you become more experienced, you may decide to try to create
your own plan. Start by sketching how you want the finished product
to look. The first sketch doesn?t need to be too technical or
detailed. You will add the details and dimensions later. Once you
have made your original sketch, determine the dimensions of the
total finished product.
Determine what type of wood you will use in your project and how
much wood you will need. It?s important to use accurate
measurements when ordering the wood to avoid running out before the
project is finished. Determine what other materials you will need
to complete the project. This will help you estimate the total
cost.
Create a detailed list of all materials needed and the quantity of
each material. Include items such as paint, stain or polyurethane.
Consider the tools that will be needed to complete the project. Do
you have all that you need? With this information, you can then
determine the overall cost. Take this list with you when you go out
to purchase supplies.
You will then draw a more detailed sketch of your design. Create
diagrams like those found in woodworking plans on the internet.
Draw each stage of the process in detail. Write out detailed
instructions that will take you step by step through the project.
This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don?t skip
any essential steps along the way.
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