Do you make scale model for every project?

I design on the fly. Very seldom even draw a plan, much less make a model:-)

-- Debt is nothing more than the 21st Century's form of slavery.

I’ve never made a model, but I almost always make a scale drawing.

-- "At its best, life is completely unpredictable." - Christopher Walken

I have actually have taken to using SketchUp my prototyping work….

-- Chris

Draw to scale and go from there.

-- Jerry--A man can never have enough tools or clamps

I have to develop a drawing to work with. From this I will use the Sketchup drawing to work up a material and cut list using Cutlist. But I have never made a scale model of any of the furnitue that I have built.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

I always work from some sort of drawing. I don’t make scale models but I do make some parts out of scrap first especially if it’s something that I’ve not tried in the past or a new “technique”. The one thing that I do do is I make a “dry run” of most every cut. I will set up table saw up with the blade all the way down and run the workpiece through the saw. I’m checking for interferences, how the piece fits against the fence, do I need a push stick, etc.

-- Chunk

I usually make a sketch, I’ve only made a model for a lingerie chest that I was making for my daughter and daughter-in-law. I wanted them to visualize it.

-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †

It all depends on the project for me. If it is for a customer I will draw it using Google SketchUp and get their approval on the final design before making it so after it’s done they can’t say “thats not what we agreed upon” then I simply bring out the drawing with their signature on it and say “yes it is”. On the other hand if it is something I am building for myself or a gift I rarely even sketch it on a piece of paper, everything is neatly organized in my head, this doesn’t work for everybody but it works for me.

-- A hammer dangling from a wall will bang and sound like work when the wind blows the right way.

I never have made a model. I usually make a rough sketch that shows the overall dimensions and a few design ideas, but beyond that I build on the fly. However, I do stop and think a lot about what lies ahead after I complete a given section of the work, for example the frame of a cabinet. It is sort of like chess; I can think about three or four steps ahead and in woodworking that seems to be far enough. In chess it is not and that may explain why I am such a lousy chess player, or as the good players put it, I am just a wood pusher. True statement I guess in more ways than one.

-- Rowdy in Kechi, Kansas

Like most of the responses, I make a sketch and work from that.

Sometimes, when the layout/fit is critical, I make a full size drawing. I find this really helps get the measurements correct.

DaveR has helped me with some Sketchup drawings and I try to use it when I have lots of time.

Lew

Rarely do I make models but have on a couple of occasions

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

I draw up a set of plans if requested before the piece is delivered.

-- Dan-- Info for all @ http://www.hoistman.com

I design as i go . Most of the stuff i do is scaled down as it is .

-- John in Belgrave ,(Slideshow ) http://cid-69bce320c6d8b119.skydrive.live.com/play.aspx/Extreme%20Birdhouses/P1030026.JPG?ref=2 (Website) http://www.extremebirdhouse.com

I hand sketch and do clean drawings.

I have made several models for expensive projects but got paid for it. The clients wanted to insure they were comfortable with the way they were spending their money.

The model or drawing never hits 100% of the finished project. Once I get the drawing close enough, we make design modifications on it and I just note it on the drawing, sketch, or in the notebook for models. Then I just go straight to making the project.

The model or drawings are a platform to work from but it is only once in a while do I have drawings or a model that is 100% complete and accurate to the finished project.

Small shops can get away with this. Start adding employees and everything needs to be completely detailed.

Most of my work is sold on rough sketches and designing on the fly. I only need key measurements. I think that you will find many experienced cabinetmakers or craftsman that have small shops work this way.

I have not taken the time to learn Sketchup but I plan on it. I realize it’s potential as a communication tool.

-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com

i have never made a model, just grab the wood no matter big or small and make what on mind,

Rosewood,

-- http://picasaweb.google.com/deniirawan66

Todd is right, I’m a small one man shop, so the only reason I do drawings is more for the customer to see what it will look like. I have a CAD system that is designed for cabinetry layout, so will use that for kitchens and basic cabinetry work, but for furniture I will do sketches. I’ve done a few models before, but not too often. I just designed a contemporary end table, coffee table and chest of drawers for a customer and did a small model of the coffee table to show her. She loved the model and I’m sure it helped to close the deal…...or maybe it was just my good looks! LOL.

-- John @ Myrtle Beach

I agree with Todd. I work pretty much the same way. A sketch and some details and off to the project. Trying to design something completely can take too much time. My clients are always making some change or another.

-- Oldworld, Fair Oaks, Ca

Well..in my case..for the furniture sucks as chairs and tables..I usually have templates of pieces I’m making that I use to shape the parts off of..but most of the time..I make according to the deminsion im my mind..I know how I want a piece to look and how to go about making it..I first build it in my mind..then go from there..the tv lift curved cabinet I got the idea from Les Hastings.. and I took it from there and did it by the seat of my pants..

-- Randall Child