Exploration mock-ups and models

Hi Chip:

I’m a rustic furniture maker. Typically, I create my own designs then make many copies that I sell to my customers (retail and wholesale). I find making models an excellent way of thinking through a new design and even making a model that I can show to my cutomers.

I usually create models at 1/2 scale and use the same materials and finishes that I will use in the final product. I mainly use twigs and barnwood, so my model materials are cheap. Besides, I’v always got a supply of left over materials that are too short for regular size products.

I’ve been thinking about using my models in hanging signs for display at craft shows and perhaps for some of my retailer customers.

-- Randy (P), rustic wood crafts, Morning View, Kentucky

That’s an interesting point that had never occured to me Randy… mini, easy to haul around ads. Another thing that makes the time they take to make just a bit more digestable.

I have found that the models help to sure up the sale to the actual customer, make them feel more confident in their selection of you as a craftsman, and even on occasion help get the price up a bit because they get more into the piece and can identify better with the work it will take.

I also think it’s interesting that you do them in 1/2 scale. I’ve been doing mine in 1/4 scale and the details do get a bit tedious. Maybe the next time I’ll scale up and try it 1/2.

Thanks for commenting.

-- Better to say nothing and be thought the fool... then to speak and erase all doubt.

Dons Blog has quite a bit of information on the topic. You might check it out. On a complicated piece I’ll do a full scale drawing.

-- http://www.woodsongsfurniture.com

Shoot Dennis, another newbie mistake. Thought I had looked all over this site and even ran some search words. And then bam, there’s Don’s blog. Sorry about that. It was very informative.

-- Better to say nothing and be thought the fool... then to speak and erase all doubt.

I don’t have the time, money or resources to waste on a mock-up. Or maybe I think I’m good enough to just draw it out on a piece of paper and then figure out everything from there.

-- http://ye-olde-cabinet-shoppe.com/

Most of what I make comes from plans, so someone else did the trial and error on them. Except for my turnings which I do by eye or I guess you can say trial and error.

-- Jesus is Lord!

Trial and error, or “spontaneous design change” Os!

I think I mentioned in this similar, but diverging string on Don’s Blog (Dennis linked to above…. If a reapeat question comes up, we jocks race to be the first to share the link, eh?)
There is a woodworker in Conn, who builds his prototypes one step ahead to save time… if he likes how the chair arms come out, for example, then all the tools are already at the right setting. I think this is a good idea, but I’ve yet to try it. In one sense I like the idea of having a keeper piece, if the “real” project is a commission. But I don’t necc. think making a fullscale is all that cheap, even if out of pine or halfway descent ply.

I like the idea of 1/2 scale models, or a maquette, that is what sculptors do when working on a commissioned piece. These would be great to take to shows. Some people may have a hard time visualizing it in full scale, but I’ll bet it’s easier than trying to visualize from a drawing.

I was thinking about making smaller sized pieces, bigger than doll-house sized, but easy to toe around a “house-full” of furniture samples, but that could get tedious, working in that scale. Full scale with foamcore or cardboard would be quick and easy. but after watching the Wood Whisperer do his latest project in google sketch-up, I’ll have to give that a whirl. The last full scale drawings I did took me a full weekend to get the details right. and my back was killing me all hunched over the kitchen table with a huge roll of newsprint, trying to draw something larger than the table itself!

-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/

THAT’S IT…SPONTANEOUS DESIGN CHANGES…THANKS, SCOTTB! WHY DIDN’T I THINK OF THAT?

-- Jesus is Lord!

I do not usually do a mock up, especially if the items is from a set of plans. If there is something tricky, I will do that on a practice piece to make sure I have the set up right.

I agree with Obi, I do not have the dollars or space to make mock ups of many items. On a few occasions, I may to a mock up of a particular joint or shape that I am not familiar with. But those are generally exceptions to the rule.

If I was heading to a craft faire, or visiting a retailer, then I might consider a model for use. Right now, that has not been necessary.

-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com

I haven’t made a model yet but drawings really help me sort out details and make the generation of a cutlist quick. I recently read an article on FWW, I think, about using corrugated cardboard as a cheap alternative to full and half-size mockups. I’ll see if I can locate that for you.

-- Jeff, St. Paul, MN

Chip, this isn’t the article I was thinking of but it does address reasons for models.

http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/SkillsAndTechniques/SkillsAndTechniquesPDF.aspx?id=2341

It has a ‘membership required’ note on the page, BUT, I heard Fine Woodworking was having a free trial going on right now for the online version. This may or may not be the case.

UPDATE: here is the one I had previously read by Gary Rogowski.
http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/ProjectsAndDesign/ProjectsAndDesignPDF.aspx?id=27826

-- Jeff, St. Paul, MN

Thanks Jeff! I’ll check that out now.

-- Better to say nothing and be thought the fool... then to speak and erase all doubt.

I used foam board that you get at the craft stores to build a 1/4 scale model of a piece that I’m making. I wanted my daughter and daughter-in-law to make a decision on number of Panels and no of drawers before starting construction.

They each picked something different that what I’d have picked if I hadn’t asked.

-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com

I’ve never made mock-ups because I don’t have time and more importantly I don’t like to waste wood. I’m sure someone will say that it isn’t a waste if it prevents mistakes but it still costs money. For my purposes, I usually draw my projects on grid paper to “scale” to see if it will look right. For complex things like furniture where it may need to be ergonomically correct, there are plenty of examples around my house for that purpose.

-- There are three types of people in the world, those who can count and those who can't!

Chip.

I must be the oddball on this subject. I guess that doesn’t surprise me. I tend to do things a little differently. Its not the way for everyone but this has worked well for me.

Time is money. Mistakes are costly.

Because I design and build most of my own furniture this has saved me time and money over the long haul. I don’t make mocksups or prototypes for small simple time tested projects that I trust the drawing or plans .

Almost with out exception I have used mock ups, drawings, patterns, jigs and models for ever piece of furnture I have built. This is especially true for my mission collection. I certainly didn’t make a prototype out of actual red oak for a large piece like a hutch.

I build prototypes much more often for the smaller pieces. I then either use the pieces for my final project or I complete the piece and sell it or trade it when I’m done.

I draw my own templates, patterns and drawings. I often find that a good drawing or plan is hard to find these days in a magazine or woodworking book or a stand alone plan. Often there is mistakes in these plans. Most often the construction methods they use are not what I want to use.

Because I modify almost ever piece I build to my tastes, style, and construction methods I use a mock up. I then use what ever plan or idea or source I had found as a guide only. This is primary because I am a visual learner and also trained in drafting and like to draw.

I also am somewhat of a artist and like to sketch. I also like to design and build my own work.

Many times I have built a prototype piece, to make a “lessons learned” project that has lead me to much better ways of construction, much quicker construction methods, and a better final project that costs less to build and can be built in less time.

I understand the concern about the cost time and space issue. When I first started out I would build a prototype and after I had made my changes after “lessons learned” I would either sell that piece or a lot of times trade it for tools and equipment.

One side note, to take in consideration. If I am building say a end table, it takes less time to build two than one. What I mean by that is there is only one set up then for the machines, ( mortice and tenon) or dado, or what ever method your using. This then allows for a considerable amount of time savings.

I can’t tell you how many times I have built a piece and always make a extra piece anyways because some where down the line I would make a mistake, or find a knot or maybe some chip out or other reason to need that piece. It is so time consuming to go back and set up all the machines again.

I’m sure one other reason I got into the habit of making patterns or mock ups is I thought there would be a very good chance somewhere down the line someone would ask me if I could build that piece of furnture for them. That has happened many times. I then just go to my pattern box and file on that project along with my notes on “lessons learned” and it all comes back and is much quicker to build.

Finally, build it and they will come. Of all the prototypes, I have built I have yet not been able to sell or trade it.

“Build it they will come – and buy it” or it makes a great gift for someone….....

-- Dusty

I would sketch out a project. I’ve done more construction work than making furniture, even then I always try to think ahead as to whats coming next and anticipate and plan for it. For furniture I just look at something sit down and make a drawing and start putting numbers to it, it seems to work for me, most of the time. But like I said I don’t do it for a living. jockmike

-- Mike. Profisher50@yahoo.com

Some may consider this cheating but I call it using resources that I have at my disposal. As an engineer, I have access to 3D modeling software. I have used this before when I have a new design that I am working on. With the software I can draw each component and then put them all together in an assembly drawing. What is nice with this is I can verify that all the pieces will fit together as I have envisioned in my brain. I am currently getting ready to draw up my next project and I hope that it looks as good in the model as it does in my mind. This does not prevent “on the fly design changes” but it provides me with a fairly accurate visual to work towards.

I will still do mock ups and tests with pine for something that is new to me as far as a skillset goes. I would like to enter the lastest challenge but it exceeds my capabilities both in skill, equipment and available time :-(

-- Brandon, Maine, www.maineweddingtrellis.com

That is great Brandon. I am sure many of us would like to have such software, and the skills to use it. I would like to find an inexpensive program that will enable me to create the drawings, as well as a cutting list with mark outs on the boards. That would allow me to better purchase boards to fit my needs, and prevent over or under buying (usually over).

-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com

Brandon,

I don’t think using a 3D software is cheating at all. I wish I knew how to use a 3D software effectively. My problem with 3D software is knowing which to use that’s priced conservatively. Sketchup is free and at first use seems easy but it still takes a learning curve. Hopefully soon I’ll be able to effectively use it for some of my projects.

I once used quick cad and became quite frustrated with the dimensions changing from something like 14” to 13.9999”.

-- There are three types of people in the world, those who can count and those who can't!

Guys, I have the solution to your wants and needs for some cheap (free) 3D software. Recently, Marc Spagnoulo (our friend the Wood Whisperer) answered a query from a viewer about his process. He commented that he roughs out ideas with a software the Google has posted. They have a whole sub-site for it and everything. It’s not real robust like a full blown application but it’s FREE. You do, however, have the option to upgrade. Regardless, it is simple and easy to use supposedly. I checked it out and the interface is very simple looking and not overwhelming. Oh yeah, did I mention, it’s FREE.

The name of the silly thing is escaping me though. I’ll find it and post a link shortly.

Bill, I have also seen such software of which you speak. At one time, I had a list of them. I think it is in a bookmark folder on our other computer. I’ll look for that as well.

-- Jeff, St. Paul, MN

Found it! Google SketchUp 6

http://sketchup.google.com/

There are video tutorials, etc. This is Google’s short write up. “Google SketchUp 6 is a free, easy-to-learn 3D modeling tool that enables you to explore the world in 3D. With just a few simple tools, you can create 3D models of houses, sheds, decks, home additions, woodworking projects – even space ships. And once you’ve built your models, you can place them in Google Earth, post them to the 3D Warehouse.”

-- Jeff, St. Paul, MN

Anyone who is really interested in sketchup should check out the sawmillcreek.org design forum. Maybe we need to get a design thread going here.

-- -John "Do I have to keep typing a smiley? Just assume it's a joke." www.flickr.com/photos/gizmodyne