One of Your Favorite Projects - and Where to Buy the Plans.

Patrick,

That is a nice looking clock. Sometimes it is satisfying just to get in a quick build and simply complete a project. This looks like it would be a wonderful weekend project especially if you are in the middle of a long project.

Thanks for the link.

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

I gotta say this.

plans… They really are over rated! All you need is a photo and “scale”.

“Scale” is whatever the item is for, based on something else in the picture. For instance… A nightstand is typically a good height to sit next to a bed. Is it 26” or 29”? It depends on the bed, and 1” DOESN”T MATTER!

Once you have the basic proportion, use the Golden section, Fibonnacci numbers, etc… to develop the rest. Draw it until you like it, or make a mock up of foam insulation, cardboard, and duct tape. MDF is cheap enough to build the entire item, full scale…

Joinery? Whatever will last is probably “correct”, as YOU are the maker. Dovetails, lock miters, M&T… Pick ‘em…

You don’t need no steenkin’ plans! All you need is a photo with something of known size in it, and a bsic knowledge of woodworking joinery.

Try it, and GROW! 8^) PLAY!!!

-- - Real men read directions

I sometimes use plans, especially if the item is complicated. I had good luck with a “Toys and Joys” plan:

Also have built several projects from the Woodsmith magazine- china closet and cradle

Meiselwood Hardware has some very good plans. I use their jump-a-peg game plans all the time and I also have their tablesaw toys plan. they are very easy to follow.

-- Rick Kruse, Rick's Rustics Handcrafted wood products Grand Rapids, MI

Now the LOADER is a great use of plans! Nice!

I was thinking more along the lines of furniture with the skip the plans and play comment.

-- - Real men read directions

I tinker with making my own plans (in SketchUp) and then modify as mistakes… uhhh design changes dictate. Maybe when I am practiced enough I can go entirely without plans, but for now I like having a starting place, otherwise how will I know when I make ‘design changes’ or when things are actually working properly LOL!

-- ....next big purchase is wood for the next project, Mark