subject: Four Essential Features of Quality Wood Plans [print this page] Unless you are just blessed with an unusual gift for crafting most of your projects start in the same place; finding quality wood plans to work from. When I first started woodworking, plans were difficult to read and sometimes still can be, even after many years of experience. I recently bought a large set of plans for different projects online and I was struck by how good the quality was, so I thought I would share four reasons I was so impressed.
1.Contrast
When I first started out, most plans were black and white, copied in a copier or bound in a book, printed with the cheapest ink and means possible. However, with plans on the computer, we can have color and contrast now. This is a big deal, because it makes plans easier and simpler to read.
Contrast and color really help you get a feel for how the whole thing fits together. It highlights depth and dimension and makes different measurements stand out as belonging to a certain section. Nothing like reading a measurement and having to double check that it really belongs to the section you are working on. This feature saves a lot of "measuring three times and cutting once."
2.Cross Section Modeling
To go along with easier measuring, having plans that break down the entire section into parts is essential. Plans that provide different points of view or cross sections of the project really help you micromanage the project and build each part correctly. By breaking a large complicated project into small bits, you can work more efficiently without feeling lost or overwhelmed.
3.Clear Written Instructions
Don't buy plans where the type and print is misaligned, or poorly written. This lack of attention to detail in the writing doesn't bode well for their accuracy in the plans. If they didn't care enough to proof read, or align their type, who is to say they double checked their measurements in the plans? Make sure the instructions are in plain written language, not overly technical jargon or wording that would require close reading. The idea is to relax, not to feel like you are finishing a big assignment at work!
4. A list of required materials
Nothing is more annoying in the shop than to be working through a plan and need to stop and cut a piece of wood or find more screws. Make sure your plans have at the beginning a list of required materials. Then take a quick look at the plans to see if it seems to match up. I always like to prepare all my pieces before hand; it gives me a sense of structure to have everything ready.
Most of these items are simple, but you may have not given them much thought before. By remembering this quick checklist of things to look for in a plan, you can save yourself some hassle. Having great quality wood plans can make a project fun, instead of a headache. Remember, its a hobby not a job!
