How to Select Woodworking Plans

The old adage "measure twice, cut once" illustrates the importance of proper plans in woodworking. The cost of lumber and the frustration caused by making the wrong cuts suggest the need for good woodworking plans before you start your project. In learning how to select woodworking plans, you make woodworking easier and more fun because you avoid wasted time.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Organize Your Woodworking with the Right Plans

1. Seek the help of craft shop owners and experienced woodworkers. These professionals can review any plans that you already have and provide hints and tips for using woodworking plans to turn out a quality pieces.

2. Look for woodworking plans that are as simple as possible. Poor sketches and outlines that utilize excessive notes or pictures tend to confuse woodworkers. You should be able to move from one step to another without having to back track.

3. Challenge your improvisational and creative skills by choosing the most basic plan for a particular product. For example, you could choose a coat rack design that is little more than a few hooks and a baseboard, adding on your own creative details as you go.

4. Select woodworking plans online. Visit GreatPlans.com to find a variety of woodworking sketches for every experience level.

5. Contact the copyright holder of a woodworking plan before distributing it for educational use. Most woodworkers, who provide their plans to woodworking websites, are glad to promote their designs. It is still a good idea to notify the original designer as a sign of respect and a way of building community.

6. Take your time with measuring each part of your woodworking project. Proper measurements are integral to the success of your woodworking project.

7. Develop a system for storing your woodworking plans. This will keep you from misplacing them at a critical juncture.

Tips & Warnings

• Maintain an organized file of your plans and sketches near your work station. You should keep plans separated by dates and product types. They can be stored in your woodworking station.
• You can find plans for a wide variety of birdhouses, door decorations and other small crafts. You should think about the size and expense of a particular project before looking for appropriate plans. It's smart to select small, basic plans and build your skills before opting for more complex and costly projects.