Designing Woodworking Projects Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

Project design is: A process Develops ideas Shapes or forms projects

A successful woodworking project starts with a well- planned design Based on familiar Something new

The Project Design Process Consider your goals for the project….. Appealing Blend it together Will it work Other things to consider… Tools & techniques Different methods

What should I build? Deciding what to build is where the design process begins. Specific need Challenge your skills Healthy desire to explore new techniques is what makes woodworking a hobby, not a chore. –Bruce Kieffer

Evolution of a Woodworking project 1. Create the Design 2. Build a prototype (if necessary) 3. Build the project

Getting Project Ideas Actual pieces of furniture Discuss with other woodworkers Local library or your own collection of books and magazines Internet plans Watching TV or movies. Local woodworking stores.

Practical Considerations Wood species Solid wood, plywood or veneer? Choosing hardware & finishes Staining – Some stains harder to apply than others Avoid Gel stains, 1 step stain and polyurethane combinations, and other thick stains

Making Prototypes Prototype tricky joints Test pieces for routing profiles

Standard Furniture Dimensions Dining Tables Top height: 29 – 30 Place setting width: 24 min., 30 best Table edge to pedestal base clearance: 14 min Apron to floor clearance: 23 ½ Miscellaneous Tables Coffee tables: 12 – 18 tall End tables: 18 – 24 tall Desks Depth: 30 deep Writing height: 29– 30 Computer keyboard stations: 25 – 27 tall

Standard Furniture Dimensions Bedroom furniture Dressers: 18 – 24 deep, 30 min height Night stands: 18 – 22 Bed mattress height: 18 – 22 Chairs Seat height: 15 – 18 Seat width: 17 – 20 Seat depth: 15 – 18 Arm rest (from seat): 8 – 10 Bookcases Depth: 12 Height: 76 maximum Shelf width: 24 max width for ¾ plywood shelves; 36 max width for ¾ solid wood shelves Lounge seating Seat height: 14 – 17 Seat width: 24 min/person Seat depth: 15 – 18 Arm rest height (from seat): 8 – 10 Seat angle tilt backwards: 3 - 5° Backrest tilt angle from seat: °

Furniture Styles Jacobean (1600 – 1690) Early American (1640 – 1700) William and Mary (1690 – 1725) Queen Anne (1700 – 1755) Colonial (1700 – 1780) Georgian (1714 – 1760) Pennsylvania Dutch ( ) Chippendale (1750 –1790) Robert Adam (1760 – 1795) Hepplewhite (1765 – 1800) Federal (1780 – 1820) Sheraton (1780 – 1820) Duncan Phyfe (1795 – 1848) American Empire (1800 – 1840) Shaker (1820 – 1860) Victorian (1840 – 1910) Arts and Craft (1880 – 1910) Art Nouveau (1890 – 1910) Scandinavian Contemporary (1930 – 1950)

Duncan Phyfe (1795 – 1848) Appearance Graceful & refined w/ carved or reeded legs. Drawer Pulls Oval back plate w/stamped brass handle Mushroom-shaped glass or brass knob. Brass Lion's head with pull ring through mouth. Loop bail handle w/no back plate. Joints Dovetail Finish Oil varnish

Shaker (1820 – 1860) Appearance Straight lines, simple design and little ornamentation. Drawer Pulls Mushroom-shaped wooden knob Joints Dovetail Finish Oil varnish Paint

Victorian (1840 – 1910) Appearance Elaborately detailed, formal, somber appearance. Cabriole style leg. Drawer Pulls Carved wood handle. Mushroom-shaped glass or wooden knob. Rosette - round flower or leaf shaped knob in brass or glass. Joints Dovetail Finish Oil varnish

Arts & Craft aka. Mission (1880 – 1910) Appearance Straight lines, simple design and little ornamentation. Straight lines and heavy proportion Drawer Pulls Bail handle w/back plate. Mushroom-shaped wooden knob. Round brass ring pull w/o back plate. Joints Dovetail Mortise and tenon Finish Lacquer Shellac Stain Wax

Scandinavian Contemporary (1930 – 1950) Appearance Straight lines, simple design, and little ornamentation. Drawer Pulls Mushroom-shaped wooden knob. Joints Dovetail Mortise and tenon Finish Oil varnish Stain Wax