1. Planning Considerations in planning are: –Function or Usefulness: is it needed? –Kind of Wood: Depends on function and finish used. –Size & Proportion: Does it fit where needed? Does it look awkward? –Durability: Is it strong enough for intended use? Outside or inside use? –Economy: Is it worth the time & effort to build? –Balance & Harmony: Do parts blend together well? Does it have eye appeal?

2. Steps In Planning Identify the problem Draw simple sketch Determine available resources What tools are needed Make working drawing Construct product Determine overall success or your product

3. Identify the Problem State problem in simplest terms. Don’t make it more difficult than it needs to be. A well made simple product is better than a complex poorly constructed project. Look through magazines or plans for ideas. Make several design sketches to see which one fits your needs the best.

4. Sketch Product & Determine Resources Sketch in simple form. Use pencil to make changes. Draw front of product first, then top, then sides. Fill in details later. Determine Resources: any thing which is needed to make the product. Items to consider are: –Personal skill –Available tools –Available materials, wood, finishing capabilities

5. Computing Lumber Measurement Lumber dimensions are listed in order of: Thickness, Width, and Length. Board Foot is the basic unit of measure for all lumber, it is a measure of lumber volume. A board foot is equal to a piece of lumber measuring 1 inch or less in thickness, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches long, or 144 cubic inches of wood. Lumber less than 1 inch thick is considered to be 1 inch. Lumber thicker than 1 inch is rounded up to the next ¼ inch

6. Calculating Board Feet Formula is: No. of pcs. x T. x W x L 144 All measurements should be in inches.

7. Other Methods of Measurement Square Feet: usually applied to sheet stock such as plywood. The area or square feet is calculated by multiplying length times the width in feet. Running Feet or Lineal Feet: just the length of material given in feet. Most milled lumber such as molding is sold using this method.

8. Final Considerations Use working drawing to calculate rough size dimensions in preparing a Bill of Materials. Add 1/16 inch to finish thickness Add ¼ inch to finish width Add ½ to finish length Prepare a plan of procedure: think through the process of building your project. What cuts need to be made, how will each cut or operation affect what you do next. Select wood that is close to finish size you need.