WOODWORKING
Chapter 11WORK THE PLAN
Introduction
In Unit I, Project Preparation, we discussed the necessary process for planning a woodworking
project. In Unit II, Understanding Wood, we studied the different characteristics and types of wood.
Now, it’s time to begin! You have heard it said, Plan the Work, Work the Plan. Well, with the plan in
place and the type of wood chosen, it’s time to work the plan.
Steps to beginning a project:
- Read your plans: If you have planned poorly, you’re project
will suffer. At the very least you will be frustrated. You will
also waste time, energy, and materials. It cannot be overstated,
“Take the time to plan your work effectively.” Before ever
beginning a project ask yourself the following questions:
a. Is everything you need to know about how your
project will be built answered on your plans?
b. Do you know what you are going to do?
c. Do you know what type of wood you are going to use?
d. Do you know how to build your project?
e. Do you know the exact size of each cut?
f. Do you know what type of joinery you are going to use (see below)?
g. Do you know how everything is going to go together?
If you cannot say yes to each of these questions, you have not properly planned your work. You
should review Unit I and take the time to get this step right. I am constantly amazed as to how
students can spend time drafting plans for their project and not know how it will go together, what
size to cut something, or what joints they will be using. - Purchase your materials: You wouldn’t go to the grocery store
without a shopping list, would you? Not especially if you
wanted to cook a certain, special meal. Woodworking is the
same. As we discussed in Unit I, you should know what you’re
going to buy and have an idea of how much it is going to cost
BEFORE you go shopping. Cutting should not begin until all
material is purchased. Ask yourself the following questions:
a. Is your List of Materials complete? It is your
shopping list.
b. Do you know where to purchase everything?
c. Do you have an idea of cost? - Work the Plan: Simply getting started is often the hardest thing for people to do. This often occurs
because people don’t really understand their plans and what to do first. Also, inexperienced or
insecure woodworkers are timid and fearful of making mistakes before they ever begin. Don’t worry.
Mistakes happen; we’ll talk about that later. For now, just think of every possible mistake that could
happen as being nothing more than an opportunity to try something new. The big mistakes only
happen if you haven’t prepared properly or if you haven’t asked the right questions. Don’t start
working the plan if you haven’t properly planned the work. But, if you’ve prepared, then just take a
deep breath and get started. To help with this, some people will make a list of things to do, or write
down the steps they need to take to complete their project. Either way, ask yourself the following:
a. Do you know how to get started?
b. Do you know what you are going to do first, second, third, and so on?
c. Do you have everything necessary to get started and finish your project?
If you answered yes, it’s time to get cutting...
Unit III: Project Construction