Trying to draw up my own blue prints for a concealment cabinet. And yes.... draw. I don't have the money for a CAD program or the patience to learn to use one. Besides, I kinda like the process of drawing it out. 

 

Others who also draw out your own... are there any tips/tricks/things I should know? It's a pretty simple cabinet. Once I get ahold of my phone, I'll share what I've drawn up thus far. Please feel free to let me know what I'm missing (as if I would ever doubt that you all will do just that LOL).

 

I'll load pictures on a reply. 

One thing that might be helpful is to detail out the joinery. I always forget to allow extra length for tenons, half laps, etc

By the way, Sketchup Make is a free downloadable program that will do all of this. Granted, there is a learning curve but it really comes in handy. There is also a Cut List portion that will layout the pieces for you.

go after the fundamentals 1st...

go here for free eBooks... https://www.free-ebooks.net/  (there are other sites)...

used book stores are a great place for them too...

at least learn the symbols glossary so when others see your drawings they'll easily understand them...

try to work in fractional..

look for Basic Blueprint Reading and Sketching text books... Olivo (the author) comes to mind...

 

this PDF may be of some use to you...

ML110960191.pdf

This:

 

Became this:

 

Don't ask how I did it...

 

I think the world is divided between people who like to use CAD systems, and people who like a pen or pencil.  For me, there is a tactile involvement with pen/paper that helps me think.  I may draw something several times as my understanding develops.  Maybe it's a generational thing?  Every so often I will use the drawing tools in Excel, but that's my limit.

My shop plans are like my New Year's resolutions, they don't survive the second day....if that long. 

The one shop class I have ever taken (and GREATLY enjoyed) was before CAD. So I learned hand drafting. I looked at Sketchup... maybe because it was late last night, but the furthest I got was a cube lol

3 hours ago, Gene Howe said:

my New Year's resolutions,

Mine is to cut, burn, make, and generally irritate my husband with the purchase of supplies LOL

I already have the "chaos and mayhem" down... so I no longer add that to my resolutions 

You can draw your own plans up by hand...works just fine.   When SWMBO and I were looking at building we found some plans similar to what we wanted and I re-drew them myself and added certain detail (like where i wanted lights/switches/outlets, etc.).  I was never allowed to take any kind of shop classes in school but got my own paper, ruler, and pencil(s) and drew my own plans anyway.   A copy of them is on file with the county.

 

Think about your details and make little note blowups of the construction for joints, hinges, etc.   You will do just fine.  If you don't have an architects or engineers rule you may want to spring a couple of bucks for them.  It's a great way to keep everything in accurate proportion....  ditto a plastic square.

1 hour ago, p_toad said:

If you don't have an architects or engineers rule you may want to spring a couple of bucks for them.  It's a great way to keep everything in accurate proportion....  ditto a plastic square.

Check flea markets and second-hand shops for these items. They're about as cheap as slide rules! Also consider a drafting square (You'll need a table or piece of plywood with one straight side). A small drafting machine (Clamps to the left side of table) can be a big time saver!

John

So... yea. I think I'll leave cabinet/shelves until I have a little more practice... didn't turn out very good. Its going to take a LOT of sanding to get the fingers even. I'm not very impressed with myself. I spent a LARGE amount of my day swearing. 

had most of the measurements right... but apparently trying to use craft chisels to make the finger joints isn't going to work. 

 

Pardon me while I grab a drink and hide in my safe space. 

2 hours ago, MaDeuce said:

 I spent a LARGE amount of my day swearing.  

Erm, so you exercised your vocabulary? 

11 hours ago, p_toad said:

Erm, so you exercised your vocabulary? 

That would be a VAST understatement! 

17 hours ago, MaDeuce said:

Its going to take a LOT of sanding to get the fingers even.

put a hold on the sanding...

because of the dissimilarities of end and long grain sanding creates problems..

some suggestions.. trimming a dowel is the same principle

if you use a chisel or a flushing plane, shave w/ a sweeping motion..

if you use a saw.. protect the show face w/ duct tape.. finish w/ your flushing plane or cranked neck paring chisel...

Flush Trimming with a Router.pdf

 

 

 

17 hours ago, MaDeuce said:

but apparently trying to use craft chisels to make the finger joints isn't going to work.  

here... loose yourself...

 

 

about those lap joints...

got your pull saw yet???

the method here is the same for corners, box and dovetails......

 

 

Edited January 8, 20197 yr by Stick486

On ‎1‎/‎7‎/‎2019 at 8:57 PM, MaDeuce said:

I'm not very impressed with myself. I spent a LARGE amount of my day swearing.

Slow down some, RELAX, BREATH now PUSH.  Oh sorry that's something else.....

 

Slow down some, Rome was not built in a day and you are not building the Taj Mahal.