Adjusting Dimensions

Take precautions when resizing and revising designs.

From time to time you may find a how-to plan for a project that you’d like to build, but it will not fit your space unless you alter the size. Or you might want to use stock you already have on hand instead of following the suggested materials list. Here are a few tips to consider before modifying project dimensions.

Revise the parts list. You should use the construction drawing to determine how resizing certain parts will affect the size of others. Some parts will remain the same, but it is best to know before you start cutting how design changes will affect other project components.

Consider proportion and scale. Part of what makes furniture design pleasing to the eye is the interplay of parts and the dimensions of the piece as a whole. But you might need to adjust the size of a project so you can place it in a certain spot. For example, say you’ve found a how-to plan for building a dining hutch, but it will be too wide to fit in your small alcove. Start customizing the project by making scaled drawings on paper. This helps you adjust the dimensions without creating awkward design errors.

Use materials efficiently. In the case of our Accent Table, the 20-inch-square top and slightly smaller shelves underneath ensure good yield from a 48-inch-wide half sheet of plywood. But if you make that size 241/2 inches, you’ll end up with just one workpiece but a great deal of scrap. The same concept applies to solid stock. To reduce waste, use dimensions that match a nominal board. For example, if you build a 6-inch-wide shelf, you will have to buy a 1 x 8 and cut away the extra width. But scaling down to a 51/2-inch-wide shelf will allow you to use a standard 1 x 6 with no waste.

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Adjusting Dimensions

Take precautions when resizing and revising designs.

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