Measure
Twice, Cut Once
by Jim Tolpin
Softcover
215 x 280mm
117pp
Published by Popular Woodworking Books, Ohio USA
R.R.P.$29.90
ISBN 1-55870-428-0
Extract from back cover of book:
Professional woodworker Jim Tolpin offers solid instruction on the principles of measurement and proportion, walking you through every step of the woodworking process.
From design and layout to developing a cutting list, his easy-to-follow style introduces a variety of tools (new and old) used to transfer measurements accurately to the wood.
You'll learn the best cutting techniques, how to prevent mistakes before they happen, and for those unavoidable mistakes, you'll learn how to fix them so no one will know!
Photos: Colour
Units of Measurement: Imperial
Contents
Introduction
Concepts
of Proportion and Measurement
For those who do woodworking, and for those
who enjoy the fruits of these labors, there exist a common sense of proportion
and a common system of measurement. Understanding these basic elements of design
and layout provides a woodworker with a firm foundation for creating beautiful,
yet functional, pieces of furniture.
Drawing
Techniques
When preparing to build a piece of furniture you start by getting
the design down on paper. Learning to have a free hand with concept sketches unleashes
the creative instincts. Using the techniques of mechanical drawing, these ideas
are then transformed into dimensioned and labeled working drawings.
Creating
Working Drawings and Cutlists
Of the numerous ways to portray the form
of an object on paper, woodworkers generally need only work with a few simple
projections. Having created a scaled-down drawing of the project, the proportions
and final dimensions are then confirmed in a full- scale rendering. By developing
cutlists, templates and story poles from this rendering, a fail-safe bridge is
formed between the paperwork and the woodwork.
Measurement
and Layout Tools
Woodworkers use a wide variety of tools (a number of
which can be shop made) to lay out and mark dimensions and to draw out straight,
angled and curved lines. Checking and adjusting these tools by following certain
procedures ensures that they are dead-on.
The
Layout Process: Down to the Lines
Learning the fundamental principles
of laying out the components from the cutlists onto the stock makes this job go
quickly while minimizing waste. Learning efficient ways to use marking and layout
tools hastens the marking of complex measurements, erecting long angles, drawing
out curves, constructing geometric figures and laying out joints.
Cutting
to the Lines
A clear and accurate layout isn't worth much if the cuts
aren't made to the lines. Practicing the proper techniques in using saws and other
cutting tools "makes perfect," but only if they are sharp and properly adjusted.
Shop-made jigs and fixtures add a steady "hand" to ensure these tools go where
you tell them to go.
Preventing
and Fixing Mistakes
Measuring once, you may have to cut twice. But there
are ways to nip mistakes in the bud: Shop-made jigs pre-test joints while alignment
fixtures ensure an accurate initial assembly. If recutting a joint is necessary,
there are ways to hide the correction and rejoin the pieces without sacrificing
the joint's strength. Wood defects and damaged areas must sometimes be filled;
one of a variety of techniques does the job quickly and inconspicuously.
Appendix
A - Tool Suppliers
Appendix
B - Further Reading
Index