Geoff's Woodwork

for Students of Woodwork                                                      

My plans are basic first angle projection (FAP) orthographic drawings supplemented by the odd pictorial sketch to emphasise a feature.   Please note that in the UK the furniture industry use the FAP.   In Europe and North America they use TAP.  This should not prove any difficulty and I wish I didn't have to mention it.  You will note the FAP symbol on the bottom right corner of the drawing.

I would admit that I don't strictly conform to the 'British' standard but I follow the basic conventions plus some of my own idiosyncrasies.   Which most designers, etc. do also......   The dotted lines indicate an otherwise hidden view and serves to illustrate the internal shape of a joint or perhaps a grove or rebate (rebat or dado in North America).  I am aware that not everyone can understand a drawing completely especially in the early years but you should find enough information to construct.    If you are not sure ask your tutor or a local craftsman to show you.   Or drop me an email.    It is recommended you read the 'Stanley How to Series',  planning papers, setting out articles, the practice frame joints, carcase construction techniques and all of my 'conversations' before embarking on any of these practical project.
Then again my book coaches beginners and improvers through the planning, setting out and cutting joints etc plus more to become a quality woodworker.  It is not expensive and is available from Amazon in the UK and North America.

The drawings are the minimum I would expect to cover in the first year of training on a 12 hour, 36 week course.   Those working a little faster or more experience should make additional pieces but they must have similar jointing or construction techniques.    Veneering, jig building and finishing should also be included where appropriate.   
The first projects provide practice in the making of frames and then they are used to make cabinets.    Working through these projects will give experience of the various techniques of cabinet construction
Always keep safety in mind and watch out for your eyes, ears, lungs and your fingers!
You need to be able to prepare your timber:
Prepare timber.
And, you need to be able to set out from the plans:
Setting out.
But, have you succesfully practised these basic Frame constructions yet?                                            Frames
Get these right and you will be well on the way to craftsmanship.

Fireside screen  ~  frame with rebate

Small cupboard/chest  ~  framed cabinet construction ~ frames with grooves

Small cupboard ~ chest instructions

Small stool or  table  ~ stool/table construction

Corner Cupboard  ~ framed cabinet construction plus frames  with rebate

Corner Cupboard   ~  instructions

Occasional table with drawer ~  stool/table construction plus drawers

Solid Cabinet construction 1  ~  solid cabinet construction

Solid cupboard construction 2  ~  solid cabinet construction

14th December 2009