Using Scale Models

Designing a custom piece of furniture can be an intimidating process, particularly if it will be a one-of-a-kind piece. The piece that Rob Johnstone shows here is a great example, in that he designed the overall proportions and the base components to work well with the beautiful slab that he decided to use as the top. Your imagination and even mastery of basic design principles can only take you so far, and once you begin to make cuts on your saw, you become committed to your design pretty quickly and the switching costs can be quite high if you change your mind after cutting into some expensive wood.

Rob’s solution to this is to build a small, scaled replica before starting your actual project. This can help you clearly visualize the balance and proportions of what the final piece will look like without having to spend a fortune on materials and waste numerous hours producing something that is not pleasing to your eyes. Using the most basic of joinery methods such as hot glue, brads, etc, you can not only quickly visualize, but also make modifications to address any concerns that the scaled model reveals.

This is a proven furniture design technique that is taught in furniture design programs around the US, and it is something that can become a valuable approach for your woodworking practice.

While you are expanding your furniture design skills, check out some additional content on that topic.

And if you are working with expensive wood which is often figured, you might want to check out some tips for reducing the chip-out on this expensive material when you are running it through your jointer.