A simple drawing will often give you a better idea of an object you are trying to draw and then ultimately build than you can get from any verbal description. Drawing is not only a very ancient form of getting an idea across, but one that is more easily understood by people of all countries and languages. It is one of the main tools of a woodworker, so the sooner you become familiar with it, the better.
When you want to create any particular item, you should begin by making rough sketches to explore your idea. From there you can create a more accurate working drawing in which every detail and measurement is clearly displayed. Make all your working drawings carefully to scale, and when possible, make them to full size. Never guess at the height, width, and length. Always measure very carefully. It does not matter if it takes a little more time. Do it right first, and with practice you will soon teach yourself to do it quicker.
Try to get your measurements and lines exact. You should never just be satisfied with coming to within an eighth of an inch. Make your drawings accurate. You can not have a good finished product unless you have laid it out right and are cutting exactly to the exact dimension. There will be a lot of waste if the line is in the wrong place or the dimension is wrong.
Go over each of your measurements a second and third time. It is even a good idea to check them by measuring in the opposite direction. Nothing is easier to make than mistakes in measuring. There is no amount of experience that will prevent the chance of it. It only takes a second or two to measure twice and then there is much less need to correct mistakes later.
So in summation, it is a whole lot cheaper to correct mistakes on a drawing than to have to redo it in the workshop.
My name is Tim Davis and I draw architectural and technical plans for a living. I also teach others how to draw house plans, site plans, mechanical and shop drawings and other types of drafting that I have been trained to do in a virtual classroom.
