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Project plans go digital

Anatole Burkin, VP, Editorial Director, Fine Woodworking, Fine Homebuilding and Fine Gardening

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Buy a digital plan for Matt's Monster Workbench

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A number of readers have suggested that we offer our project plans as downloads and in SketchUp, the free Google drawing program. I’m happy to announce that we have worked out all the details and will be selling all new project plans this way.

There are a lot of advantages to the digital plans -- for one, they are less expensive, at $12.95 for most plans. Also, when you order one, you’ll receive it immediately. And last, the SketchUp version, which is included in the $12.95 price,  allows you to make changes to the design to suit your individual needs.

A downloadable plan consists of drawings in PDF format, with detailed, measured drawings and a cutlist.  Full-size drawings are included for critical parts and templates. All of the drawings can be printed on a typical consumer-grade computer printer; the larger template drawings can be taped together. Or, you can take the file on a disc or flash drive (or email) to a local copy center for printing on Arch D size paper. Most projects also have written instructions to guide you through construction.

The SketchUp version of the project will really appeal to anyone who wants to modify one of our projects. SketchUp, available free from Google, allows you to manipulate the drawing and make as many changes as you like to fit the piece to your needs, or make more substantial changes to the design. You’re only limited by your creativity. If you need help using SketchUp, visit our blog Design.Click.Build. hosted by Tim Killen and David Richards.

To see our plan offerings, visit our online store. We’ll be adding new plans every month. If you have a specific request, I’d like to hear from you. Write to me at aburkin@taunton.com.

--Anatole Burkin, Publisher

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Comments (2)

mcgaffey writes: I would buy some of your plans, if I could download and print them. When I click to download the plan, I can see it on the screen, but cannot print or save the download. I have tried changing my browser from Foxfire to Internet Explorer, but it didn't make a difference. I have Windows 7 64 bit. Adobe Reader X says that it cannot open the file. Either it is not a supported file type or it has been damaged. When I try to print, I am prompted to save the file, which I do, then the printer starts and goes back and forth for 30 seconds or so. It spits out a blank piece of paper. When I try to go to the saved file and print from there I get the message that the file is not a supported file type or it has been damaged. About 10 months ago I could do the printing. Some time about 2-4 months ago everything quit working.
Suggestions will be gratefully accepted!
Mcgaffey


Posted: 4:16 pm on November 2nd

SPSteam writes: A big Thank You from a SketchUp fan and enthusiest. The more, I use the application, the more I find out just how wonderful and flexible it is. A truely great tool that does wonders for the woodworking community. Keep it up!
Posted: 2:14 pm on March 2nd

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