hi,
can anyone recommend a cheap, soft wood to use to make a prototype of a 5 foot long by 2 foot wide bench. I’m an new builder and I want to get my sense of proportion down and also make sure the project is sturdy before I commit to expensive wood.
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Replies
MDF or plywood. I prefer MDF.
Len
"You cannot antagonize and influence at the same time. " J. S. Knox
Don't forget about cardboard!
I know microcut basswood is used quite a bit for model/mockup building, and can be purchased in small amounts at most major craft stores (ie; Michaels, hobby lobby, AC moore, woodcraft etc). It's relatively cheap when buying small amounts too.
Good luck!
~Malice
I use poplar,alder and just plain old construction lumber whatever is either around or works best 2x6 are pretty cheap
Tom Stockton
I suggest Poplar, works well and cheap. Not as cheap as cardboard, but I prefer that for prototype stuff
Dave
I personally would not waste wood, money, or time on a prototype. Want to get your dimensions down? Find a similar bench online or in a store, note which dimensions appeal to you and fit your use, and just make it. It's often possible to adjust dimensions as you go, if it's really necessary. My advice to new woodworkers - just make it! (after some research, but don't go crazy, as there are a lot of resources out there to answer questions and get you close before beginning).
Edited 5/12/2008 9:17 pm ET by sykesville
You should fill out your profile. The cost of wood is regional, particularly when you just want something to build a prototype from.
Also, if you are inexperienced you might want to get some good plans, and build a project or two per the plans first. Full size prototyping is more of an advanced thing to do, once you have mastered the "basic joinery", and typically done more to check the dimensions and form, than to determine whether the piece will be strong enough or hard to build.
cheap wood for prototype???
Cardboard will do! You can get sheets of it for sort of inexpensive from movers and other places.
I agree with sykesville. Full size drawing on anything, say cardboard big enough to accomodate it. Add joinery details as needed if you're concerned about structure. Could do two dimensions to get a sense of sizing/proportion.
Regards,
Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Edited 5/13/2008 8:17 am ET by KiddervilleAcres
Edited 5/13/2008 8:18 am ET by KiddervilleAcres
I agree with Bob who agrees with sykesville. Visit your local furniture store and bring a tape measure and a pencil and some paper. Find a table top whose proportions please your eye and get the dimensions. As for a cheap wood to make a prototype, construction grade lumber is good. You've probably got some scrap sheet goods laying around. If you're concered with how it looks (OSB, different species, ugly grain, etc) because you're showing it to clients, pick up a can of spray paint.
Chris @ www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
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