Replies

1. 
   Dave45 | Dec 31, 2006 05:53pm | #1

   It can be a hassle, but I sometimes scale from something in the picture of a known dimension.  For example, a door is usually 70" tall, a desk is usually 30" high, etc.  These won't get you exact dimensions, but should get you pretty close.

   The proportions in your sketch look pretty good, so if you like them, why not go with them.  Copy the style, but tweak the dimensions to work for your application.  For example, when I do end tables, the height is within an inch or so of the couch arm height and the lower shelf (or stretcher) height is often based on allowing clearance for a vacuum cleaner.

1. 
   highfigh | Dec 31, 2006 05:56pm | #2

   I think you must have had something on your finger when you typed the door height- they're 80", not 70". At least, that's what usually causes me to hit the wrong keys. No, really.
   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

1. 
   Dave45 | Dec 31, 2006 06:09pm | #3

   Awww man, gimmee a break will ya??  It's early, and I'm still on my first cup of coffee - lol.

   Yep, that's an "oops".  It must be time for the weekly cleaning of my glasses.

2. 
   [email protected] | Jan 01, 2007 08:25am | #4

   As Dave45 said:  The sketch looks good, go with it. 

   I'll add one suggestion though.  You might want to see what dimensions of wood you have available in the species you want to use, and adjust for economy.  The 1-3/8-inch is better than 2-inch for the top, because you can make them out of 8/4 stock and the 2-inch you couldn't.  But, can you make the 1-3/8 out of 6/4, probably not, so you will need to use 8/4 stock or glue up.  You might want to try a 1-5/8, and see how it looks.

1. 
   Bartee | Jan 01, 2007 04:24pm | #5

   I looked at the pictures and article one more time.There is a picture of Stephen holding all 4 legs showing the top of each leg. The picture also shows the mortise cuts. I scanned that picture. ( over scanned at 1200 ) Then I used photoshop to measure the edges vs the mortise. Assuming a 1/4" mortise I was able to convert the picture measurements ration and came out to 1.316" for the legs. That verifies my 1 3/8 ( 1.375) guess. So Now I just have to find a 8/4 cherry board that is 9" wide so I can resaw it to create the book matched top and shelf units.