![\"IMG_0986_edited-2\"](\"https:\/\/www.rpwoodwork.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/IMG_0986_edited-2.jpg\")
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Measured drawings<\/a> are an important step in bringing a woodworking project to fruition. However, like sharp woodworking tools, the drawing is not an end in itself<\/strong>, but a means to getting the project done well and efficiently.<\/strong><\/p>\n For practicality, I make most drawings to reduced scale on 11″ x 17″ paper<\/strong> at my drawing board<\/a> in the shop. I use mock-ups<\/a> to sense the real size<\/strong> of the piece, space<\/strong> relationships, and the look<\/strong> of key features. I generally find it necessary to make full-scale drawings<\/strong> only of certain small\u00a0key elements<\/strong> such as joinery or a critical curve, rarely of the whole piece.<\/p>\n Sometimes<\/strong> it is necessary to go further with full-scale drawings<\/strong> to deal with construction problems that are too difficult to reliably work out at reduced scale. So, if necessary, I will take the extra trouble to make big drawings. I try to keep it simple though.<\/p>\n Such drawings are too big<\/strong> for my small drawing board and 11″ x 17″ paper.\u00a0A big portable drafting board with a sliding parallel straightedge is an option, but I use an inexpensive ad hoc setup.<\/strong><\/p>\n I simply use an adequate size piece of on-hand \u00a03\/4″ MDF<\/strong> with one clean straight edge – the factory edge is usually good enough – and clamp it to the workbench under an adjustable-arm lamp. 16 lb. drafting vellum,<\/strong> available at art supply stores in rolls from 18″ to 42″ wide, takes pencil and erasures well. Tape down the corners with #2080 blue tape.<\/p>\n The photo above<\/strong> shows a modest setup with 18″ wide paper cut to about 29″ long.\u00a0This is just what I need for the project at hand – I’m only drawing one view of part of the piece to work out a particular problem.<\/strong><\/p>\n An inexpensive T square<\/strong> works well enough. The blade should be reasonably straight but it is not critical for the joint to be a perfect 90\u00b0. You also can make your own. The T square works in conjunction with a large plastic drafting triangle.<\/strong> A graduated rule or even a tape measure will handle long measurements.<\/p>\n