I have a winter shop project in mind, but in past years a big build has stalled once the evenings got short and cold. This time I want to break it into small, clear steps that I can finish in one evening at a time. The idea is to separate planning, cutting, fitting, and finishing so a missed night does not derail the whole project. I also want to keep a simple checklist at the bench so I can pick up exactly where I left off. How do you split a larger shop project into evening-sized pieces, and what step do you find hardest to keep moving?
Kind of depends on what you’re working on. My big project will probably differ from yours.
I have 3 kids, work full time, and have weekend plans all the time. So my days are limited and projects get spaced over the course of weeks or months whenever I have an hour or 2 to work on it.
I’m currently working on a solid pine foot rest for my computer desk. I like to kick back and play video games or watch videos on youtube at my desk so I figured a foot rest would be a fun project and useful at that.
Spent a couple days designing the layout in carbide create. Spent another day making a 3d render to see how it’ll look. Spent another day getting material and cutting my boards to the correct size on the table saw. Now the material is sitting in a pile waiting to be cut.
So I guess, I just keep a mental “To-Do List” and muster up the motivation to get another step done whenever I feel like it. Hoping to find some free time this weekend to cut my parts on the cnc and start the assembly. I think actually cutting the parts on the cnc is my biggest road block for some reason. It’s obviously the most fun part but it can be nerve wracking too if you mess up your material and have to start over.
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A checklist is a great start, as mentioned above it really depends on the size of the project? Are you making small jewelry boxes or coffee tables? Are you making one piece or batching out quantities? If batching out then each different piece should be cut at the same time to minimize tool setup for example.
- Design
- Create build list
- Prep the shop - Need new blades, bits for CNC/router, dowels/dominos etc…?
- Procure materials
- Mill/CNC cut material
- Build/assemble
- Apply finish
Edited… - Clean up afterwards!
This is my basic workflow for projects. Steps can be broken down in more detail if needed.
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Tim -
I like the checklist, but 8 is implied. I like to include it in writing.
Clean the shop, leave it ready for the next person, even if that is you.
My Dad was adamant on that, and it’s a great habit.
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Agreed, implied. A clean shop is a safe shop to work in.
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