I strive to make one-of-a-kind, unique pieces for clients. But in the near future I will tackle something new; as a result, I must learn how to approach an assembly line mind set.
Assembly line
I will be making multiples of the same item — seven jewelry boxes, for seven granddaughters. I have reached that point. It is now, or never. I have the wood (gorgeous curly maple), the tools, and the desire to change my ways. Most importantly, I feel it is imperative I make these now. It’s now or never… (wonderful song!)
Mind set
It will be a brand-new way of thinking for me. Planning will be rigorous; making setups to get all the machining done is easy. But the assembly-line arrangement requires cutting multiple of each side, each bottom, each groove, each top panel, etc. And making extra(s) will require careful thinking, lest one box ends up orphan of a needed component.
I cannot remember one single instance of making more than one item with one form. I have always made adjustments from the original design, when construction called for a change. But identical boxes, identical shapes, even if they use different woods or wood combinations? I have never attempted this.
Planning
No pun intended – I have plans. I bought the plans, and later learned I had the magazine that showed construction of the box, and all the joinery details. I may make some modifications to the box, which may result in a different look. But that is something I always do – I always tinker with a design, until I am happy with the look, the form. Except in this case I may bypass this step, as this is the box I want to make. Maybe it is time to reach a final decision, and just do it.
And you?
What do you normally do? Do you ever make more than one of the same? Do you follow a plan rigidly, or do you change something along the way? Or do you make the changes in the design stage?
— Al Navas
About Al Navas
Once I made three equal jewelery box, one for my wife, another for my daughter and one for my son if he ever wants to give it to any girlfriend. One I Dyed it, another I respected the plan, the third I made it some minor modifications. Everybody was happy.
Ramon,
THAT was a great way to do the boxes. I have been re-thinking the project, as our daughter already stated they must be smaller than the plan calls for. I like your idea!
I think you have to change your mind set from production run to limited edition…Yes.. when I make one i usually make a few…and I always make small changes to the original plans… especially if I have designed it… I did however follow one set of plans almost to the letter and was amazed…look forward to reading about your journey in this…
Larry,
Enjoyed reading your take on this. How were you amazed? Was it easier? Harder? I will be posting about it, since it is a first for me.
I am building two boxes with the same design now. What I am finding is the final fit is custom for each box.
Lots of plane work.
I will post on my blog mysaw.com/blog so you can see what I am doing.
Bartee,
I look forward to the project on the blog (added to Google Reader). Thanks!
And you?
What do you normally do? Do you ever make more than one of the same? Do you follow a plan rigidly, or do you change something along the way? Or do you make the changes in the design stage?
Al,
First, I do nothing normal. Whenever I make something relatively small I always make at least one extra. That gives me a little wiggle room for screw up and if every thing works as planned, I have one for myself and a future pattern.
As for plans, I usually just use the pictures and build it in a way I am comfortable with. Although I do “read the instructions”.
From what I’ve seen of your work, your granddaughters will be very proud.
Jim
Kodak, TN
Thanks, Jim – I appreciate your vote of confidence! I have always designed everything I have made, from scratch. But this one will be different, as I will stick to plans, closely.
I have never managed to make a project from a plan without changing it – usually I change the plans up front , but if not there is an inevitable change when the project is being constructed.
BTW – What is the magazine/issue that has the jewelry box plans you are going to do?
Brian,
It is the Gem of a Jewelry Box, from Wood Magazine, October 2005. Sandy picked it out, and I concurred. It is a wonderful box.