design question: drawer divider thicknes
There are dozens of rules and methods for determining proportions in furniture. Drawers, carcases, etc. all have multiple methods for coming up with pleasing proportions. One area, which I am encountering on my current project, that is giving me trouble is the issue of material thickness, specifically at the drawer dividers.
It seems that with much of the work we see on forums being produced by power tools and from magazine plans, the 3/4″ stock from 4/4 raw boards, things start to look quite manufacturered. I think one of the benefits of working with hand tools and cutting joints by referencing dimensions from one component to another is that much of this cookie-cutter look can be avoided.
How does one go about working out stock thicknesses in design of a piece?
I have posted this question elsewhere with my details of the project, but that has solicited responses based on this project. I am trying to find an answer on how to determine stock proportions in any project design.
-Jamey
Replies
I don't believe that you are going to find any magic formula to lead you here. Aside from needing enough thickness to perform as intended, any part of a piece of furniture can be as large or small as you want to see it. As in other aspects of design, one must weigh a lot of factors to arrive at the right one for you. It takes looking at many things with a critical eye. Ask yourself why any particular piece is the size that it is and how that makes you feel/think. For instance how does a 1/2" table top "feel" as contrasted to a 2" top. And think about why legs that taper from the top down "feel" different then those that taper from the bottom up.
You don't have to look at only manmade objects. Most live in a visual world. Everything we see affects our sense of proportion.
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