Story stick/pole construction details
This question is for people that USE story sticks. There are many posts in the this discussion group that talk about what they are.
I use them on any fairly complex, detailed project. None of the posts seem to discuss details of construction. I know some people just pick up a stick that is convenient (That is what I have done so far), but I am sure some people have been more meticulous. Those are the ones I want to answer a few questions.
My question for these people:
Has there ever been an article talking about details of making a story stick?
What dimensions (width, thickness) have you found to be best (I find that I could use more room to make markings sometimes)? Do you use a square cross section or do you make the stick rectangular to make it easier to identify what dimensions are front, back, etc.
Do you use more than one in a project (say, one for height and depth and one for length?). I use one for depth and height and one for length (the length dimension is large and makes it combersome to work with for depth and height).
Any special way you mark/label the dimensions to identify them?
What material do you recommend? I find that a smooth, light, hard surface would be best. Maybe maple?
Any other ideas?
Replies
Eric, The only thing that I would add, is to put a small notch in the edge, so that as you are marking the edge it will automatically have that reference bump included on the line. If you change sticks give it two notches etc.
I use them all the time -- generally one for height, another for length, and sometimes a third for depth (if there are any complications I want to record).
All of mine are 1/4" thick; I have some that are solid stock -- birch or maple, so you can see the marks easily, and then sand them off when you're done.
Lately, I have been using 1/4" birch ply, cut into 2" wide strips. These aren't any better than the solid wood, but for some reason, I feel more comfortable cutting them to size (length wise) for particular projects, since they are pretty much disposable. so by now, I have a whole bundle of varying lengths.
For captured built-ins (between two walls), I will use 2 -- as pinch sticks -- which gives me really precise measurements.
I do a lot of writing on these sticks, since in my case, if I don't, sometimes I can't remember what a mark signifies.
I am very interested in what system others use for marking up their sticks.
Eric,
For anything other than a simple box, I use a rod. (like the US story stick, but a part-drawing, well, three part drawings actually - one showing true height, a separate one showing true width and a third showing true depth, all at full scale)
I use 10mm (3/8") MDF, about 200mm/8" wide
If I find a quick Google link, I'll link a how-to immediately below here.
(Written by our inimitable Sgian Dubh - how to use . . . - the same as our trade training - working rods are essentially half of the working drawings shown at the end of this article)
http://www.woodcentral.com/articles/jones/jones1.shtml
When working, I use the stick and not the tape - lay the components directly onto the stick. Besides that, it's the only way to accurately make shaped components.
CHeers,
eddie
Edited 1/22/2005 5:34 pm ET by eddie (aust)
In one sense the MDF appears to be ideal. Easy to write on, at 8", room to draw on and not too fragile. However, it would seem that any piece of length would be quite heavy. Is that a problem?
Not really too hard to work on at that length Eric - mind you, with a Rod, it lies flat on the bench usually and you take your work to the rod.CHeers,eddie
Eric,
This is a link to a previous post of mine on the construction and use of a story stick.
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-knots/messages?msg=12989.9
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
Dan Kornfeld, Owner/President - Odyssey Wood Design, Inc.
Your story stick goes a little further than a typical story stick. You have the form/pattern of the project.
I'm pretty sure there was an article in fine homebuilding on story poles. They are used in kitchens most of the time I think.
Story-sticks.. Just a old guy here but use them all the time. Any sticks laying around. Cut a arrow point on each end ans two little 'C' clamps to hold it together. FIt and then two screws and mark down a number and make a written note of what the number is . Make another. Make another.. Till got all my data.. Works for me...
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