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Photo 4
This photo shows the parts and offcuts from the initial phase of construction. They're stacked on my workbenches so I can access them easily for assembly. Note that I keep most of my offcuts until at least the end of the project, and frequently longer. The offcuts sometimes find their way into the current piece, or into another piece. For instance, the stack of angled, curved plywood pieces closest to the camera became the template for the risers between the two main cabinet sections of the Colony Ship. Because the curves are the same as those in the cabinets, I got a sense of visual continuity by using these as models for the risers.
Aside: This picture is from 2003. My workshop isn't organized like this anymore. New tools and new ideas to improve workflow or storage mean I'm always thinking about how to rearrange things. My workshop is always a work in progress.
Photo 5
The final form of the risers, as seen during the finishing process.
Photo 6
And the risers shown in position during a dry-fit of the two large cabinets.
I find frequent dry-fits of the roughed out parts are an important part of the design process for something as complicated as the "Colony Ship". Just as a model can show things a flat drawing doesn't, looking at the rough pieces in their intended configuration can show things that a non-scale model doesn't, or suggest changes to the design before things get too far along. Low-tack masking tape can be very useful here for holding parts together without marking them.
You'll notice I used stacks of plywood to prop up the large cabinet at the height I wanted. I'll make the actual base, which will be the "engine" unit of the space ship, so it's the same height as these temporary risers.
Page last updated 17 August 2008