114 - Relative Dimensioning

This video is an accompaniment to my column in the Feb. 2009 issue of Popular Woodworking Magazine. The video focuses on using center lines to accurately locate hinge mortises. But the article goes into depth on a more general concept you have probably heard me mention before: relative dimensioning. The idea is simple: let the pre-existing parts of your project dictate the size of subsequent parts. And in many cases, this is much easier and far more accurate than measuring with a tape or ruler. I first learned about relative dimensioning way back in my WWA forum days from a guy named Dave Knipfer. Anyone heard from him lately? Anyway, he was an amazing craftsman and his work methods really resonated with me. And so relative dimensioning has been part of my work ever since.

Now some may think of this type of building as common sense. Others may say, "this is nothing new". And for the most part, they would both be right. Ever hear of a story stick? Cabinet-makers and installers have been using them forever. But I know how much of an eye opening revelation this concept was to me when I was starting out, so I think its important that I pass it on to my fellow woodworkers who may not be familiar with it. So like the article says, "Throw Away Your Tape Measure"!

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• woodworking
• relative dimensioning
• installing hinges
• hinge mortises

[TheFishingschool]

ok quick question its not on this footage but... do you do any woodturning?

[TheWoodWhisperer]

@TheFishingschool Not much actually. I'll be turning some drawer pulls tomorrow. I am more of a utilitarian turner. Pretty much just when a project calls for a turned part.

[ironlionkalo]

those legs look formiliar, did you use then in another project?

[TheWoodWhisperer]

@ironlionkalo That's actually the Gadget Station from a while back. Its pretty old footage.

[andyandeloda]

Another great video. Thanks for continuing to post these. I love to watch them :D

[TheFishingschool]

ok well thats good to know and by the way you always resond to my comments super fast!

[mmacritics]

Nice, and this might be better than mesuring because if your clumsy as me you could get the mesuring wrong. This way its almost impossible.

Thanx!

//mmacritic