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Thread: Armoire Plans

  1. #1

    Armoire Plans

    Hello. I just spent a ton of time searching through posts looking for armoire plans (to be used as an entryway coat closet) and came up with a few dead end links. Does anyone know where I could get decent plans for an armoire? I'm willing to purchase them if necessary. Thanks!

  2. #2
    Michael, this isn't really an answer to your question, just to ask why not make your own plans? First, I get design ideas from researching photos and books, then tailor the plans to suit me. I use Google images and Pinterest a lot.

    With plans come a cut list and IME I cut all the pieces to a measurement, but it never fits together exactly right. I cut a lot of parts from "reality" rather than a cut list.
    I sketch out several general designs, then draw the piece to scale. This helps me understand the structure & decide on the joinery.

    It might be worth a try! Plus, then you can sign the back of your furniture "designed and made by MC". ;-)
    Last edited by Robert Engel; 11-12-2018 at 9:24 AM.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    SE PA - Central Bucks County
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    65,694
    I built Thomas Moser's version which is detailed in his book, which I believe is called "designs for American furniture" or something like that. That said, I do agree that you have the option of designing your own!
    --

    The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...

  4. #4
    I'm too much of a noob to be able to design something myself. Even if I see something I like I wouldn't know what to do without instruction. I believe once I built one, I could then figure it out on my own. I found a plan on wood archivist I think I'll use as a building block. Make a mock out of cheap plywood, see what's what, then go from there. However, if anyone knows where else I might find a plan I'd love the link to it.

  5. #5
    Have you seen any pictures of armoires you like? Using them as a starting point and some basic dimensions for how large you want yours to be, it shouldn't be that difficult to develop a plan. If you want some help, I can do it. Send me a PM.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
    Location
    SE Michigan
    Posts
    3,222
    Michael, I think I understand your challenge. When starting out, it’s difficult to take a design to an actual plan. When unfamiliar with traditional joinery, it’s nearly impossible to know what joints to use, how to size them, how to make them, how they inter-relate to the overall piece and adjoining pieces, etc.

    Finding these things on the internet is almost futile. I found books, help from folks here, and a lot of research is needed. The other issue is that many plans/videos, etc., use modern joinery (dominos, biscuits, lots of screws, etc), and you need to think through how that relates to a M&T or some other traditional joinery. I found that researching these things was a fun part of the hobby...it was something to do when the family was sleeping and I couldn’t be down in the basement pounding out mortises!

    Not an answer to your question, just a suggestion that you may need to search and purchase a set of plans and convert any modern joinery. In other words, don’t get frustrated by the learning curve. It’s part of the enjoyment.

  7. #7
    Quote Originally Posted by Michael Costa View Post
    I'm too much of a noob to be able to design something myself. Even if I see something I like I wouldn't know what to do without instruction. I believe once I built one, I could then figure it out on my own. I found a plan on wood archivist I think I'll use as a building block. Make a mock out of cheap plywood, see what's what, then go from there. However, if anyone knows where else I might find a plan I'd love the link to it.
    I'm not talking about designing it yourself, I'm talking about drawing up your own plans to your own dimensions based on a picture.

    I have purchased quite a few books about antique furniture on used book sites and used book stores. Some of them I've gotten from watching a video and noticing a book or one they recommend. I've paid as little as $3 for some of them. Search on Amazon for "antique furniture".

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    McKean, PA
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    15,596
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    Here's one that I built. I think I have the cad drawing still.joedresser.jpg
    Lee Schierer
    USNA '71
    Go Navy!

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