Tim manages the workshop at My Fathers Heart and takes control of the project when it is passed from the design office to the workshop for manufacture. Hear from Tim about how he plans a project to transform designs into reality.
'The first step is to go through the drawings with the designer to discuss any particular points of note, unusual features or specific customer requirements. I’ll then visit site to double check measurements, ensure we have adequate site access and identify any issues that need to be resolved before we install, such as pipes or sockets that may need moving.
After this, I’ll spend a bit of time going over the drawings and looking for any potential problems, checking sizes, matching my site measurements and getting an idea of the best way to make and install each project. Once I have a clear idea of how we’ll proceed, I then choose a starting point and allocate a code to each separate cabinet on the plans.
Starting with the carcases, I look at each individual cabinet, work out exactly what components are required to make it and write a ‘cutting list’ giving a description of each part, listing the material it’s made from and stating the finished sizes. I will also add any special comments such as whether it needs a groove for a light track or a rebate for a back panel. At this stage I’ll also check the sizes of any appliances and work out any door sizes that need making for built in appliances.
Once the carcases are done, I then do the same for the face frames, doors, drawers, mouldings and any side panels required.
As I’m doing this I’ll make sure all the information needed is noted on the drawings. I occasionally have to draw out an individual cabinet in more detail if it is an awkward shape or needs clarifying exactly how it will go together. The important thing is that it’s clear to the guys in the workshop exactly what the finished project needs to look like and that they have all the information they need to make it.
Once I’ve finished the cutting lists, I’ll start on calculating quantities of materials and components, such as how many sheets of board material, how much timber, the number of drawer runners, hinges, bins, moving corners, legs, lights and fixings and fasteners. It’s often a long list! Then I make sure we either have it in stock or order it in from our suppliers, making sure it arrives in plenty of time.
The final thing to do is to brief the guys. We spend a bit of time going over the drawings, I’ll explain to them any points to watch out for and anything unusual on a project. They’ll then take the opportunity to ask any questions and make any suggestions.
The great thing about our team is they have years of experience and they often come up with a different way of doing something or point out something I may have missed during planning. After that we are ready to get the project underway.'
Read the next blog post in the series to find out more about marking out rods
