The Most Common Mistake I See Millwork Drafters Make...

Millwork drafting is a detail-oriented profession where precision is paramount. Creating

accurate and comprehensive drawings is crucial for the successful fabrication and installation of custom cabinetry, doors, windows, and other architectural woodwork. However, even experienced drafters can fall into common pitfalls. Recognizing these mistakes is the first step towards avoiding them and ensuring smoother project workflows.

Let's delve into one of the most frequent errors millwork drafters make:

Insufficient Dimensioning and Tolerances:

One of the most critical aspects of millwork drafting is providing clear and complete dimensions. Without accurate measurements, fabricators can easily misinterpret the design, leading to costly errors and delays.

This mistake often manifests in a few ways:

• Missing overall dimensions: Forgetting to include the total width, height, and depth of an assembly can leave fabricators guessing about the intended size.

• Lack of critical component dimensions: Individual parts within an assembly need their own specific dimensions to be manufactured correctly. For instance, a cabinet door needs its width, height, and thickness clearly stated.

• Ambiguous dimensioning: Dimensions should be tied to specific and easily identifiable points. Avoid dimensioning to centerlines unless absolutely necessary and clearly indicated.

• Ignoring tolerances: Millwork often requires precise fitting. Failing to specify acceptable tolerances (the allowable variation in size) can result in parts that don't fit together properly on site. Consider factors like material expansion and contraction when determining tolerances.

How to Avoid It: Always double-check your drawings for completeness. Imagine you are the fabricator – do you have all the necessary measurements to build this piece accurately? Utilize dimension strings effectively, and clearly indicate where each dimension applies. When in doubt, add more dimensions rather than fewer. Discuss tolerance requirements with the designer or architect and include them clearly on your drawings.