Stupid Mistake - slip fit

[toddbg]

I am working on making some pieces that have a slip fit moving part. (adjustable sawhorse)

I did a quick layout and exported to cutlist, cut out all my parts and assembled.

What I didn't account for is that I modeled everything, and got my dimensions based on, exact against each other.

How do you guys normally model pieces that are meant to be slip fit and moving?
Do you build everything using the inference and then reduce the dimensions (either in the model or during actual cutting)?

Before I get too much further and build my additional models I'd like to get a better handle on how to approach this.

Thanks!
Todd

[Dave R]

Todd, the typical "slip fit" parts in most of the projects I draw are drawers and doors. When I draw them for plans, I draw them to be the same size as the opening they'll fit into. The plans are going to be used for woodworkers all over the world and it is up to them to make adjustments to the dimensions to provide allowance for season changes that are appropriate for their area and the current conditions.

I draw the same way for my own use and adjust the fit in the shop.

[toddbg]

Hi Dave -
Thanks for the response. I figured that might be the way I would need to go.

My problem had been in bringing things into LayOut with dimensions to the various cut points and then using that to quickly cut all my pieces.

I had done this for a sandpaper organizer using baltic birch ply and just was moving too quickly - wound up having to sand down to accommodate for my dimensions. <<grin>>

[david.]

I draw my slip fit designs by incorporating an appropriate offset. Like you, I often use Layout or my cutlist plugin to print final dimensions. Since I don't always build immediately after I've completed a design, that helps me to remember mill my pieces to dimensions that will closer to the final dimensions. I fine tune during assembly if needed.

[spadestick]

Yeah, if you get too concerned about dimensions like these, then you have to account for the size and thicknesses of the blades that will cut them, usually they slice a few millimeters off what is the actual intended and exact dimension.

[Dave R]

@spadestick said:

Yeah, if you get too concerned about dimensions like these, then you have to account for the size and thicknesses of the blades that will cut them, usually they slice a few millimeters off what is the actual intended and exact dimension.

That sounds like a set up problem. It doesn't have to work that way.