Changing wood thickness on patterns..

[GreggA]

Just a quick question...how often do you change the wood thickness on patterns? I have several patterns that are calling for 1/4 inch and I want to use 1/2 inch. Anyone else do this? Does the pattern need to be resized?

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

All the time. There are no set rules. You do what you think fits your needs. The biggest thing is if the pattern has fancy filigree then going thicker can take away some of that look of delicate.   

[Wichman]

I change the thickness quite often. Unless there is a structural component ( slot together or similar considerations ), then it is just aesthetics and you are the judge of that. Experiment on scraps with a small part of the pattern to see how it hits your ( or your SO ) eye.

[BadBob]

Use what you have.

[JimNC]

I also change the thickness all the time. Some times it for effect or look that I want...some time it's because that is what I have. I also change size of the object many times.  

[Bill WIlson]

Well it all depends on the type of project.  For many scrolled projects the thickness of the material is totally subjective.  You can freely make it out of any material that suits you.  

For others, the thickness is critical.  For a 3-dimensional project that requires assembly, for example, you would need to adjust dimensions to account for different component thicknesses.  Tab & slot, as mentioned above is another.  Stacked ring bowls, where the rings are cut at a specific angle also have a critical relationship between the thickness and the angle of cut.  All of these can be modified to use different thickness than the original pattern calls out, but that can get a little tricky and needs to be considered carefully.

For plaques, word art and other types of 2-dimensional flat work, the thickness is generally totally arbitrary and a matter of personal preference.

[Denny Knappen]

As said, use what you have in stock.  I change thickness often.